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Cuadros DF, Huang Q, Musuka G, Dzinamarira T, Moyo BK, Mpofu A, Makoni T, DeWolfe Miller F, Bershteyn A. Moving beyond hotspots of HIV prevalence to geospatial hotspots of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet HIV 2024; 11:e479-e488. [PMID: 38852597 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(24)00102-4] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa displays a varied geographical distribution, with particular regions termed as HIV hotspots due to a higher prevalence of infection. Addressing these hotspots is essential for controlling the epidemic. However, these regions, influenced by historical factors, challenge standard interventions. Legacy effects-the lasting impact of past events-play a substantial role in the persistence of these hotspots. To address this challenge of the standard interventions, we propose a shift towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Spatial analysis of HIV viral load and antiretroviral therapy coverage can provide a more comprehensive perspective on the epidemic's dynamics. Studies in Zambia and Zimbabwe, using this approach, have revealed disparities in HIV care metrics across regions. By focusing on the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, more effective control strategies can be designed, with consideration of both historical and current factors. This approach would offer a solution-oriented strategy, emphasising tailored interventions based on specific regional needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Qian Huang
- Center for Rural Health Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Brian K Moyo
- HIV and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Tatenda Makoni
- Zimbabwe Network for People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - F DeWolfe Miller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Anna Bershteyn
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Dirisu O, Eluwa GIE, Callens S, Adams E, Akinwunmi A, Geibel S, Iyortim I. 'I take the drugs… to make the sickness to move out of me': key populations' and service provider perspectives about facilitators and barriers to ART adherence and retention in care in Nigeria. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:88. [PMID: 38886824 PMCID: PMC11181523 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01282-9] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has individual and public health benefits and is critical to improving life expectancy, achieving viral suppression, and reducing the risk of HIV transmission. This qualitative study explored the experience of receiving care as well as perceived facilitators and barriers of treatment initiation, retention in ART care, and adherence to treatment. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted among 28 men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSWs) receiving ART services in Lagos and Benue states. Key informant interviews were also conducted among 16 service providers engaged in counselling, clinical care, and ART treatment for MSM and FSWs. The Social Ecology Model guided the exploration of perceived barriers and facilitators of treatment initiation, retention in ART care and adherence to treatment. Qualitative data analysis was managed using NVIVO 11 software and themes were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We found that the key barriers to ART adherence were low motivation to comply with medication regimen, work commitments, socioeconomic factors, stigma, negative provider attitude and distance to health facilities. Facilitators of adherence identified include the desire to live a productive life, strong family support and participation in support group programs. Comprehensive adherence counselling, support group programs and an effective follow-up system were factors identified by service providers as key to facilitating adherence. CONCLUSION To be effective, ART programs must address the unique challenges key populations face in accessing treatment and achieving optimal adherence regarding establishing a strong support system and follow-up. Community level interventions that support a stigma-free environment are critical to sustaining engagement in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osasuyi Dirisu
- Policy Innovation Center, Snr Fellow Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Steve Callens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Isa Iyortim
- United States Agency for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria
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Fonner V, Agostini T, Desai R, Hartzell P, Martin L, Meissner EG. Implementation of free-draft text messaging to enhance care retention and satisfaction for persons living with HIV infection. AIDS Care 2024; 36:452-462. [PMID: 37139535 PMCID: PMC10622326 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2208320] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Eligible persons with HIV infection can receive client-centered case management to coordinate medical and social services. Novel mobile health interventions could improve effective case management and retention in care, an important goal to help end the HIV epidemic. Using a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation design, we assessed whether access to bidirectional, free-draft secure text messaging with a case manager and clinic pharmacist could improve client satisfaction and care retention in a Southern academic HIV clinic. Sixty-four clients enrolled between November 2019 and March 2020, had a median age of 39 years, and were mostly male, single, and African-American. Heavy app users texted over 100 times (n = 6) over the course of the 12-month intervention while others never texted (n = 12). App usage peaked during months of clinic closure due to COVID-19. Most participants reported high satisfaction with the app and planned continued usage after study completion. Changes in clinic retention and virologic suppression rates were not observed, a result confounded by practice changes due to COVID-19. High usage and satisfaction of free-draft text messaging in case-managed HIV clients supports inclusion of this communication option in routine HIV clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Fonner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Thomas Agostini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Rohan Desai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Peyton Hartzell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Lisa Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Eric G. Meissner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Wamuti B, Jamil MS, Siegfried N, Ford N, Baggaley R, Johnson CC, Cherutich P. Understanding effective post-test linkage strategies for HIV prevention and care: a scoping review. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26229. [PMID: 38604993 PMCID: PMC11009370 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following HIV testing services (HTS), the World Health Organization recommends prompt linkage to prevention and treatment. Scale-up of effective linkage strategies is essential to achieving the global 95-95-95 goals for maintaining low HIV incidence by 2030 and reducing HIV-related morbidity and mortality. Whereas linkage to care including same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation for all people with HIV is now routinely implemented in testing programmes, linkage to HIV prevention interventions including behavioural or biomedical strategies, for HIV-negative individuals remains sub-optimal. This review aims to evaluate effective post-HTS linkage strategies for HIV overall, and highlight gaps specifically in linkage to prevention. METHODS Using the five-step Arksey and O'Malley framework, we conducted a scoping review searching existing published and grey literature. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE databases for English-language studies published between 1 January 2010 and 30 November 2023. Linkage interventions included as streamlined interventions-involving same-day HIV testing, ART initiation and point-of-care CD4 cell count/viral load, case management-involving linkage coordinators developing personalized HIV care and risk reduction plans, incentives-financial and non-financial, partner services-including contact tracing, virtual-like social media, quality improvement-like use of score cards, and peer-based interventions. Outcomes of interest were linkage to any form of HIV prevention and/or care including ART initiation. RESULTS Of 2358 articles screened, 66 research studies met the inclusion criteria. Only nine linkage to prevention studies were identified (n = 9/66, 14%)-involving pre-exposure prophylaxis, voluntary medical male circumcision, sexually transmitted infection and cervical cancer screening. Linkage to care studies (n = 57/66, 86%) focused on streamlined interventions in the general population and on case management among key populations. DISCUSSION Despite a wide range of HIV prevention interventions available, there was a dearth of literature on HIV prevention programmes and on the use of messaging on treatment as prevention strategy. Linkage to care studies were comparatively numerous except those evaluating virtual interventions, incentives and quality improvement. CONCLUSIONS The findings give insights into linkage strategies but more understanding of how to provide these effectively for maximum prevention impact is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Wamuti
- Department of Global Health and PopulationHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Muhammad S. Jamil
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Regional Office to the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health OrganizationCairoEgypt
| | | | - Nathan Ford
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Cheryl Case Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Peter Cherutich
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs, World Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Department of Preventive and Promotive HealthMinistry of HealthNairobiKenya
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Kim HY, Inghels M, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Matthews P, McGrath N, Adeagbo O, Gareta D, Yapa HM, Zuma T, Dobra A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F. The impact of a conditional financial incentive on linkage to HIV care: Findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial in rural South Africa. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.15.24304278. [PMID: 38562873 PMCID: PMC10984055 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.24304278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction HIV elimination requires innovative approaches to ensure testing and immediate treatment provision. We investigated the effectiveness of conditional financial incentives on increasing linkage to HIV care in a 2×2 factorial cluster randomized controlled trial-Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) - in rural South Africa. Methods Of 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal, 16 communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive financial incentives for home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT) and linkage to care within 6 weeks (R50 [US$3] food voucher each) and 29 communities to the arms without financial incentives. We examined linkage to care (i.e., initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after >3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 6 weeks of a home visit, the eligibility period to receive the second financial incentive. Linkage to care was ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app) and clustering of standard errors at the community level. Results Among 13,894 eligible men (i.e., ≥15 years and resident in the 45 communities), 20.7% received HBHCT, which resulted in 122 HIV-positive tests. Of these, 27 linked to care within 6 weeks of HBHCT. Additionally, of eligible men who did not receive HBHCT, 66 linked to care. In the ITT analysis, the proportion of linkage to care among men did not differ in the arms which received financial incentives and those without financial incentives (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR]=0.78, 95% CI: 0.51-1.21). Among 19,884 eligible women, 29.1% received HBHCT, which resulted in 375 HIV-positive tests. Of these, 75 linked to care. Among eligible women who did not receive HBHCT, 121 linked to care within 6 weeks. Women in the financial incentive arms had a significantly higher probability of linkage to care, compared to those in the arms without financial incentives (aRR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.03-2.21). Conclusion While a small once-off financial incentive did not increase linkage to care among men during the eligibility period of 6 weeks, it significantly improved linkage to care among women over the same period. Clinical Trial Number: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104.
