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Dinh DA, Tan Y, Saeed S. Disengagement from Care Among People Co-Infected with HIV and HCV: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04436-6. [PMID: 38992228 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04436-6] [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] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Disengagement from care among people with HIV (PWH) and hepatitis C (HCV) increases the risks of adverse health outcomes and poses significant barriers to achieving global HIV and HCV elimination goals. In accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, a scoping review was conducted to synthesize and highlight existing gaps in the literature on (dis)engagement in care among PWH and HCV. We searched for original studies on (dis)engagement in care among PWH and HCV in high-income countries using eight electronic databases from inception to May 2023. Our search yielded 4462 non-duplicated records, which were scoped to 27 studies. Definitions of (dis)engagement in care were diverse, with considerable heterogeneity in how retention was operationalized and temporally measured. Studies identified predictors of (dis)engagement to be related to drug and substance use (n = 5 articles), clinical factors (n = 5), social and welfare (n = 4), and demographic characteristics (n = 2). When engagement in care was treated as an exposure, it was associated with HCV treatment initiation (n = 3), achieving sustained virological response (n = 2), and maintaining HIV viral suppression (n = 1). Interventions to improve care engagement among PWH and HCV were limited to five studies using cash incentives (n = 1) and individual case management (n = 4). (Dis)engagement in care is a dynamic process influenced by shifting priorities that may 'tip the balance' towards or away from regularly interacting with healthcare professionals. However, inconsistent definitions render cross-study comparisons and meta-analyses virtually impossible. Further research needs to establish a standardized definition to identify patients at high risk of disengagement and develop interventions that leverage the nested HIV/HCV care cascades to retain and recover patients lost from care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duy A Dinh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne Tan
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, 203 Carruthers Hall 62 Fifth Field Company Lane, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Resar DF, Sapire R, Caldwell B, Jenkins S, Sikwese K, Wambui J, Nzano B, Amole C. Ensuring People Living with HIV Inform the Future of HIV Treatment in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review and Recommendations for a Community-Led Research Agenda. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04442-8. [PMID: 38992225 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04442-8] [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] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The HIV treatment landscape in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is rapidly evolving, exemplified by the expansion of differentiated service delivery (DSD) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Long-acting products represent a new frontier that will require a significant redesign of health systems. It is critical to understand service delivery and product preferences of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and ensure evidence generation is guided by community priorities. We conducted a scoping review to identify gaps among preference studies and inform future research. Peer-reviewed articles published from January 2014-May 2022 reporting acceptability or preference data from PLHIV or caregivers for one or more service delivery or product attribute were eligible. Service delivery studies were restricted to LMIC populations while product studies had no geographical restrictions. Based on gaps identified, we consulted advocates to develop community-led research agenda recommendations. Of 6,493 studies identified, 225 studies on service delivery attributes and 47 studies on product preferences were eligible. The most frequently studied delivery models were integration (n = 59) and technology-based interventions (n = 55). Among product literature, only 15 studies included LMIC populations. Consultation with advocates highlighted the need for research on long-acting products, including among pediatric, pregnant, and breastfeeding PLHIV, PLHIV on second-line regimens, and key populations. Consultation also emphasized the need to understand preferences on clinic visit frequency, side effects, and choice. While the preference literature has expanded, gaps remain around long-acting regimens and their delivery. To fill these gaps, the research agenda must be guided by the priorities of communities of PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle F Resar
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, 383 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA, 02127, USA.
| | - Rachel Sapire
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, 383 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
| | - Benvy Caldwell
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, 383 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
| | - Sarah Jenkins
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, 383 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
| | | | | | - Brian Nzano
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, 383 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
| | - Carolyn Amole
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, 383 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA, 02127, USA
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McClarty LM, Green K, Leung S, Ejeckam C, Adesina A, Shaw SY, Neufeld B, Isac S, Emmanuel F, Blanchard JF, Aliyu G. Advancing Programme Science approaches to understand gaps in HIV prevention programme coverage for key populations in 12 Nigerian states: findings from the 2020 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27 Suppl 2:e26269. [PMID: 38988042 PMCID: PMC11236907 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective HIV prevention programme coverage is necessary to achieve Nigeria's goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. Recent evidence highlights gaps in service coverage and utilization across the country. The Effective Programme Coverage framework is a Programme Science tool to optimize a programme's population-level impact by examining gaps in programme coverage using data generated through programme-embedded research and learning. We apply the framework using Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) data from Nigeria to examine coverage of four prevention interventions-condoms, HIV testing, and needle and syringe programmes (NSP)-among four key population groups-female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and transgender people. METHODS Data from Nigeria's 2020 IBBSS, implemented in 12 states, were analysed to examine HIV prevention programme coverage among key populations. For each key population group and prevention intervention of interest, weighted IBBSS data were used to retrospectively generate coverage cascades that identify and quantify coverage gaps. Required coverage targets were informed by targets articulated in Nigeria's National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework or, in their absence, by guidelines from policy normative bodies. Availability-, outreach- and utilization coverage proxy indicators were defined using variables from IBBSS data collection tools. Sankey diagrams are presented to visualize pathways followed by participants between coverage cascade steps. RESULTS Required coverage targets were missed for HIV testing and NSP among all key population groups. Condom availability coverage surpassed required coverage targets among FSW and MSM, while utilization coverage only among FSW exceeded the 90% required coverage target. Outreach coverage was low for all key population groups, falling below all required coverage targets. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identify critical gaps in HIV prevention programme coverage for key populations in Nigeria and demonstrate non-linear movement across coverage cascades, signalling the need for innovative solutions to optimize coverage of prevention services. Programme-embedded research is required to better understand how key population groups in Nigeria access and use different HIV prevention services so that programmes, policies and resource allocation decisions can be optimized to achieve effective programme coverage and population-level impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh M. McClarty
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Kalada Green
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
- West African Centre for Public Health and DevelopmentAbujaNigeria
| | - Stella Leung
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | | | - Adediran Adesina
- West African Centre for Public Health and DevelopmentAbujaNigeria
| | - Souradet Y. Shaw
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Bronwyn Neufeld
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
- National Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infection LaboratoryPublic Health Agency of CanadaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Shajy Isac
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
- India Health Action TrustDelhiIndia
| | - Faran Emmanuel
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - James F. Blanchard
- Institute for Global Public HealthUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
| | - Gambo Aliyu
- National Agency for the Control of AIDSAbujaNigeria
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Cuadros DF, Huang Q, Musuka G, Dzinamarira T, Moyo BK, Mpofu A, Makoni T, DeWolfe Miller F, Bershteyn A. Moving beyond hotspots of HIV prevalence to geospatial hotspots of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet HIV 2024; 11:e479-e488. [PMID: 38852597 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(24)00102-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa displays a varied geographical distribution, with particular regions termed as HIV hotspots due to a higher prevalence of infection. Addressing these hotspots is essential for controlling the epidemic. However, these regions, influenced by historical factors, challenge standard interventions. Legacy effects-the lasting impact of past events-play a substantial role in the persistence of these hotspots. To address this challenge of the standard interventions, we propose a shift towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Spatial analysis of HIV viral load and antiretroviral therapy coverage can provide a more comprehensive perspective on the epidemic's dynamics. Studies in Zambia and Zimbabwe, using this approach, have revealed disparities in HIV care metrics across regions. By focusing on the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, more effective control strategies can be designed, with consideration of both historical and current factors. This approach would offer a solution-oriented strategy, emphasising tailored interventions based on specific regional needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Qian Huang
- Center for Rural Health Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Brian K Moyo
- HIV and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Tatenda Makoni
- Zimbabwe Network for People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - F DeWolfe Miller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Pharmacology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Anna Bershteyn
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Etoori D, Wringe A, Reniers G, Gomez-Olive FX, Rice B. Moving towards a person-centred HIV care cascade: An exploration of potential biases and errors in routine data in South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002509. [PMID: 38843146 PMCID: PMC11156390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
In 2022, in recognition of lags in data infrastructure, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the use of routinely linked individual patient data to monitor HIV programmes. The WHO also recommended a move to person-centred care to better reflect the experiences of people living with HIV. The switch from aggregated service level data to person-centred data will likely introduce some biases and errors. However, little is understood about the direction and magnitude of these biases. We investigated HIV-testing and HIV-care engagement from 2014 to 2018 in the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). We digitised and linked HIV patient clinic records to HDSS population data in order to estimate biases in routine clinical data. Using this linked data, we followed all individuals linked to HIV-related clinic data throughout their care pathway. We built sequences to represent these pathways. We performed sequence and cluster analyses for all individuals to categorise patterns of care engagement and identified factors associated with different engagement patterns using multinomial logistic regression. Our analyses included 4947 individuals who were linked to 5084 different patient records. We found that routine data would have inflated patient numbers by 2% due to double counting. We also found that 2% of individuals included in our analyses had received multiple HIV tests. These phenomena were driven by undocumented transfers. Further analysis of engagement patterns found a low level of stable engagement in care (<33%). Engagement fell into three distinct clusters: (i) characterised by high rates of late ART initiation, unstable engagement in care, and high mortality (53.9%), (ii) characterised by early ART initiation followed by prolonged periods of LTFU (13.7%), and (iii) characterised by early ART initiation followed by stable engagement in care (32.4%). Compared to cluster (i) older individuals were less likely to be in cluster (ii) and more likely to be in cluster (iii). Those who initiated ART prior to 2016 were more likely to be in cluster (ii) and (iii) compared to cluster (i). Those who initiated ART for PMTCT (RRR: 1.88 (95% CI: 1.45, 2.44)) or TB coinfection (RRR: 2.11 (95% CI: 1.27, 3.50)) were more likely to be in cluster (ii) when compared to those who initiated ART due to CD4 eligibility criteria. Males (RRR: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.77)) were less likely to be in cluster (iii) compared to cluster (i) as were those who initiated ART for PMTCT (RRR: 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.97)) or under test and treat guidelines when compared to those who initiated ART due to CD4 eligibility. Only a minority of patients are consistently engaged in care while the majority cycle between engagement and disengagement. Individual level data could be useful in monitoring programmes and accurately reporting patient figures if it is of high quality, has minimal missingness and is properly linked in order to account for biases that accrue from using this kind of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Etoori
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Wringe
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georges Reniers
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Francesc Xavier Gomez-Olive
- MRC/WITS Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brian Rice
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- University of Sheffield, School of Health and Related Research, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Nyakato P, Boulle A, Wood R, Eley B, Rabie H, Egger M, Yiannoutsos CT, Davies MA, Cornell M. Self-transfers, Hospital Admissions and Mortality Among Children and Adolescents Lost to Follow-up From Antiretroviral Therapy Programs in the Western Cape, South Africa Between 2004 and 2019: Linkage to Provincial Records. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:430-436. [PMID: 38451913 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric programs face a high rate of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among children and adolescents living with HIV (CAHIV). We assessed true outcomes and predictors of these among CAHIV who were LTFU using linkage to the Western Cape Provincial Health Data Centre at Western Cape sites of the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS-Southern Africa collaboration. METHODS We examined factors associated with self-transfer, hospital admission and mortality using competing risks regression in a retrospective cohort of CAHIV initiating antiretroviral therapy <15 years old between 2004 and 2019 and deemed LTFU (no recorded visit at the original facility for ≥180 days from the last visit date before database closure and not known to have officially transferred out or deceased). RESULTS Of the 1720 CAHIV deemed LTFU, 802 (46.6%) had self-transferred and were receiving care elsewhere within the Western Cape, 463 (26.9%) had been hospitalized and 45 (2.6%) CAHIV had died. The overall rates of self-transfer, hospitalization, mortality and LTFU were 9.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.8-10.1], 5.4 (95% CI: 5.0-6.0), 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4-0.7) and 4.8 (95% CI: 4.4-5.3) per 100 person-years respectively. Increasing duration on antiretroviral therapy before LTFU was associated with self-transfers while male sex, older age at last visit (≥10 years vs. younger) were associated with hospital admission and immune suppression at last visit was associated with 5 times higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of CAHIV classified as LTFU had self-transferred to another health facility, a quarter had been hospitalized and a small proportion had died.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Nyakato
