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Seo J, Kim C. Utilizing local likelihood in regression discontinuity design: Investigating the impact of antiretroviral therapy eligibility on retention in clinical HIV care in South Africa. Stat Med 2024; 43:1640-1659. [PMID: 38351516 DOI: 10.1002/sim.10028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
The regression discontinuity (RD) design is a widely utilized approach for assessing treatment effects. It involves assigning treatment based on the value of an observed covariate in relation to a fixed threshold. Although the RD design has been widely employed across various problems, its application to specific data types has received limited attention. For instance, there has been little research on utilizing the RD design when the outcome variable exhibits zero-inflation. This study introduces a novel RD estimator using local likelihood, which overcomes the limitations of the local linear regression model, a popular approach for estimating treatment effects in RD design, by considering the data type of the outcome variable. To determine the optimal bandwidth, we propose a modified Ludwig-Miller cross validation method. A set of simulations is carried out, involving binary, count, and zero-inflated outcome variables, to showcase the superior performance of the suggested method over local linear regression models. Subsequently, the proposed local likelihood model is employed on HIV care data, where antiretroviral therapy eligibility is determined by a CD4 count threshold. A comparison is made between the results obtained using the local likelihood model and those obtained using local linear regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyun Seo
- Department of Statistics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanmin Kim
- Department of Statistics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Cattaneo MD, Keele L, Titiunik R. A guide to regression discontinuity designs in medical applications. Stat Med 2023; 42:4484-4513. [PMID: 37528626 DOI: 10.1002/sim.9861] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
We present a practical guide for the analysis of regression discontinuity (RD) designs in biomedical contexts. We begin by introducing key concepts, assumptions, and estimands within both the continuity-based framework and the local randomization framework. We then discuss modern estimation and inference methods within both frameworks, including approaches for bandwidth or local neighborhood selection, optimal treatment effect point estimation, and robust bias-corrected inference methods for uncertainty quantification. We also overview empirical falsification tests that can be used to support key assumptions. Our discussion focuses on two particular features that are relevant in biomedical research: (i) fuzzy RD designs, which often arise when therapeutic treatments are based on clinical guidelines, but patients with scores near the cutoff are treated contrary to the assignment rule; and (ii) RD designs with discrete scores, which are ubiquitous in biomedical applications. We illustrate our discussion with three empirical applications: the effect CD4 guidelines for anti-retroviral therapy on retention of HIV patients in South Africa, the effect of genetic guidelines for chemotherapy on breast cancer recurrence in the United States, and the effects of age-based patient cost-sharing on healthcare utilization in Taiwan. Complete replication materials employing publicly available data and statistical software in Python, R and Stata are provided, offering researchers all necessary tools to conduct an RD analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias D Cattaneo
- Dept. of Operations Research and Financial Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Luke Keele
- Dept. of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rocío Titiunik
- Dept. of Politics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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Adeleke MO, O'Keeffe AG, Baio G. Approaches to risk ratio estimation in a regression discontinuity design: Application to the prescription of statins for cholesterol reduction in UK primary care. Stat Methods Med Res 2023; 32:1994-2015. [PMID: 37590094 DOI: 10.1177/09622802231192958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years regression discontinuity designs have been used increasingly for the estimation of treatment effects in observational medical data where a rule-based decision to apply treatment is taken using a continuous assignment variable. Most regression discontinuity design applications have focused on effect estimation where the outcome of interest is continuous, with scenarios with binary outcomes receiving less attention, despite their ubiquity in medical studies. In this work, we develop an approach to estimation of the risk ratio in a fuzzy regression discontinuity design (where treatment is not always strictly applied according to the decision rule), derived using common regression discontinuity design assumptions. This method compares favourably to other risk ratio estimation approaches: the established Wald estimator and a risk ratio estimate from a multiplicative structural mean model, with promising results from extensive simulation studies. A demonstration and further comparison are made using a real example to evaluate the effect of statins (where a statin prescription is made based on a patient's 10-year cardiovascular disease risk score) on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction in UK Primary Care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam O Adeleke
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aidan G O'Keeffe
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gianluca Baio
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
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Dovel KL, Hariprasad S, Hubbard J, Cornell M, Phiri K, Choko A, Abbott R, Hoffman R, Nichols B, Gupta S, Long L. Strategies to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and early engagement among men in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review of interventions in the era of universal treatment. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:454-465. [PMID: 37132119 PMCID: PMC10354296 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have lower rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and higher rates of early default than women. Little is known about effective interventions to improve men's outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of interventions aimed to increase ART initiation and/or early retention among men in SSA since universal treatment policies were implemented. METHODS Three databases, HIV conference databases and grey literature were searched for studies published between January 2016 to May 2021 that reported on initiation and/or early retention among men. Eligibility criteria included: participants in SSA, data collected after universal treatment policies were implemented (2016-2021), quantitative data on ART initiation and/or early retention for males, general male population (not exclusively focused on key populations), intervention study (report outcomes for at least one non-standard service delivery strategy), and written in English. RESULTS Of the 4351 sources retrieved, 15 (reporting on 16 interventions) met inclusion criteria. Of the 16 interventions, only two (2/16, 13%) exclusively focused on men. Five (5/16, 31%) were randomised control trials (RCT), one (1/16, 6%) was a retrospective cohort study, and 10 (10/16, 63%) did not have comparison groups. Thirteen (13/16, 81%) interventions measured ART initiation and six (6/16, 37%) measured early retention. Outcome definitions and time frames varied greatly, with seven (7/16, 44%) not specifying time frames at all. Five types of interventions were represented: optimising ART services at health facilities, community-based ART services, outreach support (such as reminders and facility escort), counselling and/or peer support, and conditional incentives. Across all intervention types, ART initiation rates ranged from 27% to 97% and early retention from 47% to 95%. CONCLUSIONS Despite years of data of men's suboptimal ART outcomes, there is little high-quality evidence on interventions to increase men's ART initiation or early retention in SSA. Additional randomised or quasi-experimental studies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Santhi Hariprasad
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khumbo Phiri
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Rachel Abbott
- Division of HIV, Infections Diseases & Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Risa Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Brooke Nichols
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sundeep Gupta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lawrence Long
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Teeraananchai S, Kerr SJ, Ruxrungtham K, Khananuraksa P, Puthanakit T. Long-term outcomes of rapid antiretroviral NNRTI-based initiation among Thai youth living with HIV: a national registry database study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26071. [PMID: 36943729 PMCID: PMC10029993 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26071] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Thai National AIDS programme (NAP) treatment guidelines have recommended rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, regardless of CD4 count since 2014. We assessed treatment outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLHIV), initiating first-line ART and assessed the association between virological failure (VF) and timing of ART initiation. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data for YLHIV aged 15-24 years, initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART from 2014 to 2019, through the NAP database. We classified the timing of ART into three groups based on duration from HIV-positive diagnosis or system registration to ART initiation: (1) <1 month (rapid ART); (2) 1-3 months (intermediate ART); and (3) >3 months (delayed ART). VF was defined as viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml after at least 6 months of first-line ART. Factors associated with VF were analysed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Of 19,825 YLHIV who started ART, 78% were male. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 21 (20-23) years and CD4 count was 338 (187-498) cells/mm3 . After registration, 12,216 (62%) started rapid ART, 4272 (22%) intermediate ART and 3337 (17%) delayed ART. The proportion of YLHIV starting ART <30 days significantly increased from 43% to 57% from 2014-2016 to 2017-2019 (p < 0.001). The median duration of first-line therapy was 2 (IQR 1-3) years and 89% started with efavirenz-based regimens. Attrition outcomes showed that 325 (2%) died (0.73 [95% CI 0.65-0.81] per 100 person-years [PY]) and 1762 (9%) were loss to follow-up (3.96 [95% CI 3.78-4.15] per 100 PY). Of 17,512 (88%) who had VL checked from 6 to 12 months after starting treatment, 80% achieved VL <200 copies/ml. Overall, 2512 experienced VF 5.87 (95% CI 5.65-6.11) per 100 PY). In a multivariate model, the adjusted incidence rate ratio for VF was 1.47 (95% CI 1.33-1.63, p < 0.001) in the delayed ART group and 1.14 (95% CI 1.03-1.25, p< 0.001) in the intermediate ART group, compared to YLHIV in the rapid ART group. CONCLUSIONS Rapid ART initiation after diagnosis was associated with significantly reduced risks of VF and death in YLHIV, supporting the implementation of rapid ART for optimizing health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinya Teeraananchai
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stephen J Kerr
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biostatistics Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (ChulaVRC), School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Eshun-Wilson I, Ford N, Mody A, Beres L, Schwartz S, Baral S, Geng EH. Strengthening implementation guidelines for HIV service delivery: Considerations for future evidence generation and synthesis. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004168. [PMID: 36877738 PMCID: PMC10027212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ingrid Eshun-Wilson and colleagues summarize gaps in primary HIV implementation research methods and reporting, and propose areas for future methodological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nathan Ford
- Department of HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infectionss, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Laura Beres
- Department of International Health, John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Ricciardi F, Liverani S, Baio G. Dirichlet process mixture models for regression discontinuity designs. Stat Methods Med Res 2023; 32:55-70. [PMID: 36366738 DOI: 10.1177/09622802221129044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The regression discontinuity design is a quasi-experimental design that estimates the causal effect of a treatment when its assignment is defined by a threshold for a continuous variable. The regression discontinuity design assumes that subjects with measurements within a bandwidth around the threshold belong to a common population, so that the threshold can be seen as a randomising device assigning treatment to those falling just above the threshold and withholding it from those who fall below. Bandwidth selection represents a compelling decision for the regression discontinuity design analysis as results may be highly sensitive to its choice. A few methods to select the optimal bandwidth, mainly from the econometric literature, have been proposed. However, their use in practice is limited. We propose a methodology that, tackling the problem from an applied point of view, considers units' exchangeability, that is, their similarity with respect to measured covariates, as the main criteria to select subjects for the analysis, irrespectively of their distance from the threshold. We cluster the sample using a Dirichlet process mixture model to identify balanced and homogeneous clusters. Our proposal exploits the posterior similarity matrix, which contains the pairwise probabilities that two observations are allocated to the same cluster in the Markov chain Monte Carlo sample. Thus we include in the regression discontinuity design analysis only those clusters for which we have stronger evidence of exchangeability. We illustrate the validity of our methodology with both a simulated experiment and a motivating example on the effect of statins on cholesterol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Liverani
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | - Gianluca Baio
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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MacLeod WB, Bor J, Candy S, Maskew M, Fox MP, Bulekova K, Brennan AT, Potter J, Nattey C, Onoya D, Mlisana K, Stevens W, Carmona S. Cohort profile: the South African National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) National HIV Cohort. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066671. [PMID: 36261238 PMCID: PMC9582381 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE South Africa's National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) National HIV Cohort was established in 2015 to facilitate monitoring, evaluation and research on South Africa's National HIV Treatment Programme. In South Africa, 84.8% of people living with HIV know their HIV status; 70.7% who know their status are on ART; and 87.4% on ART are virologically suppressed. PARTICIPANTS The NHLS National HIV Cohort includes the laboratory data of nearly all patients receiving HIV care in the public sector since April 2004. Patients are included in the cohort if they have received a CD4 count or HIV RNA viral load (VL) test. Using an anonymised unique patient identifier that we have developed and validated to linked test results, we observe patients prospectively through their laboratory results as they receive HIV care and treatment. Patients in HIV care are seen for laboratory monitoring every 6-12 months. Data collected include age, sex, facility location and test results for CD4 counts, VLs and laboratory tests used to screen for potential treatment complications. FINDINGS TO DATE From April 2004 to April 2018, 63 million CD4 count and VL tests were conducted at 5483 facilities. 12.6 million unique patients had at least one CD4 count or VL, indicating they had accessed HIV care, and 7.1 million patients had a VL test indicating they had started antiretroviral therapy. The creation of NHLS National HIV Cohort has enabled longitudinal research on all lab-monitored patients in South Africa's national HIV programme, including analyses of (1) patient health at presentation; (2) care outcomes such as 'CD4 recovery', 'retention in care' and 'viral resuppression'; (3) patterns of transfer and re-entry into care; (4) facility-level variation in care outcomes; and (5) impacts of policies and guideline changes. FUTURE PLANS Continuous updating of the cohort, integration with available clinical data, and expansion to include tuberculosis and other lab-monitored comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B MacLeod
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Jacob Bor
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
- Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sue Candy
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, South Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
- Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katia Bulekova
- Research Computing Services, IS&T, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alana T Brennan
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
- Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Potter
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cornelius Nattey
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- Academic Affairs, Research & Quality Assurance, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wendy Stevens
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
- National Priority Programmes, National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, South Africa
| | - Sergio Carmona
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, South Africa
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Barriers to anti-retroviral therapy adherence among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273435. [PMID: 36178934 PMCID: PMC9524658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is fundamental in achieving viral load suppression and consequently attaining positive health outcomes among people living with HIV. However, ART adherence is sub-optimum among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) thus the high AIDS-related mortality even after World Health Organization (WHO) revised HIV treatment eligibility guidelines in 2010, 2013 and 2016. Consolidated trends of barriers to ART adherence among ALHIV aged 10 to 19 years in sub-Saharan countries post each eligibility guidelines revision to date are unknown. Methods and analysis We will conduct comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature databases publishing observational studies reporting data adherence and barriers to ART among ALHIV on ART. We will further search the reference lists of included studies and other relevant reviews. We will also do a citation search for included studies in the review. We will search in the following databases PubMed, Cochrane Review, Scopus on Excerpta Medica Database (Embase) and Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Furthermore WHO, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) websites, conference proceedings and country reports will be searched to identify relevant literature. Data will be extracted from eligible studies and synthesis will be through categorizing studies by year of study, barriers, and outcomes. Meta-analysis and meta-synthesis will be conducted for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Where meta-synthesis is impossible, narrative synthesis will be conducted. We will only include studies conducted between 2010 and 2022 within sub-Saharan Africa countries. Discussion Adherence to ART at a high level is required to achieve adequate viral suppression and improve quality of life in ALHIV. The knowledge of barriers to ART among ALHV may aid in the design of interventions aimed at improving ART adherence. Trail registration Systematic review protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42021284891.
