Reasons for Missing Antiretroviral Therapy: Results from a Multi-Country Study in Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia

Forgetting to Take Medication, Treatment Adherence and Their Relationship with Viral Load Suppression Among People Living with HIV in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for virological suppression and positive treatment outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV), but remains a challenge in ensuring patients achieve and sustain viral load suppression. Despite the recommended use of digital tools medications uptake reminders, the contribution of forgetting to take medication is unknown. This study investigated the contribution of forgetting to take medication on the total missed medication and its effects on detectable viral load (VL).

Methods

This mixed-method research was conducted among children, adolescents, pregnant, and breastfeeding women living with HIV on ART in northern Tanzania. Forgetting to take medication constituted reporting to have missed medication due to forgetfulness. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to determine the contribution of forgetting medication intakes on total missed medication and other factors associated with having a detectable VL.

Results

Of 427 respondents, 33.3% were children, 33.4% adolescents, and 33.3% pregnant and breastfeeding women, whose median age (interquartile range) was 9 (7-12), 18 (16-18), and 31 (27-36) years, respectively. Ninety-two (22.3%) reported missing medication over the past month, of which 72 (17.9%) was due to forgetting. Forgetting to take medication (AOR: 1.75 95% CI: 1.01-3.06) and being on second-line regimen (AOR: 2.89 95% CI: 1.50-5.55) increased the chances of a detectable VL, while females had lower chances of detectable VL (AOR: 0.62 95% CI: 0.41-0.98). The themes on the reasons for forgetting to take medication from qualitative results included being busy with work and the importance of reminders.

Conclusion

Forgetting to take medication is common among PLHIV and an important predictor of a detectable VL. This calls for the use of automated short message services (SMS) reminders or Digital Adherence Tools with reminders to improve and promote good ART adherence among PLHIV.

Predictors of loss to follow up among adults on antiretroviral therapy before and after the start of treat-all strategy in public health facilities of Hawassa city, Ethiopia: A Competing risk regression

BACKGROUND

Treat-all strategies improved patient outcomes, despite higher rates of loss to follow-up compared to the pre-treat era. Patients in Ethiopia experienced a higher rate of LTFU during the treat-all strategy period; however, studies did not identify contributing factors in comparison with previous strategies. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up before and after the start of the treat-all strategy among adults on anti-retroviral therapy in public health facilities in Hawassa City, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 1190 randomly selected adults on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities in Hawassa City. Using the Open Data Kit (ODK), data were collected from medical records and exported to Stata version 16 and R 4.2.1 for analysis. A Grays test and cumulative incidence curve were used to compare the cumulative incidence function of loss to follow-up. Bivariable and multivariable competing risk regression were fitted to identify predictors of LTFU and variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of lost-to-follow-up was 4.92(3.84,6.3) and 8.67(7.26,10.3) per 100 person-years (PY) in pre-treat all and treat all cohorts, respectively. The cumulative incidence of mortality was 5.86(4.67,7.35) and 3(2.26,4.12) per 100 PY in pre-treat and treat all cohorts, respectively. Fair/poor adherence (aSHR:5.17; (95% CI 1.97, 13.51), underweight (aSHR:2.13; 95% CI: 1.15-3.93) and WHO stage III/IV (aSHR:2.69; 95% CI: 1.27, 5.71) were predictors of loss up in pre-treat all, whereas fair/poor adherence (aSHR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.68), underweight (aSHR:1.71; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.56), and CD4 cell >350 cell/m3 (aSHR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.65) predicts of loss up in treat all cohorts.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the incidence of loss to follow-up was considerably higher in the treat-all period as compared to the pre-treat-all era. Poor medication compliance, underweight, and a CD4 level >350 cells/m3 contributed to the higher rate of LTFU in the treat-all strategy. Targeted interventions, such as nutritional support and strengthening medication adherence counseling, should be implemented to maintain treatment retention and reduce antiretroviral therapy dropout rates.