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Makofane K, Kim H, Tchetgen Tchetgen E, Bassett MT, Berkman L, Adeagbo O, McGrath N, Seeley J, Shahmanesh M, Yapa HM, Herbst K, Tanser F, Bärnighausen T. Impact of family networks on uptake of health interventions: evidence from a community-randomized control trial aimed at increasing HIV testing in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26142. [PMID: 37598389 PMCID: PMC10440100 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26142] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While it is widely acknowledged that family relationships can influence health outcomes, their impact on the uptake of individual health interventions is unclear. In this study, we quantified how the efficacy of a randomized health intervention is shaped by its pattern of distribution in the family network. METHODS The "Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start" (HITS) was a 2×2 factorial community-randomized controlled trial in Umkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, embedded in the Africa Health Research Institute's population-based demographic and HIV surveillance platform (ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03757104). The study investigated the impact of two interventions: a financial micro-incentive and a male-targeted HIV-specific decision support programme. The surveillance area was divided into 45 community clusters. Individuals aged ≥15 years in 16 randomly selected communities were offered a micro-incentive (R50 [$3] food voucher) for rapid HIV testing (intervention arm). Those living in the remaining 29 communities were offered testing only (control arm). Study data were collected between February and November 2018. Using routinely collected data on parents, conjugal partners, and co-residents, a socio-centric family network was constructed among HITS-eligible individuals. Nodes in this network represent individuals and ties represent family relationships. We estimated the effect of offering the incentive to people with and without family members who also received the offer on the uptake of HIV testing. We fitted a linear probability model with robust standard errors, accounting for clustering at the community level. RESULTS Overall, 15,675 people participated in the HITS trial. Among those with no family members who received the offer, the incentive's efficacy was a 6.5 percentage point increase (95% CI: 5.3-7.7). The efficacy was higher among those with at least one family member who received the offer (21.1 percentage point increase (95% CI: 19.9-22.3). The difference in efficacy was statistically significant (21.1-6.5 = 14.6%; 95% CI: 9.3-19.9). CONCLUSIONS Micro-incentives appear to have synergistic effects when distributed within family networks. These effects support family network-based approaches for the design of health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keletso Makofane
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and InformaticsUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Hae‐Young Kim
- Department of Population HealthNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Africa Health Research InstituteKwa‐Zulu NatalSouth Africa
| | - Eric Tchetgen Tchetgen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and InformaticsUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, The Wharton SchoolUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Mary T. Bassett
- FXB Center for Health and Human RightsHarvard UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lisa Berkman
- Harvard Center for Population and Development StudiesHarvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | | | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research InstituteKwa‐Zulu NatalSouth Africa
- Department of Social Statistics and DemographyUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research InstituteKwa‐Zulu NatalSouth Africa
- Department of Global Health and DevelopmentLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research InstituteKwa‐Zulu NatalSouth Africa
- Institute for Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - H. Manisha Yapa
- Kirby Institute for Infection and ImmunityUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kobus Herbst
- Africa Health Research InstituteKwa‐Zulu NatalSouth Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research InstituteKwa‐Zulu NatalSouth Africa
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School for Data Science and Computational ThinkingStellenbosch UniversityStellenboschSouth Africa
- School of Nursing and Public HealthUniversity of Kwa‐Zulu NatalDurbanSouth Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)University of Kwa‐Zulu NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research InstituteKwa‐Zulu NatalSouth Africa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University HospitalUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
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Dovel K, Balakasi K, Hubbard J, Phiri K, Nichols BE, Coates TJ, Kulich M, Chikuse E, Phiri S, Long LC, Hoffman RM, Choko AT. Identifying efficient linkage strategies for men (IDEaL): a study protocol for an individually randomised control trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070896. [PMID: 37438067 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men in sub-Saharan Africa are less likely than women to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) and more likely to have longer cycles of disengagement from ART programmes. Treatment interventions that meet the unique needs of men are needed, but they must be scalable. We will test the impact of various interventions on 6-month retention in ART programmes among men living with HIV who are not currently engaged in care (never initiated ART and ART clients with treatment interruption). METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a programmatic, individually randomised, non-blinded, controlled trial. 'Non-engaged' men will be randomised 1:1:1 to either a low-intensity, high-intensity or stepped arm. The low-intensity intervention includes one-time male-specific counseling+facility navigation only. The high-intensity intervention offers immediate outside-facility ART initiation+male-specific counselling+facility navigation for follow-up ART visits. In the stepped arm, intervention activities build in intensity over time for those who do not re-engage in care with the following steps: (1) one-time male-specific counselling+facility navigation→(2) ongoing male mentorship+facility navigation→(3) outside-facility ART initiation+male-specific counselling+facility navigation for follow-up ART visits. Our primary outcome is 6-month retention in care. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness and rates of adverse events. The primary analysis will be intention to treat with all eligible men in the denominator and all men retained in care at 6 months in the numerator. The proportions achieving the primary outcome will be compared with a risk ratio, corresponding 95% CI and p value computed using binomial regression accounting for clustering at facility level. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Institutional Review Board of the University of California, Los Angeles and the National Health Sciences Research Council in Malawi have approved the trial protocol. Findings will be disseminated rapidly in national and international forums and in peer-reviewed journals and are expected to provide urgently needed information to other countries and donors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05137210. DATE AND VERSION 5 May 2023; version 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kelvin Balakasi
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Khumbo Phiri
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brooke E Nichols
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Global Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michal Kulich
- Department of Probability and Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Elijah Chikuse
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sam Phiri
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Lawrence C Long
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Augustine T Choko
- Clinical Research Programme, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Hémono R, Kelly NK, Fahey CA, Hassan K, Msasa J, Mfaume RS, Njau PF, Dow WH, McCoy SI. Financial incentives to improve re-engagement in HIV care: results from a randomized pilot study. AIDS Care 2023; 35:935-941. [PMID: 35187992 PMCID: PMC9388698 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2041164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of financial incentives to motivate re-engagement in HIV care in Shinyanga, Tanzania. METHODS Out-of-care people living with HIV (PLHIV) were identified from medical records in four clinics and home-based care providers (HBCs) from April 13, 2018 to March 3, 2020. Shinyanga Region residents, ≥18 years, who were disengaged from care were randomized 1:1 to a financial incentive (∼$10 USD) or the standard of care (SOC), stratified by site, and followed for 180 days. Primary outcomes were feasibility (located PLHIV who agreed to discuss the study), acceptability (enrollment among eligibles), and re-engagement in care (clinic visit within 90 days). RESULTS HBCs located 469/1,309 (35.8%) out-of-care PLHIV. Of these, 215 (45.8%) were preliminarily determined to be disengaged from care, 201 (93.5%) agreed to discuss the study, and 157 eligible (100%) enrolled. Within 90 days, 71 (85.5%) PLHIV in the incentive arm re-engaged in care vs. 58 (78.4%) in the SOC (Adjusted Risk Difference [ARD] = 0.08, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.19, p = 0.09). A higher proportion of incentivized PLHIV completed an additional (unincentivized) visit between 90-180 days (79.5% vs. 71.6%, ARD = 0.10, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.24, p = 0.13) and remained in care at 180 days (57.8% vs. 51.4%, ARD = 0.07, 95% CI: -0.09, 0.22, p = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS Short-term financial incentives are feasible, acceptable, and have the potential to encourage re-engagement in care, warranting further study of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hémono
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Nicole K. Kelly
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Carolyn A. Fahey
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Kassim Hassan
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Janeth Msasa
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid S. Mfaume
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Prosper F. Njau
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - William H. Dow
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Sandra I. McCoy
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, USA
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Lippman SA, de Kadt J, Ratlhagana MJ, Agnew E, Gilmore H, Sumitani J, Grignon J, Gutin SA, Shade SB, Gilvydis JM, Tumbo J, Barnhart S, Steward WT. Impact of short message service and peer navigation on linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy initiation in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:647-657. [PMID: 36468499 PMCID: PMC9994809 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine the efficacy of short message service (SMS) and SMS with peer navigation (SMS + PN) in improving linkage to HIV care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN I-Care was a cluster randomized trial conducted in primary care facilities in North West Province, South Africa. The primary study outcome was retention in HIV care; this analysis includes secondary outcomes: linkage to care and ART initiation. METHODS Eighteen primary care clinics were randomized to automated SMS ( n = 7), automated and tailored SMS + PN ( n = 7), or standard of care (SOC; n = 4). Recently HIV diagnosed adults ( n = 752) were recruited from October 2014 to April 2015. Those not previously linked to care ( n = 352) contributed data to this analysis. Data extracted from clinical records were used to assess the days that elapsed between diagnosis and linkage to care and ART initiation. Cox proportional hazards models and generalized estimating equations were employed to compare outcomes between trial arms, overall and stratified by sex and pregnancy status. RESULTS Overall, SMS ( n = 132) and SMS + PN ( n = 133) participants linked at 1.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.61] and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.29-1.99) times the rate of SOC participants ( n = 87), respectively. SMS + PN significantly improved time to ART initiation among non-pregnant women (hazards ratio: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.25) and men (hazards ratio: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.03-3.26) as compared with SOC. CONCLUSION Results suggest SMS and peer navigation services significantly reduce time to linkage to HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa and that SMS + PN reduced time to ART initiation among men and non-pregnant women. Both should be considered candidates for integration into national programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02417233, registered 12 December 2014; closed to accrual 17 April 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri A. Lippman
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julia de Kadt
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Mary J. Ratlhagana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Emily Agnew
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hailey Gilmore
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeri Sumitani
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jessica Grignon
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah A. Gutin
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Starley B. Shade
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gilvydis
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - John Tumbo
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Scott Barnhart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wayne T. Steward
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Effectiveness of a peer educator-coordinated preference-based differentiated service delivery model on viral suppression among young people living with HIV in Lesotho: The PEBRA cluster-randomized trial. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004150. [PMID: 36595523 PMCID: PMC9810159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Southern and Eastern Africa is home to more than 2.1 million young people aged 15 to 24 years living with HIV. As compared with other age groups, this population group has poorer outcomes along the HIV care cascade. Young people living with HIV and the research team co-created the PEBRA (Peer Educator-Based Refill of ART) care model. In PEBRA, a peer educator (PE) delivered services as per regularly assessed patient preferences for medication pick-up, short message service (SMS) notifications, and psychosocial support. The cluster-randomized trial compared PEBRA model versus standard clinic care (no PE and ART refill done by nurses) in 3 districts in Lesotho. METHODS AND FINDINGS Individuals taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) aged 15 to 24 years at 20 clinics (clusters) were eligible. In the 10 clinics randomized to the intervention arm, participants were offered the PEBRA model, coordinated by a trained PE and supported by an eHealth application (PEBRApp). In the 10 control clusters, participants received standard nurse-coordinated care without any service coordination by a PE. The primary endpoint was 12-month viral suppression below 20 copies/mL. Analyses were intention-to-treat and adjusted for sex. From November 6, 2019 to February 4, 2020, we enrolled 307 individuals (150 intervention, 157 control; 218 [71%] female, median age 19 years [interquartile range, IQR, 17 to 22]). At 12 months, 99 of 150 (66%) participants in the intervention versus 95 of 157 (61%) participants in the control arm had viral suppression (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.79 to 2.03]; p = 0.327); 4 of 150 (2.7%) versus 1 of 157 (0.6%) had died (adjusted OR 4.12; 95% CI [0.45 to 37.62]; p = 0.210); and 12 of 150 (8%) versus 23 of 157 (14.7%) had transferred out (adjusted OR 0.53; 95% CI [0.25 to 1.13]; p = 0.099). There were no significant differences between arms in other secondary outcomes. Twenty participants (11 in intervention and 9 in control) were lost to follow-up over the entire study period. The main limitation was that the data collectors in the control clusters were also young peers; however, they used a restricted version of the PEBRApp to collect data and thus were not able to provide the PEBRA model. The trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03969030). CONCLUSIONS Preference-based peer-coordinated care for young people living with HIV, compared to nurse-based care only, did not lead to conclusive evidence for an effect on viral suppression. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03969030, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03969030.
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Uptake and effect of universal test-and-treat on twelve months retention and initial virologic suppression in routine HIV program in Kenya. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277675. [PMID: 36413522 PMCID: PMC9681077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), as recommended in WHO's universal test-and-treat (UTT) policy, is associated with improved linkage to care, retention, and virologic suppression in controlled studies. We aimed to describe UTT uptake and effect on twelve-month non-retention and initial virologic non-suppression (VnS) among HIV infected adults starting cART in routine HIV program in Kenya. Individual-level HIV service delivery data from 38 health facilities, each representing 38 of the 47 counties in Kenya were analysed. Adults (>15 years) initiating cART between the second-half of 2015 (2015HY2) and the first-half of 2018 (2018HY1) were followed up for twelve months. UTT was defined based on time from an HIV diagnosis to cART initiation and was categorized as same-day, 1-14 days, 15-90 days, and 91+ days. Non-retention was defined as individuals lost-to-follow-up or reported dead by the end of the follow up period. Initial VnS was defined based on the first available viral load test with >400 copies/ml. Hierarchical mixed-effects survival and generalised linear regression models were used to assess the effect of UTT on non-retention and VnS, respectively. Of 8592 individuals analysed, majority (n = 5864 [68.2%]) were female. Same-day HIV diagnosis and cART initiation increased from 15.3% (2015HY2) to 52.2% (2018HY1). The overall non-retention rate was 2.8 (95% CI: 2.6-2.9) per 100 person-months. When compared to individuals initiated cART 91+ days after a HIV diagnosis, those initiated cART on the same day of a HIV diagnosis had the highest rate of non-retention (same-day vs. 91+ days; aHR, 1.7 [95% CI: 1.5-2.0], p<0.001). Of those included in the analysis, 5986 (69.6%) had a first viral load test done at a median of 6.3 (IQR, 5.6-7.6) months after cART initiation. Of these, 835 (13.9%) had VnS. There was no association between UTT and VnS (same-day vs. 91+ days; aRR, 1.0 [95% CI: 0.9-1.2], p = 0.664). Our findings demonstrate substantial uptake of the UTT policy but poor twelve-month retention and lack of an association with initial VnS from routine HIV settings in Kenya. These findings warrant consideration for multi-pronged program interventions alongside UTT policy for maximum intended benefits in Kenya.