- From the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine
| | - Andrew Boulle
- From the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
- Department of Health, Khayelitsha ART Programme
- Department of Health, Western Cape Government: Health
| | - Robin Wood
- Gugulethu HIV Programme and Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town
| | - Brian Eley
- Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Helena Rabie
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Constantin T Yiannoutsos
- Department of Biostatistics, R.M Fairbanks, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- From the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
- Department of Health, Western Cape Government: Health
| | - Morna Cornell
- From the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
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Saeed S, Thomas T, Dinh DA, Moodie E, Cox J, Cooper C, Gill J, Martel-Laferriere V, Panagiotoglou D, Walmsley S, Wong A, Klein MB. Frequent Disengagement and Subsequent Mortality Among People With HIV and Hepatitis C in Canada: A Prospective Cohort Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae239. [PMID: 38798898 PMCID: PMC11127478 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The cascade of care, commonly used to assess HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) health service delivery, has limitations in capturing the complexity of individuals' engagement patterns. This study examines the dynamic nature of engagement and mortality trajectories among people with HIV and HCV. Methods We used data from the Canadian HIV-HCV Co-Infection Cohort, which prospectively follows 2098 participants from 18 centers biannually. Markov multistate models were used to evaluate sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with transitioning between the following states: (1) lost-to-follow-up (LTFU), defined as no visit for 18 months; (2) reengaged (reentry into cohort after being LTFU); (3) withdrawn from the study (ie, moved); (4) death; otherwise remained (5) engaged-in-care. Results A total of 1809 participants met the eligibility criteria and contributed 12 591 person-years from 2003 to 2022. LTFU was common, with 46% experiencing at least 1 episode, of whom only 57% reengaged. One in 5 (n = 383) participants died during the study. Participants who transitioned to LTFU were twice as likely to die as those who were consistently engaged. Factors associated with transitioning to LTFU included detectable HCV RNA (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.67), evidence of HCV treatment but no sustained virologic response result (aHR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.56-2.53), and recent incarceration (aHR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.58-2.40). Being Indigenous was a significant predictor of death across all engagement trajectories. Interpretation Disengagement from clinical care was common and resulted in higher death rates. People LTFU were more likely to require HCV treatment highlighting a priority population for elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Saeed
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyler Thomas
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Duy A Dinh
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erica Moodie
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Gill
- Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Valerie Martel-Laferriere
- Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sharon Walmsley
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Department of Medicine, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Center, Quebec, Canada
- Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Euvrard J, Timmerman V, Keene CM, Phelanyane F, Heekes A, Rice BD, Grimsrud A, Ehrenkranz P, Boulle A. The cyclical cascade of HIV care: Temporal care engagement trends within a population-wide cohort. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004407. [PMID: 38728361 PMCID: PMC11125544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The traditional HIV treatment cascade aims to visualise the journey of each person living with HIV from diagnosis, through initiation on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treatment success, represented by virological suppression. This representation has been a pivotal tool in highlighting and quantifying sequential gaps along the care continuum. There is longstanding recognition, however, that this may oversimplify the complexity of real-world engagement with HIV services in settings with mature high-burden HIV epidemics. A complementary "cyclical" cascade has been proposed to represent the processes of disengagement at different points on the care continuum, with multiple pathways to re-engagement, although the feasibility of implementing this at scale has been uncertain. This study aimed to populate, refine, and explore the utility of a cyclical representation of the HIV cascade, using routine data from a high-burden HIV setting. METHODS AND FINDINGS This observational cohort study leveraged person-level data on all people living with HIV in the Western Cape (WC), South Africa, who accessed public health services in the 2 years prior to 31 December 2023. Programme data from disease registers were complemented by data from pharmacy and laboratory systems. At study closure, 494 370 people were included, constituting 93% of those of those estimated to be living with HIV in the province, of whom 355 104 were on ART. Substantial disengagement from HIV care was evident at every point on the cascade. Early treatment emerged as a period of higher risk of disengagement, but it did not account for the majority of disengagement. Almost all those currently disengaged had prior experience of treatment. While re-engagement was also common, overall treatment coverage had increased slowly over 5 years. The transition to dolutegravir-based regimens was dramatic with good virological outcomes for those in care, notwithstanding a clearly discernible impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on viral load (VL) testing. People currently engaged and disengaged in care are similar with respect to age and gender. Those who died or disengaged recently were previously distributed across a range of cascade statuses, and a substantial proportion of those newly initiating and re-initiating treatment were no longer on treatment 6 months later. The main limitation of this study was incomplete evidence of HIV testing, linkage to HIV-specific services, and out-of-facility mortality. CONCLUSIONS Using routine data, it was possible to populate and automate a cyclical cascade of HIV care that continuously captured the nonlinear care journeys of individuals living with HIV. In this generalised mature HIV epidemic, most people are treatment experienced. Disengagement is common and occurs at various points along the cascade, making it challenging to identify high-impact intervention opportunities. While historical HIV cascades remain valuable for target setting and service monitoring, they can be complemented with insights from more detailed cyclical cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Euvrard
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Venessa Timmerman
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claire Marriott Keene
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Phelanyane
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alexa Heekes
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian D. Rice
- School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Grimsrud
- HIV Programmes and Advocacy, IAS–the International AIDS Society, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington State, United States of America
| | - Andrew Boulle
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Luvuno ZPB, Wiafe E, Mpofana N, Urusla MM, Nxumalo CT. Fast-track interventions for HIV and AIDS epidemic control among key populations: A rapid review. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2024; 16:e1-e12. [PMID: 38708735 PMCID: PMC11079388 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.4088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted interventions for key populations remain critical for realisation of epidemic control for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because of the causal relationship between HIV infection in the general population and among key population groups. AIM To consolidate evidence on the fast-track interventions towards achieving HIV epidemic control among key populations. METHODS A rapid scoping review was conducted using the methodological framework by Arksey and O' Malley. The Population, Intervention, Context and Outcome (PICO) framework was used to identify relevant studies using key words with Boolean operators in electronic data bases, namely CINHAL, Web of Science, Psych Info and Sabinet. Studies were extracted using a modified data extraction tool, and results were presented narratively. RESULTS A total of 19 articles were included in this review. Most articles were primary studies (n = 17), while another involved the review of existing literature and policies (n = 2) and routinely collected data (n = 1). Most studies were conducted in the United States of America (n = 6), while another were conducted in China, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique. All studies revealed findings on tested interventions to achieve HIV epidemic control among key populations. CONCLUSION Effective interventions for HIV epidemic control were stand-alone behavioural preventive interventions, stand-alone biomedical preventive strategies and combination prevention approaches. Furthermore, the findings suggest that effective activities to achieve HIV epidemic control among key populations should be centred around prevention.Contribution: The findings of this study have policy and practice implications for high HIV burden settings such as South Africa in terms of interventions to facilitate realisation of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets, thereby contributing to HIV epidemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zamasomi P B Luvuno
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban.
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Phillips TK, Kassanjee R, Maxwell N, Anderson K, Johnson L, Moolla H, Myer L, Chi BH, Euvrard J, Boulle A, Davies M, Cornell M, de Waal R. ART history prior to conception: trends and association with postpartum disengagement from HIV care in Khayelitsha, South Africa (2013-2019): a retrospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26236. [PMID: 38566482 PMCID: PMC10988117 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26236] [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] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the expansion of HIV treatment eligibility has resulted in an increase in people with antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience prior to pregnancy but little is known about postpartum engagement in care in this population. We examined differences in disengagement from HIV care after delivery by maternal ART history before conception. METHODS We analysed data from people living with HIV (aged 15-49) in Khayelitsha, South Africa, with ≥1 live birth between April 2013 and March 2019. We described trends over time in ART history prior to estimated conception, classifying ART history groups as: (A) on ART with no disengagement (>270 days with no evidence of HIV care); (B) returned before pregnancy following disengagement; (C) restarted ART in pregnancy after disengagement; and (D) ART new start in pregnancy. We used Kaplan-Meier curves and proportional-hazards models (adjusted for maternal age, number of pregnancy records and year of delivery) to examine the time to disengagement from delivery to 2 years postpartum. RESULTS Among 7309 pregnancies (in 6680 individuals), the proportion on ART (A) increased from 19% in 2013 to 41% in 2019. The proportions of those who returned (B) and restarted (C) increased from 2% to 13% and from 2% to 10%, respectively. There was a corresponding decline in the proportion of new starts (D) from 77% in 2013 to 36% in 2019. In the first recorded pregnancy per person in the study period, 26% (95% CI 25-27%) had disengaged from care by 1 year and 34% (95% CI 33-36%) by 2 years postpartum. Individuals who returned (B: aHR 2.10, 95% CI 1.70-2.60), restarted (C: aHR 3.32, 95% CI 2.70-4.09) and newly started ART (D: aHR 2.41, 95% CI 2.12-2.74) had increased hazards of postpartum disengagement compared to those on ART (A). CONCLUSIONS There is a growing population of people with ART experience prior to conception and postpartum disengagement varies substantially by ART history. Antenatal care presents an important opportunity to understand prior ART experiences and an entry into interventions for strengthened engagement in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin Kate Phillips
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Division of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Reshma Kassanjee
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Nicola Maxwell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Kim Anderson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Leigh Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Haroon Moolla
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Benjamin H. Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologySchool of MedicineUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of Health and WellnessProvincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of Health and WellnessProvincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mary‐Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of Health and WellnessProvincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Renee de Waal
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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11
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Feelemyer J, Jarlais DD, Nagot N, Huong DT, Oanh KTH, Khue PM, Giang HT, Thanh NTT, Cleland C, Arasteh K, Caniglia E, Chen Y, Bart G, Moles JP, Vinh VH, Vallo R, Quillet C, Rapoud D, Le SM, Michel L, Laureillard D, Khan MR. Utility of self-report antiretroviral adherence for predicting HIV viral load among persons who inject drugs in Hai Phong Vietnam: assessing differences by methamphetamine use. AIDS Care 2024; 36:553-560. [PMID: 37909053 PMCID: PMC10932855 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2275041] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTIn resource-limited settings, alternatives to HIV viral load testing may be necessary to monitor the health of people living with HIV. We assessed the utility of self-report antiretroviral therapy (ART) to screen for HIV viral load among persons who inject drugs in Hai Phong Vietnam, and consider differences by recent methamphetamine use. From 2016 to 2018 we recruited PWID through cross sectional surveys and collected self-report ART adherence and HIV viral load to estimate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and likelihood ratios (LR+, LR-) for self-reported ART adherence as a screening test for HIV viral load. We used three HIV viral load thresholds: < 1000, 500 and 250 copies/mL; laboratory-confirmed HIV viral load was the gold standard. Among 792 PWID recruited, PPV remained above 90% regardless of recent methamphetamine use with slightly higher PPV among those not reporting recent methamphetamine use. The results remained consistent across all three HIV viral load thresholds. Our findings suggest that when HIV viral load testing is not possible, self-reported ART adherence may inform decisions about how to prioritize HIV viral load testing among PWID. The high PPV values suggest self-reported high ART adherence indicates likely HIV viral suppression, irrespective of methamphetamine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Feelemyer
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York NY
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Duong Thi Huong
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | | | - Pham Minh Khue
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Thi Giang
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | | | - Charles Cleland
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York NY
| | - Kamyar Arasteh
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Caniglia
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York NY
| | - Gavin Bart
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota
| | - Jean Pierre Moles
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Vu Hai Vinh
- Dept of Infectious and tropical diseases, Viet Tiep Hospital, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Roselyne Vallo
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Delphine Rapoud
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Sao M Le