Barriers and facilitators for interventions to improve ART adherence in Sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a significant public health issue, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at its epicentre. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been introduced to decrease new infections and deaths, SSA reports the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS, constituting two-thirds of the global new infections. This review aimed to elucidate the predominant barriers and facilitators influencing ART adherence and to identify effective strategies to enhance ART adherence across SSA.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was conducted on studies examining barriers to ART adherence and interventions to boost adherence among HIV-positive adults aged 15 and above in SSA, published from January 2010 onwards. The research utilized databases like Medline Ovid, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. Included were experimental and quasi-experimental studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, comparative before and after studies, and observational studies such as cross-sectional, cohort, prospective and retrospective studies. Two independent reviewers screened the articles, extracted pertinent data, and evaluated the studies' methodological integrity using Joanna Briggs Institute's standardized appraisal tools. The compiled data underwent both meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

From an initial pool of 12,538 papers, 45 were selected (30 for narrative synthesis and 15 for meta-analysis). The identified barriers and facilitators to ART adherence were categorized into seven principal factors: patient-related, health system-related, medication-related, stigma, poor mental health, socioeconomic and socio-cultural-related factors. Noteworthy interventions enhancing ART adherence encompassed counselling, incentives, mobile phone short message service (SMS), peer delivered behavioural intervention, community ART delivery intervention, electronic adherence service monitoring device, lay health worker lead group intervention and food assistance. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in ART adherence between the intervention and control groups (pooled OR = 1.56, 95%CI:1.35-1.80, p = <0.01), with evidence of low none statistically significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 0%, p = 0.49).

CONCLUSION

ART adherence in SSA is influenced by seven key factors. Multiple interventions, either standalone or combined, have shown effectiveness in enhancing ART adherence. To optimize ART's impact and mitigate HIV's prevalence in SSA, stakeholders must consider these barriers, facilitators, and interventions when formulating policies or treatment modalities. For sustained positive ART outcomes, future research should target specific underrepresented groups like HIV-infected children, adolescents, and pregnant women in SSA to further delve into the barriers, facilitators and interventions promoting ART adherence.

Loss to Follow-up and Death Among Individuals With Newly Diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus Receiving Dolutegravir-Based First-Line Antiretroviral Treatment in Eastern Ethiopia: Implications for 95% United Nations Targets

Background

Loss to follow-up (LTFU) and death are unfavorable outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment. This study aimed to identify the predictors of LTFU and death among individuals with newly diagnosed HIV receiving dolutegravir (DTG)-based first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A multisite prospective cohort study was carried out between October 2020 and July 2022. New case patients who started ART were enrolled consecutively and then followed up for the next 6 months. A structured questionnaire and checklists were used to collect data. HIV viral load was determined using the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assay. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify baseline factors associated with the outcomes.

Results

A total of 235 people with newly diagnosed HIV were enrolled; 16.6% (95% confidence interval, 12.3%-21.9%) were lost to follow-up, and 5.9% (3.5%-9.8%) died within 6 months of follow-up. Baseline World Health Organization clinical stage I (adjusted odds ratio, 3.93 [95% confidence interval, 1.34-11.57]), low viral load (3.67 [1.09-12.36]), and body weight (1.04 [1.01-1.07]) were predictors of LTFU, whereas nonfunctional status (10.02 [1.9-51.3]) was the only factor associated with death.

Conclusions

LTFU and death rates among patients with DTG were relatively high, accounting for roughly a quarter of the attrition of people with newly diagnosed HIV from ART care and services. Thus, targeted interventions are required to reduce LTFU and death among individuals with HIV on ART. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of DTG-based regimens on LTFU and its impact on HIV mortality rates, and qualitative research, specifically tracing LTFU, is recommended.

Dolutegravir in real life: Self-reported mental and physical health outcomes after transitioning from efavirenz- to dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in a prospective cohort study in Lesotho

INTRODUCTION

HIV programmes across many countries in Africa have recently transitioned people living with HIV from efavirenz (EFV)- to dolutegravir (DTG)-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). As both drugs are associated with neuropsychiatric adverse effects, this study assessed the mental health and HIV/ART-associated symptoms of people living with HIV before and after transition to DTG.