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Factors Associated with Retention of HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Care: Evidence from Outpatient Clinics in Two Provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090229. [PMID: 36136640 PMCID: PMC9504336 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Interruptions in the continuum of care for HIV can inadvertently increase a patient’s risk of poor health outcomes such as uncontrolled viral load and a greater likelihood of developing drug resistance. Retention of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in care and determinants of attrition, such as adherence to treatment, are among the most critical links strengthening the continuum of care, reducing the risk of treatment failure, and assuring viral load suppression. Objective: To analyze the variation in, and factors associated with, retention of patients enrolled in HIV services at outpatient clinics in the provinces of Kinshasa and Haut-Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: Data for the last visit of 51,286 patients enrolled in Centers for Disease Control (CDC)-supported outpatient HIV clinics in 18 health zones in Haut-Katanga and Kinshasa, DRC were extracted in June 2020. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Results: The results showed a retention rate of 78.2%. Most patients were classified to be at WHO clinical stage 1 (42.1%), the asymptomatic stage, and only 3.2% were at stage 4, the severest stage of AIDS. Odds of retention were significantly higher for patients at WHO clinical stage 1 compared to stage 4 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.325; confidence interval (CI), 1.13−1.55), women as opposed to men (AOR, 2.00; CI, 1.63−2.44), and women who were not pregnant (vs. pregnant women) at the start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (AOR, 2.80; CI, 2.04−3.85). Odds of retention were significantly lower for patients who received a one-month supply rather than multiple months (AOR, 0.22; CI, 0.20−0.23), and for patients in urban health zones (AOR, 0.75; CI, 0.59−0.94) rather than rural. Compared to patients 55 years of age or older, the odds of retention were significantly lower for patients younger than 15 (AOR, 0.35; CI, 0.30−0.42), and those aged 15 and <55 (AOR, 0.75; CI, 0.68−0.82). Conclusions: Significant variations exist in the retention of patients in HIV care by patient characteristics. There is evidence of strong associations of many patient characteristics with retention in care, including clinical, demographic, and other contextual variables that may be beneficial for improvements in HIV services in DRC.
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11
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Larson B, Shroufi A, Muthoga C, Oladele R, Rajasingham R, Jordan A, Jarvis JN, Chiller TM, Govender NP. Induction-phase treatment costs for cryptococcal meningitis in high HIV-burden African countries: New opportunities with lower costs. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:140. [PMID: 35706922 PMCID: PMC9184925 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16776.3] [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: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Access to and the cost of induction treatment for cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is rapidly changing. The newly-announced price for flucytosine ($0.75 per 500 mg pill) and possibly lower prices for liposomal amphotericin B (AmB-L) create opportunities to reduce CM treatment costs compared to the current standard treatment in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We developed an Excel-based cost model to estimate health system treatment costs for CM over a two-week induction phase for multiple treatment combinations, newly feasible with improved access to flucytosine and AmB-L. CM treatment costs include medications, laboratory tests and other hospital-based costs (bed-day costs and healthcare worker time). We report results from applying the model using country-specific information for South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, and Botswana. Results: A 14-day induction-phase of seven days of inpatient AmB-D with flucytosine, followed by seven days of high-dose fluconazole as an outpatient, will cost health systems less than a 14-day hospital stay with AmB-D and fluconazole. If daily AmB-L replaces AmB-D for those with baseline renal dysfunction, with a cost of $50 or less per 50 mg vial, incremental costs would still be less than the AmB-D with fluconazole regimen. Simple oral combinations (e.g., seven days of flucytosine with fluconazole as an inpatient) are practical when AmB-D is not available, and treatment costs would remain less than the current standard treatment. Conclusions: Improved access to and lower prices for flucytosine and AmB-L create opportunities for improving CM treatment regimens. An induction regimen of flucytosine and AmB-D for seven days is less costly than standard care in the settings studied here. As this regimen has also been shown to be more effective than current standard care, countries should prioritize scaling up flucytosine access. The cost of AmB-L based regimens is highly dependent on the price of AmB-L, which currently remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Larson
- Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Charles Muthoga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rita Oladele
- College of Medicine, Univerity of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tom M. Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nelesh P. Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bor J, Kluberg SA, LaValley MP, Evans D, Hirasen K, Maskew M, Long L, Fox MP. One Pill, Once a Day: Simplified Treatment Regimens and Retention in HIV Care. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:999-1008. [PMID: 35081613 PMCID: PMC9989337 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simplified drug regimens may improve retention in care for persons with chronic diseases. In April 2013, South Africa adopted a once-daily single-pill human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment regimen as the standard of care, replacing a multiple-pill regimen. Because the regimens had similar biological efficacy, the shift to single-pill therapy offered a real-world test of the impact of simplified drug-delivery mechanisms on patient behavior. Using a quasi-experimental regression discontinuity design, we assessed retention in care among patients starting HIV treatment just before and just after the guideline change. The study included 4,484 patients starting treatment at a large public sector clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. The share of patients prescribed a single-pill regimen increased by over 40 percentage points between March and April 2013. Initiating treatment after the policy change was associated with 11.7-percentage-points' higher retention at 12 months (95% confidence interval: -2.2, 29.4). Findings were robust to different measures of retention, different bandwidths, and different statistical models. Patients starting treatment early in HIV infection-a key population in the test-and-treat era-experienced the greatest improvements in retention from single-pill regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bor
- Correspondence to Dr. Jacob Bor, Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 (e-mail: )
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13
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Larson B, Shroufi A, Muthoga C, Oladele R, Rajasingham R, Jordan A, Jarvis JN, Chiller TM, Govender NP. Induction-phase treatment costs for cryptococcal meningitis in high HIV-burden African countries: New opportunities with lower costs. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:140. [PMID: 35706922 PMCID: PMC9184925 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16776.2] [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: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Access to and the cost of induction treatment for cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is rapidly changing. The newly-announced price for flucytosine ($0.75 per 500 mg pill) and possibly lower prices for liposomal amphotericin B (AmB-L) create opportunities to reduce CM treatment costs compared to the current standard treatment in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We developed an Excel-based cost model to estimate health system treatment costs for CM over a two-week induction phase for multiple treatment combinations, newly feasible with improved access to flucytosine and AmB-L. CM treatment costs include medications, laboratory tests and other hospital-based costs (bed-day costs and healthcare worker time). We report results from applying the model using country-specific information for South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, and Botswana. Results: A 14-day induction-phase of seven days of inpatient AmB-D with flucytosine, followed by seven days of high-dose fluconazole as an outpatient, will cost health systems less than a 14-day hospital stay with AmB-D and fluconazole. If daily AmB-L replaces AmB-D for those with baseline renal dysfunction, with a cost of $50 or less per 50 mg vial, incremental costs would still be less than the AmB-D with fluconazole regimen. Simple oral combinations (e.g., seven days of flucytosine with fluconazole as an inpatient) are practical when AmB-D is not available, and treatment costs would remain less than the current standard treatment. Conclusions: Improved access to, and lower prices for flucytosine and AmB-L create opportunities for improving CM treatment regimens. An induction regimen of flucytosine and AmB-D for seven days is less costly than standard care in the settings studied here. As this regimen has also been shown to be more effective than current standard care, countries should prioritize scaling up flucytosine access. The cost of AmB-L based regimens is highly dependent on the price of AmB-L, which currently remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Larson
- Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Charles Muthoga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rita Oladele
- College of Medicine, Univerity of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tom M. Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nelesh P. Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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14
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Mayasi N, Situakibanza H, Mbula M, Longokolo M, Maes N, Bepouka B, Ossam JO, Moutschen M, Darcis G. Retention in care and predictors of attrition among HIV-infected patients who started antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DRC, before and after the implementation of the 'treat-all' strategy. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000259. [PMID: 36962315 PMCID: PMC10022330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The retention of patients in care is a key pillar of the continuum of HIV care. It has been suggested that the implementation of a "treat-all" strategy may favor attrition (death or lost to follow-up, as opposed to retention), specifically in the subgroup of asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLWH) with high CD4 counts. Attrition in HIV care could mitigate the success of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. We performed a retrospective study of PLWH at least 15 years old initiating ART in 85 HIV care centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between 2010 and 2019, with the objective of measuring attrition and to define factors associated with it. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics recorded at ART initiation included sex, age, weight, height, WHO HIV stage, pregnancy, baseline CD4 cell count, start date of ART, and baseline and last ART regimen. Attrition was defined as death or loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU was defined as "not presenting to an HIV care center for at least 180 days after the date of a last missed visit, without a notification of death or transfer". Kaplan-Meier curves were used to present attrition data, and mixed effects Cox regression models determined factors associated with attrition. The results compared were before and after the implementation of the "treat-all" strategy. A total of 15,762 PLWH were included in the study. Overall, retention in HIV care was 83% at twelve months and 77% after two years of follow-up. The risk of attrition increased with advanced HIV disease and the size of the HIV care center. Time to ART initiation greater than seven days after diagnosis and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk of attrition. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy modified the clinical characteristics of PLWH toward higher CD4 cell counts and a greater proportion of patients at WHO stages I and II at treatment initiation. Initiation of ART after the implementation of the 'treat all" strategy was associated with higher attrition (p<0.0001) and higher LTFU (p<0.0001). Attrition has remained high in recent years. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy was associated with higher attrition and LTFU in our study. Interventions to improve early and ongoing commitment to care are needed, with specific attention to high-risk groups to improve ART coverage and limit HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mayasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Hippolyte Situakibanza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Marcel Mbula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Murielle Longokolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ben Bepouka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Jérôme Odio Ossam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Michel Moutschen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
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15
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Zaniewski E, Brazier E, Ostinelli CHD, Wood R, Osler M, Technau KG, van Oosterhout JJ, Maxwell N, van Dijk J, Prozesky H, Fox MP, Bor J, Nash D, Egger M. Regression discontinuity analysis demonstrated varied effect of Treat-All on CD4 testing among Southern African countries. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 140:101-110. [PMID: 34487837 PMCID: PMC8712349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether Treat-All policy impacted laboratory testing practices of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs in Southern Africa. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We used HIV cohort data from Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe in a regression discontinuity design to estimate changes in pre-ART CD4 testing and viral load monitoring following national Treat-all adoption that occurred during 2016 to 2017. This study included more than 230,000 ART-naïve people living with HIV (PLHIV) aged five years or older who started ART within two years of national Treat-All adoption. RESULTS We found pre-ART CD4 testing decreased following adoption of Treat-All recommendations in Malawi (-21.4 percentage points (pp), 95% confidence interval, CI: -26.8, -16.0) and in Mozambique (-8.8pp, 95% CI: -14.9, -2.8), but increased in Zambia (+2.7pp, 95% CI: +0.4, +5.1). Treat-All policy had no effect on viral load monitoring, except among females in South Africa (+7.1pp, 95% CI: +1.1, +13.0). CONCLUSION Treat-All policy expanded ART eligibility, but led to reductions in pre-ART CD4 testing in some countries that may weaken advanced HIV disease management. Continued and expanded support of CD4 and viral load laboratory capacity is needed to further improve treatment successes and allow for uniform evaluation of ART implementation across Southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Zaniewski
