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Chebet JJ, Akyoo WO, Goymann H, Harling G, Barnhart DA, Mosha IH, Kamori DD, Gandhi M, Mbunda T, Kipeleka J, Sando D, Spiegelman D, Mpembeni R, Bärnighausen T. Demonstrating service delivery models for effective initiation and retention on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female bar workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A double randomized intervention study protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304077. [PMID: 38935796 PMCID: PMC11210872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated efficacy in preventing HIV infection. Female Bar Workers (FBWs) often act as informal sex workers, placing them at risk of HIV infection. Despite expressing interest in PrEP, FBWs face barriers to accessing public-sector clinics where PrEP is delivered. We developed a study to compare the effectiveness of workplace-based PrEP provision to standard-of-care facility-based provision for PrEP initiation, retention and adherence among FBWs. METHODS In this double-randomized intervention study, FBWs aged 15 years and above will be screened, consented and initiated on PrEP (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil), and followed for six months. Participants will be randomized at the bar level and offered PrEP at their workplace or at a health facility. Those who are initiated will be independently individually randomized to either receive or not receive an omni-channel PrEP champion intervention (support from an experienced PrEP user) to improve PrEP adherence. We expect to screen 1,205 FBWs to enroll at least 160 HIV negative women in the study. Follow-up visits will be scheduled monthly. HIV testing will be performed at baseline, month 1, 4 and 6; and TDF testing at months 2 and 6. Primary outcomes for this trial are: (1) initiation on PrEP (proportion of those offered PrEP directly observed to initiate PrEP); and (2) adherence to PrEP (detectable urine TDF drug level at 6-months post-enrollment). The primary outcomes will be analyzed using Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analyses. DISCUSSION Using a randomized trial design, we will evaluate two interventions aiming to reduce barriers to uptake and retention on PrEP among FBWs, a vulnerable population at risk of HIV acquisition and onward transmission. If these interventions prove effective in promoting PrEP among FBWs, they could assist in abating the HIV epidemic in Africa. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered with German Clinical Trials Register (www.drks.de) on 29 April 2020; Registration number DRKS00018101.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy J. Chebet
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Winfrida Onesmo Akyoo
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hannah Goymann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guy Harling
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Dale A. Barnhart
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Idda H. Mosha
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Doreen Donald Kamori
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Theodora Mbunda
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Judith Kipeleka
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - David Sando
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Rose Mpembeni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Gutiérrez-Velilla E, Robles-García R, Sánchez-Sosa JJ, Ávila-Ríos S, Caballero-Suárez NP. Brief Telephonic Motivational Interviewing for People Living with HIV with Follow-up Problems. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2024; 31:493-500. [PMID: 38265700 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-023-09993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Motivational interviewing (MI)-based interventions can be effective for people living with HIV (PLWHIV) with medical follow-up problems. This study aimed to assess the stage of motivation to attend medical appointments of PLWHIV with medical follow-up problems and to evaluate a single telephone session MI intervention directed to engage them in care. The change in stage was evaluated before and after the intervention, and attending medical appointments was monitored for six months. Thirty-nine PLWHIV participated; 51.3% were in precontemplation/contemplation and 49.7% in preparation/action stage. Most (excluding those in the action stage from the beginning) (n = 22, 71.0%) advanced to another stage after the intervention (z = - 4.235, p < .001), and most did not miss the following appointments. Brief and remote MI interventions could be useful in low-resource settings, especially for those in the early stages of change, to explore motivations related with missing medical appointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gutiérrez-Velilla
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - R Robles-García
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Mental Global, Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales del Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - J J Sánchez-Sosa
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - S Ávila-Ríos
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Ciudad de Mexico, México
| | - N P Caballero-Suárez
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Ciudad de Mexico, México.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIENI), Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER), Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Sección XVI, 14080, Tlalpan, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Euvrard J, Timmerman V, Keene CM, Phelanyane F, Heekes A, Rice BD, Grimsrud A, Ehrenkranz P, Boulle A. The cyclical cascade of HIV care: Temporal care engagement trends within a population-wide cohort. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004407. [PMID: 38728361 PMCID: PMC11125544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The traditional HIV treatment cascade aims to visualise the journey of each person living with HIV from diagnosis, through initiation on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treatment success, represented by virological suppression. This representation has been a pivotal tool in highlighting and quantifying sequential gaps along the care continuum. There is longstanding recognition, however, that this may oversimplify the complexity of real-world engagement with HIV services in settings with mature high-burden HIV epidemics. A complementary "cyclical" cascade has been proposed to represent the processes of disengagement at different points on the care continuum, with multiple pathways to re-engagement, although the feasibility of implementing this at scale has been uncertain. This study aimed to populate, refine, and explore the utility of a cyclical representation of the HIV cascade, using routine data from a high-burden HIV setting. METHODS AND FINDINGS This observational cohort study leveraged person-level data on all people living with HIV in the Western Cape (WC), South Africa, who accessed public health services in the 2 years prior to 31 December 2023. Programme data from disease registers were complemented by data from pharmacy and laboratory systems. At study closure, 494 370 people were included, constituting 93% of those of those estimated to be living with HIV in the province, of whom 355 104 were on ART. Substantial disengagement from HIV care was evident at every point on the cascade. Early treatment emerged as a period of higher risk of disengagement, but it did not account for the majority of disengagement. Almost all those currently disengaged had prior experience of treatment. While re-engagement was also common, overall treatment coverage had increased slowly over 5 years. The transition to dolutegravir-based regimens was dramatic with good virological outcomes for those in care, notwithstanding a clearly discernible impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on viral load (VL) testing. People currently engaged and disengaged in care are similar with respect to age and gender. Those who died or disengaged recently were previously distributed across a range of cascade statuses, and a substantial proportion of those newly initiating and re-initiating treatment were no longer on treatment 6 months later. The main limitation of this study was incomplete evidence of HIV testing, linkage to HIV-specific services, and out-of-facility mortality. CONCLUSIONS Using routine data, it was possible to populate and automate a cyclical cascade of HIV care that continuously captured the nonlinear care journeys of individuals living with HIV. In this generalised mature HIV epidemic, most people are treatment experienced. Disengagement is common and occurs at various points along the cascade, making it challenging to identify high-impact intervention opportunities. While historical HIV cascades remain valuable for target setting and service monitoring, they can be complemented with insights from more detailed cyclical cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Euvrard
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Venessa Timmerman
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claire Marriott Keene
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Phelanyane
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alexa Heekes
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian D. Rice
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Grimsrud
- HIV Programmes and Advocacy, IAS–the International AIDS Society, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington State, United States of America
| | - Andrew Boulle
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Seo J, Kim C. Utilizing local likelihood in regression discontinuity design: Investigating the impact of antiretroviral therapy eligibility on retention in clinical HIV care in South Africa. Stat Med 2024; 43:1640-1659. [PMID: 38351516 DOI: 10.1002/sim.10028] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
The regression discontinuity (RD) design is a widely utilized approach for assessing treatment effects. It involves assigning treatment based on the value of an observed covariate in relation to a fixed threshold. Although the RD design has been widely employed across various problems, its application to specific data types has received limited attention. For instance, there has been little research on utilizing the RD design when the outcome variable exhibits zero-inflation. This study introduces a novel RD estimator using local likelihood, which overcomes the limitations of the local linear regression model, a popular approach for estimating treatment effects in RD design, by considering the data type of the outcome variable. To determine the optimal bandwidth, we propose a modified Ludwig-Miller cross validation method. A set of simulations is carried out, involving binary, count, and zero-inflated outcome variables, to showcase the superior performance of the suggested method over local linear regression models. Subsequently, the proposed local likelihood model is employed on HIV care data, where antiretroviral therapy eligibility is determined by a CD4 count threshold. A comparison is made between the results obtained using the local likelihood model and those obtained using local linear regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyun Seo
- Department of Statistics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanmin Kim
- Department of Statistics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Abu-Ba'are GR, Aidoo-Frimpong G, Amu-Adu P, Zigah EY, Stockton M, Amuah S, Amoh-Otoo RP, Nyblade L, Torpey K, Nelson LE. "One pastor advised him to stop taking HIV medication": Promoters and barriers to HIV care among gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men living with HIV in Ghana. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4087718. [PMID: 38562846 PMCID: PMC10984093 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4087718/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Few studies examine Ghanaian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience with HIV diagnoses and linkage to care. This article provides qualitative accounts of promoters and barriers to care among GBMSM living with HIV in Ghana. Methods We recruited and interviewed 10 GBMSM living with HIV in two Ghanaian cities. We transcribed the interviews, coded the data, and used thematic content analysis. Results We found that community and healthcare facility (HCF) level HIV and sexual stigma, confidentiality issues, alternative medicine, and substance use remain the key barriers to care. Other barriers include healthcare system issues such as long wait times and economic problems (e.g., health insurance and financial difficulties). Nonetheless, HCF-level factors such as positive experiences with providers, HIV counseling, and detailed medication information facilitate adherence to care among GBMSM. Conclusion This study highlights the need for interventions that address linkage to care issues, especially substance use, disinformation, and misinformation among GBMSM and other Ghanaian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba'are
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester
| | | | | | - Edem Yaw Zigah
- Behavioral, Sexual and Global Health Lab, School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester
| | | | - Samuel Amuah
- Youth Alliance for Health and Human Rights, YAHR
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Giordano J, Lewis-Kulzer J, Montoya L, Akama E, Adhiambo HF, Nyadieka E, Iguna S, Bukusi EA, Odeny T, Camlin CS, Thirumurthy H, Petersen M, Geng EH. Experiences and perceptions of conditional cash incentive provision and cessation among people with HIV for care engagement: A qualitative study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3905074. [PMID: 38405781 PMCID: PMC10889060 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3905074/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Consistent engagement in HIV treatment is needed for healthy outcomes, yet substantial loss-to-follow up persists, leading to increased morbidity, mortality and onward transmission risk. Although conditional cash transfers (CCTs) address structural barriers, recent findings suggest that incentive effects are time-limited, with cessation resulting in HIV care engagement deterioration. We explored incentive experiences, perceptions, and effects after cessation to investigate potential mechanisms of this observation. Methods This qualitative study was nested within a larger trial, AdaPT-R (NCT02338739), focused on HIV care engagement in western Kenya. A subset of participants were purposively sampled from AdaPT-R participants: adults with HIV who had recently started ART, received CCTs for one year, completed one year of follow-up without missing a clinic visit, and were randomized to either continue or discontinue CCTs for one more year of follow-up. In-depth interviews were conducted by an experienced qualitative researcher using a semi-structed guide within a month of randomization. Interviews were conducted in the participants' preferred language (Dholuo, Kiswahili, English). Data on patient characteristics, randomization dates, and clinic visit dates to determine care lapses were extracted from the AdaPT-R database. A codebook was developed deductively based on the guide and inductively refined based on initial transcripts. Transcripts were coded using Dedoose software, and thematic saturation was identified. Results Of 38 participants, 15 (39%) continued receiving incentives, while 23 (61%) were discontinued from receiving incentives. Half were female (N = 19), median age was 30 years (range: 19-48), and about three-quarters were married or living with partners. Both groups expressed high intrinsic motivation to engage in care, prioritized clinic attendance regardless of CCTs and felt the incentives expanded their decision-making options. Despite high motivation, some participants reported that cessation of the CCTs affected their ability to access care, especially those with constrained financial situations. Participants also expressed concerns that incentives might foster dependency. Conclusions This study helps us better understand the durability of financial incentives for HIV care engagement, including when incentives end. Together with the quantitative findings in the parent AdaPT-R study, these results support the idea that careful consideration be exercised when implementing incentives for sustainable engagement effects.