METHODS

The prospective DO-REAL cohort enrolled people starting DTG-based ART in Lesotho from February to December 2020. For this analysis within DO-REAL, we included adults changing from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC)/EFV to TDF/3TC/DTG within first-line therapy. At transition and 16 weeks thereafter, participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; depression screening), the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12; mental and physical health), and a modified HIV Symptom Index (mHSI; HIV/ART-related symptoms). We also assessed weight change. We used McNemar tests with Bonferroni corrections to assess binary outcomes.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov: NCT04238767.

RESULTS

Among 1228 participants, 1131 completed follow-up. Of these, 60.0% were female, the median age was 46 years (interquartile range [IQR] 38-55), and the median time taking ART was 5.7 years (IQR 3.5-8.9). No change was observed for weight or overall PHQ-9 or SF-12 outcomes. However, three mHSI items decreased at follow-up: 'feeling sad/down/depressed' (bothered 6.0% vs. 3.3% of participants at least 'a little' before vs. after transition; adjusted p = 0.048); 'feeling nervous/anxious' (7.4% vs. 3.4%; adjusted p = 0.0009); and 'nightmares, strange/vivid dreams' (6.3% vs. 3.5%; adjusted p = 0.027). Individual PHQ-9 or SF-12 items also improved. Being symptom free across all measures increased from 5.1% to 11.4% (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no negative impacts and potential moderate improvements with DTG, providing further support for the rollout of DTG.

"If it weren't for my traditional healer, I would be dead": Engaging traditional healers to support people living with HIV in rural Mozambique

Across rural sub-Saharan Africa, people living with HIV (PLHIV) commonly seek out treatment from traditional healers. We report on the clinical outcomes of a community health worker intervention adapted for traditional healers with insight into our results from qualitative interviews. We employed a pre-post intervention study design and used sequential mixed methods to assess the impact of a traditional healer support worker intervention in Zambézia province, Mozambique. After receiving a positive test result, 276 participants who were newly enrolled in HIV treatment and were interested in receiving home-based support from a traditional healer were recruited into the study. Those who enrolled from February 2016 to August 2016 received standard of care services, while those who enrolled from June 2017 to May 2018 received support from a traditional healer. We conducted interviews among healers and participants to gain insight into fidelity of study activities, barriers to support, and program improvement. Medication possession ratio at home (based on pharmacy pick-up dates) was not significantly different between pre- and post-intervention participants (0.80 in the pre-intervention group compared to 0.79 in the post-intervention group; p = 0.96). Participants reported receiving educational and psychosocial support from healers. Healers adapted their support protocol to initiate directly observed therapy among participants with poor adherence. Traditional healers can provide community-based psychosocial support, education, directly observed therapy, and disclosure assistance for PLHIV. Multiple factors may hinder patients' desire and ability to remain adherent to treatment, including poverty, confusion about medication side effects, and frustration with wait times at the health facility.

Attrition and Its Predictors Among Adults Receiving First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Woldia Town Public Health Facilities, Northeast Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction

There is an expansion and advancement of antiretroviral therapy. However, attrition of patients from HIV care is one of the major drivers of poor performance of HIV/AIDS programs, which leads to drug resistance, morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to assess the incidence of attrition and its predictors among adults receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 634 adults receiving antiretroviral therapy, and study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to STATA 14.1 for further analysis. The predictors of attrition were identified using bivariable and multivariable Cox Proportional hazard models; then, variables at a p-value of less than 0.25 and 0.05 were included in the multivariable analysis and statistically significant, respectively.