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cam Ha Dao Ostinelli
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robin Wood
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Meg Osler
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karl-Günter Technau
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joep J van Oosterhout
- Partners in Hope, PO Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi.,David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Nicola Maxwell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Hans Prozesky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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16
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Maskew M, Brennan AT, Venter WDF, Fox MP, Vezi L, Rosen S. Retention in care and viral suppression after same-day ART initiation: One-year outcomes of the SLATE I and II individually randomized clinical trials in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25825. [PMID: 34612601 PMCID: PMC8694178 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Same‐day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV consistently increases ART uptake, but concerns remain about higher attrition from care after initiation. We analysed 12‐month retention in the SLATE SDI trials. Methods SLATE I (Simplified Algorithms for Treatment Eligibility I, enrolment 06 March–28 July 2017) and SLATE II (enrolment 14 March–18 September 2018) were individually randomized trials at public outpatient clinics in Johannesburg that enrolled patients not yet on ART and administered the SLATE I or II algorithm. This included a symptom self‐report, medical history, brief physical examination and readiness questionnaire to assess the eligibility for SDI. The studies compared the offer of SDI using the SLATE algorithms to standard of care initiation procedures. ART uptake and early retention were previously reported. Using routine clinic records, we conducted a pooled analysis of retention in care and HIV viral suppression 14 months after study enrolment, a time point equivalent to 12 months potential on ART, with an additional month allowed on either end to initiate ART and to return for the 12‐month visit. Results and discussion We enrolled 1193 study participants (standard arms, n = 599, 50%; intervention arms, n = 594, 50%) and analysed by originally assigned groups. By 14 months after enrolment, 50% of intervention arm patients and 46% of standard arm patients remained in care at the initiating site (crude risk difference 4% (95% confidence interval −1%‐10%); crude relative risk 1.10 (0.97–1.23), with similar viral suppression between arms. Observed attrition from care at site by 14 months was high in both study arms, but we found no evidence that the offer of SDI led to greater overall attrition or lower rates of viral suppression 1 year after starting ART and may have generated small improvements. SDI may have shifted some attrition from before to after dispensing of the first dose of medication. Conclusions An offer of SDI of ART, following a carefully designed protocol to identify patients who are eligible and ready to start treatment, is not inherently associated with an overall increase in patient attrition from care and leads to similar rates of viral suppression. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02891135, registered 01 September 2016. First participant enrolled 06 March 2017 in South Africa. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03315013, registered 19 October 2017. First participant enrolled 14 March 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi Maskew
- 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
| | - Alana T Brennan
- 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.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Willem D F Venter
- Ezintsha, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- 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.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lungisile Vezi
- 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
| | - Sydney Rosen
- 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.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Bengtson AM, Espinosa Dice AL, Kirwa K, Cornell M, Colvin CJ, Lurie MN. Patient Transfers and Their Impact on Gaps in Clinical Care: Differences by Gender in a Large Cohort of Adults Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3337-3346. [PMID: 33609203 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
For people living with HIV (PLWH), patient transfers may affect engagement in care. We followed a cohort of PLWH in Cape Town, South Africa who tested positive for HIV in 2012-2013 from ART initiation in 2012-2016 through December 2016. Patient transfers were defined as moving from one healthcare facility to another on a different day, considering all healthcare visits and recorded HIV-visits only. We estimated incidence rates (IR) for transfers by time since ART initiation, overall and by gender, and associations between transfers and gaps of > 180 days in clinical care. Overall, 4,176 PLWH were followed for a median of 32 months, and 8% (HIV visits)-17% (all healthcare visits) of visits were patient transfers. Including all healthcare visits, transfers were highest through 3 months on ART (IR 20.2 transfers per 100 visits, 95% CI 19.2-21.2), but increased through 36 months on ART when only HIV visits were included (IR 9.7, 95% CI 8.8-10.8). Overall, women were more likely to transfer than men, and transfers were associated with gaps in care (IR ratio [IRR] 3.06 95% CI 2.83-3.32; HIV visits only). In this cohort, patient transfers were frequent, more common among women, and associated with gaps in care.
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18
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Hategeka C, Ogilvie G, Nisingizwe MP, Rulisa S, Law MR. Effect of human papilloma virus vaccination on sexual behaviours among adolescent women in Rwanda: a regression discontinuity study. Health Policy Plan 2021; 35:1021-1028. [PMID: 32830261 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination coverage is one of the key approaches to preventing cervical cancer globally. However, some argue that HPV vaccine recipients may engage in risky compensatory sexual behaviours because of perceived protection afforded by the vaccine. Therefore, we investigated the impact of a wide-scale HPV vaccination programme on sexual behaviours among adolescent women in Rwanda-the first African country to implement a national HPV vaccination. We identified a cohort of women who were eligible for the HPV vaccination and those who were not eligible from the most recent Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey. We used a quasi-experimental regression discontinuity design, exploiting the quasi-random change in HPV vaccination eligibility in 2011, to compare sexual behaviours among vaccinated and unvaccinated adolescent women. We studied the impact of the vaccination on reported sexual intercourse, average number of sexual partners and teenage pregnancy across the vaccination eligibility threshold. Our analysis included 3052 adolescent women (mean age: 18.6 years), of whom 58% were eligible for HPV vaccination. Nearly one in five adolescents reported having had sexual intercourse (18.5%). The average reported lifetime number of sexual partners was 1.41. The proportion of teenage pregnancy was 5.3%. We found no evidence that HPV vaccination was associated with any significant changes across the eligibility threshold in reported sexual behaviours we studied: no significant increase in the proportion of having sexual intercourse [odds ratio (OR): 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57-1.12; P = 0.19], in lifetime number of sexual partners (rate ratio 0.99, 95% CI: 0.83-1.17, P = 0.91) and in the proportion of teen pregnancies (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.50 to 2.20, P = 0.89) at the eligibility threshold. The Rwandan national HPV vaccination programme did not increase sexual behaviours among adolescent women, assuaging concerns of engaging in risky compensatory sexual behaviours some have feared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestin Hategeka
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Gina Ogilvie
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marie Paul Nisingizwe
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Stephen Rulisa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Michael R Law
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada
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19
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Larson B, Shroufi A, Muthoga C, Oladele R, Rajasingham R, Jordan A, Jarvis JN, Chiller TM, Govender NP. Induction-phase treatment costs for cryptococcal meningitis in high HIV-burden African countries: New opportunities with lower costs. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:140. [PMID: 35706922 PMCID: PMC9184925 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16776.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Access to and the cost of induction treatment for cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is rapidly changing. The newly-announced price for flucytosine ($0.75 per 500 mg pill) and possibly lower prices for liposomal amphotericin B (AmB-L) create opportunities to reduce CM treatment costs compared to the current standard treatment in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We developed an Excel-based cost model to estimate health system treatment costs for CM over a two-week induction phase for multiple treatment combinations, newly feasible with improved access to flucytosine and AmB-L. CM treatment costs include medications, laboratory tests and other hospital-based costs (bed-day costs and healthcare worker time). We report results from applying the model using country-specific information for South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, and Botswana. Results: A 14-day induction-phase of seven days of inpatient AmB-D with flucytosine, followed by seven days of high-dose fluconazole as an outpatient, will cost health systems less than a 14-day hospital stay with AmB-D and fluconazole. If daily AmB-L replaces AmB-D for those with baseline renal dysfunction, with a cost of $50 or less per 50 mg vial, incremental costs would still be less than the AmB-D with fluconazole regimen. Simple oral combinations (e.g., seven days of flucytosine with fluconazole as an inpatient) are practical when AmB-D is not available, and treatment costs would remain less than the current standard treatment. Conclusions: Improved access to, and lower prices for flucytosine and AmB-L create opportunities for improving CM treatment regimens. An induction regimen of flucytosine and AmB-D for seven days is less costly than standard care in the settings studied here. As this regimen has also been shown to be more effective than current standard care, countries should prioritize scaling up flucytosine access. The cost of AmB-L based regimens is highly dependent on the price of AmB-L, which currently remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Larson
- Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Charles Muthoga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rita Oladele
- College of Medicine, Univerity of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tom M. Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nelesh P. Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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20
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Khan S, Spiegelman D, Walsh F, Mazibuko S, Pasipamire M, Chai B, Reis R, Mlambo K, Delva W, Khumalo G, Zwane M, Fleming Y, Mafara E, Hettema A, Lejeune C, Chao A, Bärnighausen T, Okello V. Early access to antiretroviral therapy versus standard of care among HIV-positive participants in Eswatini in the public health sector: the MaxART stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 23:e25610. [PMID: 32949103 PMCID: PMC7507004 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The WHO recommends antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIV‐positive patients regardless of CD4 count or disease stage, referred to as “Early Access to ART for All” (EAAA). The health systems effects of EAAA implementation are unknown. This trial was implemented in a government‐managed public health system with the aim to examine the “real world” impact of EAAA on care retention and viral suppression. Methods In this stepped‐wedge randomized controlled trial, 14 public sector health facilities in Eswatini were paired and randomly assigned to stepwise transition from standard of care (SoC) to EAAA. ART‐naïve participants ≥18 years who were not pregnant or breastfeeding were eligible for enrolment. We used Cox proportional hazard models with censoring at clinic transition to estimate the effects of EAAA on retention in care and retention and viral suppression combined. Results Between September 2014 and August 2017, 3405 participants were enrolled. In SoC and EAAA respectively, 12‐month HIV care retention rates were 80% (95% CI: 77 to 83) and 86% (95% CI: 83 to 88). The 12‐month combined retention and viral suppression endpoint rates were 44% (95% CI: 40 to 48) under SoC compared to 80% (95% CI: 77 to 83) under EAAA. EAAA increased both retention (HR: 1·60, 95% CI: 1·15 to 2·21, p = 0.005) and retention and viral suppression combined (HR: 4.88, 95% CI: 2.96 to 8.05, p < 0.001). We also identified significant gaps in current health systems ability to provide viral load (VL) monitoring with 80% participants in SoC and 66% in EAAA having a missing VL at last contact. Conclusions The observed improvement in retention in care and on the combined retention and viral suppression provides an important co‐benefit of EAAA to HIV‐positive adults themselves, at least in the short term. Our results from this “real world” health systems trial strongly support EAAA for Eswatini and countries with similar HIV epidemics and health systems. VL monitoring needs to be scaled up for appropriate care management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaukat Khan
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Center on Methods for Implementation and Prevention Science and Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Nutrition and Global Health, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fiona Walsh
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sikhatele Mazibuko