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Mbuagbaw L, Fernando S, Lee C, Owino M, Youssef C, Snow ME. Barriers and facilitators to improving the cascade of HIV care in Ontario: a mixed method study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:48. [PMID: 38200516 PMCID: PMC10782539 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engagement in care is important for people living with HIV (PLH) to achieve optimal outcomes. Several strategies have been developed to improve client flow through the HIV care cascade, specifically targeting initiation of treatment, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), retention in care, and engagement in care. We have previously identified effective care cascade strategies in a systematic review. Initiation of ART could be improved by mobile health interventions, and changes in healthcare delivery. Adherence to ART could be improved by mobile health interventions, incentives, counselling, and psychotherapy. Retention in care could be improved by mobile health interventions, incentives, education, and electronic interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate barriers and facilitators to implementing these effective interventions in HIV clinics in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study. In the quantitative strand, we administered a survey to health workers who provide care to PLH to identify barriers and facilitators. In the qualitative strand, we conducted in-depth interviews informed by the theoretical domains framework (TDF) with health workers and with PLH to explain our quantitative findings. Qualitative and quantitative data were merged to create meta-inferences. RESULTS Twenty health workers from 8 clinics in 9 cities in Ontario took the survey. Nine PLH and 10 health workers participated in the qualitative interviews. Clinics in Ontario implemented all the effective interventions identified from the literature for initiation of treatment, adherence to ART, and retention in care despite concerns about resources. Barriers to physical and financial access to care, the workload for tailored care, and expertise were identified by both health workers and PLH. Key facilitators were virtual care and client preparedness through education and peer support. CONCLUSION Clinics in Ontario appear to implement several evidence-based strategies to improve PLH engagement. There is a need for more health workers with skills to address unique PLH needs. Virtual care is beneficial to both health workers and PLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S4L8, Canada.
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Josep's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health (CDBPH), Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Saranee Fernando
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chloe Lee
- McMaster University, Bachelors of Health Sciences Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Maureen Owino
- The Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment, Toronto, ON, Canada
- York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cynthia Youssef
- McMaster University, Bachelors of Health Sciences Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - M Elizabeth Snow
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Moolla A, Galvin M, Mongwenyana C, Miot J, Magolego W, Leshabana P, Ngcobo N, Naidoo N, Coetzee L. Understanding HIV service preferences of South African women 30-49 years old missing from or linked to care: An exploratory study of Gauteng and Limpopo provinces. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241277080. [PMID: 39254147 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241277080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa has a disproportionate gender impact, with women bearing the brunt of the epidemic. South Africa carries the largest share of the global HIV burden, with similar trends seen for women due to unequal socio-cultural and economic status. OBJECTIVES This study aims to understand 30-49 year-old women's barriers and facilitators to accessing HIV services in order to maximize health in resource limited settings and reach women missing from HIV care. DESIGN Employing a convenience sampling strategy, we recruited, informed, and consented participants at clinics and public areas. Interviews were conducted in respondent's preferred languages, transcribed verbatim, translated into English if needed, and thematically analyzed using grounded theory. METHODS We conducted 81 interviews with women aged 30-49 either missing from care (n = 21), having unknown HIV status (n = 30) or linked to care (n = 30) within two sites: City of Johannesburg district, Gauteng Province and Mopani district, Limpopo Province. RESULTS Participants missing from care reported negative staff attitudes, queues, family rejection, medication side effects, and painful blood tests as key deterrents. Participants with an unknown status were deterred by fear of being diagnosed as HIV positive and family rejection, which was similar to women missing from care who often dropped out from care due to actual family rejection. Participants linked to care reported that long queues and staff shortages were challenges but stayed in care due to a will to live for themselves and their children, in addition to counselling and feeling emotionally supported. Interestingly, participants missing from care often accessed medication from friends but, similarly to those with unknown status, noted that they would access care if attended to by supportive nurses and by having non-clinical HIV services. CONCLUSIONS The accounts of women in this research highlight significant improvements needed to address inequities in the fight against HIV in South Africa. Additionally, the healthcare service access preferences of women aged 30-49 need to be further explored quantitatively in order to design policy relevant interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesa Moolla
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Michael Galvin
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston, MA, USA
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Constance Mongwenyana
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacqui Miot
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - William Magolego
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patricia Leshabana
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nkosinathi Ngcobo
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nalini Naidoo
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lezanie Coetzee
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Dhairyawan R, Milner A, Thornhill JP, Kwardem L, Matin N, Orkin C, Deane K. Experiences of initiating rapid antiretroviral therapy among people newly diagnosed with HIV in East London: a qualitative study. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:455-460. [PMID: 37068829 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the experiences of people who initiated rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 7 days of HIV diagnosis, as part of routine care in London. METHODS Using purposive sampling, 18 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted between December 2020 and September 2021 with people who started rapid ART at Barts Health NHS Trust. Participants aged 22-69 years included 15 cisgender men and three cisgender women. Five identified as heterosexual and 13 as gay and bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Ethnic identities: six White Non-UK, five White UK, three Black Caribbean, two South Asian and two East Asian. Interviews explored feelings about the new HIV diagnosis, attitudes to rapid ART including barriers to and facilitators of starting. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews was undertaken. RESULTS Four themes were identified: (1) being offered rapid ART is acceptable; (2) it is a way of taking control of their health; (3) the need for information and support and (4) an individualised approach to care. Reasons for starting included getting well, staying well and reducing the likelihood of passing on HIV. Facilitators included being given comprehensive information about treatment and managing potential side-effects and a supportive clinical team. Support specified included a non-judgemental attitude, approachability, reassurance, encouragement and information about peer support. Most participants expressed they could not understand why people would not begin treatment, but suggested needing more time to decide and denial of diagnosis as possible barriers. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study exploring the experiences of people initiating rapid ART in the UK. It was deemed acceptable to an ethnically diverse, predominantly male sample of people newly diagnosed with HIV. Future research should include strategies to recruit a more gender diverse sample and those who declined or stopped rapid ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rageshri Dhairyawan
- Infection and Immunity, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- SHARE Collaborative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - John P Thornhill
- Infection and Immunity, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- SHARE Collaborative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Nashaba Matin
- Infection and Immunity, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Infection and Immunity, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- SHARE Collaborative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Tao Y, Xiao X, Zhang C, Xie Y, Wang H. Prevalence of delayed antiretroviral therapy initiation among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286476. [PMID: 37874794 PMCID: PMC10597480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV continues to be a global challenge. Key recommendations for HIV prevention and treatment are presented on rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. However, several studies showed a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of delayed ART initiation among HIV-infected patients globally. METHODS This review summarised eligible studies conducted between January 2015 and August 2022 on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation in HIV-infected adults (age ≥ 15). Relevant studies were systematic searched through PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. The heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Moreover, potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using univariate subgroup analysis. RESULTS Data on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation was pooled across 29 studies involving 34,937 participants from 15 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of delayed ART initiation was 36.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 29.7-42.5%]. In subgroup analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence decreased with age. By sex, the prevalence was higher among male patients (39.3%, 95% CI: 32.2-46.4%) than female (36.5%, 95% CI: 26.9-50.7%). Patients with high CD4 cell count were more likely to delay ART initiation than those with low CD4 cell count (>500cells/mm3: 40.3%; 201-500cells/mm3: 33.4%; and ≤200cells/mm3: 25.3%). CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review and meta-analysis identified a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The prolonged time interval between diagnosis and treatment is a prevalent and unaddressed problem that should spur initiatives from countries globally. Further research is urgently needed to identify effective strategies for promoting the early ART initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Xiao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ci Zhang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xie
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
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Ikwara EA, Nakero L, Anyolitho MK, Isabirye R, Namutebi S, Mwesiga G, Puleh SS. Determinants of primary healthcare providers' readiness for integration of ART services at departmental levels: A case study of Lira City and District, Uganda. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292545. [PMID: 37796961 PMCID: PMC10553216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decreasing or flattening funding for vertical HIV services means that new and innovative ways of providing care are necessary. This study aimed to assess the determinants of readiness for integration of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services at the departmental level among primary health care providers (PHCP) at selected health facilities in Lira District. METHODS A cross-sectional survey employing mixed methods approaches was conducted between January and February 2022 among 340 primary healthcare practitioners (PHCP) at selected health facilities in Lira district. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Stata version 15. and presented as proportions, means, percentages, frequencies, and odds ratios. Logistic regression was used to determine associations of the factors with readiness for ART integration at a 95% level of significance. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS The majority 75.2% (95% CI; 0.703-0.795) of the respondents reported being ready for the integration of ART services. PHCPs who were aware of the integration of services and those who had worked in the same facility for at least 6 years had higher odds of readiness for integration of ART, compared with their counterparts [aOR = 7.36; 95% CI = 3.857-14.028, p-value <0.001] for knowledge and duration at the current facility [aOR = 2.92; 95% CI = 1.293-6.599, p-value < 0.05] respectively. From the qualitative data, the dominant view was that integration is a good thing that should be implemented immediately. However, several challenges were noted, key among which include limited staffing and drug supplies at the facilities, coupled with limited space. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals a high level of readiness for the integration of ART services at departmental levels among Primary Healthcare Providers. Notably, PHCPs knowledgeable about integration and those who spent at least six years at the current health facility of work, were strong determinants for the integration of ART services in resource limited settings. In light of these findings, we recommend that policymakers prioritize the implementation of training programs aimed at upskilling healthcare workers. Furthermore, we advocate that a cluster randomized controlled trial be conducted, to evaluate the long-term effects of this integration on overall health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Asher Ikwara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Lakeri Nakero
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | | | - Rogers Isabirye
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Syliviah Namutebi
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Mwesiga
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Sean Steven Puleh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
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12
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Makurumidze R, Decroo T, Jacobs BKM, Rusakaniko S, Van Damme W, Lynen L, Gils T. Attrition one year after starting antiretroviral therapy before and after the programmatic implementation of HIV "Treat All" in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:558. [PMID: 37641003 PMCID: PMC10463759 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence on the real-world effects of "Treat All" on attrition has not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to review existing literature to compare attrition 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, before and after "Treat All" was implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa and describe predictors of attrition. METHODS We searched Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science in July 2020 and created alerts up to the end of June 2023. We also searched for preprints and conference abstracts. Two co-authors screened and selected the articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We extracted and tabulated data on study characteristics, attrition 12 months after ART initiation, and predictors of attrition. We calculated a pooled risk ratio for attrition using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Eight articles and one conference abstract (nine studies) out of 8179 screened records were included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects adjusted pooled risk ratio (RR) comparing attrition before and after "Treat All" 12 months after ART initiation was not significant [RR = 1.07 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.91-1.24)], with 92% heterogeneity (I2). Being a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, starting ART with advanced HIV, and starting ART within the same week were reported as risk factors for attrition both before and after "Treat All". CONCLUSIONS We found no significant difference in attrition before and after "Treat All" one year after ART initiation. While "Treat All" is being implemented widely, differentiated approaches to enhance retention should be prioritised for those subgroups at risk of attrition. PROSPERO NUMBER CRD42020191582 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart K M Jacobs
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tinne Gils
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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13
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Dovel KL, Hariprasad S, Hubbard J, Cornell M, Phiri K, Choko A, Abbott R, Hoffman R, Nichols B, Gupta S, Long L. Strategies to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and early engagement among men in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review of interventions in the era of universal treatment. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:454-465. [PMID: 37132119 PMCID: PMC10354296 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have lower rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and higher rates of early default than women. Little is known about effective interventions to improve men's outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of interventions aimed to increase ART initiation and/or early retention among men in SSA since universal treatment policies were implemented. METHODS Three databases, HIV conference databases and grey literature were searched for studies published between January 2016 to May 2021 that reported on initiation and/or early retention among men. Eligibility criteria included: participants in SSA, data collected after universal treatment policies were implemented (2016-2021), quantitative data on ART initiation and/or early retention for males, general male population (not exclusively focused on key populations), intervention study (report outcomes for at least one non-standard service delivery strategy), and written in English. RESULTS Of the 4351 sources retrieved, 15 (reporting on 16 interventions) met inclusion criteria. Of the 16 interventions, only two (2/16, 13%) exclusively focused on men. Five (5/16, 31%) were randomised control trials (RCT), one (1/16, 6%) was a retrospective cohort study, and 10 (10/16, 63%) did not have comparison groups. Thirteen (13/16, 81%) interventions measured ART initiation and six (6/16, 37%) measured early retention. Outcome definitions and time frames varied greatly, with seven (7/16, 44%) not specifying time frames at all. Five types of interventions were represented: optimising ART services at health facilities, community-based ART services, outreach support (such as reminders and facility escort), counselling and/or peer support, and conditional incentives. Across all intervention types, ART initiation rates ranged from 27% to 97% and early retention from 47% to 95%. CONCLUSIONS Despite years of data of men's suboptimal ART outcomes, there is little high-quality evidence on interventions to increase men's ART initiation or early retention in SSA. Additional randomised or quasi-experimental studies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Santhi Hariprasad
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khumbo Phiri
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Rachel Abbott
- Division of HIV, Infections Diseases & Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Risa Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Brooke Nichols
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sundeep Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lawrence Long
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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14
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Mgbako O, Mathu R, Davila MG, Mehta M, Cabrera J, Carnevale C, Zucker J, Gordon P, Olender S. Immediate ART and clinical outcomes in New York City among patients newly diagnosed with HIV. AIDS Care 2023; 35:545-554. [PMID: 35895602 PMCID: PMC9880246 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2104799] [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: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Immediate antiretroviral therapy (iART) has been shown to decrease time to viral suppression. Our center underwent significant practice transformation to support iART, including a same-day Open Access (OA) model and enhanced care coordination. We examined whether same-day ART at linkage was associated with favorable proximate and long-term HIV care outcomes. From 2018 to 2019, patients newly diagnosed with HIV, linked to care at our institution, and iART eligible were included. We evaluated the association between iART and time to viral suppression, and between iART and initial/sustained viral suppression and retention in care. We also evaluated the association between use of OA and frequency of care coordination with the same outcomes. Of the 107 patients included, 72 initiated same-day ART at linkage and 35 did not. There was no statistically significant differences in whether patients were ever suppressed, had sustained viral suppression, or were retained in care between those who received same-day ART and those who did not. More care coordination was associated with retention in care (RR 1.21 [1.01-1.5]; p = 0.05). Organizing vital services and ensuring implementation strategies that facilitate iART, while tailoring the approach to the patient's comfort level, is likely optimal for longitudinal HIV care engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofole Mgbako
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia, University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Mathu
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mila Gonzalez Davila
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica Mehta
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joselyn Cabrera
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Carnevale
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Peter Gordon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Susan Olender
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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15
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Nicol E, Basera W, Mukumbang FC, Cheyip M, Mthethwa S, Lombard C, Jama N, Pass D, Laubscher R, Bradshaw D. Linkage to HIV Care and Early Retention in Care Rates in the Universal Test-and-Treat Era: A Population-based Prospective Study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1068-1081. [PMID: 36098845 PMCID: PMC10020822 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
HIV linkage, and retention are key weaknesses in South Africa's national antiretroviral therapy (ART) program, with the greatest loss of patients in the HIV treatment pathway occurring before ART initiation. This study investigated linkage-to and early-retention-in-care (LTRIC) rates among adults newly diagnosed with HIV in a high-HIV prevalent rural district. We conducted an observational prospective cohort study to investigate LTRIC rates for adults with a new HIV diagnosis in South Africa. Patient-level survey and clinical data were collected using a one-stage-cluster design from 18 healthcare facilities and triangulated between HIV and laboratory databases and registered deaths from Department of Home Affairs. We used Chi-square tests to assess associations between categorical variables, and results were stratified by HIV status, sex, and age. Of the 5,637 participants recruited, 21.2% had confirmed HIV, of which 70.9% were women, and 46.5% were aged 25-34 years. Although 82.7% of participants were linked-to-care within 3 months, only 46.1% remained-in-care 12 months after initiating ART and 5.2% were deceased. While a significantly higher proportion of men were linked-to-care at 3 months compared to women, a significant proportion of women (49.5%) remained-in-care at 12 months than men (38.0%). Post-secondary education and child support grants were significantly associated with retention. We found high linkage-to-care rates, but less than 50% of participants remained-in-care at 12 months. Significant effort is required to retain people living with HIV in care, especially during the first year after ART initiation. Our findings suggest that interventions could target men to encourage HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa.