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Hickey MD, Owaraganise A, Sang N, Opel FJ, Mugoma EW, Ayieko J, Kabami J, Chamie G, Kakande E, Petersen ML, Balzer LB, Kamya MR, Havlir DV. Effect of a one-time financial incentive on linkage to chronic hypertension care in Kenya and Uganda: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277312. [PMID: 36342940 PMCID: PMC9639834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fewer than 10% of people with hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed, linked to care, and achieve hypertension control. We hypothesized that a one-time financial incentive and phone call reminder for missed appointments would increase linkage to hypertension care following community-based screening in rural Uganda and Kenya. Methods In a randomized controlled trial, we conducted community-based hypertension screening and enrolled adults ≥25 years with blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg on three measures; we excluded participants with known hypertension or hypertensive emergency. The intervention was transportation reimbursement upon linkage (~$5 USD) and up to three reminder phone calls for those not linking within seven days. Control participants received a clinic referral only. Outcomes were linkage to hypertension care within 30 days (primary) and hypertension control <140/90 mmHg measured in all participants at 90 days (secondary). We used targeted minimum loss-based estimation to compute adjusted risk ratios (aRR). Results We screened 1,998 participants, identifying 370 (18.5%) with uncontrolled hypertension and enrolling 199 (100 control, 99 intervention). Reasons for non-enrollment included prior hypertension diagnosis (n = 108) and hypertensive emergency (n = 32). Participants were 60% female, median age 56 (range 27–99); 10% were HIV-positive and 42% had baseline blood pressure ≥160/100 mmHg. Linkage to care within 30 days was 96% in intervention and 66% in control (aRR 1.45, 95%CI 1.25–1.68). Hypertension control at 90 days was 51% intervention and 41% control (aRR 1.22, 95%CI 0.92–1.66). Conclusion A one-time financial incentive and reminder call for missed visits resulted in a 30% absolute increase in linkage to hypertension care following community-based screening. Financial incentives can improve the critical step of linkage to care for people newly diagnosed with hypertension in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Hickey
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, & Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Norton Sang
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - James Ayieko
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Kabami
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gabriel Chamie
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, & Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Elijah Kakande
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maya L. Petersen
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Laura B. Balzer
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diane V. Havlir
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, & Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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Andrawis A, Tapa J, Vlaev I, Read D, Schmidtke KA, Chow EPF, Lee D, Fairley CK, Ong JJ. Applying Behavioural Insights to HIV Prevention and Management: a Scoping Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:358-374. [PMID: 35930186 PMCID: PMC9508055 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This scoping review summarises the literature on HIV prevention and management interventions utilizing behavioural economic principles encapsulated in the MINDSPACE framework. RECENT FINDINGS MINDSPACE is an acronym developed by the UK's behavioural insights team to summarise nine key influences on human behaviour: Messenger, Incentives, Norms, Default, Salience, Priming, Affect, Commitment, and Ego. These effects have been used in various settings to design interventions that encourage positive behaviours. Currently, over 200 institutionalised behavioural insight teams exist internationally, which may draw upon the MINDSPACE framework to inform policy and improve public services. To date, it is not clear how behavioural insights have been applied to HIV prevention and management interventions. After screening 899 studies for eligibility, 124 were included in the final review. We identified examples of interventions that utilised all the MINDSPACE effects in a variety of settings and among various populations. Studies from high-income countries were most common (n = 54) and incentives were the most frequently applied effect (n = 100). The MINDSPACE framework is a useful tool to consider how behavioural science principles can be applied in future HIV prevention and management interventions. Creating nudges to enhance the design of HIV prevention and management interventions can help people make better choices as we strive to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexsandra Andrawis
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James Tapa
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ivo Vlaev
- Warwick Business School, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Lee
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- , Carlton, Australia
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Inghels M, Kim HY, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Wyke S, McGrath N, Sartorius B, Yapa HM, Dobra A, Bärnighausen T, Tanser F. Can a conditional financial incentive (CFI) reduce socio-demographic inequalities in home-based HIV testing uptake? A secondary analysis of the HITS clinical trial intervention in rural South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2022; 311:115305. [PMID: 36084520 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, home-based HIV testing interventions are designed to reach sub-populations with low access to HIV testing such as men, younger or less educated people. Combining these interventions with conditional financial incentives (CFI) has been shown to be effective to increase testing uptake. CFI are effective for one-off health behaviour change but whether they operate differentially on different socio-demographic groups is less clear. Using data from the HITS trial in South Africa, we investigated whether a CFI was able to reduce existing home-based HIV testing uptake inequalities observed by socio-demographic groups. Residents aged ≥15 years in the study area were assigned to an intervention arm (16 clusters) or a control arm (29 clusters). In the intervention arm, individuals received a food voucher (∼3.5 US dollars) if they accepted to take a home-based HIV test. Testing uptake differences were considered for socio-demographic (sex, age, education, employment status, marital status, household asset index) and geographical (urban/rural living area, distance from clinic) characteristics. Among the 37,028 residents, 24,793 (9290 men, 15,503 women) were included in the analysis. CFI increased significantly testing uptake among men (39.2% vs 25.2%, p < 0.001) and women (45.9% vs 32.0%, p < 0.001) with similar absolute increase between men and women. Uptake was higher amongst the youngest or least educated individuals, and amongst single (vs in union) or unemployed men. Absolute uptake increase was also significantly higher amongst these groups resulting in increasing socio-demographic differentials for home-based HIV testing uptake. However, because these groups are known to have less access to other public HIV testing services, CFI could reduce inequalities for HIV testing access in our specific context. Although CFI significantly increased home-based HIV testing uptake, it did not do so differentially by socio-demographic group. Future interventions using CFI should make sure that the intervention alone does not increase existing health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Inghels
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; Centre Population et Développement (UMR 196 Paris Descartes - IRD), SageSud (ERL INSERM 1244), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France.
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; KwaZulu-Natal Innovation and Sequencing Platform, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | | | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Sally Wyke
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; Department of Social Statistics and Demography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - H Manisha Yapa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Frank Tanser
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Lepere P, Babington-Ashaye A, Martínez-Pérez GZ, Ekouevi DK, Labrique AB, Calmy A. How mHealth Can Contribute to Improving the Continuum of Care: A Scoping Review Approach to the Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604557. [PMID: 36211227 PMCID: PMC9537374 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604557] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To determine mHealth’s contribution to improving the continuum of care in sub-Saharan Africa towards achieving treatment targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) endorsed by the 2016 Political Declaration on ending acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Methods: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane databases; three observatories and four repositories were searched to identify and select relevant articles, projects and guidelines published from 1 January 2017, to 30 April 2021. Records focusing on the use of mHealth related to HIV treatment cascade or healthcare provider/patient relationship were considered. Results: From 574 identified records, 381 (206 scientific manuscripts and 175 mHealth projects) were considered. After screening, 36 articles (nine randomized control trials, five cohort studies, 19 qualitative studies, and three economic studies) and 23 projects were included. Conclusion: The cross-cutting benefits of mHealth that enhance patient empowerment have been identified. Important challenges such as gaps between research and implementation, lack of transdisciplinary collaboration, and lack of economic evidence were identified to support future mHealth research and accelerate the achievement of treatment targets for HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Lepere
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Philippe Lepere,
| | - Awa Babington-Ashaye
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
- Département de Santé Publique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
- INSERM U1219 Bordeaux Population Health Centre Recherche (BPH), Bordeaux, France
| | - Alain Bernard Labrique
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health & Johns Hopkins University Global Digital Health Initiative, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
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Bain L, Amu H, Dowou RK, Memiah P, Agbor VN. Effectiveness of linkage to care and prevention interventions following HIV self-testing: a global systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055688. [PMID: 36691210 PMCID: PMC9462108 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early identification of persons living with HIV (PLWH) is crucial to institute timely treatment to prevent HIV-related morbidity and mortality. The convenience, flexibility and confidentiality of HIV self-testing enhance the acceptability of HIV testing and early detection of PLWH. However, persons who tested positive after a self-test are more likely to present late for treatment. This review seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve linkage to care and prevention after self-testing. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, Global Health Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and current controlled trials for all randomised and non-randomised studies published from 1 January 2010 to 31 July 2022 without language restriction. Two review authors will independently screen and select articles (based on the eligibility criteria for this review), extract data and assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Study-specific estimates will be converted to log risk ratios and weighted by the inverse of the variance of the log risk ratio before pooling into a fixed-effect model. The Cochrane's Q χ2 test and the I2 statistic will be used to assess and quantify heterogeneity in the included studies, respectively. The Egger's test and funnel plots will be used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted using leave-one-out analysis to assess the impact of outliers on the overall summary intervention effect. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical clearance is needed for the current study as it will be based on already published articles. We will publish the findings of this study in international peer-reviewed journals and present them at conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luchuo Bain
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Hubert Amu
- Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Robert Kokou Dowou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Health and Allied Science, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Peter Memiah
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Valirie Ndip Agbor
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Nosyk B, Humphrey L. Highlighting the need for investment and innovation in ART retention interventions. THE LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2022; 10:e1218-e1219. [PMID: 35961333 PMCID: PMC10370491 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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18
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Magnolini R, Senkoro E, Kalinjuma AV, Kitau O, Kivuma B, Samson L, Eichenberger A, Mollel GJ, Krinke E, Okuma J, Ndege R, Glass T, Mapesi H, Vanobberghen F, Battegay M, Weisser M. Stigma-directed services (Stig2Health) to improve 'linkage to care' for people living with HIV in rural Tanzania: study protocol for a nested pre-post implementation study within the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. AAS Open Res 2022; 5:14. [PMID: 36420449 PMCID: PMC9648364 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13353.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-related stigma is a major barrier to the timely linkage and retention of patients in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, where most people living with HIV/AIDS reside. In this implementation study we aim to evaluate the effect of stigma-directed services on linkage to care and other health outcomes in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Methods: In a nested project of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in rural Tanzania, we conduct a prospective observational pre-post study to assess the impact of a bundle of stigma-directed services for newly diagnosed HIV positive patients. Stigma-directed services, delivered by a lay person living with HIV, are i) post-test counseling, ii) post-test video-assisted teaching, iii) group support therapy and group health education, and iv) mobile health. Patients receiving stigma services (enrolled from 1 st February 2020 to 31 st August 2021) are compared to a historical control receiving the standard of care (enrolled from 1 st July 2017 to 1 st February 2019). The primary outcome is 'linkage to care'. Secondary endpoints are retention in care, viral suppression, death and clinical failure at 6-12 months (up to 31 st August 2022). Self-reported stigma and depression are assessed using the Berger Stigma scale and the PHQ-9 questionnaire, respectively. The sample size calculation was based on cohort data from 2018. Assuming a pre-intervention cohort of 511 newly diagnosed adults of whom 346 (68%) were in care and on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at 2 months, a 10% increase in linkage (from 70 to 80%), a two-sided type I error rate of 5%, and 90% power, 321 adults are required for the post-implementation group. Discussion: We expect that integration of stigma-directed services leads to an increase of proportions of patients in care and on ART. The findings will provide guidance on how to integrate stigma-directed services into routine care in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Aneth Vedastus Kalinjuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bernard Kivuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Leila Samson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Anna Eichenberger