- Eswatini National ART program (SNAP), Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | | | - Boyang Chai
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ria Reis
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Social Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khudzie Mlambo
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Wim Delva
- The South African Department of Science and Technology - National Research Foundation (DST-NRF) Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Center for Statistics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Gavin Khumalo
- Eswatini National Network of People Living with HIV (SWANNEPHA), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | | | | | - Emma Mafara
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Anita Hettema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | | | - Ariel Chao
- Center on Methods for Implementation and Prevention Science and Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Velephi Okello
- Directorate Office, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Swaziland
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21
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Katz IT, Musinguzi N, Bell K, Cross A, Bwana MB, Amanyire G, Asiimwe S, Orrell C, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Brief Report: The Impact of Disease Stage on Early Gaps in ART in the "Treatment for All" Era-A Multisite Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:562-567. [PMID: 33351529 PMCID: PMC7938906 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoption of "Treat All" policies has increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in sub-Saharan Africa; however, unexplained early losses continue to occur. More information is needed to understand why treatment discontinuation continues at this vulnerable stage in care. METHODS The Monitoring Early Treatment Adherence Study involved a prospective observational cohort of individuals initiating ART at early-stage versus late-stage disease in South Africa and Uganda. Surveys and HIV-1 RNA levels were performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months, with adherence monitored electronically. This analysis included nonpregnant participants in the first 6 months of follow-up; demographic and clinical factors were compared across groups with χ2, univariable, and multivariable models. RESULTS Of 669 eligible participants, 91 (14%) showed early gaps of ≥30 days in ART use (22% in South Africa and 6% in Uganda) with the median time to gap of 77 days (interquartile range: 43-101) and 87 days (74, 105), respectively. Although 71 (78%) ultimately resumed care, having an early gap was still significantly associated with detectable viremia at 6 months (P ≤ 0.01). Multivariable modeling, restricted to South Africa, found secondary education and higher physical health score protected against early gaps [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2 to 0.8 and (aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.0), respectively]. Participants reporting clinics as "too far" had double the odds of early gaps (aOR 2.2: 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.1). DISCUSSION Early gaps in ART persist, resulting in higher odds of detectable viremia, particularly in South Africa. Interventions targeting health management and access to care are critical to reducing early gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T. Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Kathleen Bell
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
| | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Gideon Amanyire
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda; and
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
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22
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Tymejczyk O, Brazier E, Wools-Kaloustian K, Davies MA, Dilorenzo M, Edmonds A, Vreeman R, Bolton C, Twizere C, Okoko N, Phiri S, Nakigozi G, Lelo P, von Groote P, Sohn AH, Nash D. Impact of Universal Antiretroviral Treatment Eligibility on Rapid Treatment Initiation Among Young Adolescents with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:755-764. [PMID: 31682261 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adolescents with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at risk for poor care outcomes. We examined whether universal antiretroviral treatment (ART) eligibility policies (Treat All) improved rapid ART initiation after care enrollment among 10-14-year-olds in 7 sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS Regression discontinuity analysis and data for 6912 patients aged 10-14-years were used to estimate changes in rapid ART initiation (within 30 days of care enrollment) after adoption of Treat All policies in 2 groups of countries: Uganda and Zambia (policy adopted in 2013) and Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, and Rwanda (policy adopted in 2016). RESULTS There were immediate increases in rapid ART initiation among young adolescents after national adoption of Treat All. Increases were greater in countries adopting the policy in 2016 than in those adopting it in 2013: 23.4 percentage points (pp) (95% confidence interval, 13.9-32.8) versus 11.2pp (2.5-19.9). However, the rate of increase in rapid ART initiation among 10-14-year-olds rose appreciably in countries with earlier treatment expansions, from 1.5pp per year before Treat All to 7.7pp per year afterward. CONCLUSIONS Universal ART eligibility has increased rapid treatment initiation among young adolescents enrolling in HIV care. Further research should assess their retention in care and viral suppression under Treat All.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tymejczyk
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Madeline Dilorenzo
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Edmonds
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel Vreeman
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Carolyn Bolton
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | - Patricia Lelo
- Kalembelembe Pediatric Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Per von Groote
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR-The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Julien A, Anthierens S, Van Rie A, West R, Maritze M, Twine R, Kahn K, Lippman SA, Pettifor A, Leslie HH. Health Care Providers' Challenges to High-Quality HIV Care and Antiretroviral Treatment Retention in Rural South Africa. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:722-735. [PMID: 33570470 PMCID: PMC8221833 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320983270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Provision of high-quality HIV care is challenging, especially in rural primary care clinics in high HIV burden settings. We aimed to better understand the main challenges to quality HIV care provision and retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs in rural South Africa from the health care providers' perspective. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 23 providers from nine rural clinics. Using thematic and framework analysis, we found that providers and patients face a set of complex and intertwined barriers at the structural, programmatic, and individual levels. More specifically, analyses revealed that their challenges are primarily structural (i.e., health system- and microeconomic context-specific) and programmatic (i.e., clinic- and provider-specific) in nature. We highlight the linkages that providers draw between the challenges they face, the motivation to do their job, the quality of the care they provide, and patients' dissatisfaction with the care they receive, all potentially resulting in poor retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca West
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Meriam Maritze
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Rhian Twine
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sheri A. Lippman
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah H. Leslie
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Bor J, Gage A, Onoya D, Maskew M, Tripodis Y, Fox MP, Puren A, Carmona S, Mlisana K, MacLeod W. Variation in HIV care and treatment outcomes by facility in South Africa, 2011-2015: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003479. [PMID: 33789340 PMCID: PMC8012100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite widespread availability of HIV treatment, patient outcomes differ across facilities. We propose and evaluate an approach to measure quality of HIV care at health facilities in South Africa's national HIV program using routine laboratory data. METHODS AND FINDINGS Data were extracted from South Africa's National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Corporate Data Warehouse. All CD4 counts, viral loads (VLs), and other laboratory tests used in HIV monitoring were linked, creating a validated patient identifier. We constructed longitudinal HIV care cascades for all patients in the national HIV program, excluding data from the Western Cape and very small facilities. We then estimated for each facility in each year (2011 to 2015) the following cascade measures identified a priori as reflecting quality of HIV care: median CD4 count among new patients; retention 12 months after presentation; 12-month retention among patients established in care; viral suppression; CD4 recovery; monitoring after an elevated VL. We used factor analysis to identify an underlying measure of quality of care, and we assessed the persistence of this quality measure over time. We then assessed spatiotemporal variation and facility and population predictors in a multivariable regression context. We analyzed data on 3,265 facilities with a median (IQR) annual size of 441 (189 to 988) lab-monitored HIV patients. Retention 12 months after presentation increased from 42% to 47% during the study period, and viral suppression increased from 66% to 79%, although there was substantial variability across facilities. We identified an underlying measure of quality of HIV care that correlated with all cascade measures except median CD4 count at presentation. Averaging across the 5 years of data, this quality score attained a reliability of 0.84. Quality was higher for clinics (versus hospitals), in rural (versus urban) areas, and for larger facilities. Quality was lower in high-poverty areas but was not independently associated with percent Black. Quality increased by 0.49 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.53) standard deviations from 2011 to 2015, and there was evidence of geospatial autocorrelation (p < 0.001). The study's limitations include an inability to fully adjust for underlying patient risk, reliance on laboratory data which do not capture all relevant domains of quality, potential for errors in record linkage, and the omission of Western Cape. CONCLUSIONS We observed persistent differences in HIV care and treatment outcomes across South African facilities. Targeting low-performing facilities for additional support could reduce overall burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, BA, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, BA, United States of America
| | - Anna Gage
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, BA, United States of America
| | - Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, BA, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, BA, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, BA, United States of America
| | - Adrian Puren
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sergio Carmona
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - William MacLeod
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, BA, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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25
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Walsh F, Khan S, Bärnighausen T, Hettema A, Lejeune C, Mazibuko S, Mlambo CK, Reis R, Fleming Y, Khumalo G, Zwane M, Okello V, Spiegelman D. Getting to 90-90-90: Experiences from the MaxART Early Access to ART for All (EAAA) Trial in Eswatini. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:324-332. [PMID: 32474844 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The MaxART Consortium-led by the Eswatini Ministry of Health-implemented multiple interventions between 2012 and 2017 to achieve UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. We summarize key findings from community outreach strategies in support of the first 90 goal, and from the Early Access to ART for All (EAAA) trial on the implementation of a "Treat All" strategy to achieve the second and third 90 goals within a government-managed public health system. RECENT FINDINGS The MaxART Consortium demonstrated that "Fast Track," a problem-solving approach, was effective at increasing testing coverage in the community. Compared with baseline data at 3 months prior to the start of the Fast Track, there was a 273% proportional increase in HIV tests conducted among adolescent males, adolescent females, and adult men, and 722% over baseline for adolescent males. The MaxART EAAA trial further showed that implementation of the Treat All policy was associated with significant two-fold shorter time from enrollment into care to ART initiation than under the standard CD4+ cell threshold-based treatment guidelines. Finally, through the MaxART trial, Eswatini was able to identify areas for further investment, including addressing the system-side barriers to routine viral load monitoring, and designing and implementing innovative community-based approaches to reach individuals who were not more routinely accessing HIV testing and counseling services. As low- and middle-income countries adopt the Treat All approach in their national HIV care and treatment guidelines, further implementation science research is needed to understand and address the system-level barriers to achieving the benefits of Treat All for HIV-infected individuals and those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaukat Khan
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), 333 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, 130.3 INF, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Anita Hettema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Tsekwane St, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | | | - Ria Reis
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Social Science, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yvette Fleming
- aidsfonds, Condensatorweg 54, 1014 AX, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gavin Khumalo
- Eswatini National Network of People Living with HIV (SWANNEPHA), P. O. Box 4161, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Mandisa Zwane
- SAfAIDS, Lamvelase Building, Nkoseluhlaza Street, Manzini, Eswatini
| | - Velephi Okello