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Laurent Michel
- Pierre Nicole Center, French Red Cross, CESP/Inserrm 1018, Paris, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caremeau University Hospital, Nîmes, France
| | - Maria R Khan
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York NY
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12
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Burke RM, Rickman HM, Pinto C, Ehrenkranz P, Choko A, Ford N. Reasons for disengagement from antiretroviral care in the era of "Treat All" in low- or middle-income countries: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26230. [PMID: 38494657 PMCID: PMC10945039 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disengagement from antiretroviral therapy (ART) care is an important reason why people living with HIV do not achieve viral load suppression become unwell. METHODS We searched two databases and conference abstracts from January 2015 to December 2022 for studies which reported reasons for disengagement from ART care. We included quantitative (mainly surveys) and qualitative (in-depth interviews or focus groups) studies conducted after "treat all" or "Option B+" policy adoption. We used an inductive approach to categorize reasons: we report how often reasons were reported in studies and developed a conceptual framework for reasons. RESULTS We identified 21 studies which reported reasons for disengaging from ART care in the "Treat All" era, mostly in African countries: six studies in the general population of persons living with HIV, nine in pregnant or postpartum women and six in selected populations (one each in people who use drugs, isolated indigenous communities, men, women, adolescents and men who have sex with men). Reasons reported were: side effects or other antiretroviral tablet issues (15 studies); lack of perceived benefit of ART (13 studies); psychological, mental health or drug use (13 studies); concerns about stigma or confidentiality (14 studies); lack of social or family support (12 studies); socio-economic reasons (16 studies); health facility-related reasons (11 studies); and acute proximal events such as unexpected mobility (12 studies). The most common reasons for disengagement were unexpected events, socio-economic reasons, ART side effects or lack of perceived benefit of ART. Conceptually, studies described underlying vulnerability factors (individual, interpersonal, structural and healthcare) but that often unexpected proximal events (e.g. unanticipated mobility) acted as the trigger for disengagement to occur. DISCUSSION People disengage from ART care for individual, interpersonal, structural and healthcare reasons, and these reasons overlap and interact with each other. While HIV programmes cannot predict and address all events that may lead to disengagement, an approach that recognizes that such shocks will happen could help. CONCLUSIONS Health services should focus on ways to encourage clients to engage with care by making ART services welcoming, person-centred and more flexible alongside offering adherence interventions, such as counselling and peer support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M. Burke
- Clinical Research DepartmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research ProgrammeQueen Elizabeth Central HospitalBlantyreMalawi
| | - Hannah M. Rickman
- Clinical Research DepartmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research ProgrammeQueen Elizabeth Central HospitalBlantyreMalawi
| | - Clarice Pinto
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs ProgrammeWorld Health OrganisationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Augustine Choko
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research ProgrammeQueen Elizabeth Central HospitalBlantyreMalawi
- International Public Health DepartmentLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs ProgrammeWorld Health OrganisationGenevaSwitzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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13
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Maskew M, Benade M, Huber A, Pascoe S, Sande L, Malala L, Manganye M, Rosen S. Patterns of engagement in care during clients' first 12 months after HIV treatment initiation in South Africa: A retrospective cohort analysis using routinely collected data. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002956. [PMID: 38416789 PMCID: PMC10901315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Retention on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during the early treatment period is one of the most serious challenges facing HIV programs, but the timing and patterns of early disengagement from care remain poorly understood. We describe patterns of engagement in HIV care during the first year after treatment initiation. We analysed retrospective datasets of routinely collected electronic medical register (EMR) data for ≥18-year-old clients who initiated ART at public sector clinics in South Africa after 01/01/2018 and had ≥14 months of potential follow-up. Using scheduled visit dates, we characterized engagement in care as continuous (no treatment interruption), cyclical (at least one visit >28 days late with a return visit observed) or disengaged (visit not attended and no evidence of return). We report 6- and 12-month patterns of retention in care and viral suppression. Among 35,830 participants (65% female, median age 33), in months 0-6, 59% were continuously in care, 14% had engaged cyclically, 11% had transferred to another facility, 1% had died, and 16% had disengaged from care at the initiating facility. Among disengagers in the first 6 months, 58% did not return after their initiation visit. By 12 months after initiation, the overall proportion disengaged was 23%, 45% were classified as continuously engaged in months 7-12, and only 38% of the cohort had maintained continuous engagement at both the 6- and 12-month endpoints. Participants who were cyclically engaged in months 0-6 were nearly twice as likely to disengage in months 7-12 as were continuous engagers in months 0-6 (relative risk 1.76, 95% CI:1.61-1.91) and were more likely to have an unsuppressed viral load by 12 months on ART (RR = 1.28; 95% CI1.13-1.44). The needs of continuous and cyclical engagers and those disengaging at different timepoints may vary and require different interventions or models of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mariet Benade
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, 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 Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amy Huber
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sophie Pascoe
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Linda Sande
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lufuno Malala
- HIV & AIDS Treatment, Care and Support Directorate, HIV & AIDS and STI Cluster, National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Musa Manganye
- HIV & AIDS Treatment, Care and Support Directorate, HIV & AIDS and STI Cluster, National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, 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
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14
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Nyman F. Reshaping the narrative: Tracing the historical trajectory of HIV/AIDS, gay men, and public health in Sweden. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298630. [PMID: 38386666 PMCID: PMC10883528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) emerged as an endemic health crisis in the United States during the early 1980s. Initially labelled a "gay disease" due to its prevalence among gay men, the spread of HIV led to widespread fear and moral panic, as there was limited medical knowledge on preventing its transmission. While HIV is often associated with Sub-Saharan Africa, this article focuses on Sweden, a pioneering nation that became the first to achieve the remarkable Joint UNAIDS/WHO 90-90-90 continuum in addressing the epidemic. However, despite this significant milestone, the punitive legislation and attitudes prevalent in Sweden have had a counterproductive effect on curbing the virus's spread. Drawing upon a comprehensive triangulation of various data and sources on the evolution of public policy in Sweden, this article argues for the urgent need to reduce stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. By undertaking further measures to combat stigmatisation, we not only have the potential to prevent the spread of HIV but also significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals living with the virus. An essential step in this journey is to eliminate the legally-enforced mandatory disclosure of one's HIV status, which would mark a tremendous victory for all those affected. With limited evidence to support the effectiveness of criminalisation and penal laws, no longer being viewed as criminals for non-disclosure would be a monumental achievement, positively transforming the lives of people living with HIV and fostering a more inclusive and supportive society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Nyman
- Department of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Jämtland, Sweden
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15
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Mody A, Sohn AH, Iwuji C, Tan RKJ, Venter F, Geng EH. HIV epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and implementation strategies for public health. Lancet 2024; 403:471-492. [PMID: 38043552 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The global HIV response has made tremendous progress but is entering a new phase with additional challenges. Scientific innovations have led to multiple safe, effective, and durable options for treatment and prevention, and long-acting formulations for 2-monthly and 6-monthly dosing are becoming available with even longer dosing intervals possible on the horizon. The scientific agenda for HIV cure and remission strategies is moving forward but faces uncertain thresholds for success and acceptability. Nonetheless, innovations in prevention and treatment have often failed to reach large segments of the global population (eg, key and marginalised populations), and these major disparities in access and uptake at multiple levels have caused progress to fall short of their potential to affect public health. Moving forward, sharper epidemiologic tools based on longitudinal, person-centred data are needed to more accurately characterise remaining gaps and guide continued progress against the HIV epidemic. We should also increase prioritisation of strategies that address socio-behavioural challenges and can lead to effective and equitable implementation of existing interventions with high levels of quality that better match individual needs. We review HIV epidemiologic trends; advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and care delivery; and discuss emerging challenges for ending the HIV epidemic over the next decade that are relevant for general practitioners and others involved in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rayner K J Tan
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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16
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Pons-Faudoa FP, Di Trani N, Capuani S, Facchi I, Wood AM, Nehete B, DeLise A, Sharma S, Shelton KA, Bushman LR, Chua CYX, Ittmann MM, Kimata JT, Anderson PL, Nehete PN, Arduino RC, Grattoni A. Antiviral potency of long-acting islatravir subdermal implant in SHIV-infected macaques. J Control Release 2024; 366:18-27. [PMID: 38142963 PMCID: PMC10922355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Treatment nonadherence is a pressing issue in people living with HIV (PLWH), as they require lifelong therapy to maintain viral suppression. Poor adherence leads to antiretroviral (ARV) resistance, transmission to others, AIDS progression, and increased morbidity and mortality. Long-acting (LA) ARV therapy is a promising strategy to combat the clinical drawback of user-dependent dosing. Islatravir (ISL) is a promising candidate for HIV treatment given its long half-life and high potency. Here we show constant ISL release from a subdermal LA nanofluidic implant achieves viral load reduction in SHIV-infected macaques. Specifically, a mean delivery dosage of 0.21 ± 0.07 mg/kg/day yielded a mean viral load reduction of -2.30 ± 0.53 log10 copies/mL at week 2, compared to baseline. The antiviral potency of the ISL delivered from the nanofluidic implant was higher than oral ISL dosed either daily or weekly. At week 3, viral resistance to ISL emerged in 2 out of 8 macaques, attributable to M184V mutation, supporting the need of combining ISL with other ARV for HIV treatment. The ISL implant produced moderate reactivity in the surrounding tissue, indicating tolerability. Overall, we present the ISL subdermal implant as a promising approach for LA ARV treatment in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda P Pons-Faudoa
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicola Di Trani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Simone Capuani
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ilaria Facchi
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anthony M Wood
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bharti Nehete
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - Ashley DeLise
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - Suman Sharma
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kathryn A Shelton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - Lane R Bushman
- Deparment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado- Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Corrine Ying Xuan Chua
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jason T Kimata
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peter L Anderson
- Deparment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado- Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Pramod N Nehete
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roberto C Arduino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alessandro Grattoni
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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17
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Belus JM, Msimango LI, van Heerden A, Magidson JF, Bradley VD, Mdakane Y, van Rooyen H, Barnabas RV. Barriers, Facilitators, and Strategies to Improve Participation of a Couple-Based Intervention to Address Women's Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Int J Behav Med 2024; 31:75-84. [PMID: 36854871 PMCID: PMC10803380 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Couple-based interventions (CBIs), despite strong efficacy in improving numerous HIV risk behaviors, are not widely available and have not been tested to improve women's antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We examined barriers and facilitators to participation in a CBI based on cognitive behavioral couple therapy for women's ART adherence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women with HIV (n = 15) and men of mixed HIV status (n = 15). Thematic analyses were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS Facilitators mostly related to the couple's relationship, including having an existing healthy relationship, men's desire to support their partners, and a potential opportunity for men's HIV disclosure. Barriers included a lack of understanding of how a CBI approach would be useful for women's ART adherence, sole focus on women if male partners were also living with HIV, and men's lack of prior HIV status disclosure to female partners. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that relationship context and the male partner's HIV status need to be addressed during recruitment, enrolment, and during the intervention to promote uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Belus
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Lindani I Msimango
- Center for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Center for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Valerie D Bradley
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Yvonne Mdakane