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Mireille Cheyip
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ngcwalisa Jama
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Desiree Pass
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
| | - Ria Laubscher
- Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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16
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Hampanda KM, Pelowich K, Freeborn K, Graybill LA, Mutale W, Jones KR, Saidi F, Kumwenda A, Kasaro M, Rosenberg NE, Chi BH. Strategies to increase couples HIV testing and counselling in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26075. [PMID: 36929284 PMCID: PMC10020817 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Couple HIV testing and counselling (CHTC) is associated with measurable benefits for HIV prevention and treatment. However, the uptake remains limited in much of sub-Saharan Africa, despite an expanded range of strategies designed to promote access. METHODS Following PRIMSA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to characterize CHTC uptake strategies. Five databases were searched. Full-text articles were included if they were: conducted in sub-Saharan Africa during the study period (1980-2019), targeted heterosexual couples, reported at least one strategy to promote CHTC and provided a quantifiable measure of CHTC uptake. After the initial and full-text screening, key features of the studies were abstracted and synthesized. RESULTS Of the 6188 unique records found in our search, 365 underwent full-text review with 29 distinct studies included and synthesized. Most studies recruited couples through antenatal care (n = 11) or community venues (n = 8) and used provider-based HIV testing (n = 25). The primary demand creation strategies included home-based CHTC (n = 7); integration of CHTC into clinical settings (n = 4); distribution of HIV self-testing kits (n = 4); verbal or written invitations (n = 4); community recruiters (n = 3); partner tracing (n = 2); relationship counselling (n = 2); financial incentives (n = 1); group education with CHTC coupons (n = 1); and HIV testing at other community venues (n = 1). CHTC uptake ranged from negligible to nearly universal. DISCUSSION We thematically categorized a diverse range of strategies with varying levels of intensity and resources used across sub-Saharan Africa to promote CHTC. Offering CHTC within couples' homes was the most common approach, followed by the integration of CHTC into clinical settings. Due to heterogeneity in study characteristics, we were unable to compare the effectiveness across studies, but several trends were observed, including the high prevalence of CHTC promotion strategies in antenatal settings and the promising effects of home-based CHTC, distribution of HIV self-tests and integration of CHTC into routine health services. Since 2019, an updated literature search found that combining partner notification and secondary distribution of HIV self-test kits may be an additionally effective CHTC strategy. CONCLUSIONS There are many effective, feasible and scalable approaches to promote CHTC that should be considered by national programmes according to local needs, cultural context and available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Hampanda
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
- Center for Global HealthUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Krysta Pelowich
- Center for Global HealthUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Kellie Freeborn
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lauren A. Graybill
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Department of Health PolicySchool of Public HealthUniversity of ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Katelyn R. Jones
- Department of Health BehaviorGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Andrew Kumwenda
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Margaret Kasaro
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- UNC Global Projects ZambiaLusakaZambia
| | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- Department of Health BehaviorGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Benjamin H. Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyGillings School of Global Public HealthUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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17
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Mukumbwa-Mwenechanya M, Mubiana M, Somwe P, Zyambo K, Simwenda M, Zongwe N, Kalunkumya E, Mwango LK, Rabkin M, Mpesela F, Chungu F, Mwanza F, Preko P, Bolton-Moore C, Bosomprah S, Sharma A, Morton K, Kasonde P, Mulenga L, Lingu P, Mulenga PL. Integrating isoniazid preventive therapy into the fast-track HIV treatment model in urban Zambia: A proof-of -concept pilot project. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000909. [PMID: 36962979 PMCID: PMC10021523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Most people living with HIV (PLHIV) established on treatment in Zambia receive multi-month prescribing and dispensing (MMSD) antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are enrolled in less-intensive differentiated service delivery (DSD) models such as Fast Track (FT), where clients collect ART every 3-6 months and make clinical visits every 6 months. In 2019, Zambia introduced Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) with scheduled visits at 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months. Asynchronous IPT and HIV appointment schedules were inconvenient and not client centered. In response, we piloted integrated MMSD/IPT in FT HIV treatment model. We implemented and evaluated a proof-of-concept project at one purposively selected high-volume facility in Lusaka, Zambia between July 2019 and May 2020. We sensitized stakeholders, adapted training materials, standard operating procedures, and screened adults in FT for TB as per national guidelines. Participants received structured TB/IPT education, 6-month supply of isoniazid and ART, aligned 6th month IPT/MMSD clinic appointment, and phone appointments at 2 weeks and months 1-5 following IPT initiation. We used descriptive statistics to characterize IPT completion rates, phone appointment keeping, side effect frequency and Fisher's exact test to determine variation by participant characteristics. Key lessons learned were synthesized from monthly meeting notes. 1,167 clients were screened with 818 (70.1%) enrolled, two thirds (66%) were female and median age 42 years. 738 (90.2%) completed 6-month IPT course and 66 (8.1%) reported IPT-related side effects. 539 clients (65.9%) attended all 7 telephone appointments. There were insignificant differences of outcomes by age or sex. Lessons learnt included promoting project ownership, client empowerment, securing supply chain, adapting existing processes, and cultivating collaborative structured learning. Integrating multi-month dispensing and telephone follow up of IPT into the FT HIV treatment model is a promising approach to scaling-up TB preventive treatment among PLHIV, although limited by barriers to consistent phone access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhau Mubiana
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Paul Somwe
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Miriam Rabkin
- ICAP at Columbia University and Departments of Medicine & Epidemiology, New York, New York, United States of America
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Fred Chungu
- Network of Zambian People Living with HIV, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Felix Mwanza
- Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Peter Preko
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Carolyn Bolton-Moore
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Samuel Bosomprah
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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18
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Govender K, Long L, Miot J. Progress towards unique patient identification and case-based surveillance within the Southern African development community. Health Informatics J 2023; 29:14604582221139058. [PMID: 36601790 DOI: 10.1177/14604582221139058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Population mobility makes patient-tracking and care linkage in the South African Development Community (SADC) challenging. Case-based surveillance (CBS) through individual-level clinical data linked with a unique patient-identifier (UPI) is recommended. We conducted a mixed-methods landscape analysis of UPI and CBS implementation within selected SADC countries, this included: (1) SADC UPI implementation literature review; (2) assessment of UPI and CBS implementation for high HIV-prevalence SADC countries; (3) UPI implementation case-study in selected South African primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Research into CBS and UPI implementation for the SADC region is lacking. Existing patient-identification methods often fail and limit patient-tracking. Paper-based records and poor integration between health-information systems further restrict patient-tracking. Most countries were in the early-middle stages of CBS and faced UPI challenges. Our South African case-study found that the UPI often goes uncaptured. Difficulties tracking patients across prevention and care cascades will continue until a functional and reliable UPI is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerensa Govender
- Faculty of Health Sciences, 37708University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Wits Health Consortium, 37708University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lawrence Long
- Faculty of Health Sciences, 37708University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Wits Health Consortium, 37708University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Global Health, 27118Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacqui Miot
- Faculty of Health Sciences, 37708University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HE2RO), Wits Health Consortium, 37708University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Kuwano A, Yada M, Kurosaka K, Tanaka K, Masumoto A, Motomura K. Risk factors for loss to follow-up after the start of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. JGH Open 2022; 7:98-104. [PMID: 36852151 PMCID: PMC9958342 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12855] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aim Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have recently been developed to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Additionally, interferon-free DAA treatment has improved liver function and reduced the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following HCV eradication. Previous studies on HCV have focused mainly on the treatment rate and the risk of developing HCC, and less attention has been given to loss to follow-up (LTFU) after DAA treatment. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the definitive risk factors for LTFU after the start of DAA treatment. Methods Between September 2017 and March 2022, 296 patients receiving glecaprevir and pibrentasvir for HCV infection were enrolled in this study. The incidence of LTFU following DAA treatment and the risk factors contributing to LTFU were identified using the patients' clinical characteristics. Results In the present study, 75 patients (25.3%) interrupted their follow-up visits. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed a history of injection drug use (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81; P = 0.017), treatment duration (8 weeks) (HR, 3.51; P = 0.0033), and age <70 years (HR, 1.9; P = 0.0422) as independent factors associated with LTFU after the start of DAA treatment. Conclusion Young patients and those with injection drug use are likely to discontinue their follow-up visits after the start of DAA treatment for HCV infection. Therefore, these patients require strict supervision.