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Getrud Joseph Mollel
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Eileen Krinke
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Tracy Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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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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Toegel F, Rodewald AM, Novak MD, Pollock S, Arellano M, Leoutsakos JM, Holtyn AF, Silverman K. Psychosocial Interventions to Promote Undetectable HIV Viral Loads: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1853-1862. [PMID: 34783938 PMCID: PMC9050821 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Suppressing HIV viral loads to undetectable levels is essential for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We evaluated randomized controlled trials aimed to increase antiretroviral medication adherence and promote undetectable viral loads among people living with HIV through November 22, 2019. We extracted data from 51 eligible interventions and analyzed the results using random effects models to compare intervention effects between groups within each intervention and across interventions. We also evaluated the relation between publication date and treatment effects. Only five interventions increased undetectable viral loads significantly. As a whole, the analyzed interventions were superior to Standard of Care in promoting undetectable viral loads. Interventions published more recently were not more effective in promoting undetectable viral loads. No treatment category consistently produced significant increases in undetectable viral loads. To end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we should use interventions that can suppress HIV viral loads to undetectable levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest Toegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, USA
| | - Andrew M Rodewald
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew D Novak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Pollock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meghan Arellano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeannie-Marie Leoutsakos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - August F Holtyn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Suite 350 East, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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21
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Magnolini R, Senkoro E, Kalinjuma AV, Kitau O, Kivuma B, Samson L, Eichenberger A, Mollel GJ, Krinke E, Okuma J, Ndege R, Glass T, Mapesi H, Vanobberghen F, Battegay M, Weisser M. Stigma-directed services (Stig2Health) to improve 'linkage to care' for people living with HIV in rural Tanzania: study protocol for a nested pre-post implementation study within the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. AAS Open Res 2022; 5:14. [PMID: 36420449 PMCID: PMC9648364 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13353.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-related stigma is a major barrier to the timely linkage and retention of patients in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, where most people living with HIV/AIDS reside. In this implementation study we aim to evaluate the effect of stigma-directed services on linkage to care and other health outcomes in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Methods: In a nested project of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in rural Tanzania, we conduct a prospective observational pre-post study to assess the impact of a bundle of stigma-directed services for newly diagnosed HIV positive patients. Stigma-directed services, delivered by a lay person living with HIV, are i) post-test counseling, ii) post-test video-assisted teaching, iii) group support therapy and group health education, and iv) mobile health. Patients receiving stigma services (enrolled from 1 st February 2020 to 31 st August 2021) are compared to a historical control receiving the standard of care (enrolled from 1 st July 2017 to 1 st February 2019). The primary outcome is 'linkage to care'. Secondary endpoints are retention in care, viral suppression, death and clinical failure at 6-12 months (up to 31 st August 2022). Self-reported stigma and depression are assessed using the Berger Stigma scale and the PHQ-9 questionnaire, respectively. The sample size calculation was based on cohort data from 2018. Assuming a pre-intervention cohort of 511 newly diagnosed adults of whom 346 (68%) were in care and on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at 2 months, a 10% increase in linkage (from 70 to 80%), a two-sided type I error rate of 5%, and 90% power, 321 adults are required for the post-implementation group. Discussion: We expect that integration of stigma-directed services leads to an increase of proportions of patients in care and on ART. The findings will provide guidance on how to integrate stigma-directed services into routine care in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Magnolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Senkoro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Aneth Vedastus Kalinjuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Bernard Kivuma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Leila Samson
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Anna Eichenberger
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Getrud Joseph Mollel
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Eileen Krinke
- University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Tracy Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Herry Mapesi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Dah TTE, Yaya I, Mensah E, Coulibaly A, Kouamé JBM, Traoré I, Mora M, Palvadeau P, Anoma C, Keita BD, Spire B, Laurent C. Rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation and its effect on treatment response in MSM in West Africa. AIDS 2021; 35:2201-2210. [PMID: 34352834 PMCID: PMC8505135 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the time from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation and the effect of rapid ART initiation (i.e. within 7 days of HIV diagnosis) on attrition and virologic and immunologic responses among MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. DESIGN Prospective cohort study between 2015 and 2019. METHODS MSM aged 18 years or older newly diagnosed with HIV infection were eligible to participate. ART was proposed to participants upon HIV diagnosis, irrespective of clinical stage and CD4+ cell count, and was initiated as soon as possible, with no specific time frame. Determinants of rapid ART initiation and its effect on treatment outcomes were assessed using multivariate analyses. RESULTS Of 350 MSM, 335 (95.7%) initiated ART after a median time of 5 days. Of the latter, 216 (64.5%) had rapid ART initiation. The 335 participants were followed up for a median time of 24.1 months. One hundred and eleven (33.1%) were not retained in care. Rapid ART initiation was less likely in participants with a CD4+ cell count at least 200 cells/μl [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-0.88]. It improved viral load suppression (aOR 6.96, 95% CI 1.98-24.46) but had no effect on attrition (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.57-1.33) or CD4+ cell count increase (adjusted coefficient 28.23, 95% CI -17.00 to 73.45). CONCLUSION These results in MSM in West Africa support the WHO recommendation for rapid ART initiation. Clinics need to develop context-specific strategies for rapid ART initiation and for retaining MSM in HIV care.ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02626286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, Inserm, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, Inserm, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Issa Traoré
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Marion Mora
- SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, Marseille
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Spire
- SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, Marseille
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Completeness of reporting and risks of overstating impact in cluster randomised trials: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1163-e1168. [PMID: 34297963 PMCID: PMC9994534 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00200-x] [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] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Overstating the impact of interventions through incomplete or inaccurate reporting can lead to inappropriate scale-up of interventions with low impact. Accurate reporting of the impact of interventions is of great importance in global health research to protect scarce resources. In global health, the cluster randomised trial design is commonly used to evaluate complex, multicomponent interventions, and outcomes are often binary. Complete reporting of impact for binary outcomes means reporting both relative and absolute measures. We did a systematic review to assess reporting practices and potential to overstate impact in contemporary cluster randomised trials with binary primary outcome. We included all reports registered in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials of two-arm parallel cluster randomised trials with at least one binary primary outcome that were published in 2017. Of 73 cluster randomised trials, most (60 [82%]) showed incomplete reporting. Of 64 cluster randomised trials for which it was possible to evaluate, most (40 [63%]) reported results in such a way that impact could be overstated. Care is needed to report complete evidence of impact for the many interventions evaluated using the cluster randomised trial design worldwide.
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Kerschberger B, Boulle A, Kuwengwa R, Ciglenecki I, Schomaker M. The Impact of Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Under the World Health Organization Treat-All Policy. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:1519-1532. [PMID: 33576383 PMCID: PMC8327202 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with the option to start treatment on the day of diagnosis (same-day ART). However, the effect of same-day ART remains unknown in realistic public sector settings. We established a cohort of ≥16-year-old patients who initiated first-line ART under a treat-all policy in Nhlangano (Eswatini) during 2014-2016, either on the day of HIV care enrollment (same-day ART) or 1-14 days thereafter (early ART). Directed acyclic graphs, flexible parametric survival analysis, and targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) were used to estimate the effect of same-day-ART initiation on a composite unfavorable treatment outcome (loss to follow-up, death, viral failure, treatment switch). Of 1,328 patients, 839 (63.2%) initiated same-day ART. The adjusted hazard ratio of the unfavorable outcome was higher, 1.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.89), for same-day ART compared with early ART. TMLE suggested that after 1 year, 28.9% of patients would experience the unfavorable outcome under same-day ART compared with 21.2% under early ART (difference: 7.7%; 1.3%-14.1%). This estimate was driven by loss to follow-up and varied over time, with a higher hazard during the first year after HIV care enrollment and a similar hazard thereafter. We found an increased risk with same-day ART. A limitation was that possible silent transfers that were not captured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Correspondence to Dr. Bernhard Kerschberger, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mantsholo Road 325, Mbabane, Eswatini (e-mail: )
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25
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Ahmed A, Abdulelah Dujaili J, Rehman IU, Lay Hong AC, Hashmi FK, Awaisu A, Chaiyakunapruk N. Effect of pharmacist care on clinical outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:2962-2980. [PMID: 34353754 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists play a significant role in the multidisciplinary care of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). However, there is less evidence to clarify the impact of pharmacist as an individual team member on HIV care. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the effects of pharmacist intervention on improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load (VL) suppression, and change in CD4-T lymphocytes in PLWHA. METHODS We identified relevant records from six databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane, and EBSCOhost) from inception till June 2020. We included studies that evaluated the impact of pharmacist care activities on clinical outcomes in PLWHA. A random-effect model was used to estimate the overall effect [odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous and mean difference (MD) for continuous data] with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The review protocol was published on PROSPERO (CRD42020167994). RESULTS Twenty-five studies involving 3206 PLWHA in which pharmacist-provided intervention either in the form of education with or without pharmaceutical-care either alone or as an interdisciplinary team member were included. Eight studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while 17 studies were non-RCTs. Pooled-analyses showed a significant impact of pharmacist care compared to usual care group on adherence outcome (OR: 2.70 [95%, CI 1.80, 4.05]), VL suppression (OR: 4.13 [95% CI 2.27, 7.50]), and rise of CD4-T lymphocytes count (MD: 66.83 cells/mm3 [95% CI 44.08, 89.57]). The strength of evidence ranged from moderate, low to very low. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that pharmacist care improves adherence, VL suppression, and CD4-T lymphocyte improvement in PLWHA; however, it should be noted that the majority of the studies have a high risk of bias. More research with more rigorous designs is required to reaffirm the impact of pharmacist interventions on clinical and economic outcomes in PLWHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Juman Abdulelah Dujaili
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Inayat Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Alice Chuah Lay Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Furqan Khurshid Hashmi
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmed Awaisu