Results

The total time observed was found to be 1807.08 person-years of observation with a median follow-up time of 2.67 years (IQR 1.25−4.67). The incidence rate of attrition was 8.36 (95% CI: 7.12−9.80) per 100 person-years. Significant predictors of attrition were being young age [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) =2.0, 95% CI, (1.11−3.58)], nearest calendar year of ART initiation [AHR =2.32, 95% CI, (1.08–5.01)], bedridden functional status [AHR=3.25, 95% CI, (1.33−7.96)], WHO stage III [AHR=3.57, 95% CI, (1.58−8.06)] and stage IV [AHR=5.46, 95% CI, (1.97−15.13)], viral load result of ≤1000 [AHR=0.11, 95% CI, (0.06−0.23)], disclosure status [AHR=2.03, 95% CI, (1.22−3.37)] and adherence level of poor [AHR=3.19, 95 CI, (1.67−6.09)].

Conclusion

The result of this study showed that the incidence of attrition among adults receiving antiretroviral therapy was high. However, as a standard, every client who started antiretroviral therapy should be retained. Positive predictors of attrition were young age (15–24), recent year of ART initiation, baseline functional status, advanced WHO stage III and IV, no disclosure status, fair/poor adherence whereas, viral load result of ≤1000 copies/mL had a preventive effect on attrition.

Predictors of Depressive Symptoms and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Women Engaged in Commercial Sex Work in Southern Uganda

This study examined the factors associated with depressive symptoms and post traumatic depressive disorder (PTSD) among economically vulnerable women engaged in commercial sex work (WESW) in southern Uganda. Baseline data from a longitudinal cluster randomized study involving 542 self-identified WESW (18-55 years), recruited from 19 HIV hotspots were analyzed. Hierarchical linear regression modelling was utilized to estimate individual, family-level and economic-level predictors of depressive symptoms and PTSD. Family cohesion, sex work stigma, HIV status, financial distress, household assets, number of children and number of household income earners, were associated with PTSD. Similarly, family cohesion, number of people in the household, HIV status, sex work stigma, financial distress, and household assets, were associated with depressive symptoms. Women engaged in commercial sex work are at a higher risk of HIV and poor mental health outcomes. Sex work stigma and financial distress elevate levels of depressive symptoms and PTSD, over and above an individual's HIV status. Family and economic-level factors have the potential to mitigate the risk of poor mental health outcomes. As such, integrating stigma reduction and economic strengthening components in the programming targeting WESW-a key population, may be critical to address their mental health outcomes.

A prospective study to assess the medication adherence pattern among hypertensives and to evaluate the use of cellular phone text messaging as a tool to improve adherence to medications in a tertiary health-care center

AIM:

The aim of the study was to assess improvement in adherence to medications using mobile phone text messaging (short message services [SMSs] and social media).

OBJECTIVES:

The objective was to assess the pattern of adherence to medication in hypertensives and to assess the improvement in adherence pattern to antihypertensive medications using mobile phone text messaging as a tool.

METHODOLOGY:

After obtaining informed consent, the study participants' blood pressure was recorded, and their adherence to medications was graded as high, medium, and low using the Medication Adherence Questionnaire. Then, messages in the form of either SMSs or WhatsApp were sent regularly (once every 3 days) reminding them of the importance of regular medicine intake. After 2 months of follow-up, again blood pressure was recorded and adherence graded. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS:

Majority of study participants in who were initially placed in medium to low grading of adherence (65.2%) moved toward high adherence (88.4%) at follow-up after receiving messages for 2 months. A statistically significant decrease was noted in systolic (8.3 mmHg, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (2.4 mmHg, P < 0.002) at the end of follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Nonadherence to medication is a global phenomenon to be tackled at the earliest. Our study clearly brings out the importance of improving adherence by regular reminders as messages. Hence, there is a wide scope to avail means to improve the adherence pattern and maximize the health benefits.