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Kajubi P, Parkes-Ratanshi R, Twimukye A, Bwanika Naggirinya A, Nabaggala MS, Kiragga A, Castelnuovo B, King R. Perceptions and Attitudes Toward an Interactive Voice Response Tool (Call for Life Uganda) Providing Adherence Support and Health Information to HIV-Positive Ugandans: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e36829. [PMID: 36472904 PMCID: PMC9768667 DOI: 10.2196/36829] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuing decline in AIDS-related deaths in the African region is largely driven by the steady scale-up of antiretroviral therapy. However, there are challenges to retaining people living with HIV on treatment. Call for Life Uganda (CFLU) is an interactive voice response tool using simple analogue phones. CFLU supports patients with daily pill reminders, preappointment reminders, symptom reporting and management, and weekly health promotion tips. Mobile health tools are being increasingly used in resource-limited settings but are often adopted without rigorous evaluation. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study conducted at 12 months after enrollment assessed patients' experiences, perceptions, and attitudes regarding CLFU. METHODS We conducted a qualitative substudy within an open-label randomized controlled trial titled "Improving outcomes in HIV patients using mobile phone based interactive software support." Data were collected through 6 focus group discussions with participants sampled based on proportion of calls responded to-<25%, between 25% and 50%, and >50%-conducted at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Mulago, and the Kasangati Health Centre IV. NVivo (version 11; QSR International) was used in the management of the data and in the coding of the emerging themes. The data were then analyzed using content thematic analysis. RESULTS There was consensus across all groups that they had more positive than negative experiences with the CFLU system. Participants who responded to >50% of the calls reported more frequent use of the specific elements of the CFLU tool and, consequently, experienced more benefits from the system than those who responded to calls less frequently. Irrespective of calls responded to, participants identified pill reminders as the most important aspect in improved quality of life, followed by health promotion tips. The most common challenge faced was difficulty with the secret personal identification number. CONCLUSIONS Findings showed participants' appreciation, high willingness, and interest in the intervention, CFLU, that demonstrated great perceived potential to improve their access to health care; adherence to treatment; health awareness; and, consequently, quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02953080; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02953080.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Kajubi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rosalind Parkes-Ratanshi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adelline Twimukye
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Bwanika Naggirinya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria Sarah Nabaggala
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Kiragga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rachel King
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Institute for Global Health Sciences,, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Osingada CP, McMorris B, Piehler TF, Tracy MF, Porta CM. Acceptability, Feasibility, and Efficacy of Telehealth Interventions for HIV Testing and Treatment in Adult Populations. Telemed J E Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Peter Osingada
- Adult and Gerontological Health Cooperative, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Barbara McMorris
- Population Health and Systems Cooperative, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Timothy F. Piehler
- Department of Family Social Science, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mary Fran Tracy
- Adult and Gerontological Health Cooperative, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Carolyn M. Porta
- Population Health and Systems Cooperative, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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22
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Mwamba C, Beres LK, Topp SM, Mukamba N, Simbeza S, Sikombe K, Mody A, Geng E, Holmes CB, Kennedy CE, Sikazwe I, Denison JA, Bolton Moore C. 'I need time to start antiretroviral therapy': understanding reasons for delayed ART initiation among people diagnosed with HIV in Lusaka, Zambia'. Ann Med 2022; 54:830-836. [PMID: 35311423 PMCID: PMC8942536 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2051069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation can improve patient outcomes such as viral suppression and prevent new infections. However, not everyone who can start ART does so immediately. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study to inform interventions supporting rapid initiation in the 'Test and Start' era. We purposively sampled 20 adult patients living with HIV and a previous gap in care from ten health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia for interviews. We inductively analysed transcripts using a thematic, narrative approach. In their narratives, seven participants discussed delaying ART initiation. RESULTS Drawing on messages gleaned from facility-based counselling and community information, many cited greater fear of rapid sickness or death due to imperfect adherence or treatment side effects than negative health consequences due to delayed initiation. Participants described needing time to 'prepare' their minds for a lifetime treatment commitment. Concerns about inadvertent HIV status disclosure during drug collection discouraged immediate initiation, as did feeling healthy, and worries about the impact of ART initiation on relationship dynamics. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that counselling messages should accurately communicate treatment risks, without perpetuating fear-based narratives about HIV. Identifying and managing patient-specific concerns and reasons for the 'need for time' may be important for supporting individuals to rapidly accept lifelong treatment.Key messagesFear-based adherence messaging in health facilities about the dangers of missing a treatment dose or changing the time when ART is taken contributes to Zambian patients' refusals of immediate ART initiationResponsive health systems that balance a stated need for time to accept one's diagnosis and prepare to embark on a lifelong treatment plan with interventions to identify and manage patient-specific treatment related fears and concerns may support more rapid ART initiationPerceived social stigma around HIV continues to be a significant challenge for treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanda Mwamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Laura K Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Njekwa Mukamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sandra Simbeza
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kombatende Sikombe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Public Health Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aaloke Mody
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elvin Geng
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Julie A Denison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Souliotis K, Tsiakalakis G, Golna C, Sifaki-Pistolla D, Dedes N, Lazanas M. Access of People Living with HIV to Testing Services in Greece: A Challenge for Equity in Care. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14353. [PMID: 36361228 PMCID: PMC9656895 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Access to laboratory testing services for HIV in Greece is persistently challenged and this impacts both the continuum of care and, potentially, equity in access. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study with two parts (first part: HIV-positive people/PLWHIV; second part: HIV clinicians) was conducted in Greece to quantify challenges regarding access to laboratory testing for HIV. Data were collected through online surveys, during a one-month period, between 2019 and 2020. The total sample consisted of 153 PLWHIV and 26 HIV clinicians. (3) Results: Access to viral load testing varied significantly according to place of residence (p = 0.029) and year of diagnosis (p = 0.054). Patients diagnosed after 2015 reported worse access to viral load testing (72.7% vs. 85.9%). Over one third of respondents perceived viral load tests as being not at all accessible (11.4%) or somewhat accessible, only after facing multiple systemic obstacles (24.2%). Equally, most of HIV clinicians reported barriers or no access to baseline viral load testing (80%) and baseline genotype resistance tests (96%). (4) Conclusions: Access of people diagnosed with HIV to CD4 lymphocyte tests and genotype resistance screening is significantly challenged in Greece, especially after 2015. Addressing this challenge is critical in removing access barriers and achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Faculty of Social and Education Sciences, University of Peloponnese, 20100 Corinth, Greece
- Health Policy Institute, 15123 Athens, Greece
| | - George Tsiakalakis
- Faculty of Social and Education Sciences, University of Peloponnese, 20100 Corinth, Greece
| | | | | | - Nikos Dedes
- Greek Association of People Living with HIV Positive Voice, 10554 Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Lazanas
- Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department of IASO General Clinic, Hellenic Society for the Study and Control of AIDS (EEMAA), 15123 Athens, Greece
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Madimenos FC, Gildner TE, Eick GN, Sugiyama LS, Snodgrass JJ. Bringing the lab bench to the field: Point-of-care testing for enhancing health research and stakeholder engagement in rural/remote, indigenous, and resource-limited contexts. Am J Hum Biol 2022; 34:e23808. [PMID: 36166487 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care testing (POCT) allows researchers and health-care providers to bring the lab bench to the field, providing essential health information that can be leveraged to improve health care, accessibility, and understanding across clinical and research settings. Gaps in health service access are most pronounced in what we term RIR settings-rural/remote regions, involving Indigenous peoples, and/or within resource-limited settings. In these contexts, morbidity and mortality from infectious and non-communicable diseases are disproportionately higher due to numerous geographic, economic, political, and sociohistorical factors. Human biologists and global health scholars are well-positioned to contribute on-the-ground-level insights that can serve to minimize global health inequities and POCT has the potential to augment such approaches. While the clinical benefits of POCT include increasing health service access by bringing testing, rapid diagnosis, and treatment to underserved communities with limited pathways to centralized laboratory testing, POCT also provides added benefits to both health-focused researchers and their participants. Through portable, minimally invasive devices, researchers can provide actionable health data to participants by coupling POCT with population-specific health education, discussing results and their implications, creating space for participants to voice concerns, and facilitating linkages to treatment. POCT can also strengthen human biology research by shedding light on questions of evolutionary and biocultural importance. Here, we expand on the epidemiological and research value, as well as practical and ethical challenges of POCT across stakeholders (i.e., participant, community, health researcher, and trainee). Finally, we emphasize the immense opportunities of POCT for fostering collaborative research and enhancing access to health delivery and information and, by extension, helping to mitigate persistent global health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia C Madimenos
- Department of Anthropology, Queens College (CUNY), New York, USA.,New York Consortium of Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), CUNY Graduate Center, New York, USA
| | - Theresa E Gildner
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Geeta N Eick
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | | | - James J Snodgrass
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA.,Center for Global Health, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA.,Global Station for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Jonas K, Zani B, Ramraj T, Chirinda W, Jama N, Basera W, McClinton Appollis T, Pass D, Govindasamy D, Mukumbang FC, Mathews C, Nicol E. Service delivery models for enhancing linkage to and retention in HIV care services for adolescent girls and young women and adolescent boys and young men: a protocol for an overview of systematic reviews. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060778. [PMID: 36123080 PMCID: PMC9486299 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent advances in the HIV care continuum have shown that an individual diagnosed with HIV should be initiated on antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible regardless of the CD4 count levels and retained in HIV care services. Studies have reported large losses in the HIV continuum of care, before and after the era of universal test and treat. Several systematic reviews have reported on the strategies for improving linkage to and retention in HIV treatment and care. The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews is to identify HIV care interventions or service delivery models (SDMs) and synthesise evidence on the effects of these to link adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to care and retain them in care. We also aim to highlight gaps in the evidence on interventions and SDMs to improve linkage and retention in HIV care of AGYW and ABYM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An electronic search of four online databases: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Web of Science will be performed to identify systematic reviews on the effects of linkage to and retention in HIV care interventions or SDMs for AGYW aged 15-24 years and ABYM aged 15-35 years. Our findings on the effects of interventions and SDMs will be interpreted considering the intervention and or SDMs' effectiveness by the time period, setting and population of interest. Two or more authors will independently screen articles for inclusion using a priori criteria. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval is not required for this study as only published secondary data will be used. Our findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference abstracts and through presentations to stakeholders and other community fora. The findings from this overview of systematic reviews will inform mixed-methods operations research on HIV intervention programming and delivery of HIV care services for AGYW and ABYM in South Africa. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020177933.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Jonas
- Health Systems Research, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
- Adolescent Health Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Babalwa Zani
- Knowledge Translation Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Trisha Ramraj
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council Durban, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council Durban, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Witness Chirinda
- Burden of Disease Research, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Ngcwalisa Jama
- Burden of Disease Research, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - Desiree Pass
- Burden of Disease Research, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Darshini Govindasamy
- Health Systems Research, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
| | | | - Catherine Mathews
- Health Systems Research, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
- Adolescent Health Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
- University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
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Carnalla M, Bautista-Arredondo S, Barrientos-Gutiérrez T. Challenges for hepatitis C in Mexico: a public health perspective towards 2030. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100748. [PMID: 35977646 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Carnalla
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Sergio Bautista-Arredondo
- Centro de Investigación en Sistemas de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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Costs and cost-effectiveness of HIV counselling and testing modalities in Southern Mozambique. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2022; 20:49. [PMID: 36068574 PMCID: PMC9447341 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-022-00378-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Despite the high HIV associated burden, Mozambique lacks data on HIV counselling and testing (HCT) costs. To help guide national HIV/AIDS programs, we estimated the cost per test for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) from the patient’s perspective and the costs per person tested and per HIV-positive individual linked to care to the healthcare provider for VCT, provider-initiated counselling and testing (PICT) and home-based testing (HBT). We also assessed the cost-effectiveness of these strategies for linking patients to care. Methods Data from a cohort study conducted in the Manhiça District were used to derive costs and linkage-to-care outcomes of the three HCT strategies. A decision tree was used to model HCT costs according to the likelihood of HCT linking individuals to care and to obtain the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of PICT and HBT with VCT as the comparator. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess robustness of base-case findings. Findings Based on costs and valuations in 2015, average and median VCT costs to the patient per individual tested were US$1.34 and US$1.08, respectively. Costs per individual tested were greatest for HBT (US$11.07), followed by VCT (US$7.79), and PICT (US$7.14). The costs per HIV-positive individual linked to care followed a similar trend. PICT was not cost-effective in comparison with VCT at a willingness-to-accept threshold of US$4.53, but only marginally given a corresponding base-case ICER of US$4.15, while HBT was dominated, with higher costs and lower impact than VCT. Base-case results for the comparison between PICT and VCT presented great uncertainty, whereas findings for HBT were robust. Conclusion PICT and VCT are likely equally cost-effective in Manhiça. We recommend that VCT be offered as the predominant HCT strategy in Mozambique, but expansion of PICT could be considered in limited-resource areas. HBT without facilitated linkage or reduced costs is unlikely to be cost-effective.