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Fonner VA, Kennedy S, Desai R, Eichberg C, Martin L, Meissner EG. Patient-Provider Text Messaging and Video Calling Among Case-Managed Patients Living With HIV: Formative Acceptability and Feasibility Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e22513. [PMID: 34042596 PMCID: PMC8193483 DOI: 10.2196/22513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient-provider communication is critical for engaging and retaining people living with HIV in care, especially among medically case-managed patients in need of service coordination and adherence support. Expanding patient-provider communication channels to include mobile health modalities, such as text messaging and video calling, has the potential to facilitate communication and ultimately improve clinical outcomes. However, the implementation of these communication modalities in clinical settings has not been well characterized. Objective The purpose of this study is to understand patient and provider perspectives on the acceptability of and preferences for using text messaging and video calling as a means of communication; perceived factors relevant to adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility; and organizational perspectives on implementation within an HIV clinic in South Carolina. Methods We conducted 26 semistructured in-depth interviews among patients receiving case management services (n=12) and clinic providers (n=14) using interview guides and content analysis informed by the Proctor taxonomy of implementation outcomes and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Participants were purposefully sampled to obtain maximum variation in terms of age and gender for patients and clinic roles for providers. The data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative content analyses. Results Most patients (11/12, 92%) and providers (12/14, 86%) agreed that they should have the capacity to text message and/or video call each other. Although consensus was not reached, most preferred using a secure messaging app rather than standard text messaging because of the enhanced security features. Perceived benefits to adoption included the added convenience of text messaging, and potential barriers included the cost and access of smartphone-based technology for patients. From an organizational perspective, some providers were concerned that offering text messaging could lead to unreasonable expectations of instant access and increased workload. Conclusions Patients and providers perceived text messaging and video calling as acceptable, appropriate, and feasible and felt that these expanded modes of communication could help meet patients’ needs while being safe and not excessively burdensome. Although patients and providers mostly agreed on implementation barriers and facilitators, several differences emerged. Taking both perspectives into account when using implementation frameworks is critical for expanding mobile health–based communication, especially as implementation requires active participation from providers and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia A Fonner
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Samuel Kennedy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Rohan Desai
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Christie Eichberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Lisa Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Eric G Meissner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Bogdanić N, Bendig L, Lukas D, Zekan Š, Begovac J. Timeliness of antiretroviral therapy initiation in the era before universal treatment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10508. [PMID: 34006927 PMCID: PMC8131373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the prevalence and factors related to the time to antiretroviral (ART) initiation among persons who entered HIV care and subsequently started ART in Croatia from 2005 to 2014. Included were patients ≥ 18 years, the follow-up ended on Dec/31/2017. 628 patients were included into the study 91.9% were men; median age was 36.1 (Q1-Q3: 29.6-43.8) years. Rapid (within 7 days of diagnosis) ART initiation was observed in 21.8% patients, 49.8% initiated ART within 30 days, 21.7% and 28.5% had intermediate (31 days-1 year) and late initiation (> 1 year), respectively. Of 608 patients that achieved an undetectable viral load, 94% had a plasma HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/ml at last measurement after a median follow-up of 5.2 years. On quantile regression analysis, calendar year of entry into care, and markers of more advanced HIV disease (higher viral load, lower CD4 cell count and clinical AIDS) were significantly associated with earlier ART initiation. Early ART was not related to a gap in care afterwards at all quantiles. In conclusion, a significant proportion of patients started ART early in Croatia in 2005-2014. Early ART initiation led to durable viral load suppression and was not associated with a subsequent gap in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Bogdanić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mirogojska 8, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Liam Bendig
- Medical Scholars Program, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Davorka Lukas
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mirogojska 8, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Šime Zekan
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mirogojska 8, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Begovac
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Mirogojska 8, Zagreb, Croatia.
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Tarigan YN, Woodman RJ, Miller ER, Wisaksana R, Ward PR. Impact of strategic use of antiretroviral therapy intervention to the HIV continuum of care in 13 cities in Indonesia: an interrupted time series analysis. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:22. [PMID: 33902631 PMCID: PMC8074419 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2013 the Indonesian government introduced the strategic use of antiretroviral therapy (SUFA) initiative of expanding access to HIV test and treatment, to help achieve the UNAIDS 90–90–90 targets. However, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of the impact of this intervention in Indonesia. We conducted an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis across 6-years to assess its immediate and medium-term impact. Methods Monthly aggregated HIV data from all HIV care clinics for persons aged ≥ 15 years were collected from 13 pilot cities. The data period encompassed 3-years prior to SUFA (26 Dec 2010–25 Dec 2013) and 3-years post-SUFA (26 Dec 2013–25 Dec 2016). The ITS was performed using a multilevel negative binomial regression model to assess the immediate and trend changes in each stage of the HIV continuum of care. Results In the pre-SUFA period, the overall coverage in the respective risk populations for HIV tests, cases, enrolments, eligible cases and ARV initiation were 1.0%, 8.6%, 98.9%, 76.9% and 75.8% respectively. In the post-SUFA period coverage was 3%, 3.8%, 98.6%, 90.3% and 81.2% respectively—with a significant increase in the median number of HIV tests, HIV cases, those eligible for ARV treatment and treatment initiation (p < 0.05 for each). The ITS analysis demonstrated immediate increases in HIV tests (IRR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.25, 1.59; p < 0.001) and an immediate decrease in detected HIV cases per person tested (IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.69–0.86; p < 0.001) in the month following commencement of SUFA. There was also a 3% decline in the monthly trend for HIV tests performed (IRR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.97–0.98, p < 0.001), a 1% increase for detected cases (IRR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.0–1.02, p < 0.001), and a 1% decline for treatment initiation (IRR = 0.99,95% CI 0.99–1.0 p < 0.05). Conclusions SUFA was associated with an immediate and sustained increase in the absolute number of HIV tests performed, detected HIV cases, and close to complete coverage of detected cases that were enrolled to care and defined as eligible for treatment. However, treatment initiation remained sub-optimal. The findings of this study provide valuable information on the real-world effect of accelerating ARV utilizing Treatment as Prevention for the full HIV continuum of care in limited resource countries. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12981-021-00340-4.
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29
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Krishnamoorthy Y, Rehman T, Sakthivel M. Effectiveness of Financial Incentives in Achieving UNAID Fast-Track 90-90-90 and 95-95-95 Target of HIV Care Continuum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:814-825. [PMID: 32968885 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Financial incentives influence behavioural changes and the current review was done to assess the effectiveness of this intervention in improving HIV care continuum. We conducted systematic searches in MEDLINE, Cochrane library, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar from inception until July 2019. We carried out a meta-analysis with random-effects model quantifying inconsistency (I2) for heterogeneity and reported pooled Risk Ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 22 studies with 38,119 participants were included. All the six outcomes showed better results in financial incentive arm compared to standard care with statistical significance in three outcomes-HIV testing uptake (pooled RR: 2.42; 95%CI 1.06-5.54; I2 = 100%), antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence (pooled RR: 1.30; 95%CI 1.13-1.50; I2 = 44%), and continuity in care (pooled RR: 1.24; 95%CI 1.09-1.41; I2 = 86%). To summarize, financial incentives can be helpful in improving the uptake of HIV testing, ART adherence and continuity of care while it was better for achieving viral load suppression among studies conducted in high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuvaraj Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605006, India.
| | - Tanveer Rehman
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, 605006, India
| | - Manikandanesan Sakthivel
- State Program and Technical Manager, Cap TB project, AP/TS Unit, Solidarity and Action against The HIV Infection in India (SAATHII), Hyderabad, India
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Jopling R, Nyamayaro P, Andersen LS, Kagee A, Haberer JE, Abas MA. A Cascade of Interventions to Promote Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in African Countries. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 17:529-546. [PMID: 32776179 PMCID: PMC7497365 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review We reviewed interventions to improve uptake and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in African countries in the Treat All era. Recent Findings ART initiation can be improved by facilitated rapid receipt of first prescription, including community-based linkage and point-of-care strategies, integration of HIV care into antenatal care and peer support for adolescents. For people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART, scheduled SMS reminders, ongoing intensive counselling for those with viral non-suppression and economic incentives for the most deprived show promise. Adherence clubs should be promoted, being no less effective than facility-based care for stable patients. Tracing those lost to follow-up should be targeted to those who can be seen face-to-face by a peer worker. Summary Investment is needed to promote linkage to initiating ART and for differentiated approaches to counselling for youth and for those with identified suboptimal adherence. More evidence from within Africa is needed on cost-effective strategies to identify and support PLHIV at an increased risk of non-adherence across the treatment cascade. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11904-020-00511-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jopling
- Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Primrose Nyamayaro
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Mazowe Street, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lena S Andersen
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Melanie Amna Abas
- Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Tanser FC, Kim HY, Mathenjwa T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J, Matthews P, Wyke S, McGrath N, Adeagbo O, Sartorius B, Yapa HM, Zuma T, Zeitlin A, Blandford A, Dobra A, Bärnighausen T. Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS): a community-randomized controlled trial to increase HIV testing uptake among men in rural South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25665. [PMID: 33586911 PMCID: PMC7883477 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The uptake of HIV testing and linkage to care remains low among men, contributing to high HIV incidence in women in South Africa. We conducted the “Home‐Based Intervention to Test and Start” (HITS) in a 2x2 factorial cluster randomized controlled trial in one of the World’s largest ongoing HIV cohorts in rural South Africa aimed at enhancing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for HIV testing. Methods Between February and December 2018, in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu‐Natal, we randomly assigned 45 communities (clusters) (n = 13,838 residents) to one of the four arms: (i) financial incentives for home‐based HIV testing and linkage to care (R50 [$3] food voucher each); (ii) male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision support application, called EPIC‐HIV; (iii) both financial incentives and male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision support application and (iv) standard of care (SoC). EPIC‐HIV was developed to encourage and serve as an intrinsic motivator for HIV testing and linkage to care, and individually offered to men via a tablet device. Financial incentives were offered to both men and women. Here we report the effect of the interventions on uptake of home‐based HIV testing among men. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for clustering of standard errors at the cluster levels. Results Among all 13,838 men ≥ 15 years living in the 45 communities, the overall population coverage during a single round of home‐based HIV testing was 20.7%. The uptake of HIV testing was 27.5% (683/2481) in the financial incentives arm, 17.1% (433/2534) in the EPIC‐HIV arm, 26.8% (568/2120) in the arm receiving both interventions and 17.8% in the SoC arm. The probability of HIV testing increased substantially by 55% in the financial incentives arm (risk ratio (RR)=1.55, 95% CI: 1.31 to 1.82, p < 0.001) and 51% in the arm receiving both interventions (RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.87 p < 0.001), compared to men in the SoC arm. The probability of HIV testing did not significantly differ in the EPIC‐HIV arm (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.20, p = 0.70). Conclusions The provision of a small financial incentive acted as a powerful extrinsic motivator substantially increasing the uptake of home‐based HIV testing among men in rural South Africa. In contrast, the counselling and testing application which was designed to encourage and serve as an intrinsic motivator to test for HIV did not increase the uptake of home‐based testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank C Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom.,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,KwaZulu-Natal Innovation and Sequencing Platform, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sally Wyke
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Oluwafemi Adeagbo
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Sociology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behaviour, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Benn Sartorius
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Handurugamage Manisha Yapa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Anya Zeitlin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Blandford