- Directorate Office, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Biostatistics, Center on Methods for Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. .,Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Nutrition and Global Health, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Berner-Rodoreda A, Geldsetzer P, Bärnighausen K, Hettema A, Bärnighausen T, Matse S, McMahon SA. "It's hard for us men to go to the clinic. We naturally have a fear of hospitals." Men's risk perceptions, experiences and program preferences for PrEP: A mixed methods study in Eswatini. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237427. [PMID: 32966307 PMCID: PMC7510987 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) have focused on men who have sex with women. We present findings from a mixed-methods study in Eswatini, the country with the highest HIV prevalence in the world (27%). Our findings are based on risk assessments, in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions which describe men’s motivations for taking up or declining PrEP. Quantitatively, men self-reported starting PrEP because they had multiple or sero-discordant partners or did not know the partner’s HIV-status. Men’s self-perception of risk was echoed in the qualitative data, which revealed that the hope of facilitated sexual performance or relations, a preference for pills over condoms and the desire to protect themselves and others also played a role for men to initiate PrEP. Trust and mistrust and being able or unable to speak about PrEP with partner(s) were further considerations for initiating or declining PrEP. Once on PrEP, men’s sexual behavior varied in terms of number of partners and condom use. Men viewed daily pill-taking as an obstacle to starting PrEP. Side-effects were a major reason for men to discontinue PrEP. Men also worried that taking anti-retroviral drugs daily might leave them mistaken for a person living with HIV, and viewed clinic-based PrEP education and initiation processes as a further obstacle. Given that men comprise only 29% of all PrEP users in Eswatini, barriers to men’s uptake of PrEP will need to be addressed, in terms of more male-friendly services as well as trialing community-based PrEP education and service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Kate Bärnighausen
- Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg, Germany
- University of the Witwatersrand School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anita Hettema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative Swaziland, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sindy Matse
- Eswatini Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Shannon A. McMahon
- Institute of Global Health, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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27
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Teeraananchai S, Kerr SJ, Khananuraksa P, Ruxrungtham K, Puthanakit T. Rapid antiretroviral initiation among Thai youth living with HIV in the National AIDS programme in the era of treatment at any CD4 cell count: a national registry database study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 5:e25574. [PMID: 32869537 PMCID: PMC7459169 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The process indicators of ending the HIV epidemic include 90% of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The population of youth, however, has less access to healthcare. We assessed ART initiation and attrition outcomes of the HIV continuum from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation in youth living with HIV (YLHIV) and factors associated with ART initiation. METHODS We studied YLHIV aged 15 to 24 years who were registered on the National AIDS Program (NAP) from January 2008 to May 2019. The study period was divided into 2008 to 2013 (initiated ART by CD4-guided criteria) and 2014 to 2018 (initiate ART at any CD4). Date of registration was used as a surrogate for the diagnosis date and defined as the baseline. The database included ART prescription and laboratory results, and the vital status was linked daily with the National Death Registry. Competing risk methods were used to assess factors associated with accessing ART, with loss to follow-up (LTFU) and death considered as competing events. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with rapid ART initiation, defined as initiation ≤1 month after registration. RESULTS Overall, 51,607 youth registered on the NAP (42% between 2008 and 2013). Median age was 21 (IQR 20 to 23) years; 64% were male. Overall ART initiation was 80% in the first period and 83% in the second. The ART initiation rate was higher among YLHIV aged 15 to 19 years (86%) than 20 to 24 years (82%) (p < 0.001) in the second period. The proportion of youth starting rapid ART increased significantly from 27% to 52% between the two periods (p < 0.001). Factors associated with ART initiation were age 15 to 19 years (aSHR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.11), female (aSHR 1.26, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.29) and registration year 2014 to 2018 (aSHR 1.73, 95% CI 1.69 to 1.76). The cumulative incidence of LTFU/death prior to ART initiation at 12 months was 3.8% (95% CI 3.6% to 4.1%) in the first period and 1.9% (95% CI 1.8% to 2.1%) in the second period. CONCLUSIONS In the era of universal treatment of all at any CD4 level, 83% of YLHIV registered on the Thai National AIDS Program initiated ART. The majority initiated within one month of registration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinya Teeraananchai
- HIV‐NATThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
- Department of StatisticsFaculty of ScienceKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Stephen J Kerr
- HIV‐NATThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
- Biostatistics Excellence CentreFaculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
- Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- HIV‐NATThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
- Department of MedicineFaculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- HIV‐NATThai Red Cross AIDS Research CentreBangkokThailand
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of PediatricsFaculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
- Center of Excellence in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and VaccinesChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
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Maskew M, Brennan AT, Fox MP, Vezi L, Venter WDF, Ehrenkranz P, Rosen S. A clinical algorithm for same-day HIV treatment initiation in settings with high TB symptom prevalence in South Africa: The SLATE II individually randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003226. [PMID: 32853271 PMCID: PMC7451542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries encourage same-day initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), but evidence on eligibility for same-day initiation, how best to implement it, and its impact on outcomes remains scarce. Building on the Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility (SLATE) I trial, in which nearly half of participants were ineligible for same-day initiation mainly because of TB symptoms, the study evaluated the revised SLATE II algorithm, which allowed same-day initiation for patients with mild TB symptoms and other less serious reasons for delay. METHODS AND FINDINGS SLATE II was a nonblinded, 1:1 individually randomized pragmatic trial at three primary healthcare clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. It randomized adult patients presenting for an HIV test or any HIV care but not yet on ART. Intervention arm patients were assessed with a symptom screen, medical history, brief physical examination, and readiness questionnaire to distinguish between patients eligible for immediate ART dispensing and those requiring further care before initiation. Standard arm patients received usual care. Follow-up was by review of routine clinic records. Primary outcomes were (1) ART initiation in ≤7 days and (2) ART initiation in ≤28 days and retention in care at 8 months (composite outcome). From 14 March to 18 September 2018, 593 adult HIV+, nonpregnant patients were enrolled (median interquartile range [IQR] age 35 [29-43]; 63% (n = 373) female; median CD4 count 293 [133-487]). Half of study patients (n = 295) presented with TB symptoms, whereas only 13 (4%) standard arm and 7 (2%) intervention arm patients tested positive for TB disease. Among 140 intervention arm patients with TB symptoms, 72% were eligible for same-day initiation. Initiation was higher in the intervention (n = 296) versus standard arm (n = 297) by 7 days (91% versus 68%; risk difference [RD] 23% [95% confidence interval (CI) 17%-29%]) and 28 days (94% versus 82%; RD 12% [7%-17%]) after enrollment. In total, 87% of intervention and 38% of standard arm patients initiated on the same day. By 8 months after study enrollment, 74% (220/296) of intervention and 59% (175/297) of standard arm patients had both initiated ART in ≤28 days and been retained in care (RD 15% [7%-23%]). Among the 41% of participants with viral load results available, suppression was 90% in the standard arm and 92% in the intervention arm among patients initiated in ≤28 days. No ART-associated adverse events were reported after initiation; two intervention and four standard arm patients were reported to have died during passive follow-up. Limitations of the study included limited geographic generalizability, exclusion of patients too sick to consent, fluctuations in procedures in the standard arm over the course of the study, high fidelity to the trial protocol by study staff, and the possibility of overestimating loss to follow-up due to data constraints. CONCLUSIONS More than 85% of patients presenting for HIV testing or care, including those newly diagnosed, were eligible and ready for same-day initiation under the SLATE II algorithm. The algorithm increased initiation within 7 days without appearing to compromise retention and viral suppression at 8 months, offering a practical and acceptable approach that can be widely and immediately utilized by existing providers. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03315013, registered 19 October 2017. First participant enrolled 14 March 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi Maskew
- 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
- * E-mail:
| | - Alana T. Brennan
- 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
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- 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
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lungisile Vezi
- 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
| | - Willem D. F. Venter
- Ezintsha, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sydney Rosen
- 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
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Fox MP, Brennan AT, Nattey C, MacLeod WB, Harlow A, Mlisana K, Maskew M, Carmona S, Bor J. Delays in repeat HIV viral load testing for those with elevated viral loads: a national perspective from South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25542. [PMID: 32640101 PMCID: PMC7343337 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In South Africa, HIV patients with an elevated viral load (VL) should receive repeat VL testing after adherence counselling. We set out to use a national HIV Cohort to describe time to repeat viral load testing across South Africa and identify predictors of time to repeat testing. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of prospectively collected laboratory data. HIV treatment guidelines have changed over time in South Africa, but call for repeat VL testing within six months if 400 to 1000 copies/mL and two to three months if >1000 copies/mL. We included patients with suppressed viral loads (indicating they are on ART) and a first elevated VL (>400 copies/mL) between April 2004 and December 2014. Follow-up began at first elevated VL and continued until repeat testing, loss to follow-up or December 2016. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Of 371,648 patients with a VL > 400, 83.9% (311,790) had a repeat VL, in a median (IQR) of 7.0 (4.1 to 12.2) months. Of those with a first viral load 400 to 1000 copies/mL, 56.4% had a repeat VL within guideline recommended six months (defined as up to nine months), whereas among those >1000 copies/mL only 47.7% had a repeat viral load within guideline recommended two to three months (defined as up to six months). We found a small increase in repeat testing associated with higher VL value (aHR 1.11; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.12 comparing >1000 vs 400 to 1000 copies/mL) and very low CD4 counts at first elevated VL (aHR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.19 comparing CD4 < 50 vs <500 cells/mm3 ). We also found strong variation in time to repeat VL testing by province. CONCLUSIONS Median time to repeat viral load testing for those with an elevated viral load was longer than guidelines recommend. Future work should identify whether delays are due to patient or provider factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Fox
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Alana T Brennan
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Cornelius Nattey
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - William B MacLeod
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Alyssa Harlow
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- National Health Laboratory ServiceJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Sergio Carmona
- National Health Laboratory ServiceJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
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30
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Abebe Moges N, Olubukola A, Micheal O, Berhane Y. HIV patients retention and attrition in care and their determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:439. [PMID: 32571232 PMCID: PMC7310275 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05168-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is paucity of evidence on the magnitude of HIV patients' retention and attrition in Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the pooled magnitude of HIV patient clinical retention and attrition and to identify factors associated with retention and attrition in Ethiopia. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis were done among studies conducted in Ethiopia using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Both published and unpublished studies conducted from January 1, 2005 to June 6th, 2019 were included. Major databases and search engines such as Google Scholar, PUBMED, African Journals Online (AJOL) and unpublished sources were searched to retrieve relevant articles. Data were assessed for quality, heterogeneity and publication bias. Analysis was conducted using STATA version 14 software. RESULT From a total of 45 studies 546,250 study participants were included in this review. The pooled magnitude of retention in care among HIV patients was 70.65% (95% CI, 68.19, 73.11). The overall magnitude of loss to follow up 15.17% (95% CI, 11.86, 18.47), transfer out 11.17% (95% CI, 7.12, 15.21) and death rate were 6.75% (95% CI, 6.22, 7.27). Major determinants of attrition were being unmarried patient (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15-2.01), non-disclosed HIV status (OR 6.36, 95% CI: 3.58-11.29), poor drug adherence (OR 6.60, 95% CI: 1.41-30.97), poor functional status (OR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.33-3.34), being underweight (OR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.45-3.39) and advanced clinical stage (OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.36-2.51). Whereas absence of opportunistic infections (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.9), normal hemoglobin status (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.20-0.42) and non-substance use (OR 95% CI: 0.41, 0.17-0.98) were facilitators of HIV patient retention in clinical care. CONCLUSION The level of retention to the care among HIV patients was low in Ethiopia. Socio-economic, clinical, nutritional and behavioral, intervention is necessary to achieve adequate patient retention in clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurilign Abebe Moges