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Factors Associated with Retention of HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Care: Evidence from Outpatient Clinics in Two Provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090229. [PMID: 36136640 PMCID: PMC9504336 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Interruptions in the continuum of care for HIV can inadvertently increase a patient’s risk of poor health outcomes such as uncontrolled viral load and a greater likelihood of developing drug resistance. Retention of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in care and determinants of attrition, such as adherence to treatment, are among the most critical links strengthening the continuum of care, reducing the risk of treatment failure, and assuring viral load suppression. Objective: To analyze the variation in, and factors associated with, retention of patients enrolled in HIV services at outpatient clinics in the provinces of Kinshasa and Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: Data for the last visit of 51,286 patients enrolled in Centers for Disease Control (CDC)-supported outpatient HIV clinics in 18 health zones in Haut-Katanga and Kinshasa, DRC were extracted in June 2020. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Results: The results showed a retention rate of 78.2%. Most patients were classified to be at WHO clinical stage 1 (42.1%), the asymptomatic stage, and only 3.2% were at stage 4, the severest stage of AIDS. Odds of retention were significantly higher for patients at WHO clinical stage 1 compared to stage 4 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.325; confidence interval (CI), 1.13−1.55), women as opposed to men (AOR, 2.00; CI, 1.63−2.44), and women who were not pregnant (vs. pregnant women) at the start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (AOR, 2.80; CI, 2.04−3.85). Odds of retention were significantly lower for patients who received a one-month supply rather than multiple months (AOR, 0.22; CI, 0.20−0.23), and for patients in urban health zones (AOR, 0.75; CI, 0.59−0.94) rather than rural. Compared to patients 55 years of age or older, the odds of retention were significantly lower for patients younger than 15 (AOR, 0.35; CI, 0.30−0.42), and those aged 15 and <55 (AOR, 0.75; CI, 0.68−0.82). Conclusions: Significant variations exist in the retention of patients in HIV care by patient characteristics. There is evidence of strong associations of many patient characteristics with retention in care, including clinical, demographic, and other contextual variables that may be beneficial for improvements in HIV services in DRC.
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Parati G, Lackland DT, Campbell NRC, Ojo Owolabi M, Bavuma C, Mamoun Beheiry H, Dzudie A, Ibrahim MM, El Aroussy W, Singh S, Varghese CV, Whelton PK, Zhang XH. How to Improve Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Africa, and How to Reduce Its Consequences: A Call to Action From the World Hypertension League. Hypertension 2022; 79:1949-1961. [PMID: 35638381 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and disability globally. In low- and middle-income countries hypertension has a major social impact, increasing the disease burden and costs for national health systems. The present call to action aims to stimulate all African countries to adopt several solutions to achieve better hypertension management. The following 3 goals should be achieved in Africa by 2030: (1) 80% of adults with high blood pressure in Africa are diagnosed; (2) 80% of diagnosed hypertensives, that is, 64% of all hypertensives, are treated; and (3) 80% of treated hypertensive patients are controlled. To achieve these aims, we call on individuals and organizations from government, private sector, health care, and civil society in Africa and indeed on all Africans to undertake a few specific high priority actions. The aim is to improve the detection, diagnosis, management, and control of hypertension, now considered to be the leading preventable killer in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Parati
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular Neural and Metabolic Sciences; and Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (G.P.)
| | - Daniel T Lackland
- Division of Translational Neurosciences and Population Studies, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (D.T.L.)
| | - Norman R C Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Physiology and Pharmacology and Community Health Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada (N.R.C.C.)
| | - Mayowa Ojo Owolabi
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences; Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (M.O.O.)
| | - Charlotte Bavuma
- Kigali University Teaching Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda (C.B.)
| | - Hind Mamoun Beheiry
- Faculty of Nursing Sciences; Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine; International University of Africa (IUA), Sudan (H.M.B.)
| | - Anastase Dzudie
- Faculty of Medicine and biomedical sciences, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon (A.D.)
| | | | | | - Sandhya Singh
- Director; Cluster: Non-Communicable Diseases, National Department of Health, South Africa (S.S.)
| | - Cherian V Varghese
- Department of Noncommunicable Disease, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland (C.V.V.)
| | - Paul K Whelton
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana (P.K.W.)
| | - Xin-Hua Zhang
- Beijing Hypertension League Institute, China (X.-H.Z.)
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Okonkwo NE, Blum A, Viswasam N, Hahn E, Ryan S, Turpin G, Lyons CE, Baral S, Hansoti B. A Systematic Review of Linkage-to-Care and Antiretroviral Initiation Implementation Strategies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Across Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2123-2134. [PMID: 35088176 PMCID: PMC9422958 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03558-5] [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] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Linkage to care (LTC) and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are key components in the longitudinal care cascade for people living with HIV. Many strategies to optimize these stages of HIV care have been implemented, though there is a paucity of analyses comparing the outcomes of these efforts in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a systematic review of studies assessing interventions along all stages of the HIV care continuum published between 2008 and 2020. A comprehensive search strategy reviewed five electronic databases to capture studies assessing HIV testing, LTC, ART initiation, ART adherence, and viral suppression. Of the 388 articles that met the inclusion criteria, 78 described interventions for improving LTC/ART initiation. Efforts focused on empowering patients through integrative approaches generally yielded more substantive results compared to provider-initiated non-adaptive LTC interventions or cash incentives. Specifically, tailoring care and incorporating ART initiation into existing infrastructures, such as maternal clinics, had a high impact across settings. Moreover, strategies such as home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT) appear to be most effective when implemented in tandem with other approaches including motivational counseling and point-of-care CD4 testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nneoma E Okonkwo
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Blum
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nikita Viswasam
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hahn
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sofia Ryan
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gnilane Turpin
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie E Lyons
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhakti Hansoti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Suite 200, 5801 Smith Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21209, USA.
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Bai R, Du J, Lv S, Hua W, Dai L, Wu H. Benefits and Risks of Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:898449. [PMID: 35721164 PMCID: PMC9205577 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.898449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To compare the benefits and risks between Rapid ART and standard/delayed treatment for HIV.Methods: Databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of science were searched from the inception to 28 October 2021. Two investigators independently screened studies related to Rapid ART, extracted data, and evaluated the literature quality. The risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool and the statistical software Stata15.0 was used for meta-analysis.Results: Ten eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis, the results showed Rapid ART was superior to standard/delayed treatment in continuing care for at least 8 months (RR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.03∼1.25, Z = 2.44, p = 0.015), and severe bacterial infection (RR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.25∼0.70, Z = 3.33, p = 0.001). At 12 months following treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in viral load <100 copies/mL (RR = 1.05, 95%CI: 0.80∼1.39, Z = 0.35, p = 0.726), mortality (RR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.47∼1.24, Z = 1.09, p = 0.277), or the incidence of adverse events (RR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.16∼1.76, Z = 1.05, p = 0.294) compared with standard/delayed treatment.Conclusion: In comparison to standard/delayed treatment, rapid ART can reduce the incidence of TB and severe bacterial infections in HIV patients. Our findings suggest that rapid ART should be utilized when clinical conditions and the patient’s physical state allow.Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/?s=202210004], identifier [INPLASY202210004].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruojing Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyun Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Hua
- Travel Clinic, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Dai
- Travel Clinic, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Dai, ; Hao Wu,
| | - Hao Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Dai, ; Hao Wu,
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Birungi J, Kivuyo S, Garrib A, Mugenyi L, Mutungi G, Namakoola I, Mghamba J, Ramaiya K, Wang D, Maongezi S, Musinguzi J, Mugisha K, Etukoit BM, Kakande A, Niessen LW, Okebe J, Shiri T, Meshack S, Lutale J, Gill G, Sewankambo N, Smith PG, Nyirenda MJ, Mfinanga SG, Jaffar S. Integrating health services for HIV infection, diabetes and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: a cohort study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053412. [PMID: 34728457 PMCID: PMC8565555 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV, diabetes and hypertension have a high disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Healthcare is organised in separate clinics, which may be inefficient. In a cohort study, we evaluated integrated management of these conditions from a single chronic care clinic. OBJECTIVES To determined the feasibility and acceptability of integrated management of chronic conditions in terms of retention in care and clinical indicators. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective cohort study comprising patients attending 10 health facilities offering primary care in Dar es Salaam and Kampala. INTERVENTION Clinics within health facilities were set up to provide integrated care. Patients with either HIV, diabetes or hypertension had the same waiting areas, the same pharmacy, were seen by the same clinical staff, had similar provision of adherence counselling and tracking if they failed to attend appointments. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Retention in care, plasma viral load. FINDINGS Between 5 August 2018 and 21 May 2019, 2640 patients were screened of whom 2273 (86%) were enrolled into integrated care (832 with HIV infection, 313 with diabetes, 546 with hypertension and 582 with multiple conditions). They were followed up to 30 January 2020. Overall, 1615 (71.1%)/2273 were female and 1689 (74.5%)/2266 had been in care for 6 months or more. The proportions of people retained in care were 686/832 (82.5%, 95% CI: 79.9% to 85.1%) among those with HIV infection, 266/313 (85.0%, 95% CI: 81.1% to 89.0%) among those with diabetes, 430/546 (78.8%, 95% CI: 75.4% to 82.3%) among those with hypertension and 529/582 (90.9%, 95% CI: 88.6 to 93.3) among those with multimorbidity. Among those with HIV infection, the proportion with plasma viral load <100 copies/mL was 423(88.5%)/478. CONCLUSION Integrated management of chronic diseases is a feasible strategy for the control of HIV, diabetes and hypertension in Africa and needs evaluation in a comparative study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Birungi
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- The AIDS Support Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sokoine Kivuyo
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anupam Garrib
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Gerald Mutungi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ivan Namakoola
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Janneth Mghamba
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah Maongezi
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Ayoub Kakande
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Louis Wihelmus Niessen
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joseph Okebe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tinevimbo Shiri
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Janet Lutale
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Geoff Gill
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Peter G Smith
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Moffat J Nyirenda
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit (MEIRU), Lilongwe and Karonga, Malawi
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research Muhimbili Research Centre, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Bengtson AM, Espinosa Dice AL, Kirwa K, Cornell M, Colvin CJ, Lurie MN. Patient Transfers and Their Impact on Gaps in Clinical Care: Differences by Gender in a Large Cohort of Adults Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3337-3346. [PMID: 33609203 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
For people living with HIV (PLWH), patient transfers may affect engagement in care. We followed a cohort of PLWH in Cape Town, South Africa who tested positive for HIV in 2012-2013 from ART initiation in 2012-2016 through December 2016. Patient transfers were defined as moving from one healthcare facility to another on a different day, considering all healthcare visits and recorded HIV-visits only. We estimated incidence rates (IR) for transfers by time since ART initiation, overall and by gender, and associations between transfers and gaps of > 180 days in clinical care. Overall, 4,176 PLWH were followed for a median of 32 months, and 8% (HIV visits)-17% (all healthcare visits) of visits were patient transfers. Including all healthcare visits, transfers were highest through 3 months on ART (IR 20.2 transfers per 100 visits, 95% CI 19.2-21.2), but increased through 36 months on ART when only HIV visits were included (IR 9.7, 95% CI 8.8-10.8). Overall, women were more likely to transfer than men, and transfers were associated with gaps in care (IR ratio [IRR] 3.06 95% CI 2.83-3.32; HIV visits only). In this cohort, patient transfers were frequent, more common among women, and associated with gaps in care.