- Center for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The Impact Centre, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Niwa M, Matos E, Rodriguez C, Wong M, Errea RA, Ramos A, Senador L, Contreras C, Galea JT, Lindeborg A, Benites C, Shin SS, Lecca L, Franke MF. Retention and Viral Suppression Among Adolescents Newly Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Adult HIV Care in Lima, Peru: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:260-267. [PMID: 37804297 PMCID: PMC10842947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Published data on outcomes among adolescents newly initiating antiretroviral treatment in the Latin American context are sparse. We estimated the frequency of sustained retention with viral load suppression (i.e., successful transition) and identified predictors of successful transition into adult care among youth (aged 14-21 years) with recently acquired HIV in Lima, Peru. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 184 adolescents and young adults who initiated antiretroviral therapy in an adult public sector HIV clinic between June 2014 and June 2019. Sustained retention (no loss-to-follow-up or death) with viral suppression was calculated for the first 12 and 24 months following treatment initiation. We conducted regression analyses to assess factors associated with successful transition to adult HIV care, including gender, age, occupation, nationality, pregnancy, same-sex sexual behavior, presence of treatment supporter, number of living parents, and social risk factors that may adversely influence health (e.g., lack of social support, economic deprivation). RESULTS Patients were predominantly male (n = 167, 90.8%). Median age was 19 years (interquartile range: 18-21). Frequency of sustained retention with viral load suppression was 42.4% (78/184) and 35.3% (30/85) at 12 and 24 months following treatment initiation. In multivariable analyses, working and/or studying was inversely associated with successful transition into adult care at 12 months; number of known living parents (relative risk: 2.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.12, 4.34) and absence of social risk factors (relative risk: 1.68; 95% confidence interval: 0.91, 3.11) were positively associated with successful transition at 24 months. DISCUSSION Sustained retention in HIV care was uncommon. Parental support and interventions targeting social risk factors may contribute to successful transition into adult HIV care in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyu Niwa
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eduardo Matos
- Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, Lima, Peru
| | - Carly Rodriguez
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jerome T Galea
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Andrew Lindeborg
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carlos Benites
- Program for the Control and Prevention of HIV, STDs and Hepatitis, Peru Ministry of Health, Lima, Peru
| | - Sonya S Shin
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leonid Lecca
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Socios En Salud Sucursal Peru, Lima, Peru
| | - Molly F Franke
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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19
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Maskew M, Ntjikelane V, Juntunen A, Scott N, Benade M, Sande L, Hasweeka P, Haimbe P, Lumano-Mulenga P, Shakewelele H, Mukumbwa-Mwenechanya M, Rosen S. Preferences for services in a patient's first six months on antiretroviral therapy for HIV in South Africa and Zambia (PREFER): research protocol for a prospective observational cohort study. Gates Open Res 2024; 7:119. [PMID: 38343769 PMCID: PMC10858017 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.14682.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background For patients on HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, the highest risk for loss from care remains the first six months after antiretroviral (ART) initiation, when patients are not yet eligible for differentiated service delivery (DSD) models that offer lower-burden, patient-centred care and thus improve treatment outcomes. To reduce early disengagement from care, the PREFER study will use a sequential mixed-methods approach to describe the characteristics, needs, concerns, and preferences of patients in South Africa and Zambia 0-6 months after ART initiation or re-initiation. Protocol PREFER is an observational, prospective cohort study of adults on ART for ≤6 months at 12 public healthcare facilities in Zambia and 18 in South Africa. Its objective is to describe and understand the needs and preferences of initiating and re-initiating ART clients to inform the design of DSD models for the early HIV treatment period, improve early treatment outcomes, and distinguish the barriers encountered by naïve patients from those facing re-initiators. It has four components: 1) survey of clients 0-6 months after ART initiation (identify characteristics and preferences of clients starting ART); 2) follow up through routinely collected medical records for <24 months after enrollment (describe resource utilization and patterns and predictors of engagement in care); 3) focus group discussions and discrete choice experiment (explore reported barriers to and facilitators of retention); and 4) in South Africa only, collection of blood samples (assess the prevalence of ARV metabolites indicating prior ART use). Conclusions PREFER aims to understand why the early treatment period is so challenging and how service delivery can be amended to address the obstacles that lead to early disengagement from care. It will generate information about client characteristics and preferences to help respond to patients' needs and design better strategies for service delivery and improve resource allocation going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Vinolia Ntjikelane
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | | | - Nancy Scott
- Global Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Mariet Benade
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Global Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amstersdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Sande
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | | | - Prudence Haimbe
- CHAI-Zambia, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Global Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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20
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Cuadros DF, Devi C, Singh U, Olivier S, Castle AC, Moosa Y, Edwards JA, Kim HY, Siedner MJ, Wong EB, Tanser F. Convergence of HIV and non-communicable disease epidemics: geospatial mapping of the unmet health needs in an HIV hyperendemic community in South Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e012730. [PMID: 38176743 PMCID: PMC10773360 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As people living with HIV (PLHIV) are experiencing longer survival, the co-occurrence of HIV and non-communicable diseases has become a public health priority. In response to this emerging challenge, we aimed to characterise the spatial structure of convergence of chronic health conditions in an HIV hyperendemic community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we used data from a comprehensive population-based disease survey conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which collected data on HIV, diabetes and hypertension. We implemented a novel health needs scale to categorise participants as: diagnosed and well-controlled (Needs Score 1), diagnosed and suboptimally controlled (Score 2), diagnosed but not engaged in care (Score 3) or undiagnosed and uncontrolled (Score 4). Scores 2-4 were indicative of unmet health needs. We explored the geospatial structure of unmet health needs using different spatial clustering methods. RESULTS The analytical sample comprised 18 041 individuals. We observed a similar spatial structure for HIV among those with combined needs Score 2-3 (diagnosed but uncontrolled) and Score 4 (undiagnosed and uncontrolled), with most PLHIV with unmet needs clustered in the southern urban and peri-urban areas. Conversely, a high prevalence of need Scores 2 and 3 for diabetes and hypertension was mostly distributed in the more rural central and northern part of the surveillance area. A high prevalence of need Score 4 for diabetes and hypertension was mostly distributed in the rural southern part of the surveillance area. Multivariate clustering analysis revealed a significant overlap of all three diseases in individuals with undiagnosed and uncontrolled diseases (unmet needs Score 4) in the southern part of the catchment area. CONCLUSIONS In an HIV hyperendemic community in South Africa, areas with the highest needs for PLHIV with undiagnosed and uncontrolled disease are also areas with the highest burden of unmet needs for other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Our study has revealed remarkable differences in the distribution of health needs across the rural to urban continuum even within this relatively small study site. The identification and prioritisation of geographically clustered vulnerable communities with unmet health needs for both HIV and non-communicable diseases provide a basis for policy and implementation strategies to target communities with the highest health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chayanika Devi
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Urisha Singh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Alison C Castle
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical Shool, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yumna Moosa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Johnathan A Edwards
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical Shool, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily B Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Frank Tanser
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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21
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Esra R, Mmelesi M, Ketlogetswe AT, Wolock TM, Howes A, Nong T, Matlhaga MT, Ratladi S, Ramaabya D, Imai-Eaton JW. Improved Indicators for Subnational Unmet Antiretroviral Therapy Need in the Health System: Updates to the Naomi Model in 2023. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:e24-e33. [PMID: 38180736 PMCID: PMC10769176 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantifying subnational need for antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV is challenging because people living with HIV (PLHIV) access health facilities in areas that may differ from their residence. We defined and demonstrated new indicators for PLHIV treatment needed to guide health system target setting and resource allocation. SETTING Botswana. METHODS We extended Naomi, a Bayesian small-area model for estimating district-level HIV indicators from national household survey and HIV service delivery data. We used model outputs for ART seeking probabilities in neighboring districts to define the "PLHIV (attending)" indicator representing the estimated number of PLHIV who would seek treatment at health facilities in a district, and "Untreated PLHIV attending" representing gaps in ART service provision. Botswana 2021 district HIV estimates were used to demonstrate new outputs and assess the sensitivity to uncertainty in district population sizes. RESULTS Across districts of Botswana, estimated adult ART coverage in December 2021 ranged 90%-96%. In the capital city Gaborone, there were 50,400 resident PLHIV and 64,200 receiving ART, of whom 24% (95% CI: 20 to 32) were estimated to reside in neighboring districts. Applying ART attendance probabilities gave a "PLHIV attending" denominator of 68,300 and unmet treatment need of 4100 adults (95% CI: 3000 to 5500) for Gaborone health facilities. The facility-based "PLHIV attending" denominator was less-sensitive to fluctuations in district population size assumptions. CONCLUSIONS New indicators provided more consistent targets for HIV service provision, but are limited by ART data quality. This challenge will increase as treatment coverage reaches high levels and treatment gaps are smaller.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Esra
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Timothy M. Wolock
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Howes
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tlotlo Nong
- Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Siphiwe Ratladi
- National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency, Gaborone, Botswana; and
| | - Dinah Ramaabya
- Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jeffrey W. Imai-Eaton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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22
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Liu T, Politza AJ, Kshirsagar A, Zhu Y, Guan W. Compact Point-of-Care Device for Self-Administered HIV Viral Load Tests from Whole Blood. ACS Sens 2023; 8:4716-4727. [PMID: 38011515 PMCID: PMC11222019 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01819] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a significant problem to consider as it can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fortunately, AIDS is manageable through antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, frequent viral load monitoring is needed to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. The current reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) viral load monitoring is highly effective, but is challenged by being resource-intensive and inaccessible, and its turnaround time does not meet demand. An unmet need exists for an affordable, rapid, and user-friendly point-of-care device that could revolutionize and ensure therapeutic effectiveness, particularly in resource-limited settings. In this work, we explored a point-of-care HIV viral load device to address this need. This device can perform streamlined plasma separation, viral RNA extraction, and real-time reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) semiquantitative testing in an ultracompact device. We developed an absorption-based membrane plasma separation method suitable for finger-prick blood samples, achieving an efficiency of 80%. We also designed a syringe-based RNA extraction method for on-site plasma processing with a viral recovery efficiency of 86%. We created a portable device with a smartphone interface for real-time semiquantitative RT-LAMP, which is useful for monitoring viral load. The device uses lyophilized reagents, processed with our lyophilization method, which remain stable for 16 weeks. The device can accurately categorize viral load into low, medium, and high categories with 95% accuracy. We believe this point-of-care HIV self-test device, offering convenience and long-term storage, could aid patients in home-based ART treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
| | - Anthony J. Politza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
| | - Aneesh Kshirsagar
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
| | - Yusheng Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey 17033, USA
| | - Weihua Guan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA
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23
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Hariprasad S, Phiri K, Thorp M, Holland K, Nyirenda R, Gupta S, Phiri S, Sabin L, Dovel K. Stakeholder Priorities for ART Initiation and Early Retention Interventions in Malawi: A Qualitative Study Comparing International and National Perspectives. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3725505. [PMID: 38196656 PMCID: PMC10775367 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3725505/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Background New or returning ART clients are often ineligible for differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, though they are at increased risk of treatment interruption and may benefit greatly from flexible care models. Stakeholder support may limit progress on development and scale-up of interventions for this population. We qualitatively explored stakeholder perceptions of and decision-making criteria regarding DSD models for new or returning ART clients in Malawi. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with internationally based stakeholders (from foundations, multilateral organizations, and NGOs) and Malawi-based stakeholders (from the Malawi Ministry of Health and PEPFAR implementing partners). The interviews included two think-aloud scenarios in which participants rated and described their perceptions of 1) the relative importance of five criteria (cost, effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility, and equity) in determining which interventions to implement for new or returning ART clients and 2) their relative interest in seven potential interventions (monetary incentives, nonmonetary incentives, community-based care, ongoing peer/mentor support and counseling, eHealth, facility-based interventions, and multimonth dispensing) for the same population. The interviews were completed in English via video conference and were audio-recorded. Transcriptions were coded using ATLAS.ti version 9. We examined the data using thematic content analysis and explored differences between international and national stakeholders. Results We interviewed twenty-two stakeholders between October 2021 and March 2022. Thirteen were based internationally, and nine were based in Malawi. Both groups prioritized client acceptability but diverged on other criteria: international stakeholders prioritized effectiveness, and Malawi-based stakeholders prioritized cost, feasibility, and sustainability. Both stakeholder groups were most interested in facility-based DSD models, such as multimonth dispensing and extended facility hours. Nearly all the stakeholders described person-centered care as a critical focus for any DSD model implemented. Conclusions National and international stakeholders support DSD models for new or returning ART clients. Client acceptability and long-term sustainability should be prioritized to address the concerns of nationally based stakeholders. Future studies should explore the reasons for differences in national and international stakeholders' priorities and how to ensure that local perspectives are incorporated into funding and programmatic decisions.