Individual, household, and community level barriers to ART adherence among women in rural Eswatini

Background

Despite access to free antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), noncompliance to treatment continues to be a significant challenge in Eswatini. Yet studies investigating barriers to ART adherence in Eswatini are scarce. Most notably, there is a lack of research regarding rural women in Eswatini, who are currently the country’s most vulnerable to HIV infection. Therefore, the objective of the study is to investigate individual, household, and community level barriers to ART adherence among rural women living with HIV.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study to investigate individual, household, and community level barriers to ART adherence. We conducted focus group discussions with HIV-infected women (n = 4) from rural villages in Eswatini, and in-depth interviews with healthcare workers (n = 8) serving the area clinics. Open and axial coding techniques were used for data analysis and interpreted within a social ecological framework.

Results

Our findings revealed several individual level barriers including hunger, side effects of ART, personal stress, lack of disclosure of HIV status, alcohol use, and forgetting to take ART. Lack of food, unemployment and scarcity of financial resources were identified as critical barriers at the household level. Community and institutional barriers encompassed factors related to health delivery such as lack of privacy, travel time, transportation costs, excessive alcohol use by healthcare workers, maltreatment, public and self-stigma, gossip, and long waits at clinics.

Conclusions

Rural women living with HIV face multilevel barriers to ART adherence. Support programs aimed at increasing ART adherence among this vulnerable population need to develop targeted polices to alleviate challenges rural women face, beginning with expanding qualifications for food assistance programs.

Barriers to HIV Treatment Adherence: A Qualitative Study of Discrepancies Between Perceptions of Patients and Health Providers in Tanzania and Uganda

Previous qualitative studies about antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence have largely focused on patient experiences. Less is known about the perspective of health care providers-particularly in low-income countries-who serve as gatekeepers and influencers of patients' HIV care experiences. This study explored patients' and providers' perceptions of important ART adherence determinants. Interviews were conducted at HIV treatment sites in Tanzania and Uganda, with adult patients on ART (n = 148), and with health care providers (n = 49). Patients were asked about their experiences with ART adherence, and providers were asked about their perceptions of what adherence challenges are faced by their patients. All interviews were conducted in local languages; transcripts were translated into English and analyzed using a codebook informed by the social ecological model. Themes were examined across and within countries. Adherence-related challenges were frequently reported, but patients and providers did not often agree about the reasons. Many patients cited challenges related to being away from home and therefore away from their pill supply; and, in Uganda, challenges picking up refills (access to care) and related to food sufficiency/diet. Providers also identified these access to care barriers, but otherwise focused on different key determinants (e.g., they rarely mentioned food/diet); instead, providers were more likely to mention alcohol/alcoholism, stigma, and lack of understanding about the importance of adhering. These findings suggest areas of opportunity for future research and for improving clinical care by aligning perceptions of adherence challenges, to deliver better-informed and useful ART counseling and support.

Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy adherence in adults: an integrative review of literature

AIDS is an advanced clinical manifestation of HIV infection. It generates severe immunodeficiency and associated infections that may lead to death. The antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced the morbimortality of HIV/AIDS, but its benefits depend on ART adherence. This integrative review followed the PICO method to identify factors associated with adult adherence to ART. Empirical papers published between January 2010 and December 2016 in the Medline, SciELO, Lilacs and PePSIC databases were included. We analyzed 125 papers regarding the characteristics of studies, adherence measures and associated factors. Results showed a wide variety in the definition of adherence and the use of measures for its monitoring, as well as several adherence-associated factors. These were categorized as follows: 1- Individual variables; 2- Treatment characteristics; 3- HIV/aids infection characteristics; 4- Relationship with the health services; 5- Social support. Health services should characterize the users' profiles, systematize adherence measures and regionally assess adherence-associated factors for the early detection of non-adherence to ART and implementation of effective intervention plans.