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Wekesa P, McLigeyo A, Owuor K, Mwangi J, Isavwa L, Katana A. Temporal trends in pre-ART patient characteristics and outcomes before the test and treat era in Central Kenya. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1007. [PMID: 34565337 PMCID: PMC8474838 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06706-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retention of patients who did not initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been persistently low compared to those who initiated ART. Understanding the temporal trends in clinical outcomes prior to ART initiation may inform interventions targeting patients who do not initiate ART immediately after diagnosis. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of known HIV-infected patients who did not initiate ART from healthcare facilities in Central Kenya was done to investigate temporal trends in characteristics, retention, and mortality outcomes. The data were sourced from the Comprehensive Care Clinic Patient Application Database (CPAD) and IQ care electronic patient-level databases for those enrolled between 2004 and 2014. RESULTS A total of 13,779 HIV-infected patients were assessed, of whom 30.7% were men.There were statisitically significant differences in temporal trends relating to marital status, WHO clinical stage, and tuberculosis (TB) status from 2004 to 2014. The proportion of widowed patients decreased from 9.1 to 6.0%. By WHO clinical stage at enrollment in program, those in WHO stage I increased over time from 8.7 to 43.1%, while those in WHO stage III and IV reduced from 28.5 to 10.8% and 4.0 to 1.1% respectively. Those on TB treatment during their last known visit reduced from 8.3 to 3.9% while those with no TB signs increased from 58.5 to 86.8%. Trends in 6 and 12 month retention in the program, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality were statistically significant. At 6 months, program retention ranged between 36.0% in 2004 to a high of 54.1% in 2013. LTFU at 6 months remained around 50.0% for most of the cohorts, while mortality at 6 months was 7.5% in 2004 but reduced to 3.8% in 2014. At 12 months, LTFU was above 50.0% across all the cohorts while mortality rate reached 3.9% in 2014. CONCLUSION Trends in pre ART enrollment suggested higher enrollment among patients who were women and at earlier WHO clinical stages. Retention and mortality outcomes at 6 and 12 months generally improved over the 11 year follow-up period, though dipped as enrollment in asymptomatic disease stage increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wekesa
- Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - A McLigeyo
- Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - K Owuor
- Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J Mwangi
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - L Isavwa
- Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - A Katana
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
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Limbada M, Zijlstra G, Macleod D, Ayles H, Fidler S. A systematic review of the effectiveness of non- health facility based care delivery of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa measured by viral suppression, mortality and retention on ART. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1110. [PMID: 34112135 PMCID: PMC8194040 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative models for sustainable antiretroviral treatment (ART) delivery are necessary to meet the increasing demand to maintain population-wide ART for all people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. We undertook a review of published literature comparing health facility-based care (HFBC) with non-health facility based care (nHFBC) models of ART delivery in terms of health outcomes; viral suppression, loss to follow-up, retention and mortality. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of Medline, Embase and Global Health databases from 2010 onwards. UNAIDS reports, WHO guidelines and abstracts from conferences were reviewed. All studies measuring at least one of the following outcomes, viral load suppression, loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) and mortality were included. Data were extracted, and a descriptive analysis was performed. Risk of bias assessment was done for all studies. Pooled estimates of the risk difference (for viral suppression) and hazard ratio (for mortality) were made using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Of 3082 non-duplicate records, 193 were eligible for full text screening of which 21 published papers met the criteria for inclusion. The pooled risk difference of viral load suppression amongst 4 RCTs showed no evidence of a difference in viral suppression (VS) between nHFBC and HFBC with an overall estimated risk difference of 1% [95% CI -1, 4%]. The pooled hazard ratio of mortality amongst 2 RCTs and 4 observational cohort studies showed no evidence of a difference in mortality between nHFBC and HFBC with an overall estimated hazard ratio of 1.01 [95% CI 0.88, 1.16]. Fifteen studies contained data on LTFU and 13 studies on retention. Although no formal quantitative analysis was performed on these outcomes due to the very different definitions between papers, it was observed that the outcomes appeared similar between HFBC and nHFBC. CONCLUSIONS Review of current literature demonstrates comparable outcomes for nHFBC compared to HFBC ART delivery programmes in terms of viral suppression, retention and mortality. PROSPERO NUMBER CRD42018088194 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Limbada
- Zambart House, PO Box 50697, UNZA-Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | | | - David Macleod
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart House, PO Box 50697, UNZA-Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College and Imperial college NIHR BRC, London, UK
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Phiri K, McBride K, Moucheraud C, Mphande M, Balakasi K, Lungu E, Kalande P, Hoffman RM, Dovel K. Community and health system factors associated with antiretroviral therapy initiation among men and women in Malawi: a mixed methods study exploring gender-specific barriers to care. Int Health 2021; 13:253-261. [PMID: 32844205 PMCID: PMC8079311 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although community and health system factors are known to be critical to timely antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, little is known about how they affect men and women. METHODS We examined community- and health system-level factors associated with ART initiation in Malawi and whether associations differ by gender; 312 ART initiates and 108 non-initiates completed a survey; a subset of 30 individuals completed an indepth interview. Quantitative data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, with separate models by gender. Qualitative data were analyzed through constant comparison methods. RESULTS Among women, no community-level characteristics were associated with ART initiation in multivariable models; among men, receiving social support for HIV services (adjusted OR [AOR]=4.61; p<0.05) was associated with ART initiation. Two health system factors were associated with ART initiation among men and one for women: trust that accessing ART services would not lead to unwanted disclosure (women: AOR=4.51, p<0.01; men: AOR=1.71, p<0.01) and trust that clients were not turned away from ART services (men: 12.36, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Qualitative data indicate that men were concerned about unwanted disclosure due to engaging in ART services and long waiting times for services. Interventions to remove health system barriers to ART services should be explored to promote social support among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khumbo Phiri
- Partners in Hope, P.O. Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kaitlyn McBride
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Corrina Moucheraud
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | | - Eric Lungu
- Partners in Hope, P.O. Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Risa M Hoffman
- Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Partners in Hope, P.O. Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
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Eshun-Wilson I, Awotiwon AA, Germann A, Amankwaa SA, Ford N, Schwartz S, Baral S, Geng EH. Effects of community-based antiretroviral therapy initiation models on HIV treatment outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003646. [PMID: 34048443 PMCID: PMC8213195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in the community and outside of a traditional health facility has the potential to improve linkage to ART, decongest health facilities, and minimize structural barriers to attending HIV services among people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of offering ART initiation in the community on HIV treatment outcomes. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched databases between 1 January 2013 and 22 February 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared offering ART initiation in a community setting to offering ART initiation in a traditional health facility or alternative community setting. We assessed risk of bias, reporting of implementation outcomes, and real-world relevance and used Mantel-Haenszel methods to generate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals. We evaluated heterogeneity qualitatively and quantitatively and used GRADE to evaluate overall evidence certainty. Searches yielded 4,035 records, resulting in 8 included studies-4 RCTs and 4 observational studies-conducted in Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, and Haiti-a total of 11,196 PLWH. Five studies were conducted in general HIV populations, 2 in key populations, and 1 in adolescents. Community ART initiation strategies included community-based HIV testing coupled with ART initiation at home or at community venues; 5 studies maintained ART refills in the community, and 4 provided refills at the health facility. All studies were pragmatic, but in most cases provided additional resources. Few studies reported on implementation outcomes. All studies showed higher ART uptake in community initiation arms compared to facility initiation and refill arms (standard of care) (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.45; RD 30%, 95% CI 10% to 50%; 5 studies). Retention (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.54; RD 19%, 95% CI 11% to 28%; 4 studies) and viral suppression (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.49; RD 15%, 95% CI 10% to 21%; 3 studies) at 12 months were also higher in the community-based ART initiation arms. Improved uptake, retention, and viral suppression with community ART initiation were seen across population subgroups-including men, adolescents, and key populations. One study reported no difference in retention and viral suppression at 2 years. There were limited data on adherence and mortality. Social harms and adverse events appeared to be minimal and similar between community ART initiation and standard of care. One study compared ART refill strategies following community ART initiation (community versus facility refills) and found no difference in viral suppression (RD -7%, 95% CI -19% to 6%) or retention at 12 months (RD -12%, 95% CI -23% to 0.3%). This systematic review was limited by few studies for inclusion, poor-quality observational data, and short-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Based on data from a limited set of studies, community ART initiation appears to result in higher ART uptake, retention, and viral suppression at 1 year compared to facility-based ART initiation. Implementation on a wider scale necessitates broader exploration of costs, logistics, and acceptability by providers and PLWH to ensure that these effects are reproducible when delivered at scale, in different contexts, and over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ajibola A. Awotiwon
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Knowledge Translation Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ashley Germann
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sophia A. Amankwaa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global Hepatitis Programme, Department of HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stefan Baral
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elvin H. Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Amstutz A, Brown JA, Ringera I, Muhairwe J, Lejone TI, Klimkait T, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. Engagement in Care, Viral Suppression, Drug Resistance, and Reasons for Nonengagement After Home-Based Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Lesotho: A Two-Year Follow-up of the CASCADE Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:2608-2614. [PMID: 31781759 PMCID: PMC7745003 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The CASCADE trial showed that compared with usual care (UC), offering same-day (SD) antiretroviral therapy (ART) during home-based human immunodeficiency virus testing improved engagement in care and viral suppression 12 months after diagnosis. However, questions remain regarding long-term outcomes and the risk of propagating drug resistance. Methods After completion of the primary endpoint at 12 months, participants not in care in both arms were traced and encouraged to access care. At 24 months, the following outcomes were assessed in both arms: engagement in care, viral suppression, and reasons for nonengagement. Furthermore, we explored the acquisition of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) among SD arm nonlinkers. Results At 24 months, 64% (88/137) in the SD arm vs 59% (81/137) in the UC arm were in care (absolute difference [AD], 5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −6 to16; P = .38) and 57% (78/137) vs 54% (74/137) had documented viral suppression (AD, 3%; 95% CI, −9 to 15; P = .28). Among 36 participants alive and not in care at 24 months with ascertained status, the majority rejected contact with the health system or were unwilling to take ART. Among 8 interviewed SD arm nonlinkers, 6 had not initiated ART upon enrollment, and no acquired DRMs were detected. Two had taken the initial 30-day ART supply and acquired DRMs. Conclusions SD ART resulted in higher rates of engagement in care and viral suppression at 12 months but not at 24 months. Leveling off between both arms was driven by linkage beyond 12 months in the UC arm. We did not observe compensatory long-term disengagement in the SD arm. These long-term results endorse SD ART initiation policies. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02692027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Anne Brown
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Bachanas P, Alwano MG, Lebelonyane R, Block L, Behel S, Raizes E, Ussery G, Wang H, Ussery F, Pretorius Holme M, Sexton C, Pals S, Lasry A, Del Castillo L, Hader S, Lockman S, Bock N, Moore J. Finding, treating and retaining persons with HIV in a high HIV prevalence and high treatment coverage country: Results from the Botswana Combination Prevention Project. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250211. [PMID: 33882092 PMCID: PMC8059857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The scale-up of Universal Test and Treat has resulted in reductions in HIV morbidity, mortality and incidence. However, healthcare system and personal challenges have impacted the levels of treatment coverage achieved. We implemented interventions to improve linkage to care, retention, viral load (VL) coverage and service delivery, and describe the HIV care cascade over the course of the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP) study. METHODS BCPP was designed to evaluate the impact of prevention interventions on HIV incidence in 30 communities in Botswana. We followed a longitudinal cohort of newly identified and known HIV-positive persons not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) identified through community-based testing activities through BCPP and referred with appointments to local HIV clinics in 15 intervention communities. Those who did not keep the first or follow-up appointments were tracked and traced through phone and home contacts. Improvements to service delivery models in the intervention clinics were also implemented. RESULTS A total of 3,657 newly identified or HIV-positive persons not on ART were identified and referred to their local HIV clinic; 90% (3,282/3,657) linked to care and of those, 93% (3,066/3,282) initiated treatment. Near the end of the study, 221 persons remained >90 days late for appointments or missing. Tracing efforts identified 54/3,066 (2%) persons who initiated treatment but died, and 106/3,066 (3%) persons were located and returned to treatment. At study end, 61/3,066 (2%) persons remained missing and were never reached. Overall, 2,951 (98%) persons living with HIV (PLHIV) who initiated treatment were still alive, retained in care and still receiving ART out of the 3,001 persons alive at the end of the study. Of those on ART, 2,854 (97%) had current VL results and 2,784 (98%) of those were virally suppressed at study end. CONCLUSIONS This study achieved high rates of linkage, treatment initiation, retention and VL coverage and suppression in a cohort of newly identified and known PLHIV not on ART. Tracking and tracing interventions effectively identified those persons who needed more resource intensive follow-up. The interventions implemented to improve service delivery and data quality may have also contributed to high linkage and retention rates. Clinical trial number: NCT01965470.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Bachanas