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24
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Lawrence DS, Ssali A, Moshashane N, Nabaggala G, Maphane L, Harrison TS, Meya D, Jarvis JN, Seeley J. Pathways to care with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in Botswana and Uganda: Findings from a qualitative methods study. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 4:100350. [PMID: 38106376 PMCID: PMC10719890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains a key driver of AIDS-related mortality. Mortality is twice as high in those who present later to care and with severe symptoms such as confusion. We embedded a qualitative methods study within a randomised controlled trial in Gaborone, Botswana and Kampala, Uganda with the aim of understanding pathways to care. We conducted in-depth interviews with trial participants and surrogate decision makers and analysed data thematically. Between January 2020 and June 2021 we interviewed 58 individuals. Pathways to care were prolonged because headaches were disregarded by participants and healthcare workers as a common occurrence with a broad differential diagnosis of predominantly benign aetiologies. There was also a lack of awareness of cryptococcal meningitis, and it was often after HIV was diagnosed or disclosed that the pathway accelerated, resulting in hospital admission. We outline key recommendations to reduce mortality and argue for the integration of social and behavioural interventions within differentiated service delivery models for advanced HIV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Lawrence
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Agnes Ssali
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Georgina Nabaggala
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University London, London, UK
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Janet Seeley
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
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25
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Harp R, Byrne M, Monroe A, Castel AD. Housing, HIV outcomes, and related comorbidities in persons living with HIV in Washington, DC. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1874-1884. [PMID: 36449782 PMCID: PMC10227182 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2151557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Housing instability can hinder the ability of people with HIV (PWH) to maintain engagement in care, adhere to antiretroviral (ART) regimens, and achieve viral suppression. This analysis examined the association between housing instability and HIV outcomes, as well as the association between housing status and substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and sexually transmitted infections. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed using data from the DC Cohort, a longitudinal cohort of PWH. Among 8622 PWH, unstably housed PWH were significantly more likely to be prescribed ART (aOR: 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1, 1.8) yet were significantly less likely to be virally suppressed (aOR: 0.6; 95%CI: 0.5, 0.8). Unstably housed PWH were also significantly more likely to have a substance use or mental health disorder, which may inhibit PWH's ability to achieve viral suppression. Efforts to end the HIV epidemic should address housing to ensure treatment is optimized for key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Harp
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health of the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Morgan Byrne
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health of the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anne Monroe
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health of the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amanda D Castel
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health of the George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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26
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Rosen JG, Nakyanjo N, Ddaaki WG, Zhao T, Van Vo A, Nakubulwa R, Ssekyewa C, Isabirye D, Katono RL, Nabakka P, Ssemwanga RJ, Kigozi G, Odiya S, Nakigozi G, Nalugoda F, Kigozi G, Kagaayi J, Grabowski MK, Kennedy CE. Identifying longitudinal patterns of HIV treatment (dis)engagement and re-engagement from oral histories of virologically unsuppressed persons in Uganda: A thematic trajectory analysis. Soc Sci Med 2023; 339:116386. [PMID: 37984182 PMCID: PMC10841599 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited study of persons deemed "harder to reach" by HIV treatment services, including those discontinuing or never initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted narrative research in southern Uganda with virologically unsuppressed persons identified through population-based sampling to discern longitudinal patterns in HIV service engagement and identify factors shaping treatment persistence. METHODS In mid-2022, we sampled adult participants with high-level HIV viremia (≥1000 RNA copies/mL) from the prospective, population-based Rakai Community Cohort Study. Using life history calendars, we conducted initial and follow-up in-depth interviews to elicit oral histories of participants' journeys in HIV care, from diagnosis to the present. We then used thematic trajectory analysis to identify discrete archetypes of HIV treatment engagement by "re-storying" participant narratives and visualizing HIV treatment timelines derived from interviews and abstracted clinical data. RESULTS Thirty-eight participants (median age: 34 years, 68% men) completed 75 interviews. We identified six HIV care engagement archetypes from narrative timelines: (1) delayed ART initiation, (2) early treatment discontinuation, (3) treatment cycling, (4) prolonged treatment interruption, (5) transfer-related care disruption, and (6) episodic viremia. Patterns of service (dis)engagement were highly gendered, occurred in the presence and absence of optimal ART adherence, and were shaped by various factors emerging at different time points, including: denial of HIV serostatus and disclosure concerns; worsening HIV-related symptoms; psychological distress and depression; social support; intimate partner violence; ART side effects; accessibility constraints during periods of mobility; incarceration; and inflexible ART dispensing regulations. CONCLUSIONS Identified trajectories uncovered heterogeneities in both the timing and drivers of ART (re-)initiation and (dis)continuity, demonstrating the distinct characteristics and needs of people with different patterns of HIV treatment engagement throughout the life course. Enhanced mental health service provision, expanded eligibility for differentiated service delivery models, and streamlined facility switching processes may facilitate timely (re-)engagement in HIV services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | - Tongying Zhao
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anh Van Vo
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Silas Odiya
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - M Kate Grabowski
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda; Division of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
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27
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Kalinjuma AV, Glass TR, Masanja H, Weisser M, Msengwa AS, Vanobberghen F, Otwombe K. Statistical methods applied for the assessment of the HIV cascade and continuum of care: a systematic scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071392. [PMID: 37996221 PMCID: PMC10668296 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This scoping review aims to identify and synthesise existing statistical methods used to assess the progress of HIV treatment programmes in terms of the HIV cascade and continuum of care among people living with HIV (PLHIV). DESIGN Systematic scoping review. DATA SOURCES Published articles were retrieved from PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) databases between April and July 2022. We also strategically search using the Google Scholar search engine and reference lists of published articles. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA This scoping review included original English articles that estimated and described the HIV cascade and continuum of care progress in PLHIV. The review considered quantitative articles that evaluated either HIV care cascade progress in terms of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS targets or the dynamics of engagement in HIV care. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The first author and the librarian developed database search queries and screened the retrieved titles and abstracts. Two independent reviewers and the first author extracted data using a standardised data extraction tool. The data analysis was descriptive and the findings are presented in tables and visuals. RESULTS This review included 300 articles. Cross-sectional study design methods were the most commonly used to assess the HIV care cascade (n=279, 93%). In cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, the majority used proportions to describe individuals at each cascade stage (276/279 (99%) and 20/21 (95%), respectively). In longitudinal studies, the time spent in cascade stages, transition probabilities and cumulative incidence functions was estimated. The logistic regression model was common in both cross-sectional (101/279, 36%) and longitudinal studies (7/21, 33%). Of the 21 articles that used a longitudinal design, six articles used multistate models, which included non-parametric, parametric, continuous-time, time-homogeneous and discrete-time multistate Markov models. CONCLUSIONS Most literature on the HIV cascade and continuum of care arises from cross-sectional studies. The use of longitudinal study design methods in the HIV cascade is growing because such methods can provide additional information about transition dynamics along the cascade. Therefore, a methodological guide for applying different types of longitudinal design methods to the HIV continuum of care assessments is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneth Vedastus Kalinjuma
- Department of Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Medicines Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Honorati Masanja
- Department of Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Maja Weisser
- Department of Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- Medicines Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amina Suleiman Msengwa
- Department of Statistics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Medicines Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kennedy Otwombe
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Benade M, Maskew M, Juntunen A, Flynn DB, Rosen S. Prior exposure to antiretroviral therapy among adult patients presenting for HIV treatment initiation or reinitiation in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071283. [PMID: 37984944 PMCID: PMC10660894 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As countries have scaled up access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV, attrition rates of up to 30% annually have created a large pool of individuals who initiate treatment with prior ART experience. Little is known about the proportion of non-naïve reinitiators within the population presenting for treatment initiation. DESIGN Systematic review of published articles and abstracts reporting proportions of non-naïve adult patients initiating ART in sub-Saharan Africa. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase Elsevier, Web of Science Core Collection, International AIDS Society conferences, Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections conferences. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Clinical trials and observational studies; reporting on adults in sub-Saharan Africa who initiated lifelong ART; published in English between 1 January 2018 and 11 July 2023 and with data collected after January 2016. Initiator self-report, laboratory discernment of antiretroviral metabolites, and viral suppression at initiation or in the medical record were accepted as evidence of prior exposure. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS We captured study and sample characteristics, proportions with previous ART exposure and the indicator of previous exposure reported. We report results of each eligible study, estimate the risk of bias and identify gaps in the literature. RESULTS Of 2740 articles, 11 articles describing 12 cohorts contained sufficient information for the review. Proportions of initiators with evidence of prior ART use ranged from 5% (self-report only) to 53% (presence of ART metabolites in hair or blood sample). The vast majority of screened studies did not report naïve/non-naïve status. Metrics used to determine and report non-naïve proportions were inconsistent and difficult to interpret. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of patients initiating HIV treatment who are truly ART naïve is not well documented. It is likely that 20%-50% of ART patients who present for ART are reinitiators. Standard reporting metrics and diligence in reporting are needed, as is research to understand the reluctance of patients to report prior ART exposure. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022324136.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariet Benade
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Allison Juntunen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David B Flynn
- Alumni Medical Library, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Labhardt ND, Brown JA, Sass N, Ford N, Rosen S. Treatment Outcomes After Offering Same-Day Initiation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment-How to Interpret Discrepancies Between Different Studies. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:1176-1184. [PMID: 37229594 PMCID: PMC10573746 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad317] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends same-day initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all persons diagnosed with HIV and ready to start treatment. Evidence, mainly from randomized trials, indicates offering same-day ART increases engagement in care and viral suppression during the first year. In contrast, most observational studies using routine data find same-day ART to be associated with lower engagement in care. We argue that this discrepancy is mainly driven by different time points of enrollment, leading to different denominators. While randomized trials enroll individuals when tested positive, most observational studies start at the time point when ART is initiated. Thus, most observational studies omit those who are lost between diagnosis and treatment, thereby introducing a selection bias in the group with delayed ART. This viewpoint article summarizes the available evidence and argues that the benefits of same-day ART outweigh a potential higher risk of attrition from care after ART initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Anne Brown
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikita Sass
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Ford
- Department of HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, 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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Cuadros DF, Chowdhury T, Milali M, Citron DT, Nyimbili S, Vlahakis N, Savory T, Mulenga L, Sivile S, Zyambo KD, Bershteyn A. Geospatial patterns of progress towards UNAIDS '95-95-95' targets and community vulnerability in Zambia: insights from population-based HIV impact assessments. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012629. [PMID: 37899088 PMCID: PMC10619088 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death. The UNAIDS established the '95-95-95' targets to improve HIV care continuum outcomes. Using geospatial data from the Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA), this study aims to investigate geospatial patterns in the '95-95-95' indicators and individual-level determinants that impede HIV care continuum in vulnerable communities, providing insights into the factors associated with gaps. METHODS This study used data from the 2016 ZAMPHIA to investigate the geospatial distribution and individual-level determinants of engagement across the HIV care continuum in Zambia. Gaussian kernel interpolation and optimised hotspot analysis were used to identify geospatial patterns in the HIV care continuum, while geospatial k-means clustering was used to partition areas into clusters. The study also assessed healthcare availability, access and social determinants of healthcare utilisation. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between selected sociodemographic and behavioural covariates and the three main outcomes of study. RESULTS Varied progress towards the '95-95-95' targets were observed in different regions of Zambia. Each '95' displayed a unique geographical pattern, independent of HIV prevalence, resulting in four distinct geographical clusters. Factors associated with gaps in the '95s' include younger age, male sex, and low wealth, with younger individuals having higher odds of not being on antiretroviral therapy and having detectable viral loads. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in the HIV care continuum in Zambia, with different regions exhibiting unique geographical patterns and levels of performance in the '95-95-95' targets, highlighting the need for geospatial tailored interventions to address the specific needs of different subnational regions. These findings underscore the importance of addressing differential regional gaps in HIV diagnosis, enhancing community-level factors and developing innovative strategies to improve local HIV care continuum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tuhin Chowdhury
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Masabho Milali
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel T Citron
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sulani Nyimbili
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Natalie Vlahakis
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Theodora Savory
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lloyd Mulenga
- National HIV Program, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Anna Bershteyn
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Filiatreau LM, Edwards JK, Masilela N, Gómez-Olivé FX, Haberland N, Pence BW, Maselko J, Muessig KE, Kabudula CW, Dufour MSK, Lippman SA, Kahn K, Pettifor A. Understanding the effects of universal test and treat on longitudinal HIV care outcomes among South African youth: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1724. [PMID: 37670262 PMCID: PMC10478421 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the effects of universal test and treat (UTT) policies on HIV care outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLHIV). Moreover, there is a paucity of information regarding when YLHIV are most susceptible to disengagement from care under the newest treatment guidelines. The longitudinal HIV care continuum is an underutilized tool that can provide a holistic understanding of population-level HIV care trajectories and be used to compare treatment outcomes across groups. We aimed to explore effects of the UTT policy on longitudinal outcomes among South African YLHIV and identify temporally precise opportunities for re-engaging this priority population in the UTT era. METHODS Using medical record data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study among youth aged 18-24 diagnosed with HIV from August 2015-December 2018 in nine health care facilities in South Africa. We used Fine and Gray sub-distribution proportional hazards models to characterize longitudinal care continuum outcomes in the population overall and stratified by treatment era of diagnosis. We estimated the proportion of individuals in each stage of the continuum over time and the restricted mean time spent in each stage in the first year following diagnosis. Sub-group estimates were compared using differences. RESULTS A total of 420 YLHIV were included. By day 365 following diagnosis, just 23% of individuals had no 90-or-more-day lapse in care and were virally suppressed. Those diagnosed in the UTT era spent less time as ART-naïve (mean difference=-19.3 days; 95% CI: -27.7, -10.9) and more time virally suppressed (mean difference = 17.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 34.4) compared to those diagnosed pre-UTT. Most individuals who were diagnosed in the UTT era and experienced a 90-or-more-day lapse in care disengaged between diagnosis and linkage to care or ART initiation and viral suppression. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of UTT yielded modest improvements in time spent on ART and virally suppressed among South African YLHIV- however, meeting UNAIDS' 95-95-95 targets remains a challenge. Retention in care and re-engagement interventions that can be implemented between diagnosis and linkage to care and between ART initiation and viral suppression (e.g., longitudinal counseling) may be particularly important to improving care outcomes among South African YLHIV in the UTT era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA.