Is symptom prevalence and burden associated with HIV treatment status and disease stage among adult HIV outpatients in Kenya? A cross-sectional self-report study

People with HIV experience a high prevalence and burden of physical and psychological symptoms throughout their disease trajectory. These have important public and clinical health implications. We aimed to measure: the seven-day period prevalence of symptoms, the most burdensome symptoms, and determine if self-reported symptom burden is associated with treatment status, clinical stage and physical performance. We conducted a cross-sectional study among adult (aged at least 18 years) patients with HIV, attending HIV outpatient care in Kenya. Data was gathered through self-report using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF), file extraction (sociodemographic data, treatment status, CD4 count, clinical stage) and through observation using the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression assessed the association of symptom burden (MSAS-SF) controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Of the 475 participants approached, 400 (84.2%) participated. Ordinal logistic regression showed that being on HIV treatment was associated lower global distress index (in quartiles) (odds ratio .45, 95% CI .23 to .88; p = 0.019). Pain and symptom burden still persist in the era of antiretroviral therapy. Routine clinical practice should incorporate assessment and management of pain and symptoms irrespective of disease stage and treatment status in order to achieve the proposed fourth ^"90" in the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets (that is good quality of life).

What causes non-adherence among some individuals on long term antiretroviral therapy? Experiences of individuals with poor viral suppression in Uganda

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) use by people living with HIV reduces HIV transmission, morbidity, mortality, and improves quality of life. Good ART adherence is required to achieve these benefits. We investigated how the environmental, social, economic and behavioural experiences of people living with HIV with poor viral suppression could explain their non-adherence to long term ART.

Methods

This qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Uganda between September 2015 and April 2016. Thirty individuals on ART for 5 years or more (10 on first line and 20 on second line), with poor viral suppression, were randomly selected from a cohort of people living with HIV on ART. In-depth interviews about ART; awareness, adherence counselling, obstacles to daily adherence and regimen switches were conducted. Emerging themes from the interviews transcripts and field notes were identified and thematic content analysis done. Participants’ consent, compensation, confidentiality and study ethical approvals were ensured.

Results

We found that poor adherence to long term ART was due to: travel for work or social activities, stigma, receiving little or no continuous ART adherence education, alcohol consumption and use of alternative ‘HIV cure’ medicines. Other reasons included; ART side effects, treatment fatigue, belief that long-term ART or God can ‘cure HIV’, and food security.

Conclusions

Achieving optimal ART benefits requires continuous provision of ART adherence education to individuals on long term ART. This helps them overcome the challenges related to living with HIV: worries of food insecurity, alcohol misuse, economic hardship, and beliefs in HIV cures and use of unproven alternative HIV treatments. People living with HIV who travel require adherence support and larger quantities of ART refills to cover their time away.

Proportion and predictors of loss to follow-up in a longitudinal cohort study of female entertainment and sex workers in Cambodia

We examined the proportion and correlates of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among female entertainment and sex workers (FESWs) in a longitudinal HIV prevention intervention trial in Cambodia. The Cambodia Integrated HIV and Drug Prevention Intervention trial tested a comprehensive package of interventions aimed at reducing amphetamine-type stimulant use and HIV risk among FESWs in ten provinces. The present study estimated the proportion of women LTFU and assessed factors associated with LTFU. Logistic regression analyses were used. Of a total 596 women enrolled, the cumulative proportion of LTFU was 29.5% (n = 176) between zero- and 12-month follow-up. In multivariate analyses, women with no living children (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 2.3) and those who experienced recent food insecurity (AOR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1, 2.7) were more likely to be LTFU. Women who were members of the SMARTgirl HIV prevention programme for ≥ 6 months compared to non-members were less likely to be LTFU (AOR 0.3; 95%CI: 0.2, 0.6). LTFU was moderately high in this study and similar to other studies, indicating a need for strategies to retain this population in HIV prevention programmes and research. Interventions aimed at stabilizing women's lives, including reducing food insecurity and creating communities of engagement for FESWs, should be considered.