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mary Grace Alwano
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Lisa Block
- Northrup Grumman, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Behel
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elliot Raizes
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gene Ussery
- Northrup Grumman, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Huisheng Wang
- Northrup Grumman, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Faith Ussery
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Molly Pretorius Holme
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Connie Sexton
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sherri Pals
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Arielle Lasry
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lisetta Del Castillo
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Shahin Lockman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Naomi Bock
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Janet Moore
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Katz IT, Musinguzi N, Bell K, Cross A, Bwana MB, Amanyire G, Asiimwe S, Orrell C, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Brief Report: The Impact of Disease Stage on Early Gaps in ART in the "Treatment for All" Era-A Multisite Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:562-567. [PMID: 33351529 PMCID: PMC7938906 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoption of "Treat All" policies has increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in sub-Saharan Africa; however, unexplained early losses continue to occur. More information is needed to understand why treatment discontinuation continues at this vulnerable stage in care. METHODS The Monitoring Early Treatment Adherence Study involved a prospective observational cohort of individuals initiating ART at early-stage versus late-stage disease in South Africa and Uganda. Surveys and HIV-1 RNA levels were performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months, with adherence monitored electronically. This analysis included nonpregnant participants in the first 6 months of follow-up; demographic and clinical factors were compared across groups with χ2, univariable, and multivariable models. RESULTS Of 669 eligible participants, 91 (14%) showed early gaps of ≥30 days in ART use (22% in South Africa and 6% in Uganda) with the median time to gap of 77 days (interquartile range: 43-101) and 87 days (74, 105), respectively. Although 71 (78%) ultimately resumed care, having an early gap was still significantly associated with detectable viremia at 6 months (P ≤ 0.01). Multivariable modeling, restricted to South Africa, found secondary education and higher physical health score protected against early gaps [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2 to 0.8 and (aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.0), respectively]. Participants reporting clinics as "too far" had double the odds of early gaps (aOR 2.2: 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.1). DISCUSSION Early gaps in ART persist, resulting in higher odds of detectable viremia, particularly in South Africa. Interventions targeting health management and access to care are critical to reducing early gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T. Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Kathleen Bell
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
| | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Gideon Amanyire
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda; and
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
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Olwenyi OA, Asingura B, Naluyima P, Anywar GU, Nalunga J, Nakabuye M, Semwogerere M, Bagaya B, Cham F, Tindikahwa A, Kiweewa F, Lichter EZ, Podany AT, Fletcher CV, Byrareddy SN, Kibuuka H. In-vitro Immunomodulatory activity of Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Ethanol: water mixture against HIV associated chronic CD4 + T-cell activation/ exhaustion. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:114. [PMID: 33836748 PMCID: PMC8034071 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Sub-Saharan Africa, herbal therapy continues to be utilized for HIV-1 disease management. However, the therapeutic benefits of these substances remain ambiguous. To date, little is known about the effects of these plant extracts on chronic CD4 + T-cell activation and exhaustion which is partly driven by HIV-1 associated microbial translocation. METHODS Effects of Azadirachta indica, Momordica foetida and Moringa oleifera ethanol: water mixtures on cell viability were evaluated using the Guava PCA system. Then, an in-vitro cell culture model was developed to mimic CD4+ T cell exposures to antigens following HIV-1 microbial translocation. In this, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from HIV negative (n = 13), viral load < 1000 copies per mL (n = 10) and viral load > 1000 copies per mL (n = 6) study participants from rural Uganda were treated with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB). Then, the candidate plant extract (A. indica) was added to test the potential to inhibit corresponding CD4+ T cell activation. Following BD Facs Canto II event acquisition, variations in %CD38, %CD69, Human Leukocyte Antigen -DR (HLA-DR), Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3), interferon gamma (IFN γ) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) CD4 + T cell expression were evaluated. RESULTS Following exposure to SEB, only A. indica demonstrated a concentration-dependent ability to downregulate the levels of CD4 + T cell activation. At the final concentration of 0.500 μg/mL of A. indica, a significant downregulation of CD4 + CD38 + HLA-DR+ expression was observed in HIV negative (p < 0.0001) and both HIV infected groups (P = 0.0313). This plant extract also significantly lowered SEB induced % CD4+ T cell HLADR, PD-1 and Tim-3 levels. PD-1 and CD69 markers were only significantly downmodulated in only the HIV negative ((p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0078 respectively) and viral load< 1000 copies per ml (p = 0.0078) groups. CONCLUSION A. indica exhibited the in-vitro immunomodulatory potential to inhibit the continuum of SEB induced CD4+ T-cell activation/ exhaustion without impacting general T-cell specific functions such as cytokine secretion. Additional studies are needed to confirm A. indica as a source of natural products for targeting persistent immune activation and inflammation during ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omalla A Olwenyi
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Bannet Asingura
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Prossy Naluyima
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Godwin Upoki Anywar
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Justine Nalunga
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mariam Nakabuye
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Bernard Bagaya
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fatim Cham
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allan Tindikahwa
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Francis Kiweewa
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eliezer Z Lichter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Anthony T Podany
- Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Center for Drug Discovery, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Courtney V Fletcher
- Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Center for Drug Discovery, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Hannah Kibuuka
- Makerere University, Walter Reed Project, P.O Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda
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Kamya MR, Petersen ML, Kabami J, Ayieko J, Kwariisima D, Sang N, Clark TD, Schwab J, Charlebois ED, Cohen CR, Bukusi EA, Peng J, Jain V, Chen YH, Chamie G, Balzer LB, Havlir DV. SEARCH Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Streamlined Treatment Intervention Reduces Mortality at a Population Level in Men With Low CD4 Counts. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1938-e1945. [PMID: 33783495 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We tested the hypothesis that patient-centered, streamlined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care would achieve lower mortality than the standard treatment model for persons with HIV and CD4 ≤ 350/uL in the setting of population-wide HIV testing. METHODS In the SEARCH (Sustainable East Africa Research in Community Health) Study (NCT01864603), 32 communities in rural Uganda and Kenya were randomized to country-guided antiretroviral therapy (ART) versus streamlined ART care that included rapid ART start, visit spacing, flexible clinic hours, and welcoming environment. We assessed persons with HIV and CD4 ≤ 350/uL, ART eligible in both arms, and estimated the effect of streamlined care on ART initiation and mortality at 3 years. Comparisons between study arms used a cluster-level analysis with survival estimates from Kaplan-Meier; estimates of ART start among ART-naive persons treated death as a competing risk. RESULTS Among 13 266 adults with HIV, 2973 (22.4%) had CD4 ≤ 350/uL. Of these, 33% were new diagnoses, and 10% were diagnosed but ART-naive. Men with HIV were almost twice as likely as women with HIV to have CD4 ≤ 350/uL and be untreated (15% vs 8%, respectively). Streamlined care reduced mortality by 28% versus control (risk ratio [RR] = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .56, .93; P = .02). Despite eligibility in both arms, persons with CD4 ≤ 350/uL started ART faster under streamlined care versus control (76% vs 43% by 12 months, respectively; P < .001). Mortality was reduced substantially more among men (RR = 0.61; 95% CI: .43, .86; P = .01) than among women (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: .62, 1.32; P = .58). CONCLUSIONS After population-based HIV testing, streamlined care reduced population-level mortality among persons with HIV and CD4 ≤ 350/uL, particularly among men. Streamlined HIV care models may play a key role in global efforts to reduce AIDS deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses R Kamya
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maya L Petersen
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jane Kabami
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Tamara D Clark
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joshua Schwab
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | - Craig R Cohen
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - James Peng
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vivek Jain
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yea-Hung Chen
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gabriel Chamie
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Laura B Balzer
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane V Havlir
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Fast-track treatment initiation counselling in South Africa: A cost-outcomes analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248551. [PMID: 33735206 PMCID: PMC7971492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2016, under its new National Adherence Guidelines (AGL), South Africa formalized an existing model of fast-track HIV treatment initiation counselling (FTIC). Rollout of the AGL included an evaluation study at 24 clinics, with staggered AGL implementation. Using routinely collected data extracted as part of the evaluation study, we estimated and compared the costs of HIV care and treatment from the provider’s perspective at the 12 clinics implementing the new, formalized model (AGL-FTIC) to costs at the 12 clinics continuing to implement some earlier, less formalized, model that likely varied across clinics (denoted here as early-FTIC). Methods This was a cost-outcome analysis using standard methods and a composite outcome defined as initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 30 days of treatment eligibility and retained in care at 9 months. Using patient-level, bottom-up resource-utilization data and local unit costs, we estimated patient-level costs of care and treatment in 2017 U.S. dollars over the 9-month evaluation follow-up period for the two models of care. Resource use and costs, disaggregated by antiretroviral medications, laboratory tests, and clinic visits, are reported by model of care and stratified by the composite outcome. Results A total of 350/343 patients in the early-FTIC/AGL-FTIC models of care are included in this analysis. Mean/median costs were similar for both models of care ($135/$153 for early-FTIC, $130/$151 for AGL-FTIC). For the subset achieving the composite outcome, resource use and therefore mean/median costs were similar but slightly higher, reflecting care consistent with treatment guidelines ($163/$166 for early-FTIC, $168/$170 for AGL-FTIC). Not surprisingly, costs for patients not achieving the composite outcome were substantially less, mainly because they only had two or fewer follow-up visits and, therefore, received substantially less ART than patients who achieved the composite outcome. Conclusion The 2016 adherence guidelines clarified expectations for the content and timing of adherence counseling sessions in relation to ART initiation. Because clinics were already initiating patients on ART quickly by 2016, little room existed for the new model of fast-track initiation counseling to reduce the number of pre-ART clinic visits at the study sites and therefore to reduce costs of care and treatment. Trial registration Clinical Trial Number: NCT02536768.
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Electrochemical biosensor for glycine detection in biological fluids. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 182:113154. [PMID: 33773381 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We present herein the very first amperometric biosensor for the quantitative determination of glycine in diverse biological fluids. The biosensor is based on a novel quinoprotein that catalyzes the oxidation of glycine with high specificity. This process is coupled to the redox conversion of Prussian blue in the presence of hydrogen peroxide originating from the enzymatic reaction. The optimized tailoring of the biosensor design consists of the effective encapsulation of the quinoprotein in a chitosan matrix with the posterior addition of an outer Nafion layer, which is here demonstrated to suppress matrix interference. This is particularly important in the case of ascorbic acid, which is known to influence the redox behavior of the Prussian blue. The analytical performance of the biosensor demonstrates fast response time (<7 s), acceptable reversibility, reproducibility, and stability (<6% variation) as well as a wide linear range of response (25-500 μM) that covers healthy (and even most unhealthy) physiological levels of glycine in blood/serum, urine and sweat. A total of 6 real samples from healthy patients and animals were analyzed: two serum, two urine and two sweat samples. The results were validated via commercially available fluorescence kit, displaying discrepancy of less than 9% in all the samples. The unique analytical features and effortless preparation of the new glycine biosensor position it at the forefront of current technologies towards decentralized clinical applications and sport performance monitoring.