- University College London Interaction Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kusemererwa S, Akena D, Nakanjako D, Kigozi J, Nanyunja R, Nanfuka M, Kizito B, Okello JM, Sewankambo NK. Strategies for retention of heterosexual men in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246471. [PMID: 33539424 PMCID: PMC7861356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) programs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased the number of people accessing treatment. However, the number of males accessing and being retained along the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care cascade is significantly below the UNAIDS target. Male gender has been associated with poor retention in HIV care programs, and little is known about strategies that reduce attrition of men in ART programs. This review aimed to summarize any studies on strategies to improve retention of heterosexual males in HIV care in SSA. An electronic search was conducted through Ovid® for three databases (MEDLINE®, Embase and Global Health). Studies reporting interventions aimed at improving retention among heterosexual men along the HIV care cascade were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), prospective or retrospective cohort studies that studied adult males (≥15years of age), conducted in SSA and published between January 2005 and April 2019 with an update from 2019 to 2020. The search returned 1958 articles, and 14 studies from eight countries met the inclusion criteria were presented using the PRISMA guidelines. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Six studies explored community-based adherence support groups while three compared use of facility versus community-based delivery models. Three studies measured the effect of national identity cards, disclosure of HIV status, six-monthly clinic visits and distance from the health center. Four studies measured risk of attrition from care using hazard ratios ranging from 1.2–1.8, four studies documented attrition proportions at an average of 40.0% and two studies an average rate of attrition of 43.4/1000PYs. Most (62%) included studies were retrospective cohorts, subject to risk of allocation and outcome assessment bias. A pooled analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity of studies and outcome definitions. No studies have explored heterosexual male- centered interventions in HIV care. However, in included studies that explored retention in both males and females, there were high rates of attrition in males. More male-centered interventions need to be studied preferably in RCTs. Registry number: PROSPERO2020 CRD42020142923 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020142923.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Kusemererwa
- Department of HIV Interventions, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Dickens Akena
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Damalie Nakanjako
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joanita Kigozi
- Department for Outreaches, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Regina Nanyunja
- Department of HIV Interventions, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Mastula Nanfuka
- Department of TBSpeed, Makerere University Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration (MUJHU), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bennet Kizito
- Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Mugisha Okello
- Department of HIV Interventions, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
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Incidence and risk factors for medical care interruption in people living with HIV in a French provincial city. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240417. [PMID: 33057366 PMCID: PMC7561150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to identify HIV-positive patients at risk of medical care interruption (MCI) in a provincial city of a high-income country. METHODS We estimated the incidence rate of MCI in 989 individuals followed in an HIV clinic in Caen University Hospital, Normandy, France, between January 2010 and May 2016. We enrolled patients over 18 years old who were seen at the clinic at least twice after HIV diagnosis. Patients were considered to be in MCI if they did not attend care in or outside the clinic for at least 18 months, regardless of whether or not they came back after interruption. We investigated sociodemographic, clinical and immunovirological characteristics at HIV diagnosis and during follow-up through a Cox model analysis. RESULTS The incidence rate of MCI was estimated to be 3.0 per 100 persons-years (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6-3.5). The independent risk factors for MCI were a linkage to care >6 months after HIV diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.08-1.21), a hepatitis C coinfection (HR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.07-2.88), being born in Sub-Saharan Africa (HR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.42-3.34 vs. in France) and not having a mailing address reported in the file (HR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.07-2.80). During follow-up, the risk of MCI decreased when the patient was older (HR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.15-0.51 when >45 vs. ≤ 30 years old) and increased when the patient was not on antiretroviral therapy (HR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.66-4.63). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that it is important to link HIV-positive individuals to care quickly after diagnosis and initiate antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible to retain them in care.
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Reif LK, Abrams EJ, Arpadi S, Elul B, McNairy ML, Fitzgerald DW, Kuhn L. Interventions to Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents and Youth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review 2015-2019. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2797-2810. [PMID: 32152815 PMCID: PMC7223708 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02822-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents and youth living with HIV have poorer antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence and viral suppression outcomes than all other age groups. Effective interventions promoting adherence are urgently needed. We reviewed and synthesized recent literature on interventions to improve ART adherence among this vulnerable population. We focus on studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where the adolescent and youth HIV burden is greatest. Articles published between September 2015 and January 2019 were identified through PubMed. Inclusion criteria were: [1] included participants ages 10-24 years; [2] assessed the efficacy of an intervention to improve ART adherence; [3] reported an ART adherence measurement or viral load; [4] conducted in a LMIC. Articles were reviewed for study population characteristics, intervention type, study design, outcomes measured, and intervention effect. Strength of each study's evidence was evaluated according to an adapted World Health Organization GRADE system. Articles meeting all inclusion criteria except being conducted in an LMIC were reviewed for results and potential transportability to a LMIC setting. Of 108 articles identified, 7 met criteria for inclusion. Three evaluated patient-level interventions and four evaluated health services interventions. Of the patient-level interventions, two were experimental designs and one was a retrospective cohort study. None of these interventions improved ART adherence or viral suppression. Of the four health services interventions, two targeted stable patients and reduced the amount of time spent in the clinic or grouped patients together for bi-monthly meetings, and two targeted patients newly diagnosed with HIV or not yet deemed clinically stable and augmented clinical care with home-based case-management. The two studies targeting stable patients used retrospective cohort designs and found that adolescents and youth were less likely to maintain viral suppression than children or adults. The two studies targeting patients not yet deemed clinically stable included one experimental and one retrospective cohort design and showed improved ART adherence and viral suppression outcomes. ART adherence and viral suppression outcomes remain a major challenge among adolescents and youth. Intensive home-based case management models of care hold promise for improving outcomes in this population and warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey K. Reif
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP At Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Stephen Arpadi
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
- ICAP At Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Batya Elul
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Margaret L. McNairy
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Daniel W. Fitzgerald
- Center for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Louise Kuhn
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY USA
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Changes in the HIV continuum of care following expanded access to HIV testing and treatment in Indonesia: A retrospective population-based cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239041. [PMID: 32915923 PMCID: PMC7485792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2013, the Indonesian government launched the strategic use of antiretroviral therapy (SUFA) initiative with an aim to move closer to achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target. This study assessed the impact of SUFA on the cascade of HIV care. Methods We performed a two-year retrospective population-based cohort study of all HIV positive individuals aged ≥ 18 years residing in two cities where SUFA was operational using data from HIV clinics. We analysed data for one-year pre- and one-year post-SUFA implementation. We assessed the rates of enrolment in care, assessment for eligibility for antiretroviral therapy (ART), treatment initiation, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality. Multivariate Cox regression was used to determine the pre-to-post-SUFA hazard ratio. Results A total of 2,292 HIV positive individuals (1,085 and 1,207 pre and post-SUFA respectively) were followed through their cascade of care. In the pre-SUFA period, 811 (74.6%) were enrolled in care, 702 (86.6%) were found eligible for ART, 485 (69.1%) initiated treatment, 102 (21%) were LTFU and 117 (10.8%) died. In the post-SUFA period, 930 (77%) were enrolled in care, 896 (96.3%) were found eligible for ART, 627 (70%) initiated treatment, 100 (16%) were LTFU and 148 (12.3%) dead. There was an 11% increase in the rate of HIV linkage to care (HR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.001, 1.22 p<0.05), a 13% increase in the rate of eligibility for ART (HR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.02,1.25, p<0.01) and a 27% reduction in LTFU (HR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.55, 0.97, p<0.05). Rates of ART initiation and mortality did not change. Conclusion SUFA was effective in improving HIV care in relation to linkage to care, eligibility and ART retention. Therefore, the scale up across the whole of Indonesia of the SUFA currently in the form of a test and treat policy, with improvement in testing and treatment strategies is justified.
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Sindelar K, Maponga C, Lekoala F, Mandara E, Mohoanyane M, Sanders J, Joseph J. Beyond the facility: An evaluation of seven community-based pediatric HIV testing strategies and linkage to care outcomes in a high prevalence, resource-limited setting. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236985. [PMID: 32877441 PMCID: PMC7467225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse challenges in expanding pediatric HIV testing and treatment coverage persist, making the investigation and adoption of innovative strategies urgent. Evidence is mounting for the effectiveness of community-based testing in bringing such lifesaving services to those in need, particularly in resource-limited settings. The Mobilizing HIV Identification and Treatment project piloted seven community-based testing strategies to assess their effectiveness in reaching HIV-positive children and linking them to care in two districts of Lesotho from October 2015 to March 2018. Children testing HIV-positive were enrolled into the project's mHealth system where they received e-vouchers for transportation assistance to the facility for treatment initiation and were followed-up for a minimum of three months. An average of 7,351 HIV tests were conducted per month across all strategies for all age groups, with 46% of these tests on children 0-14 years. An average of 141.65 individuals tested positive each month; 9% were children. Among the children tested 55% were over 5 years. The yield in children was low (0.38%), however facility-based yields were only slightly higher (0.72%). Seventy-five percent of children were first-time testers and 86% of those testing HIV-positive were first-time testers. Seventy-one percent of enrolled children linked to care, all but one initiated treatment, and 82% were retained in care at three months. As facility-based testing remains the core of HIV programs, this evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based strategies in finding previously untested children and those over 5 years who have limited interactions with the conventional health system. Utilizing active follow-up mechanisms, linkage rates were high suggesting accessing treatment in a facility after community testing is not a barrier. Overall, these community-based testing strategies contributed markedly to the HIV testing landscape in which they were implemented, demonstrating their potential to help close the gap of unidentified HIV-positive children and achieve universal testing coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Sindelar
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Maseru, Lesotho
- * E-mail: (KS); (JJ)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jill Sanders
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Jessica Joseph
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KS); (JJ)
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Integrating Economic Evaluation and Implementation Science to Advance the Global HIV Response. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82 Suppl 3:S314-S321. [PMID: 31764269 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous cost-effectiveness analyses have indicated good value for money from a wide array of interventions for treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. There is limited evidence, however, regarding how cost-effectiveness information contributes to better decision-making around investment and action in the global HIV response. METHODS We review challenges for economic evaluation relevant to the global HIV response and consider how the practice of cost-effectiveness analysis could integrate approaches and insights from implementation science to enhance the impact and efficiency of HIV investments. RESULTS In light of signals that cost-effectiveness analyses may be vulnerable to systematic bias toward overly optimistic conclusions, we emphasize two priorities for advancing the field of economic evaluation in HIV/AIDS and more broadly in global health: (1) systematic reevaluation of the cost-effectiveness literature with reference to ex-post empirical evidence on costs and effects in real-world programs and (2) development and adoption of good-practice guidelines for incorporating implementation and delivery aspects into economic evaluations. Toward the latter aim, we propose an integrative approach that focuses on comparative evaluation of strategies, which specify both technologies/interventions as well as the delivery platforms, complementary interventions, and actions needed to increase coverage, quality, and uptake of those technologies/interventions. Specific recommendations draw on several existing implementation science models that provide systematic frameworks for understanding implementation barriers and enablers, designing and choosing specific implementation and policy actions, and evaluating outcomes. DISCUSSION These preliminary steps aimed at bridging the divide between economic evaluation and implementation science can help to advance the practice of economic evaluation toward a science of comparative strategy evaluation.