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nkosinathi Masilela
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joanna Maselko
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mi-Suk Kang Dufour
- Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sheri A Lippman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Carolina Population Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Kitenge MK, Fatti G, Eshun-Wilson I, Aluko O, Nyasulu P. Prevalence and trends of advanced HIV disease among antiretroviral therapy-naïve and antiretroviral therapy-experienced patients in South Africa between 2010-2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:549. [PMID: 37608300 PMCID: PMC10464046 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the significant progress made in South Africa in getting millions of individuals living with HIV into care, many patients still present or re-enter care with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of AHD among ART-naive and ART-experienced patients in South Africa using studies published between January 2010 and May 2022. METHODS We searched for relevant data on PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and other sources, with a geographical filters limited to South Africa, up to May 31, 2022. Two reviewers conducted all screening, eligibility assessment, data extraction, and critical appraisal. We synthesized the data using the inverse-variance heterogeneity model and Freeman-Tukey transformation. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and publication bias using the Egger and Begg's test. RESULTS We identified 2,496 records, of which 53 met the eligibility criteria, involving 11,545,460 individuals. The pooled prevalence of AHD among ART-naive and ART-experienced patients was 43.45% (95% CI 40.1-46.8%, n = 53 studies) and 58.6% (95% CI 55.7 to 61.5%, n = 2) respectively. The time trend analysis showed a decline of 2% in the prevalence of AHD among ART-naive patients per year. However, given the high heterogeneity between studies, the pooled prevalence should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSION Despite HIV's evolution to a chronic disease, our findings show that the burden of AHD remains high among both ART-naive and ART-experienced patients in South Africa. This emphasizes the importance of regular measurement of CD4 cell count as an essential component of HIV care. In addition, providing innovative adherence support and interventions to retain ART patients in effective care is a crucial priority for those on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel K Kitenge
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Tuberculosis and HIV investigative Network (THINK), Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Geoffrey Fatti
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Kheth'Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Omololu Aluko
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Peter Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Nyamuzihwa T, Tembo A, Martyn N, Venter F, Maimin J, Houghton J, Lalla-Edward ST. The South African community pharmacy sector-an untapped reservoir for delivering HIV services. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1173576. [PMID: 37519342 PMCID: PMC10375701 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1173576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated service delivery is recommended to improve the uptake of HIV testing and treatment for people living with HIV. One service delivery option yet to be fully capitalised on is community pharmacies. There are approximately 3,580 registered community pharmacies in South Africa. A total of 1,110 (31%) of these pharmacies are corporate chain pharmacies located in cities and towns, the remainder are individually owned, many of which are in less populated poorer settings. Community pharmacies traditionally play a pivotal role in providing health education to the populations they serve and are the first point of contact for people seeking health services, offering more convenient opening hours and shorter waiting times than public sector clinics or private doctors. As a result, patients regularly seek a variety of sexual and reproductive health services at community pharmacies such as self-testing devices for HIV, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and an array of reproductive health services, spanning emergency contraception to fertility advice, often signifying HIV risk. This has presented an opportunity for community pharmacies to provide access to HIV prevention and treatment to ensure the targets for HIV services set by international agencies and local government are achieved. Despite obstacles experienced with the expansion of the community pharmacist's role, exploring the potential of pharmacies to mediate the existing challenges with HIV service delivery has emerged as an important resource. Assessing the South African communities' specific HIV treatment needs and willingness to access HIV services from community pharmacies will benefit from additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsitsi Nyamuzihwa
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Angela Tembo
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Natalie Martyn
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Maimin
- Independent Community Pharmacy Association, Kenilworth, South Africa
| | - Juliet Houghton
- Southern African HIV Clinician Society, Houghton, South Africa
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Dovel K, Balakasi K, Hubbard J, Phiri K, Nichols BE, Coates TJ, Kulich M, Chikuse E, Phiri S, Long LC, Hoffman RM, Choko AT. Identifying efficient linkage strategies for men (IDEaL): a study protocol for an individually randomised control trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070896. [PMID: 37438067 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men in sub-Saharan Africa are less likely than women to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) and more likely to have longer cycles of disengagement from ART programmes. Treatment interventions that meet the unique needs of men are needed, but they must be scalable. We will test the impact of various interventions on 6-month retention in ART programmes among men living with HIV who are not currently engaged in care (never initiated ART and ART clients with treatment interruption). METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a programmatic, individually randomised, non-blinded, controlled trial. 'Non-engaged' men will be randomised 1:1:1 to either a low-intensity, high-intensity or stepped arm. The low-intensity intervention includes one-time male-specific counseling+facility navigation only. The high-intensity intervention offers immediate outside-facility ART initiation+male-specific counselling+facility navigation for follow-up ART visits. In the stepped arm, intervention activities build in intensity over time for those who do not re-engage in care with the following steps: (1) one-time male-specific counselling+facility navigation→(2) ongoing male mentorship+facility navigation→(3) outside-facility ART initiation+male-specific counselling+facility navigation for follow-up ART visits. Our primary outcome is 6-month retention in care. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness and rates of adverse events. The primary analysis will be intention to treat with all eligible men in the denominator and all men retained in care at 6 months in the numerator. The proportions achieving the primary outcome will be compared with a risk ratio, corresponding 95% CI and p value computed using binomial regression accounting for clustering at facility level. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Institutional Review Board of the University of California, Los Angeles and the National Health Sciences Research Council in Malawi have approved the trial protocol. Findings will be disseminated rapidly in national and international forums and in peer-reviewed journals and are expected to provide urgently needed information to other countries and donors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05137210. DATE AND VERSION 5 May 2023; version 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kelvin Balakasi
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Khumbo Phiri
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brooke E Nichols
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Global Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michal Kulich
- Department of Probability and Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Elijah Chikuse
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sam Phiri
- Department of Implementation Science, Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Lawrence C Long
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Augustine T Choko
- Clinical Research Programme, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Ntamatungiro AJ, Eichenberger A, Okuma J, Vanobberghen F, Ndege R, Kimera N, Francis JM, Kagura J, Weisser M. Transitioning to Dolutegravir in a Programmatic Setting: Virological Outcomes and Associated Factors Among Treatment-Naive Patients With HIV-1 in the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort in Rural Tanzania. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad321. [PMID: 37520425 PMCID: PMC10375425 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Virological outcome data after programmatic transition from non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based to dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) outside of clinical trials are scarce. We compared viral suppression and associated factors in treatment-naïve people living with HIV (PLHIV) starting DTG- based versus NNRTI-based ART. Methods We compared virological suppression at 12 months, after treatment initiation in the two cohorts of participants aged ≥15 years, initiating DTG- and NNRTI-based ART. Drug resistance was assessed among participants with viremia ≥50 copies/mL on DTG. Results Viral suppression was achieved for 165/195 (85%) and 154/211 (73%) participants in the DTG- and NNRTI- cohorts, respectively (P = 0.003). DTG-based ART was associated with >2 times the odds of viral suppression versus NNRTI-based ART (adjusted odds ratio, 2.10 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.12-3.94]; adjusted risk ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.00-1.24]). HIV-1 genotypic resistance testing (GRT) before ART initiation was done in 14 of 30 viremic participants on DTG, among whom nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), NNRTI, and protease inhibitors resistance was detected in 0 (0%), 2 (14%) and 1 (7%), respectively. No resistance was found in the 2 of 30 participants with available GRT at the time of viremia ≥50 copies/mL. Conclusions Virological suppression at 1 year was higher in participants initiating DTG- versus NNRTI-based ART. In those with viremia ≥50 copies/mL on DTG-based ART, there was no pretreatment or acquired resistance to the DTG co-administered NRTIs, although the number of samples tested was small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Ntamatungiro
- Correspondence: Alex J. Ntamatungiro, MS, Department of Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, 5 Ifakara St, Plot 463 Mikocheni, PO Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (); Anna Eichenberger, MS, Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 16, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ()
| | - Anna Eichenberger
- Correspondence: Alex J. Ntamatungiro, MS, Department of Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, 5 Ifakara St, Plot 463 Mikocheni, PO Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (); Anna Eichenberger, MS, Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 16, 3010 Bern, Switzerland ()
| | - James Okuma
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Namvua Kimera
- Department of Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Joel M Francis
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mkopi A, Korte JE, Lesslie V, diNapoli M, Mutiso F, Mwajubwa S, Kassim I, Conserve DF, Juma O. Acceptability and uptake of oral HIV self-testing among rural community members in Tanzania: a pilot study. AIDS Care 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37245239 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2217376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
New strategies are needed to improve HIV testing rates in Tanzania, particularly among adult men. We sought to investigate if HIV oral self-testing would increase HIV testing uptake in Tanzanian rural community homes. The study design was a prospective community-randomized pilot study, in two matched villages with similar characteristics (intervention and control villages) Before data collection, we trained village health workers and research assistants for one week. We recruited male and female adults from 50 representative households in each of two villages in eastern Tanzania. We collected data at baseline and we followed-up the enrolled households after a one-month period. There was a high interest in testing for HIV, with all participants from both arms (100%; n = 259) reporting that they would like to test for HIV. After the one-month follow-up, overall, 66.1% (162/245) of study participants reported to have tested for HIV in both arms. In the intervention arm, 97.6% (124/127) reported that they tested for HIV versus in the control arm, 32.2% (38/118) tested for HIV, p-value < 0.001. In Tanzania, we found that availability of HIV self-testing was associated with an enormous increase in HIV testing uptake in a rural population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fedelis Mutiso
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC, USA
| | | | - Irabi Kassim
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donaldson F Conserve
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Omar Juma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Jhuti D, Zakaryan G, El-Kechen H, Rehman N, Youssef M, Garcia C, Arora V, Zani B, Leenus A, Wu M, Makanjuola O, Mbuagbaw L. Describing Engagement in the HIV Care Cascade: A Methodological Study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2023; 15:257-265. [PMID: 37255532 PMCID: PMC10226482 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s406524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Engagement in the HIV care cascade is required for people living with HIV (PLWH) to achieve an undetectable viral load. However, varying definitions of engagement exist, contributing to heterogeneity in research regarding how many individuals are actively participating and benefitting from care. A standardized definition is needed to enhance comparability and pooling of data from engagement studies. Objectives The objective of this paper was to describe the various definitions for engagement used in HIV clinical trials. Methods Articles were retrieved from CASCADE, a database of 298 clinical trials conducted to improve the HIV care cascade (https://hivcarecascade.com/), curated by income level, vulnerable population, who delivered the intervention, the setting in which it was delivered, the intervention type, and the level of pragmatism of the intervention. Studies with engagement listed as an outcome were selected from this database. Results 13 studies were eligible, of which five did not provide an explicit definition for engagement. The remaining studies used one or more of the following: appointment adherence (n=6), laboratory testing (n=2), adherence to antiretroviral therapy (n=2), time specification (n=5), intervention adherence (n=5), and quality of interaction (n=1). Conclusion This paper highlights the existing diversity in definitions for engagement in the HIV care cascade and categorize these definitions into appointment adherence, laboratory testing, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, time specification, intervention adherence, and quality of interaction. We recommend consensus on how to describe and measure engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diya Jhuti
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gohar Zakaryan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Hussein El-Kechen
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nadia Rehman