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
- Pan African University, Life and Earth Sciences Including Health and Agriculture Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adesina Olubukola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Okunlola Micheal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Department of Epidemiology, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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31
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Chen S, Geldsetzer P, Bärnighausen T. The causal effect of retirement on stress in older adults in China: A regression discontinuity study. SSM Popul Health 2020; 10:100462. [PMID: 32083164 PMCID: PMC7016446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Population aging in middle-income countries, including China, has resulted in strong economic incentives to increase the retirement age. These economic incentives should be weighed up against the effects of later retirement on physical and mental health and wellbeing. We aimed to determine the causal effect of retirement on perceived stress, an important measure of mental well-being. We used data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2015 and adopted a non-parametric regression discontinuity design (RDD) to measure the causal effect of retirement on stress. Stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-14. On average, the effect of retirement on stress was close to the null value and insignificant. In subgroup analyses, we found that retirement reduces stress in men but raises stress in women. Though these gender-specific effects were not statistically significant, their magnitudes were large. Thus, the average null result in the entire population appears to hide opposite gender-specific effects. More research is needed to confirm this finding in studies with larger sample sizes and understand the gender-specific pathways leading from retirement to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simiao Chen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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32
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Tymejczyk O, Vo Q, Kulkarni SG, Antelman G, Boshe J, Reidy W, Parcesepe A, Nash D, Elul B. Tracing-corrected estimates of disengagement from HIV care and mortality among patients enrolling in HIV care without overt immunosuppression in Tanzania. AIDS Care 2019; 33:47-53. [PMID: 31826640 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2019.1699642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the era of "test and treat", it is important to understand HIV care outcomes and their determinants in patients presenting to care with early-stage disease. We surveyed 924 adults newly enrolling in HIV care at four clinics in Tanzania before the adoption of universal treatment eligibility, and collected longitudinal clinical data. Participants who defaulted from care were tracked in the community. Cumulative incidence of disengagement from care and death was estimated using competing risk methods. By 12 months after enrollment, 18.2% of patients had disengaged from care and 6.9% had died. Factors associated with disengagement included male sex (adjusted subhazard ratio [aSHR] versus female = 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.89), provider-initiated HIV diagnosis (aSHR versus self-referred = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.03-2.86), ineligibility for antiretroviral treatment (ART) at enrollment (aSHR versus eligibility = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.84-4.32) and increased anticipated stigma score (aSHR = 1.04 per 5-point increase, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05). Higher life satisfaction score (aSHR = 0.97 per 5-point increase, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99) and having 1-2 close friends (aSHR versus none = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47-0.71) were protective. The findings highlight the continued importance of social environment for HIV care outcomes and the potential of universal ART eligibility to reduce HIV care attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tymejczyk
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Quynh Vo
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Gorrell Kulkarni
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - William Reidy
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela Parcesepe
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Batya Elul
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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33
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Bor J, Thirumurthy H. Bridging the Efficacy-Effectiveness Gap in HIV Programs: Lessons From Economics. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 82 Suppl 3:S183-S191. [PMID: 31764253 PMCID: PMC7388866 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bridging the efficacy-effectiveness gap in HIV prevention and treatment requires policies that account for human behavior. SETTING Worldwide. METHODS We conducted a narrative review of the literature on HIV in the field of economics, identified common themes within the literature, and identified lessons for implementation science. RESULTS The reviewed studies illustrate how behaviors are shaped by perceived costs and benefits across a wide range of health and nonhealth domains, how structural constraints shape decision-making, how information interventions can still be effective in the epidemic's fourth decade, and how lessons from behavioral economics can be used to improve intervention effectiveness. CONCLUSION Economics provides theoretical insights and empirical methods that can guide HIV implementation science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Harsha Thirumurthy
- Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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34
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Ritchwood TD, He J, Smith MK, Tang W, Ong JJ, Oduro A, Ntlapo N, Tucker JD. "Getting to Zero" Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: a Review of the HIV Care Continuum. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 16:431-438. [PMID: 31792704 PMCID: PMC7163396 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00472-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the literature on progress towards UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets for HIV prevention and treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. RECENT FINDINGS China has made progress towards UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets among MSM. However, socio-structural barriers, including HIV-related stigma and homophobia, persist at each stage of the HIV care continuum, leading to substantial levels of attrition and high risk of forward HIV transmission. Moreover, access to key prevention tools, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, is still limited. Multilevel interventions, many using digital intervention, have been shown effective in pragmatic randomized controlled trials in China. Multilevel interventions incorporating digital health have led to significant improvement in engagement of Chinese MSM in the HIV care continuum. However, interventions that address socio-structural determinants, including HIV-related stigma and discrimination, towards Chinese MSM are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiarney D Ritchwood
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Jiayu He
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH), Guangzhou, China
| | - M Kumi Smith
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH), Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Asantewa Oduro
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Noluthando Ntlapo
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health (SESH), Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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35
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Villa G, Phillips RO, Smith C, Stockdale AJ, Ruggiero A, Beloukas A, Appiah LT, Chadwick D, Sarfo FS, Geretti AM. Drug resistance outcomes of long-term ART with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in the absence of virological monitoring. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:3148-3157. [PMID: 30032305 PMCID: PMC6198639 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The resistance profiles of patients receiving long-term ART in sub-Saharan Africa have been poorly described. This study obtained a sensitive assessment of the resistance patterns associated with long-term tenofovir-based ART in a programmatic setting where virological monitoring is yet to become part of routine care. Methods We studied subjects who, after a median of 4.2 years of ART, replaced zidovudine or stavudine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate while continuing lamivudine and an NNRTI. Using deep sequencing, resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) were detected in stored samples collected at tenofovir introduction (T0) and after a median of 4.0 years (T1). Results At T0, 19/87 (21.8%) subjects showed a detectable viral load and 8/87 (9.2%) had one or more major NNRTI RAMs, whereas 82/87 (94.3%) retained full tenofovir susceptibility. At T1, 79/87 (90.8%) subjects remained on NNRTI-based ART, 5/87 (5.7%) had introduced lopinavir/ritonavir due to immunological failure, and 3/87 (3.4%) had interrupted ART. Whilst 68/87 (78.2%) subjects maintained or achieved virological suppression between T0 and T1, a detectable viral load with NNRTI RAMs at T0 predicted lack of virological suppression at T1. Each treatment interruption, usually reflecting unavailability of the dispensary, doubled the risk of T1 viraemia. Tenofovir, lamivudine and efavirenz selected for K65R, K70E/T, L74I/V and Y115F, alongside M184V and multiple NNRTI RAMs; this resistance profile was accompanied by high viral loads and low CD4 cell counts. Conclusions Viraemia on tenofovir, lamivudine and efavirenz led to complex resistance patterns with implications for continued drug activity and risk of onward transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Villa
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard O Phillips
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Colette Smith
- Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander J Stockdale
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alessandra Ruggiero
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - David Chadwick
- Centre for Clinical Infection, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | | | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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36
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Bershteyn A, Gerardin J, Bridenbecker D, Lorton CW, Bloedow J, Baker RS, Chabot-Couture G, Chen Y, Fischle T, Frey K, Gauld JS, Hu H, Izzo AS, Klein DJ, Lukacevic D, McCarthy KA, Miller JC, Ouedraogo AL, Perkins TA, Steinkraus J, Ten Bosch QA, Ting HF, Titova S, Wagner BG, Welkhoff PA, Wenger EA, Wiswell CN. Implementation and applications of EMOD, an individual-based multi-disease modeling platform. Pathog Dis 2019; 76:5050059. [PMID: 29986020 PMCID: PMC6067119 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual-based models provide modularity and structural flexibility necessary for modeling of infectious diseases at the within-host and population levels, but are challenging to implement. Levels of complexity can exceed the capacity and timescales for students and trainees in most academic institutions. Here we describe the process and advantages of a multi-disease framework approach developed with formal software support. The epidemiological modeling software, EMOD, has undergone a decade of software development. It is structured so that a majority of code is shared across disease modeling including malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, dengue, polio and typhoid. In additional to implementation efficiency, the sharing increases code usage and testing. The freely available codebase also includes hundreds of regression tests, scientific feature tests and component tests to help verify functionality and avoid inadvertent changes to functionality during future development. Here we describe the levels of detail, flexible configurability and modularity enabled by EMOD and the role of software development principles and processes in its development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ye Chen
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, WA, USA
| | | | - Kurt Frey
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, WA, USA
| | | | - Hao Hu
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - T Alex Perkins
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | | | - Quirine A Ten Bosch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.,Unit for Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Hung-Fu Ting
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, WA, USA