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Boeke CE, Joseph J, Wang M, Abate ZM, Atem C, Coulibaly KD, Kebede A, Kiernan B, Kingwara L, Mangwendeza P, Maparo T, Mbaye RN, Mukungunugwa S, Ngugi C, Nzuobontane D, Okomo Assoumou MC, Reta Y, Wambugu B, Rioja MR, Peter T, Doi N, Vojnov L, Khan S, Sacks JA. Point-of-care testing can achieve same-day diagnosis for infants and rapid ART initiation: results from government programmes across six African countries. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25677. [PMID: 33745234 PMCID: PMC7981587 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Point-of-care (POC) early infant diagnosis (EID) testing has been shown to dramatically decrease turnaround times from sample collection to caregiver result receipt and time to ART initiation for HIV-positive infants compared to centralized laboratory testing. As governments in sub-Saharan Africa implement POC EID technologies, we report on the feasibility and effectiveness of POC EID testing and the impact of same-day result delivery on rapid ART initiation within national programmes across six countries. METHODS This pre-/post-evaluation compared centralized laboratory-based (pre) with POC (post) EID testing in 52 facilities across Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal and Zimbabwe between April 2017 and October 2019 (country-dependent). Data were collected retrospectively from routine records at health facilities for all infants tested under two years of age. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare time-to-event outcomes, visualized with Kaplan-Meier curves, and the Somers' D test was used to compare continuous outcomes. RESULTS Data were collected for 2892 EID tests conducted on centralized laboratory-based platforms and 4610 EID tests on POC devices with 127 (4%) and 192 (4%) HIV-positive infants identified, respectively. POC EID significantly reduced the time from sample collection to caregiver result receipt (POC median: 0 days, IQR: 0 to 0 vs. centralized: 35 days, IQR: 26 to 56) and time from sample collection to ART initiation for HIV-positive infants (POC median: 1 day, IQR: 0 to 7 vs. centralized: 39 days, IQR: 26 to 57). With POC testing, 72% of infants received results on the same day as sample collection; HIV-positive infants with a same-day diagnosis had six times the rate of ART initiation compared to those diagnosed one or more days after sample collection (HR: 6.39; 95% CI: 3.44 to 11.85). CONCLUSIONS Same-day diagnosis and treatment initiation for infants is possible with POC EID within routine government-led and -supported public sector healthcare facilities in resource-limited settings. Given that POC EID allows for rapid ART initiation, aligning to the World Health Organization's recommendation of ART initiation within seven days, its use in public sector programmes has the potential to reduce overall mortality for infants with HIV through early treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Khady Diatou Coulibaly
- Division de la Lutte Contre le SIDA et les ISTMinistère de la Santé et de l’Action SocialeDakarSenegal
| | - Adisu Kebede
- Ethiopian Public Health InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | | | - Leonard Kingwara
- National HIV Reference LabNairobiKenya
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP)NairobiKenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Catherine Ngugi
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP)NairobiKenya
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Wambugu
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP)NairobiKenya
| | | | | | - Naoko Doi
- Clinton Health Access InitiativeBostonMAUSA
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Sy KTL, Tariq S, Ramjee G, Blanchard K, Leu CS, Kelvin EA, Exner TM, Gandhi AD, Lince-Deroche N, Mantell JE, O’Sullivan LF, Hoffman S. Predictors of antiretroviral therapy initiation in eThekwini (Durban), South Africa: Findings from a prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246744. [PMID: 33606712 PMCID: PMC7895397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite expanded antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility in South Africa, many people diagnosed with HIV do not initiate ART promptly, yet understanding of the reasons is limited. Using data from an 8-month prospective cohort interview study of women and men newly-diagnosed with HIV in three public-sector primary care clinics in the eThekwini (Durban) region, South Africa, 2010-2014, we examined if theoretically-relevant social-structural, social-cognitive, psychosocial, and health status indicators were associated with time to ART initiation. Of 459 diagnosed, 350 returned to the clinic for their CD4+ test results (linkage); 153 (33.3%) were ART-eligible according to treatment criteria at the time; 115 (75.2% of those eligible) initiated ART (median = 12.86 weeks [95% CI: 9.75, 15.97] after linkage). In adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, internalized stigma was associated with a 65% decrease in the rate of ART initiation (Adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19-0.80) during the period less than four weeks after linkage to care, but not four or more weeks after linkage to care, suggesting that stigma-reduction interventions implemented shortly after diagnosis may accelerate ART uptake. As reported by others, older age was associated with more rapid ART initiation (AHR for 1-year age increase: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07) and higher CD4+ cell count (≥300μL vs. <150μL) was associated with a lower rate of initiation (AHR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19-0.80). Several other factors that were assessed prior to diagnosis, including stronger belief in traditional medicine, higher endorsement of stigma toward people living with HIV, food insecurity, and higher psychological distress, were found to be in the expected direction of association with ART initiation, but confidence intervals were wide and could not exclude a null finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Therese L. Sy
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Shema Tariq
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gita Ramjee
- South African Medical Research Council, HIV Prevention Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kelly Blanchard
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, Massachusetts and Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Kelvin
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Theresa M. Exner
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Anisha D. Gandhi
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Naomi Lince-Deroche
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, Massachusetts and Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joanne E. Mantell
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Susie Hoffman
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Onoya D, Hendrickson C, Sineke T, Maskew M, Long L, Bor J, Fox MP. Attrition in HIV care following HIV diagnosis: a comparison of the pre-UTT and UTT eras in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25652. [PMID: 33605061 PMCID: PMC7893145 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Policies for Universal Test & Treat (UTT) and same-day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) were instituted in South Africa in September 2016 and 2017 respectively. However, there is limited evidence on whether these changes have improved patient retention after HIV diagnosis. METHODS We enrolled three cohorts of newly diagnosed HIV-infected adults from two primary health clinics in Johannesburg from April to November 2015 (Pre-UTT, N = 144), May-September 2017 (UTT, N = 178) and October-December 2017 (SDI, N = 88). A baseline survey was administered immediately after HIV diagnosis after which follow-up using clinical records (paper charts, electronic health records and laboratory data) ensued for 12 months. The primary outcome was patient loss to follow-up (being >90 days late for the last scheduled appointment) at 12 months post-HIV diagnosis. We modelled attrition across HIV policy periods with Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS Overall, 410 of 580 screened HIV-positive patients were enrolled. Overall, attrition at 12 months was 30% lower in the UTT guideline period (38.2%) compared to pre-UTT (47.2%, aHR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5 to 1.0). However, the total attrition was similar between the SDI (47.7%) and pre-UTT cohorts (aHR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7 to 1.5). Older age at HIV diagnosis (aHR 0.5 for ≥40 vs. 25 to 29 years, 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.8) and being in a non-marital relationship (aHR 0.5 vs. being single, 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.8) protected against LTFU at 12 months, whereas LTFU rates increased with longer travel time to the diagnosing clinic (aHR 1.8 for ≥30 minutes vs. ≤15 minutes, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.1). In analyses adjusted for the time-varying ART initiation status, compared to the pre-ART period of care, the hazard of on-ART LTFU was 90% higher among participants diagnosed under the SDI policy compared to pre-UTT (aHR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.9). CONCLUSIONS Overall, nearly two-fifths of HIV positive patients are likely to disengage from care by 12 months after HIV diagnosis under the new SDI policy. Furthermore, the increase in on-ART patient attrition after the introduction of the SDI policy is cause for concern. Further research is needed to determine the best way for rapidly initiating patients on ART and also reducing long-term attrition from care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Cheryl Hendrickson
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Tembeka Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Lawrence Long
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Jacob Bor
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
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Njau B, Damian DJ, Abdullahi L, Boulle A, Mathews C. The effects of HIV self-testing on the uptake of HIV testing, linkage to antiretroviral treatment and social harms among adults in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245498. [PMID: 33503050 PMCID: PMC7840047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV infection is still a global public health problem. More than 75% of HIV-infected people are in Africa, and up to 54% are unaware of their HIV status, limiting access to antiretroviral treatment. CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This review aimed to determine whether HIV self-testing (HIVST) increases the uptake of testing, the yield of new HIV-positive diagnoses, and the linkage to antiretroviral treatment, and social harms among adults in Africa. METHODS PubMed, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), Databases of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE), Social Sciences Citation Index, Web of Science and African Index Medicus databases were searched from 1998 to 2019 (updated in December 2019). Eligible trials employed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), before/after studies, and interrupted time series design comparing HIVST to standard HIV testing services or comparing different approaches to HIVST among adults living in Africa were systematically sought. RESULTS After searching 2,617 citations eleven trials were identified including 59,119 participants from four (4) African countries. Meta-analysis of seven trials showed a significant increase in the uptake of HIVST compared to standard HIV testing services: Both fixed-effects (Rate Ratio (RR) = 2.64, 95% CI: 2.51 to 2.79), and random-effects (RR) = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.80 to 5.37, and a significant increase in the uptake of couples' HIVST (RR = 2.50, 95% CI: 2.29 to 2.73 in fixed-effects models; and RR = 2.64, 95% CI: 2.01 to 3.49 in random-effects model). A decrease in linkage to care and ART was observed in HIVST compared to standard HIV testing services (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.95 in fixed-effects models; and RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0. 56 to 1.08 in random-effects models). Six RCTs measured social harms, with a total of ten reported cases related to HIVST. One RCT comparing two approaches to HIVST showed that offering home-based HIVST with optional home-initiation of antiretroviral treatment increased the reporting of a positive HIV test result (RR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.98), and linkage to antiretroviral treatment (RR: 2.94; 95% CI: 2.10 to 4.12), compared with facility-based linkage to antiretroviral treatment. CONCLUSIONS HIVST has the potential to increase the uptake of HIV testing compared to standard HIV testing services. Offering HIVST with optional home initiation of HIV care compared to HIVST with facility-based HIV care increases HIV positivity and linkage to antiretroviral treatment. Reported incidences of intimate partner violence related to HIVST were rare. Future research should focus on the potential of HIVST to reach first-time testers, the effect of using different approaches to HIVST, and strategies for linkage to HIV services. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This systematic review was prospectively registered on the Prospero International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (CRD42015023935).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Njau
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Damian J. Damian
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leila Abdullahi
- Save the Children International SCI, Somalia/Somaliland Country Office, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Andrew Boulle
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catherine Mathews
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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49
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Kimaro GD, Guinness L, Shiri T, Kivuyo S, Chanda D, Bottomley C, Chen T, Kahwa A, Hawkins N, Mwaba P, Mfinanga SG, Harrison TS, Jaffar S, Niessen LW. Cryptococcal Meningitis Screening and Community-based Early Adherence Support in People With Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in Tanzania and Zambia: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:1652-1657. [PMID: 31149704 PMCID: PMC7146002 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A randomized trial demonstrated that among people living with late-stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection initiating antiretroviral therapy, screening serum for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) combined with adherence support reduced all-cause mortality by 28%, compared with standard clinic-based care. Here, we present the cost-effectiveness. Methods HIV-infected adults with CD4 count <200 cells/μL were randomized to either CrAg screening plus 4 weekly home visits to provide adherence support or to standard clinic-based care in Dar es Salaam and Lusaka. The primary economic outcome was health service care cost per life-year saved as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), based on 2017 US dollars. We used nonparametric bootstrapping to assess uncertainties and univariate deterministic sensitivity analysis to examine the impact of individual parameters on the ICER. Results Among the intervention and standard arms, 1001 and 998 participants, respectively, were enrolled. The annual mean cost per participant in the intervention arm was US$339 (95% confidence interval [CI], $331–$347), resulting in an incremental cost of the intervention of US$77 (95% CI, $66–$88). The incremental cost was similar when analysis was restricted to persons with CD4 count <100 cells/μL. The ICER for the intervention vs standard care, per life-year saved, was US$70 (95% CI, $43–$211) for all participants with CD4 count up to 200 cells/μL and US$91 (95% CI, $49–$443) among those with CD4 counts <100 cells /μL. Cost-effectveness was most sensitive to mortality estimates. Conclusions Screening for cryptococcal antigen combined with a short period of adherence support, is cost-effective in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfather Dickson Kimaro
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Tinevimbo Shiri
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Sokoine Kivuyo
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Duncan Chanda
- University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Zambia
| | - Christian Bottomley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Amos Kahwa
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Neil Hawkins
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Mwaba
- Department of Internal Medicine and Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Zambia
| | - Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Centre for Global Health, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Louis W Niessen
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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50
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Truong M, Rane MS, Govere S, Galagan SR, Moosa MY, Stoep AV, Celum C, Drain PK. Depression and anxiety as barriers to art initiation, retention in care, and treatment outcomes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 31:100621. [PMID: 33490927 PMCID: PMC7806795 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since mental health may influence HIV care among people living with HIV (PLHIV), we sought to evaluate the impact of anxiety and depression on ART initiation and HIV-related outcomes. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of PLHIV in the Umlazi Township of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We measured depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, both of which have been validated in sub-Saharan Africa, among all patients prior to receiving a positive HIV test. We then followed those who tested HIV+ for 12 months to determine their time to ART initiation, missing clinic visits or refills, retention in care, hospitalization, and death. We used logistic regression models, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics such as age and sex, to examine the effects of baseline measures of depression and anxiety on ART initiation and HIV treatment outcomes. FINDINGS Among 2,319 adult PLHIV, mean age was 33 years (SD=9.3 years), 57% were female, and baseline median CD4 count was 317 cells/mm3 (IQR=175-491 cells/mm3). In univariate analyses, depression was associated with slower rates of ART initiation. In adjusted models, PLHIV with depression had lower odds of initiating ART within 90 days of HIV testing (aOR=0.60, 95% CI=0.46, 0.79, p<0.01), and lower odds of being retained in care (aOR=0.77, 95% CI=0.60, 0.99, p = 0.04). By the end of the 12-month study period, odds of ART initiation among PLHIV with depression were higher than the first 90 days but still significantly lower compared to those without depression (aOR=0.72, 95% CI=0.52, 0.99, p = 0.04). Among PLHIV who initiated ART, depression was associated with a lower odds of missing clinic visits (aOR=0.54, 95% CI= 0.40, 0.73, p<0.01). Anxiety was strongly correlated with depression (r = 0.77, p<0.01) and had similar effects on HIV-related outcomes. INTERPRETATIONS The presence of depression is a significant barrier to ART initiation and retention in care among adult PLHIV in South Africa. Mental health screenings around the time of HIV testing may help improve linkage and HIV-related outcomes. FUNDING This work was supported by the Infectious Disease Society of America Education & Research Foundation and National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (PKD); Massachusetts General Hospital Executive Committee on Research (PKD); the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research [AI060354] (PKD); and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [AI108293, AI143351] (PKD). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or other funding agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Truong
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Corresponding author.
| | - Madhura S. Rane
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | | | - Sean R. Galagan
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | | | - Ann Vander Stoep
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Paul K. Drain
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 1959 Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
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