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Youssef
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cristian Garcia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vaibhav Arora
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Babalwa Zani
- Public Health Research Unit, AB Consulting, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alvin Leenus
- Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Wu
- Michael DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O’Sullivan Research Centre, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Pry JM, Mwila C, Kapesa H, Mulabe M, Frimpong C, Moono M, Savory T, Bolton-Moore C, Herce ME, Iyer S. Estimating potential silent transfer using baseline viral load measures among people presenting as new to HIV care in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070384. [PMID: 37230517 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate potential silent transfer using baseline viral load measures among individuals presenting as new to HIV care in routine HIV clinical settings in Lusaka, Zambia. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Two large, urban government-operated health facilities supported by the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia. PARTICIPANTS A total of 248 participants with an incident positive HIV rapid test. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was HIV viral suppression at baseline (i.e., potential silent transfer), defined as having a viral load ≤1000 RNA copies(c)/mL at the time of initiating HIV care. We also examined viral suppression at ≤60 c/mL. METHODS We surveyed and measured baseline HIV viral load as part of the national recent infection testing algorithm among people living with HIV (PLWH) presenting as new to care. Using mixed effects Poisson regression, we identified characteristics among PLWH associated with potential silent transfer. RESULTS Among the 248 PLWH included, 63% were women with median age of 30, and 66 (27% (66/248)) had viral suppression at ≤1000 c/mL and 53 (21% (53/248)) at ≤60 c/mL thresholds, respectively. Participants aged 40+ years had a significantly higher adjusted prevalence of potential silent transfer (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 2.10; 95% CI: 2.08, 2.13) compared with participants aged 18-24 years. Participants reporting no formal education had a significantly higher adjusted prevalence of potential silent transfer (aPR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.52, 1.75) compared with those completing primary education. Among 57 potential silent transfers who completed a survey, 44 (77%) indicated having tested positive previously at ≥1 of 38 clinics in Zambia. CONCLUSIONS The high proportion of PLWH with potential silent transfer points to clinic shopping and/or co-enrolment at multiple care sites simultaneously, suggesting an opportunity to improve care continuity at the time of HIV care entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Pry
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Chilambwe Mwila
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Herbert Kapesa
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Musunge Mulabe
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Christiana Frimpong
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Misinzo Moono
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Theodora Savory
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carolyn Bolton-Moore
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infectious Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael E Herce
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shilpa Iyer
- Research Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Keene CM, Euvrard J, Amico KR, Ragunathan A, English M, McKnight J, Orrell C. Conceptualising engagement with HIV care for people on treatment: the Indicators of HIV Care and AntiRetroviral Engagement (InCARE) Framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:435. [PMID: 37143067 PMCID: PMC10161576 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09433-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the crisis-based approach to HIV care evolves to chronic disease management, supporting ongoing engagement with HIV care is increasingly important to achieve long-term treatment success. However, 'engagement' is a complex concept and ambiguous definitions limit its evaluation. To guide engagement evaluation and development of interventions to improve HIV outcomes, we sought to identify critical, measurable dimensions of engagement with HIV care for people on treatment from a health service-delivery perspective. METHODS We used a pragmatic, iterative approach to develop a framework, combining insights from researcher experience, a narrative literature review, framework mapping, expert stakeholder input and a formal scoping review of engagement measures. These inputs helped to refine the inclusion and definition of important elements of engagement behaviour that could be evaluated by the health system. RESULTS The final framework presents engagement with HIV care as a dynamic behaviour that people practice rather than an individual characteristic or permanent state, so that people can be variably engaged at different points in their treatment journey. Engagement with HIV care for those on treatment is represented by three measurable dimensions: 'retention' (interaction with health services), 'adherence' (pill-taking behaviour), and 'active self-management' (ownership and self-management of care). Engagement is the product of wider contextual, health system and personal factors, and engagement in all dimensions facilitates successful treatment outcomes, such as virologic suppression and good health. While retention and adherence together may lead to treatment success at a particular point, this framework hypothesises that active self-management sustains treatment success over time. Thus, evaluation of all three core dimensions is crucial to realise the individual, societal and public health benefits of antiretroviral treatment programmes. CONCLUSIONS This framework distils a complex concept into three core, measurable dimensions critical for the maintenance of engagement. It characterises elements that the system might assess to evaluate engagement more comprehensively at individual and programmatic levels, and suggests that active self-management is an important consideration to support lifelong optimal engagement. This framework could be helpful in practice to guide the development of more nuanced interventions that improve long-term treatment success and help maintain momentum in controlling a changing epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Keene
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Health Behaviour and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ayesha Ragunathan
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mike English
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacob McKnight
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gangcuangco LMA, Eustaquio PC. The State of the HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges in 2023. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8050258. [PMID: 37235306 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8050258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the Philippines has gained notoriety as the country with the fastest-growing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the Western Pacific region. While the overall trends of HIV incidence and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths are declining globally, an increase in new cases was reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines. From 2012 to 2023, there was a 411% increase in daily incidence. Late presentation in care remains a concern, with 29% of new confirmed HIV cases in January 2023 having clinical manifestations of advanced HIV disease at the time of diagnosis. Men having sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected. Various steps have been taken to address the HIV epidemic in the country. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11166) expanded access to HIV testing and treatment. HIV testing now allows for the screening of minors 15-17 years old without parental consent. Community-based organizations have been instrumental in expanding HIV screening to include self-testing and community-based screening. The Philippines moved from centralized HIV diagnosis confirmation by Western blot to a decentralized rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda). Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy is now the first line. Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the form of emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate has been rolled out. The number of treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities continues to increase. Despite these efforts, barriers to ending the HIV epidemic remain, including continued stigma, limited harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, sociocultural factors, and political deterrents. HIV RNA quantification and drug resistance testing are not routinely performed due to associated costs. The high burden of tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus co-infection complicate HIV management. CRF_01AE is now the predominant subtype, which has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes and faster CD4 T-cell decline. The HIV epidemic in the Philippines requires a multisectoral approach and calls for sustained political commitment, community involvement, and continued collaboration among various stakeholders. In this article, we outline the current progress and challenges in curbing the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louie Mar A Gangcuangco
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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Cuadros DF, Chowdhury T, Milali M, Citron D, Nyimbili S, Vlahakis N, Savory T, Mulenga L, Sivile S, Zyambo K, Bershteyn A. Geospatial Patterns of Progress towards UNAIDS "95-95-95" Targets and Community Vulnerability in Zambia. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.24.23289044. [PMID: 37163012 PMCID: PMC10168516 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.23289044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death. The UNAIDS established the "95-95-95" targets to improve HIV care continuum outcomes. Using geospatial data from the Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA), this study aims to investigate geospatial patterns in the "95-95-95" indicators and individual-level determinants that impede HIV care continuum in vulnerable communities, providing insights into the factors associated with gaps. This study used data from the 2016 ZAMPHIA to investigate the geospatial distribution and individual-level determinants of engagement across the HIV care continuum in Zambia. Gaussian kernel interpolation and optimized hotspot analysis were used to identify geospatial patterns in the HIV care continuum, while geospatial k-means clustering was used to partition areas into clusters. The study also assessed healthcare availability, access, and social determinants of healthcare utilization. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association between selected sociodemographic and behavioral covariates and the three main outcomes of study. Varied progress towards the "95-95-95" targets were observed in different regions of Zambia. Each "95" displayed a unique geographic pattern, independent of HIV prevalence, resulting in four distinct geographic clusters. Factors associated with gaps in the "95s" include younger age, male sex, and low wealth, with younger individuals having higher odds of not being on ART and having detectable viral loads. Our study revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in the HIV care continuum in Zambia, with different regions exhibiting unique geographic patterns and levels of performance in the "95-95-95" targets, highlighting the need for geospatial tailored interventions to address the specific needs of different subnational regions. These findings underscore the importance of addressing differential regional gaps in HIV diagnosis, enhancing community-level factors, and developing innovative strategies to improve local HIV care continuum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tuhin Chowdhury
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Masabho Milali
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Citron
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sulani Nyimbili
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Natalie Vlahakis
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Theodora Savory
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lloyd Mulenga
- National HIV Program, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Khozya Zyambo
- National HIV Program, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anna Bershteyn
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Keene CM, Cassidy T, Zhao Y, Griesel R, Jackson A, Sayed K, Omar Z, Hill A, Ngwenya O, van Zyl G, Flowers T, Goemaere E, Maartens G, Meintjes G. Recycling Tenofovir in Second-line Antiretroviral Treatment With Dolutegravir: Outcomes and Viral Load Trajectories to 72 weeks. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:422-429. [PMID: 36706364 PMCID: PMC7614301 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recycling tenofovir and lamivudine/emtricitabine with dolutegravir (TLD) after failure of non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitor first-line antiretroviral therapy is more tolerable and scalable than dolutegravir plus optimized nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Studies have demonstrated TLD's efficacy as second line, but long-term follow-up is limited. METHODS ARTIST is a single arm, prospective, interventional study conducted in Khayelitsha, South Africa, which switched 62 adults with 2 viral loads >1000 copies/mL from tenofovir, lamivudine/emtricitabine, and an non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitor to TLD. We report efficacy to 72 weeks and, in a post hoc analysis, evaluated viral load trajectories of individuals with viremic episodes. RESULTS Virologic suppression was 86% [95% confidence interval (CI) 74 to 93], 74% (95% CI: 61 to 84), and 75% (95% CI: 63 to 86) <50 copies/mL and 95%, 84%, and 77% <400 copies/mL at week 24, 48, and 72, respectively, with 89% (50/56) resistant (Stanford score ≥15) to tenofovir and/or lamivudine preswitch. No participants developed integrase-inhibitor resistance. Of the 20 participants not suppressed at week 24 and/or 48, 2 developed virologic failure, 1 switched regimen (adverse event), 2 were lost to follow-up, 1 missed the visit, 1 transferred out, 9 resuppressed <50 copies/mL with enhanced adherence counseling, and 4 remained viremic (3 with <200 copies/mL) at week 72. CONCLUSIONS Recycling NRTIs with dolutegravir was effective for most participants to 72 weeks. Most with viremia did not develop virologic failure and subsequently suppressed with enhanced adherence counseling or continued to have low-level viremia. No integrase-inhibitor resistance was detected despite low-level viremia in a minority of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Keene
- Medecins Sans Frontiers, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Systems Collaborative, Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Tali Cassidy
- Medecins Sans Frontiers, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rulan Griesel
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amanda Jackson
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kaneez Sayed
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zaayid Omar
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Hill
- University of Liverpool, Department of Pharmacology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Olina Ngwenya
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gert van Zyl
- Stellenbosch University, Division of Medical Virology, Cape Town, South Africa and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Eric Goemaere
- Medecins Sans Frontiers, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Maartens