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Tymejczyk O, Brazier E, Yiannoutsos CT, Vinikoor M, van Lettow M, Nalugoda F, Urassa M, Sinayobye JD, Rebeiro PF, Wools-Kaloustian K, Davies MA, Zaniewski E, Anderegg N, Liu G, Ford N, Nash D. Changes in rapid HIV treatment initiation after national "treat all" policy adoption in 6 sub-Saharan African countries: Regression discontinuity analysis. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002822. [PMID: 31181056 PMCID: PMC6557472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most countries have formally adopted the World Health Organization's 2015 recommendation of universal HIV treatment ("treat all"). However, there are few rigorous assessments of the real-world impact of treat all policies on antiretroviral treatment (ART) uptake across different contexts. METHODS AND FINDINGS We used longitudinal data for 814,603 patients enrolling in HIV care between 1 January 2004 and 10 July 2018 in 6 countries participating in the global International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium: Burundi (N = 11,176), Kenya (N = 179,941), Malawi (N = 84,558), Rwanda (N = 17,396), Uganda (N = 96,286), and Zambia (N = 425,246). Using a quasi-experimental regression discontinuity design, we assessed the change in the proportion initiating ART within 30 days of enrollment in HIV care (rapid ART initiation) after country-level adoption of the treat all policy. A modified Poisson model was used to identify factors associated with failure to initiate ART rapidly under treat all. In each of the 6 countries, over 60% of included patients were female, and median age at enrollment ranged from 32 to 36 years. In all countries studied, national adoption of treat all was associated with large increases in rapid ART initiation. Significant increases in rapid ART initiation immediately after treat all policy adoption were observed in Rwanda, from 44.4% to 78.9% of patients (34.5 percentage points [pp], 95% CI 27.2 to 41.7; p < 0.001), Kenya (25.7 pp, 95% CI 21.8 to 29.5; p < 0.001), Burundi (17.7 pp, 95% CI 6.5 to 28.9; p = 0.002), and Malawi (12.5 pp, 95% CI 7.5 to 17.5; p < 0.001), while no immediate increase was observed in Zambia (0.4 pp, 95% CI -2.9 to 3.8; p = 0.804) and Uganda (-4.2 pp, 95% CI -9.0 to 0.7; p = 0.090). The rate of rapid ART initiation accelerated sharply following treat all policy adoption in Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia; slowed in Kenya; and did not change in Rwanda and Burundi. In post hoc analyses restricted to patients enrolling under treat all, young adults (16-24 years) and men were at increased risk of not rapidly initiating ART (compared to older patients and women, respectively). However, rapid ART initiation following enrollment increased for all groups as more time elapsed since treat all policy adoption. Study limitations include incomplete data on potential ART eligibility criteria, such as clinical status, pregnancy, and enrollment CD4 count, which precluded the assessment of rapid ART initiation specifically among patients known to be eligible for ART before treat all. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis indicates that adoption of treat all policies had a strong effect on increasing rates of rapid ART initiation, and that these increases followed different trajectories across the 6 countries. Young adults and men still require additional attention to further improve rapid ART initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tymejczyk
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Constantin T. Yiannoutsos
- Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Michael Vinikoor
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Monique van Lettow
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fred Nalugoda
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo and Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Mark Urassa
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Peter F. Rebeiro
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kara Wools-Kaloustian
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Zaniewski
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nanina Anderegg
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Grace Liu
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global Hepatitis Programme, HIV/AIDS Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States of America
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Ross J, Sinayobye JD, Yotebieng M, Hoover DR, Shi Q, Ribakare M, Remera E, Bachhuber MA, Murenzi G, Sugira V, Nash D, Anastos K. Early outcomes after implementation of treat all in Rwanda: an interrupted time series study. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25279. [PMID: 30993854 PMCID: PMC6468264 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nearly all countries in sub-Saharan Africa have adopted policies to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all persons living with HIV (Treat All), though HIV care outcomes of these programmes are not well-described. We estimated changes in ART initiation and retention in care following Treat All implementation in Rwanda in July 2016. METHODS We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of adults enrolling in HIV care at ten Rwandan health centres from July 2014 to September 2017. Using segmented linear regression, we assessed changes in levels and trends of 30-day ART initiation and six-month retention in care before and after Treat All implementation. We compared modelled outcomes with counterfactual estimates calculated by extrapolating baseline trends. Modified Poisson regression models identified predictors of outcomes among patients enrolling after Treat All implementation. RESULTS Among 2885 patients, 1803 (62.5%) enrolled in care before and 1082 (37.5%) after Treat All implementation. Immediately after Treat All implementation, there was a 31.3 percentage point increase in the predicted probability of 30-day ART initiation (95% CI 15.5, 47.2), with a subsequent increase of 1.1 percentage points per month (95% CI 0.1, 2.1). At the end of the study period, 30-day ART initiation was 47.8 percentage points (95% CI 8.1, 87.8) above what would have been expected under the pre-Treat All trend. For six-month retention, neither the immediate change nor monthly trend after Treat All were statistically significant. While 30-day ART initiation and six-month retention were less likely among patients 15 to 24 versus >24 years, the predicted probability of both outcomes increased significantly for younger patients in each month after Treat All implementation. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of Treat All in Rwanda was associated with a substantial increase in timely ART initiation without negatively impacting care retention. These early findings support Treat All as a strategy to help achieve global HIV targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ross
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | | | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Division of EpidemiologyCollege of Public HealthOhio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Donald R Hoover
- Department of Statistics and Biostatistics and Institute for HealthHealth Care Policy and Aging ResearchRutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNJUSA
| | - Qiuhu Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Community HealthNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
| | | | | | - Marcus A Bachhuber
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | - Gad Murenzi
- Research DivisionRwanda Military HospitalKigaliRwanda
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
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Hass Z, Woodhouse M, Grabowski DC, Arling G. Assessing the impact of Minnesota's return to community initiative for newly admitted nursing home residents. Health Serv Res 2019; 54:555-563. [PMID: 30729509 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate Minnesota's Return to Community Initiative's (RTCI) impact on community discharges from nursing homes. DATA SOURCES Secondary data were from the Minimum Data Set and RTCI staff (April 2014 - December 2016). The sample consisted of 18 444 non-Medicaid nursing home admissions in Minnesota remaining for at least 45 days, with high predicted probability of community discharge. STUDY DESIGN The RTCI facilitates community discharge for non-Medicaid nursing home residents by assisting with discharge planning, transitioning to the community, and postdischarge follow-up. A key evaluation question is how many of those transitions were directly attributable to the program. Return to Community Initiative was implemented statewide without a control group. Program impact was measured using regression discontinuity, a quasi-experimental design approach that leverages the programs targeting model. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Return to Community Initiative increased community discharge rates by an estimated 11 percent (P < 0.05) for the targeted population. The program effect was robust to time and increased with level of facility participation in RTCI. CONCLUSIONS The RTCI had a modest yet significant impact on the community discharge rates for its targeted population. Findings have been applied in strengthening the RTCI's targeting approach and transitioning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Hass
- Schools of Nursing and Industrial Engineering & Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Mark Woodhouse
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David C Grabowski
- Department of Healthcare Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Greg Arling
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Hontelez JAC, Bor J, Tanser FC, Pillay D, Moshabela M, Bärnighausen T. HIV Treatment Substantially Decreases Hospitalization Rates: Evidence From Rural South Africa. Health Aff (Millwood) 2019; 37:997-1004. [PMID: 29863928 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2017.0820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The effect of HIV treatment on hospitalization rates for HIV-infected people has never been established. We quantified this effect in a rural South African community for the period 2009-13. We linked clinical data on HIV treatment start dates for more than 2,000 patients receiving care in the public-sector treatment program with five years of longitudinal data on self-reported hospitalizations from a community-based population cohort of more than 100,000 adults. Hospitalization rates peaked during the first year of treatment and were about five times higher, compared to hospitalization rates after four years on treatment. Earlier treatment initiation could save more than US$300,000 per 1,000 patients over the first four years of HIV treatment, freeing up scarce resources. Future studies on the cost-effectiveness of HIV treatment should include these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A C Hontelez
- Jan A. C. Hontelez ( ) is an assistant professor at Erasmus University Medical Center, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and at the Heidelberg Institute of Public Health, Heidelberg University, in Germany
| | - Jacob Bor
- Jacob Bor is an assistant professor in the Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, in Massachusetts
| | - Frank C Tanser
- Frank C. Tanser is a professor of epidemiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and senior faculty member of the Africa Health Research Institute. He also holds an honorary professorship in the Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, and is a research associate of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Deenan Pillay is director of the Africa Health Research Institute
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- Mosa Moshabela is head of the Department of Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a senior researcher at the Africa Health Research Institute
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Till Bärnighausen is the Alexander von Humboldt University Professor and director of the Heidelberg Institute of Public Health, Heidelberg University. He is also senior faculty at the Africa Health Research Institute in Somkhele, South Africa, and an adjunct professor of global health at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, in Boston
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Yapa HM, Bärnighausen T. Implementation science in resource-poor countries and communities. Implement Sci 2018; 13:154. [PMID: 30587195 PMCID: PMC6307212 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-018-0847-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Implementation science in resource-poor countries and communities is arguably more important than implementation science in resource-rich settings, because resource poverty requires novel solutions to ensure that research results are translated into routine practice and benefit the largest possible number of people. Methods We reviewed the role of resources in the extant implementation science frameworks and literature. We analyzed opportunities for implementation science in resource-poor countries and communities, as well as threats to the realization of these opportunities. Results Many of the frameworks that provide theoretical guidance for implementation science view resources as contextual factors that are important to (i) predict the feasibility of implementation of research results in routine practice, (ii) explain implementation success and failure, (iii) adapt novel evidence-based practices to local constraints, and (iv) design the implementation process to account for local constraints. Implementation science for resource-poor settings shifts this view from “resources as context” to “resources as primary research object.” We find a growing body of implementation research aiming to discover and test novel approaches to generate resources for the delivery of evidence-based practice in routine care, including approaches to create higher-skilled health workers—through tele-education and telemedicine, freeing up higher-skilled health workers—through task-shifting and new technologies and models of care, and increasing laboratory capacity through new technologies and the availability of medicines through supply chain innovations. In contrast, only few studies have investigated approaches to change the behavior and utilization of healthcare resources in resource-poor settings. We identify three specific opportunities for implementation science in resource-poor settings. First, intervention and methods innovations thrive under constraints. Second, reverse innovation transferring novel approaches from resource-poor to research-rich settings will gain in importance. Third, policy makers in resource-poor countries tend to be open for close collaboration with scientists in implementation research projects aimed at informing national and local policy. Conclusions Implementation science in resource-poor countries and communities offers important opportunities for future discoveries and reverse innovation. To harness this potential, funders need to strongly support research projects in resource-poor settings, as well as the training of the next generation of implementation scientists working on new ways to create healthcare resources where they lack most and to ensure that those resources are utilized to deliver care that is based on the latest research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Manisha Yapa