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Hoffman S, Leu CS, Ramjee G, Blanchard K, Gandhi AD, O'Sullivan L, Kelvin EA, Exner TM, Mantell JE, Lince-Deroche N. Linkage to Care Following an HIV Diagnosis in Three Public Sector Clinics in eThekwini (Durban), South Africa: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:1181-1196. [PMID: 31677039 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Linkage to care following an HIV diagnosis remains an important HIV care continuum milestone, even in the era of universal ART eligibility. In an 8-month prospective cohort study among 459 (309 women, 150 men) newly-diagnosed HIV-positive individuals in three public-sector clinics in Durban metropolitan region, South Africa, from 2010 to 2013, median time to return to clinic for CD4+ results (linkage) was 10.71 weeks (95% CI 8.52-12.91), with 54.1% 3-month cumulative incidence of linkage. At study completion (9.23 months median follow-up), 26.2% had not linked. Holding more positive outcome-beliefs about enrolling in care was associated with more rapid linkage [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)each additional belief 1.31; 95% CI 1.05-1.64] and lower odds of never linking [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.50; 95% CI 0.33-0.75]. Holding positive ARV beliefs was strongly protective against never linking to care. Age over 30 years (AHR 1.59; 95% CI 1.29-1.97) and disclosing one's HIV-positive status within 30 days of diagnosis (AHR 1.52; 95% CI 1.10-2.10) were associated with higher linkage rates and lower odds of never linking. Gender was not associated with linkage and did not alter the effect of other predictors. Although expanded access to ART has reduced some linkage barriers, these findings demonstrate that people's beliefs and social relations also matter. In addition to structural interventions, consistent ART education and disclosure support, and targeting younger individuals for linkage are high priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susie Hoffman
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gita Ramjee
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kelly Blanchard
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anisha D Gandhi
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Lucia O'Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Kelvin
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics Program, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theresa M Exner
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Joanne E Mantell
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 15, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Naomi Lince-Deroche
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ibis Reproductive Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Lejone TI, Kopo M, Bachmann N, Brown JA, Glass TR, Muhairwe J, Matsela T, Scherrer R, Chere L, Namane T, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A. PEBRA trial - effect of a peer-educator coordinated preference-based ART service delivery model on viral suppression among adolescents and young adults living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:425. [PMID: 32228531 PMCID: PMC7106615 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08535-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite tremendous progress in controlling the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-related mortality continues to increase among adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV). Globally, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the AYPLHIV. Overall outcomes along the HIV care cascade are worse among AYPLHIV as compared to all other age groups due to various challenges in accessing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). New, innovative multicomponent packages of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, are required to address the specific needs of AYPLHIV. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multicomponent DSD model (PEBRA model) designed for AYPLHIV and coordinated by a peer-educator. Methods PEBRA (Peer-Educator Based Refill of ART) is a cluster randomized, open-label, superiority trial conducted at 20 health facilities in three districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. The clusters (health facilities) are randomly assigned to either the PEBRA model or standard of care in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by district. AYPLHIV aged 15–24 years old in care and on ART at one of the clusters are eligible. In the PEBRA model, a peer-educator coordinates the antiretroviral therapy (ART) services - such as medication pick-up, SMS notifications and support options - according to the preferences of the AYPLHIV. The peer-educator delivers this personalized model using a tablet-based application called PEBRApp. The control clusters continue to offer standard of care: ART services coordinated by the nurse. The primary endpoint is viral suppression at 12 months. Secondary endpoints include self-reported adherence to ART, quality of life, satisfaction with care and engagement in care. The target sample size is 300 AYPLHIV. Statistical analyses are conducted and reported in line with CONSORT guidelines for cluster randomized trials. Discussion The PEBRA trial will provide evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of an inclusive, holistic and preference-based DSD model for AYPLHIV that is coordinated by a peer-educator. Many countries in SSA have an existing peer-educator program. If proven effective, the PEBRA model and PEBRApp have the potential to be scaled up to similar settings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03969030. Registered on 31 May 2019. More information: www.pebra.info
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nadine Bachmann
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Anne Brown
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ramona Scherrer
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tilo Namane
- Motebang Government Hospital, Leribe, Lesotho
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Bengtson AM, Kumwenda W, Lurie M, Kutengule A, Go V, Miller WC, Cui E, Owino M, Hosseinipour M. Beyond mobile phones: exploring using technology to support sustained engagement in care for HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy. AIDS Care 2020; 32:959-964. [PMID: 32138524 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1737639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Disengagement from HIV care has emerged as a challenge to the success of universal test and treat strategies for HIV-infected women. Technology may enhance efforts to monitor and support engagement in HIV care, but implementation barriers and facilitators need to be evaluated. We conducted a mixed-method study among HIV-infected, pregnant women and healthcare workers (HCWs) in Malawi to evaluate barriers and facilitators to three technologies to support monitoring HIV care: (1) text messaging, (2) SIM card scanning and (3) biometric fingerprint scanning. We included 123 HIV-infected, pregnant women and 85 HCWs in a survey, 8 focus group discussions and 5 in-depth interviews. Biometric fingerprint scanning emerged as the preferred strategy to monitor engagement in HIV care. Among HCWs, 70% felt biometrics were very feasible, while 48% thought text messaging and SIM card scanning were feasible. Nearly three quarters (72%) of surveyed women reported they would be very comfortable using biometrics to monitor HIV appointments. Barriers to using text messaging and SIM card scanning included low phone ownership (35%), illiteracy concerns, and frequent selling or changing of mobile phones. Future work is needed to explore the feasibly of implementing biometric fingerprint scanning or other technologies to monitor engagement in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Mark Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Vivian Go
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Eric Cui
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Owino
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mina Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Jobanputra K, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Mthethwa‐Hleza S, Rusch B, Ciglenecki I, Boulle A. HIV programmatic outcomes following implementation of the 'Treat-All' policy in a public sector setting in Eswatini: a prospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25458. [PMID: 32128964 PMCID: PMC7054447 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Treat-All policy - antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation irrespective of CD4 cell criteria - increases access to treatment. Many ART programmes, however, reported increasing attrition and viral failure during treatment expansion, questioning the programmatic feasibility of Treat-All in resource-limited settings. We aimed to describe and compare programmatic outcomes between Treat-All and standard of care (SOC) in the public sectors of Eswatini. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of ≥16-year-old HIV-positive patients initiated on first-line ART under Treat-All and SOC in 18 health facilities of the Shiselweni region, from October 2014 to March 2016. SOC followed the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe crude programmatic outcomes. Multivariate flexible parametric survival models were built to assess associations of time from ART initiation with the composite unfavourable outcome of all-cause attrition and viral failure. RESULTS Of the 3170 patients, 1888 (59.6%) initiated ART under Treat-All at a median CD4 cell count of 329 (IQR 168 to 488) cells/mm3 compared with 292 (IQR 161 to 430) (p < 0.001) under SOC. Although crude programme retention at 36 months tended to be lower under Treat-All (71%) than SOC (75%) (p = 0.002), it was similar in covariate-adjusted analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23). The hazard of viral suppression was higher for Treat-All (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23), while the hazard of viral failure was comparable (Treat-All: aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.49). Among patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1080), those under Treat-All (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.44) had a similar risk of an composite unfavourable outcome to SOC. Factors increasing the risk of the composite unfavourable outcome under both interventions were aged 16 to 24 years, being unmarried, anaemia, ART initiation on the same day as HIV care enrolment and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/mm3 . Under Treat-All only, the risk of the unfavourable outcome was higher for pregnant women, WHO III/IV clinical stage and elevated creatinine. CONCLUSIONS Compared to SOC, Treat-All resulted in comparable retention, improved viral suppression and comparable composite outcomes of retention without viral failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology AssessmentUMIT ‐ University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and TechnologyHall in TirolAustria
| | | | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Demena BA, Artavia-Mora L, Ouedraogo D, Thiombiano BA, Wagner N. A Systematic Review of Mobile Phone Interventions (SMS/IVR/Calls) to Improve Adherence and Retention to Antiretroviral Treatment in Low-and Middle-Income Countries. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:59-71. [PMID: 32049555 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of mobile health technologies (mHealth) to ameliorate HIV care has considerably risen in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) since 2010. Yet, the discrepancies in the results of accompanying studies warrant an updated and systematic consolidation of all available evidence. We report a systematic review of studies testing whether text/image messages, interactive voice response reminders, or calls promote adherence and retention to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in LMICs. We systematically compiled studies published in English until June 2018 from PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, WHO database, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and manual search. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 and used frequency analysis to assess reported findings. In total, we compiled 35 published articles: 27 completed studies and 8 protocols. Among the main 27 studies, 17 examine adherence, 5 retention, and 5 both measures. Results indicate that 56% report positive and statistically significantly impacts of mHealth on primary outcomes, the remaining 44% report insignificant results. While 41% of studies found a positive and significant effect for adherence, only 12% improved retention. The evidence shows ambiguous results (with high variability) about the effectiveness of mobile phone-assisted mHealth interventions to boost adherence and retention to ART. The literature also points to short follow-up periods, small samples, and limited geographical coverage. Hence, future research should focus on evaluating longer interventions with more patients spread across wider areas to address whether mHealth can be effectively used in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyam Afewerk Demena
- Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Luis Artavia-Mora
- Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Dénis Ouedraogo
- Institut du Développement Rural, Université Nazi Boni (Former Université Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Boundia Alexandre Thiombiano
- Institut du Développement Rural, Université Nazi Boni (Former Université Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Natascha Wagner
- Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Wu Y, Gachuhi AB, McNairy ML, Madau V, Lamb M, Mazibuko S, Mnisi Z, Burke S, Philip N, Sahabo R, El Sadr WM. Low rates of prior HIV testing among HIV-positive adults accessing outpatient services in Eswatini. AIDS Res Ther 2019; 16:38. [PMID: 31806036 PMCID: PMC6896727 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-019-0254-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior HIV testing and awareness of HIV-positive status were assessed among HIV-positive adults at 20 clinics in Eswatini. Of 2196 HIV-positive adults, 1183 (53.8%) reported no prior HIV testing, and 1948 (88.7%) were unaware of their HIV-positive status. Males [adjusted odds ratio, AOR, (95% confidence interval): 0.7 (0.5–0.9)], youth 18–25 years [AOR 0.6 (0.4–0.95)], adults ≥ 50 years [AOR 0.5 (0.3–0.9)], those needing family support [AOR 0.6 (0.5–0.8)], and those living ≥ 45 min from clinic [AOR 0.5 (0.4–0.8)] were less likely to know their HIV-positive status. More HIV testing is needed to achieve 95-95-95 targets, with targeted strategies for those less likely to test for HIV.