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Haroz EE, Sarapik LM, Adams LB, Nestadt PS, Athey A, Alvarez K, Slade EP, Cwik M, Berman AL, Wilcox HC. A Cascade of Care Model for Suicide Prevention. Am J Prev Med 2023; 64:599-603. [PMID: 36402646 PMCID: PMC10166000 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Haroz
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Liina M Sarapik
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Leslie B Adams
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul S Nestadt
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alison Athey
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kiara Alvarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eric P Slade
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mary Cwik
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alan L Berman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Holly C Wilcox
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Cuadros DF, Devi C, Singh U, Olivier S, Castle A, Moosa Y, Edwards JA, Kim HY, Siedner MJ, Wong EB, Tanser F. Convergence of HIV and non-communicable disease epidemics: Geospatial mapping of the unmet health needs in a HIV Hyperendemic South African community. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.03.27.23287807. [PMID: 37034610 PMCID: PMC10081404 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.27.23287807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Background As people living with HIV (PLHIV) are experiencing longer survival, the co-occurrence of HIV and non-communicable diseases has become a public health priority. In response to this emerging challenge, we aimed to characterize the spatial structure of convergence of chronic health conditions in a HIV hyperendemic community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods We utilized data from a comprehensive population-based disease survey conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which collected data on HIV, diabetes, and hypertension. We implemented a novel health needs scale to categorize participants as: diagnosed and well-controlled (Needs Score 1), diagnosed and sub-optimally controlled (Score 2), diagnosed but not engaged in care (Score 3), or undiagnosed and uncontrolled (Score 4). Scores 2-4 were indicative of unmet health needs. We explored the geospatial structure of unmet health needs using different spatial clustering methods. Findings The analytical sample comprised of 18,041 individuals. We observed a similar spatial structure for HIV among those with a combined needs Score 2-3 (diagnosed but uncontrolled) and Score 4 (undiagnosed and uncontrolled), with most PLHIV with unmet needs clustered in the southern peri-urban area, which was relatively densely populated within the surveillance area. Multivariate clustering analysis revealed a significant overlap of all three diseases in individuals with undiagnosed and uncontrolled diseases (unmet needs Score 4) in the southern part of the catchment area. Interpretation In a HIV hyperendemic community in South Africa, areas with the highest needs for PLHIV with undiagnosed and uncontrolled disease are also areas with the highest burden of unmet needs for other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. The identification and prioritization of geographically clustered vulnerable communities with unmet health needs for both HIV and non-communicable diseases provide a basis for policy and implementation strategies to target communities with the highest health needs. Funding Research reported in this publication was supported by the Fogarty International Center (R21 TW011687; D43 TW010543), the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K24 HL166024; T32 AI007433) of the National Institutes of Health, and Heart Lung and Blood Institute (K24 HL166024, T32 AI007433). The contents of this manuscript are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the funders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chayanika Devi
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Urisha Singh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Stephen Olivier
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Alison Castle
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Johnathan A Edwards
- International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily B Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Frank Tanser
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Diakite M, Shaw-Saliba K, Lau CY. Malignancy and viral infections in Sub-Saharan Africa: A review. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:1103737. [PMID: 37476029 PMCID: PMC10358275 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2023.1103737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The burden of malignancy related to viral infection is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In 2018, approximately 2 million new cancer cases worldwide were attributable to infection. Prevention or treatment of these infections could reduce cancer cases by 23% in less developed regions and about 7% in developed regions. Contemporaneous increases in longevity and changes in lifestyle have contributed to the cancer burden in SSA. African hospitals are reporting more cases of cancer related to infection (e.g., cervical cancer in women and stomach and liver cancer in men). SSA populations also have elevated underlying prevalence of viral infections compared to other regions. Of 10 infectious agents identified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, six are viruses: hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV, also known as human herpesvirus type 8, HHV-8). Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) also facilitates oncogenesis. EBV is associated with lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma; HBV and HCV are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma; KSHV causes Kaposi's sarcoma; HTLV-1 causes T-cell leukemia and lymphoma; HPV causes carcinoma of the oropharynx and anogenital squamous cell cancer. HIV-1, for which SSA has the greatest global burden, has been linked to increasing risk of malignancy through immunologic dysregulation and clonal hematopoiesis. Public health approaches to prevent infection, such as vaccination, safer injection techniques, screening of blood products, antimicrobial treatments and safer sexual practices could reduce the burden of cancer in Africa. In SSA, inequalities in access to cancer screening and treatment are exacerbated by the perception of cancer as taboo. National level cancer registries, new screening strategies for detection of viral infection and public health messaging should be prioritized in SSA's battle against malignancy. In this review, we discuss the impact of carcinogenic viruses in SSA with a focus on regional epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamadou Diakite
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kathryn Shaw-Saliba
- Collaborative Clinical Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chuen-Yen Lau
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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Abstract
In this Policy Forum, Anna Grimsrud and colleagues discuss the future of HIV testing in eastern and southern Africa, using insights gleaned from a 2021 expert consultation.
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Feelemyer J, Jarlais DD, Nagot N, Thi HD, Hai OKT, Minh KP, Thi GH, Tuyet TNT, Cleland CM, Arasteh K, Caniglia E, Chen Y, Bart G, Moles JP, Hai VV, Vallo R, Quillet C, Rapoud D, Sao ML, Michel L, Laureillard D, Khan MR. Association between recent methamphetamine use, antiretroviral therapy and HIV viral load; a mediation analysis from a cohort of HIV positive persons who inject drugs in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:236-244. [PMID: 36637437 PMCID: PMC10089109 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221142366] [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] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a significant increase in methamphetamine use among persons who use drugs in Vietnam in the last 5-10 years. We examined the degree to which adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) mediates the relationship between recent methamphetamine use and unsuppressed HIV viral load among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Hai Phong, Vietnam. METHODS We recruited PWID from October 2016-October 2018 and enrolled HIV positive PWID into a cohort, with up to three years of total follow-up. We assessed relationships among recent methamphetamine use frequency, ART adherence and unsuppressed HIV viral load. Mediation analysis was used to estimate the total and natural direct effects of recent methamphetamine use on unsuppressed HIV viral load and the indirect effect proportion. RESULTS We enrolled 792 HIV seropositive PWID into the cohort; approximately 75.9% reported high/perfect ART adherence at baseline and 81.3% were virally suppressed. In mediation analysis, the total effect for the association between methamphetamine use and unsuppressed HIV viral load (1000 copies/mL) was 3.94 (95% CI: 1.95, 7.96); the natural direct effect was 2.14 (95% CI: 1.29, 3.55); the proportion mediated by self-reported ART adherence was 0.444. Similar results were found when examining lower unsuppressed HIV viral load cutpoints of 250 copies/mL and 500 copies/mL. CONCLUSIONS Methamphetamine use is associated with unsuppressed HIV viral load among PWID despite high levels of ART adherence. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships, with emphasis on potential biological pathways that may interact with ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Feelemyer
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Huong Duong Thi
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | | | - Khuê Pham Minh
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Giang Hoang Thi
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | | | - Charles M Cleland
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kamyar Arasteh
- New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Caniglia
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gavin Bart
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Jean Pierre Moles
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Vinh Vu Hai
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Viet Tiep Hospital, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Roselyne Vallo
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Delphine Rapoud
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
| | - Mai Le Sao
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Laurent Michel
- Pierre Nicole Center, French Red Cross, CESP/Inserrm, Paris, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis & Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, INSERM, Antilles University, Montpellier, France
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caremeau University Hospital, Nîmes, France
| | - Maria R Khan
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Thorp M, Bellos M, Temelkovska T, Mphande M, Cornell M, Hubbard J, Choko A, Coates TJ, Hoffman R, Dovel K. Mobility and ART retention among men in Malawi: a mixed-methods study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26066. [PMID: 36943753 PMCID: PMC10029992 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobility is associated with worse outcomes across the HIV treatment cascade, especially among men. However, little is known about the mechanisms that link mobility and poor HIV outcomes and what types of mobility most increase the risk of treatment interruption among men in southern Africa. METHODS From August 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a mixed-methods study with men living with HIV (MLHIV) but not currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi. Data collection was embedded within two larger trials (ENGAGE and IDEaL trials). We analysed baseline survey data of 223 men enrolled in the trials who reported being mobile (defined as spending ≥14 nights away from home in the past 12 months) using descriptive statistics and negative binomial regressions. We then recruited 32 men for in-depth interviews regarding their travel experiences and ART utilization. We analysed qualitative data using constant comparative methods. RESULTS Survey data showed that 34% of men with treatment interruptions were mobile, with a median of 60 nights away from home in the past 12 months; 69% of trips were for income generation. More nights away from home in the past 12 months and having fewer household assets were associated with longer periods out of care. In interviews, men reported that travel was often unplanned, and men were highly vulnerable to exploitive employer demands, which led to missed appointments and ART interruption. Men made major efforts to stay in care but were often unable to access care on short notice, were denied ART refills at non-home facilities and/or were treated poorly by providers, creating substantial barriers to remaining in and returning to care. Men desired additional multi-month dispensing (MMD), the ability to refill treatment at any facility in Malawi, and streamlined pre-travel refills at home facilities. CONCLUSIONS Men prioritize ART and struggle with the trade-offs between their own health and providing for their families. Mobility is an essential livelihood strategy for MLHIV in Malawi, but it creates conflict with ART retention, largely due to inflexible health systems. Targeted counselling and peer support, access to ART services anywhere in the country, and MMD may improve outcomes for mobile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Thorp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Tijana Temelkovska
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Risa Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the era of emerging methods for men who have sex with men in the USA: the HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e134-e142. [PMID: 36525980 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Expanding on previous work, we present an HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model to facilitate understanding of the complexity of issues involved in pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA, including individual, client-provider, and overarching issues such as health equity, stigma, and prevention nomenclature. The HIV prevention cycle of care applies to MSM who test negative for HIV. The Prevention Cycle of Care model includes seven steps: prevention knowledge, prevention self-awareness and preferences, prevention motivation, health-care access and cost, provider issues, adherence and persistence, and periodic reassessment and adjustment. HIV prevention is complex in an era of emerging multiple modalities, and more research is needed to successfully implement pre-exposure prophylaxis options over time and across diverse communities of MSM who are sexually active.
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Advanced HIV disease and health-related suffering-exploring the unmet need of palliative care. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e126-e133. [PMID: 36427522 PMCID: PMC7614396 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
With more than 38 million people living with HIV worldwide, the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy ensures nearly 28 million of them receive regular treatment. However, a substantial number of deaths still occur every year from AIDS-related complications, with approximately 680 000 deaths in 2021. Of the estimated 56·8 million people globally in need of palliative care in 2020, only 7 million can access services. Providing palliative care services can help alleviate health-related suffering, such as pain and disease-related symptoms, and improve wellbeing. This Viewpoint discusses the unrealised potential of palliative care in individuals with advanced HIV disease. Key areas of training for health-care workers include appropriate sensitisation, training in palliative care, and effective communication. Advance care planning supports both the individual and their family and is therefore of crucial importance. Integration of palliative care in HIV programmes is needed to address health-related suffering, particularly for advanced HIV disease.
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