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. .,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA. .,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, INF 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Kariminia A, Law M, Davies M, Vinikoor M, Wools‐Kaloustian K, Leroy V, Edmonds A, McGowan C, Vreeman R, Fairlie L, Ayaya S, Yotebieng M, Takassi E, Pinto J, Adedimeji A, Malateste K, Machado DM, Penazzato M, Hazra R, Sohn AH. Mortality and losses to follow-up among adolescents living with HIV in the IeDEA global cohort collaboration. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25215. [PMID: 30548817 PMCID: PMC6291755 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We assessed mortality and losses to follow-up (LTFU) during adolescence in routine care settings in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium. METHODS Cohorts in the Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Central, and South America, and sub-Saharan Africa (Central, East, Southern, West) contributed data, and included adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) enrolled from January 2003 and aged 10 to 19 years (period of adolescence) while under care up to database closure (June 2016). Follow-up started at age 10 years or the first clinic visit, whichever was later. Entering care at <15 years was a proxy for perinatal infection, while entering care ≥15 years represented infection acquired during adolescence. Competing risk regression was used to assess associations with death and LTFU among those ever receiving triple-drug antiretroviral therapy (triple-ART). RESULTS Of the 61,242 ALHIV from 270 clinics in 34 countries included in the analysis, 69% (n = 42,138) entered care <15 years of age (53% female), and 31% (n = 19,104) entered care ≥15 years (81% female). During adolescence, 3.9% died, 30% were LTFU and 8.1% were transferred. For those with infection acquired perinatally versus during adolescence, the four-year cumulative incidences of mortality were 3.9% versus 5.4% and of LTFU were 26% versus 69% respectively (both p < 0.001). Overall, there were higher hazards of death for females (adjusted sub-hazard ratio (asHR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.33), and those starting treatment at ≥5 years of age (highest asHR for age ≥15: 8.72, 95% CI 5.85 to 13.02), and in care in mostly urban (asHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.75) and mostly rural settings (asHR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.87) compared to urban settings. Overall, higher hazards of LTFU were observed among females (asHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.17), and those starting treatment at age ≥5 years (highest asHR for age ≥15: 11.11, 95% CI 9.86 to 12.53), in care at district hospitals (asHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.37) or in rural settings (asHR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.29), and starting triple-ART after 2006 (highest asHR for 2011 to 2016 1.84, 95% CI 1.71 to 1.99). CONCLUSIONS Both mortality and LTFU were worse among those entering care at ≥15 years. ALHIV should be evaluated apart from younger children and adults to identify population-specific reasons for death and LTFU.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Law
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Mary‐Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Edmonds
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | - Lee Fairlie
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Samuel Ayaya
- Moi University College of Health SciencesEldoretKenya
| | | | | | - Jorge Pinto
- Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizoneBrazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Rohan Hazra
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia/amfARThe Foundation for AIDS ResearchBangkokThailand
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Enane LA, Davies MA, Leroy V, Edmonds A, Apondi E, Adedimeji A, Vreeman RC. Traversing the cascade: urgent research priorities for implementing the 'treat all' strategy for children and adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. J Virus Erad 2018; 4:40-46. [PMID: 30515313 PMCID: PMC6248846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa experience significant morbidity and alarmingly high mortality rates due to critical gaps in the HIV care cascade, including late diagnosis and initiation of treatment, as well as poor retention in care and adherence to treatment. Interventions to strengthen the adult HIV care cascade may not be as effective in improving the cascade for CALHIV, for whom specific strategies are needed. Particular attention needs to be paid to the contexts of sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 85% of the world's CALHIV live. Implementing the 'treat all' strategy in sub-Saharan Africa requires dedicated efforts to address the unique diagnosis and care needs of CALHIV, in order to improve paediatric and adolescent outcomes, prevent viral resistance and reduce the number of new HIV infections. We consider the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets from the perspective of infants, children and adolescents, and discuss the key challenges, knowledge gaps and urgent research priorities for CALHIV in implementation of the 'treat all' strategy in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Enane
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine,
Indianapolis, IN,
USA,Corresponding author:
Leslie Enane, 1044 W Walnut Street, Room 402A,
Indianapolis,
Indiana,
46202,
USA
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town,
South Africa
| | - Valériane Leroy
- Inserm (French Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1027, Université Toulouse 3,
France
| | - Andrew Edmonds
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
NC,
USA
| | - Edith Apondi
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital,
Eldoret,
Kenya
| | - Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY,
USA
| | - Rachel C Vreeman
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine,
Indianapolis, IN,
USA
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Ford N, Penazzato M, Vitoria M, Doherty M, Davies MA, Zaniewski E, Tymejczyk O, Egger M, Nash D. The contribution of observational studies in supporting the WHO 'treat all' recommendation for HIV/AIDS. J Virus Erad 2018; 4:5-8. [PMID: 30515308 PMCID: PMC6248853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that all people living with HIV (PLWH) should start antiretroviral therapy (ART) irrespective of clinical or immune status. This recommendation followed almost 20 years of research into the clinical and population-level benefits and risks of starting ART early compared with deferring treatment. This article summarises the ways in which observational data support the work of WHO, including the support provided by the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA), taking the example of 'treat all'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO,
Geneva,
Switzerland
| | - Martina Penazzato
- Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO,
Geneva,
Switzerland
| | - Marco Vitoria
- Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO,
Geneva,
Switzerland
| | - Meg Doherty
- Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO,
Geneva,
Switzerland
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine,
University of Cape Town,
South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Zaniewski
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine,
University of Bern,
Switzerland
| | | | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine,
University of Bern,
Switzerland
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Nash D, Yotebieng M, Sohn AH. Treating all people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a new era calling for new approaches. J Virus Erad 2018; 4:1-4. [PMID: 30515307 PMCID: PMC6248848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly all countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have adopted national policies to treat all persons with HIV, regardless of CD4 cell count or clinical stage ('treat all'). With 10.3 million people untreated and a projected 1.2 million new infections per year in SSA, the current and anticipated unmet need for HIV treatment in SSA is substantial. Evidence to date from SSA suggests that, once linked to care, timely ART initiation with retention and viral suppression is the norm. However, ART initiation in SSA usually occurs late in the course of infection, driving high mortality and incidence rates. The 'treat all' era presents strategic opportunities for health systems to substantially reduce AIDS-related mortality and HIV incidence. This special issue of the Journal of Virus Eradication contains eight articles focused on issues critical to ensuring the success and impact of 'treat all' implementation in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Nash
- Corresponding author: Denis Nash,
City University of New York,
Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health,
55 W 125th Street, 6th Floor,
New York,
NY10027,
USA
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- College of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, Ohio State University,
Columbus, OH,
USA
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR – Foundation for AIDS Research,
Bangkok,
Thailand
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46
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The contribution of observational studies in supporting the WHO ‘treat all’ recommendation for HIV/AIDS. J Virus Erad 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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47
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Enane LA, Davies MA, Leroy V, Edmonds A, Apondi E, Adedimeji A, Vreeman RC. Traversing the cascade: urgent research priorities for implementing the ‘treat all’ strategy for children and adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. J Virus Erad 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30344-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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48
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Nash D, Yotebieng M, Sohn AH. Treating all people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a new era calling for new approaches. J Virus Erad 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30340-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Brennan AT, Bor J, Davies MA, Wandeler G, Prozesky H, Fatti G, Wood R, Stinson K, Tanser F, Bärnighausen T, Boulle A, Sikazwe I, Zanolini A, Fox MP. Medication Side Effects and Retention in HIV Treatment: A Regression Discontinuity Study of Tenofovir Implementation in South Africa and Zambia. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:1990-2001. [PMID: 29767681 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tenofovir is less toxic than other nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors used in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and may improve retention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients on ART. We assessed the impact of national guideline changes in South Africa (2010) and Zambia (2007) recommending tenofovir for first-line ART. We applied regression discontinuity in a prospective cohort study of 52,294 HIV-infected adults initiating first-line ART within 12 months (±12 months) of each guideline change. We compared outcomes in patients presenting just before and after the guideline changes using local linear regression and estimated intention-to-treat effects on initiation of tenofovir, retention in care, and other treatment outcomes at 24 months. We assessed complier causal effects among patients starting tenofovir. The new guidelines increased the percentages of patients initiating tenofovir in South Africa (risk difference (RD) = 81 percentage points, 95% confidence interval (CI): 73, 89) and Zambia (RD = 42 percentage points, 95% CI: 38, 45). With the guideline change, the percentage of single-drug substitutions decreased substantially in South Africa (RD = -15 percentage points, 95% CI: -18, -12). Starting tenofovir also reduced attrition in Zambia (intent-to-treat RD = -1.8% (95% CI: -3.5, -0.1); complier relative risk = 0.74) but not in South Africa (RD = -0.9% (95% CI: -5.9, 4.1); complier relative risk = 0.94). These results highlight the importance of reducing side effects for increasing retention in care, as well as the differences in population impact of policies with heterogeneous treatment effects implemented in different contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana T Brennan
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans Prozesky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Robin Wood
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kathryn Stinson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Arianna Zanolini
- Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- 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
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ahmed S, Autrey J, Katz IT, Fox MP, Rosen S, Onoya D, Bärnighausen T, Mayer KH, Bor J. Why do people living with HIV not initiate treatment? A systematic review of qualitative evidence from low- and middle-income countries. Soc Sci Med 2018; 213:72-84. [PMID: 30059900 PMCID: PMC6813776 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people living with HIV (PLWH) who are eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) do not initiate treatment, leading to excess morbidity, mortality, and viral transmission. As countries move to treat all PLWH at diagnosis, it is critical to understand reasons for non-initiation. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the qualitative literature on reasons for ART non-initiation in low- and middle-income countries. We screened 1376 titles, 680 abstracts, and 154 full-text reports of English-language qualitative studies published January 2000-April 2017; 20 met criteria for inclusion. Our analysis involved three steps. First, we used a "thematic synthesis" approach, identifying supply-side (facility) and demand-side (patient) factors commonly cited across different studies and organizing these factors into themes. Second, we conducted a theoretical mapping exercise, developing an explanatory model for patients' decision-making process to start (or not to start) ART, based on inductive analysis of evidence reviewed. Third, we used this explanatory model to identify opportunities to intervene to increase ART uptake. RESULTS Demand-side factors implicated in decisions not to start ART included feeling healthy, low social support, gender norms, HIV stigma, and difficulties translating intentions into actions. Supply-side factors included high care-seeking costs, concerns about confidentiality, low-quality health services, recommended lifestyle changes, and incomplete knowledge of treatment benefits. Developing an explanatory model, which we labeled the Transdisciplinary Model of Health Decision-Making, we posited that contextual factors determine the costs and benefits of ART; patients perceive this context (through cognitive and emotional appraisals) and form an intention whether or not to start; and these intentions may (or may not) be translated into actions. Interventions can target each of these three stages. CONCLUSIONS Reasons for not starting ART included consistent themes across studies. Future interventions could: (1) provide information on the large health and prevention benefits of ART and the low side effects of current regimens; (2) reduce stigma at the patient and community levels and increase confidentiality where stigma persists; (3) remove lifestyle requirements and support patients in integrating ART into their lives; and (4) alleviate economic burdens of ART. Interventions addressing reasons for non-initiation will be critical to the success of HIV "treat all" strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira Ahmed
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - Jessica Autrey
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; The Fenway Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Johannesburg, South Africa; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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