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Koduah Owusu K, Adu-Gyamfi R, Ahmed Z. Strategies To Improve Linkage To HIV Care In Urban Areas Of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2019; 11:321-332. [PMID: 31819663 PMCID: PMC6898990 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s216093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the 37 million people estimated to be living with HIV globally in 2017, about 24.7 million were in the sub-Saharan Africa region, which has been and remains worst affected by the epidemic. Enrolment of newly diagnosed individuals into care in the region, however, remains poor with up to 54% not being linked to care. Linkage to care is a very important step in the HIV cascade as it is the precursor to initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), retention in care, and viral suppression. A systematic review was conducted to gather information regarding the strategies that have been documented to increase linkage to care of Persons living with HIV(PLHIV) in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa. An electronic search was conducted on Scopus, Cochrane central, CINAHL Plus, PubMed and OpenGrey for linkage strategies implemented from 2006. A total of 189 potentially relevant citations were identified, of which 7 were eligible for inclusion. The identified strategies were categorized using themes from literature. The most common strategies included: health system interventions (i.e. comprehensive care, task shifting); patient convenience and accessibility (i.e. immediate CD4 count testing, immediate ART initiation, community HIV testing); behavior interventions and peer support (i.e. assisted partner services, care facilitation, mobile phone appointment reminders, health education) and incentives (i.e. non-cash financial incentives and transport reimbursement). Several strategies showed favorable outcomes: comprehensive care, immediate CD4 count testing, immediate ART initiation, and assisted partner services. Assisted partner services, same day home-based ART initiation, combination intervention strategies and point-of-care CD4 testing significantly improved linkage to care in urban settings of sub-Saharan African region. They can be delivered either in a health facility or in the community but should be facilitated by health workers. There is, however, the need to conduct more linkage-specific studies in the sub-region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwadwo Koduah Owusu
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Raphael Adu-Gyamfi
- National AIDS/STI Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Zamzam Ahmed
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
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Zhang X, Wang N, Vermund SH, Zou H, Li X, Zhang F, Qian HZ. Interventions to improve the HIV continuum of care in China. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 16:448-457. [PMID: 31776975 PMCID: PMC10767704 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00469-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe HIV epidemic and interventions for improving HIV continuum of care in China. RECENT FINDINGS The reported HIV epidemic has been continuously increasing, partially due to the expansion of active HIV testing campaign. Public health intervention programs have been effective in containing HIV spread among former plasma donors and people who inject drugs (PWID), but more infections occur among heterosexual men and women and young men who have sex with men. Of 1.25 million Chinese people are living with HIV, one-third do not know their status. About two-thirds of diagnosed individuals have used antiretroviral therapy (ART) and two-thirds of those on ART have achieved viral suppression, but some risk groups such as PWID have lower rates. The national free ART program has reduced adult and pediatric mortality and reduced heterosexual transmission. China faces great challenges to reduce HIV sexual transmission, improve the HIV continuum of care, and close the gaps to the UNAIDS Three "90" Targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Zhang
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Na Wang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | | | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianhong Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fujie Zhang
- Clinical and Research Center of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Center for HIV/AIDS, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
- SJTU-Yale Joint Center for Biostatistics and Data Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Kerschberger B, Jobanputra K, Schomaker M, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Lukhele N, Rusch B, Boulle A, Ciglenecki I. Feasibility of antiretroviral therapy initiation under the treat-all policy under routine conditions: a prospective cohort study from Eswatini. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25401. [PMID: 31647613 PMCID: PMC6812490 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization recommends the Treat-All policy of immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, but questions persist about its feasibility in resource-poor settings. We assessed the feasibility of Treat-All compared with standard of care (SOC) under routine conditions. METHODS This prospective cohort study from southern Eswatini followed adults from HIV care enrolment to ART initiation. Between October 2014 and March 2016, Treat-All was offered in one health zone and SOC according to the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds in the neighbouring health zone, each of which comprised one secondary and eight primary care facilities. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates, multivariate flexible parametric survival models and standardized survival curves to compare ART initiation between the two interventions. RESULTS Of the 1726 (57.3%) patients enrolled under Treat-All and 1287 (42.7%) under SOC, cumulative three-month ART initiation was higher under Treat-All (91%) than SOC (74%; p < 0.001) with a median time to ART of 1 (IQR 0 to 14) and 10 (IQR 2 to 117) days respectively. Under Treat-All, ART initiation was higher in pregnant women (vs. non-pregnant women: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70 to 2.26), those with secondary education (vs. no formal education: aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.95), and patients with an HIV-positive diagnosis before care enrolment (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.36). ART initiation was lower in patients attending secondary care facilities (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.72) and for CD4 351 to 500 when compared with CD4 201 to 350 cells/mm3 (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.00). ART initiation varied over time for TB cases, with lower hazard during the first two weeks after HIV care enrolment and higher hazards thereafter. Of patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1085; 36.0%), crude 3-month ART initiation was similar in both interventions (91% to 92%) although Treat-All initiated patients more quickly during the first month after HIV care enrolment. CONCLUSIONS ART initiation was high under Treat-All and without evidence of de-prioritization of patients with advanced HIV disease. Additional studies are needed to understand the long-term impact of Treat-All on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and HealthTechnology AssessmentMedical Informatics and TechnologyUMIT – University for Health SciencesHall in TirolAustria
| | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
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Galárraga O, Sosa-Rubí SG. Conditional economic incentives to improve HIV prevention and treatment in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet HIV 2019; 6:e705-e714. [PMID: 31578955 PMCID: PMC7725432 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30233-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
New and innovative approaches are needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. Several trials use conditional economic incentives (CEIs) to improve HIV outcomes. Most CEI interventions use a traditional economic theory approach, although some interventions incorporate behavioural economics, which combines traditional economics with insights from psychology. Incentive interventions that are appropriately implemented can increase HIV testing rates and voluntary male circumcision, and they can improve other HIV prevention and treatment outcomes in certain settings in the short term. More research is needed to uncover theory-based mechanisms that increase the duration of incentive effects and provide strategies for susceptible individuals, which will help to address common constraints and biases that can influence health-related decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Galárraga
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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48
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Kelly N, Maokola W, Mudasiru O, McCoy SI. Interventions to Improve Linkage to HIV Care in the Era of "Treat All" in Sub-Saharan Africa: a Systematic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 16:292-303. [PMID: 31201613 PMCID: PMC10655251 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00451-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW In 2015, antiretroviral therapy (ART) was recommended for all people living with HIV (PLHIV) regardless of CD4 count ("Treat All"). To better understand how to improve linkage to care under these new guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating linkage interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa under Treat All. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 14 eligible articles and qualitatively analyzed the effectiveness of the interventions. Increases in linkage were reported by supply-side and counseling interventions. Mobile testing and economic incentives did not increase linkage. Given the lag time between adoption and implementation, only two of the studies were conducted in a Treat All setting. None of the interventions specifically focused on re-linking PLHIV who had disengaged from care. Future studies must design interventions that target not only newly diagnosed or treatment naïve PLHIV, but should explicitly focus on PLHIV who have disengaged from care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Kelly
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Werner Maokola
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Ministry of Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Omobola Mudasiru
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- University of California, 2121 Berkeley Way, MC 7360, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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Mateo-Urdiales A, Johnson S, Smith R, Nachega JB, Eshun-Wilson I. Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 6:CD012962. [PMID: 31206168 PMCID: PMC6575156 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012962.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) being widely available, HIV continues to cause substantial illness and premature death in low-and-middle-income countries. High rates of loss to follow-up after HIV diagnosis can delay people starting ART. Starting ART within seven days of HIV diagnosis (rapid ART initiation) could reduce loss to follow-up, improve virological suppression rates, and reduce mortality. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for rapid initiation of ART (defined as offering ART within seven days of HIV diagnosis) on treatment outcomes and mortality in people living with HIV. We also aimed to describe the characteristics of rapid ART interventions used in the included studies. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, Embase, and four other databases up to 14 August 2018. There was no restriction on date, language, or publication status. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and websites for unpublished literature, including conference abstracts. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared rapid ART versus standard care in people living with HIV. Children, adults, and adolescents from any setting were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of the studies identified in the search, assessed the risk of bias and extracted data. The primary outcomes were mortality and virological suppression at 12 months. We have presented all outcomes using risk ratios (RR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Where appropriate, we pooled the results in meta-analysis. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included seven studies with 18,011 participants in the review. All studies were carried out in low- and middle-income countries in adults aged 18 years old or older. Only one study included pregnant women.In all the studies, the rapid ART intervention was offered as part of a package that included several cointerventions targeting individuals, health workers and health system processes delivered alongside rapid ART that aimed to facilitate uptake and adherence to ART.Comparing rapid ART with standard initiation probably results in greater viral suppression at 12 months (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.27; 2719 participants, 4 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and better ART uptake at 12 months (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.12; 3713 participants, 4 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), and may improve retention in care at 12 months (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.35; 5001 participants, 6 studies; low-certainty evidence). Rapid ART initiation was associated with a lower mortality estimate, however the CIs included no effect when compared to standard of care (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.01; 5451 participants, 7 studies; very low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether rapid ART has an effect on modification of ART treatment regimens as data are lacking (RR 7.89, 95% CI 0.76 to 81.74; 977 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). There was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on the occurrence of adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS RCTs that include initiation of ART within one week of diagnosis appear to improve outcomes across the HIV treatment cascade in low- and middle-income settings. The studies demonstrating these effects delivered rapid ART combined with several setting-specific cointerventions. This highlights the need for pragmatic research to identify feasible packages that assure the effects seen in the trials when delivered through complex health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mateo-Urdiales
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, L3 5QA
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Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Ciglenecki I, Pasipamire L, Mabhena E, Telnov A, Rusch B, Lukhele N, Teck R, Boulle A. Programmatic outcomes and impact of rapid public sector antiretroviral therapy expansion in adults prior to introduction of the WHO treat-all approach in rural Eswatini. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:701-714. [PMID: 30938037 PMCID: PMC6849841 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes during rapid HIV programme expansion in the public sector of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). METHODS This is a retrospectively established cohort of HIV-positive adults (≥16 years) who started first-line ART in 25 health facilities in Shiselweni (Eswatini) between 01/2006 and 12/2014. Temporal trends in ART attrition, treatment expansion and ART coverage were described over 9 years. We used flexible parametric survival models to assess the relationship between time to ART attrition and covariates. RESULTS Of 24 772 ART initiations, 6% (n = 1488) occurred in 2006, vs. 13% (n = 3192) in 2014. Between these years, median CD4 cell count at ART initiation increased (113-265 cells/mm3 ). The active treatment cohort expanded 8.4-fold, ART coverage increased 8.0-fold (7.1% in 2006 vs. 56.8% in 2014) and 12-month crude ART retention improved from 71% to 86%. Compared with the pre-decentralisation period (2006-2007), attrition decreased by 5% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.88-1.02) during HIV-TB service decentralisation (2008-2010), by 17% (aHR 0.83, 0.75-0.92) during service consolidation (2011-2012), and by 20% (aHR 0.80, 0.71-0.90) during further treatment expansion (2013-2014). The risk of attrition was higher for young age, male sex, pathological baseline haemoglobin and biochemistry results, more toxic drug regimens, WHO III/IV staging and low CD4 cell count; access to a telephone was protective. CONCLUSIONS Programmatic outcomes improved during large expansion of the treatment cohort and increased ART coverage. Changes in ART programming may have contributed to better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Alex Telnov
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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