Treatment adherence in patients living with HIV/AIDS assisted at a specialized facility in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

In the 1990s, Brazil adopted a public policy that allowed for universal, free access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Since then, treatment adherence has become a new challenge for administrators of sexually transmitted disease/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STD/AIDS) policies. This study quantified adherence to ART and verified whether there is an association between sociodemographic variables and clinical/laboratory data in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, exploratory study with a quantitative approach that was conducted over 8 months. The target population contained patients who were assisted at the ambulatory care facility specialized in STD/AIDS of a medium-size city located in Northwest São Paulo. In order to verify the level of adherence to ART, a validated CEAT-VIH (Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Questionnaire) questionnaire was used. Sociodemographic aspects and clinical/laboratory data were obtained from the medical records. The results were analyzed using the Student's t-test and Pearson's coefficient.

RESULTS

Herein, 109 patients were interviewed, 56% of whom were male. The age of the population ranged 18-74 years (mean 45.67 years). Adherence to ART was classified as insufficient in 80.7% of cases. There was an association between ART adherence and presence of symptoms and/or opportunistic infection (p=0.008) and economic status (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to ART among HIV carriers cared for by the public health system is low. Patients who reported a favorable economic status and those without symptoms and/or opportunistic infection demonstrated greater treatment adherence than those who needed to take more than 3 pills a day.

Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Turkey: Results from the ACTHIV-IST Study Group

Maintaining optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for optimizing the management of HIV infection. The aim of this study is to explore ART adherence rates in Turkey. Included in this study were a total of 263 HIV-infected patients followed up by the ACTHIV-IST (ACTion against HIV in Istanbul) Study Group affiliated with four tertiary hospitals. The study population included patients 18 years of age or older who were on ART for over 12 months. Adherence was assessed by the medication possession ratio (MPR) calculated for each patient using data (a list of all drugs dispensed within the previous year for that patient) obtained from pharmacy medication records. In addition, patients completed a self-report questionnaire addressing missed doses and the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) adherence questionnaire. The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. Patient ages ranged from 19 to 71 years. Two hundred and thirty-one patients were male (88%). Two hundred and twenty-four patients (85%) had optimal adherence (MPR ≥95%). During the course of ART, 236 patients (90%) reported no missed doses in the past 4 days of their treatment, whereas 206 patients (78%) reported no missed doses in the past month. Simply forgetting was the most common reason for nonadherence. MPR was associated with virologic rebound. Major factors affecting adherence were being female, taking antituberculosis drugs, having an opportunistic infection, being able to take all or most of the medication as directed, and being aware of the need to take medication exactly as instructed to prevent the development of drug resistance. Adherence to ART measured by MPR and self-report surveys is relatively high in Turkey when compared with other countries, which probably led to high ART success rates.

'Side effects' are 'central effects' that challenge retention in HIV treatment programmes in six sub-Saharan African countries: a multicountry qualitative study

Objectives

To explore the bodily and relational experience of taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the subsequent effect on retention in HIV care in six sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 130 people living with HIV (PLHIV) who had initiated ART, 38 PLHIV who were lost to follow-up and 53 healthcare workers (HCWs) in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. PLHIV were purposely selected to include a range of HIV treatment histories. Deductive and inductive analysis was guided by aspects of practice theory; retention in HIV care following ART initiation was the practice of interest.

Results

PLHIV who were engaged in HIV care took ART every day, attended clinic appointments and ate as well as possible. For PLHIV, biomedical markers acted as reassurance for their positive treatment progression. However, many described ART side effects ranging from dizziness to conditions severe enough to prevent them from leaving home or caring for themselves or others. In all settings, the primary concern of HCW was ensuring patients achieved viral suppression, with management of side effects seen as a lower priority. Where PLHIV tolerated side effects, they were deemed the lesser of two evils compared with their pre-ART illnesses. Participants who reported feeling well prior to starting ART were often less able to tolerate side effects, and in many cases these events triggered their disengagement from HIV care.

Conclusions

Retention in ART care is rarely an outcome of rational decision-making, but the consequence of bodily and relational experiences. Initiatives to improve retention should consider how bodily experiences of PLHIV relate to the rest of their lives and how this can be respected and supported by service providers to subsequently improve retention in care.

A Framework for Health Communication Across the HIV Treatment Continuum

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Background:

As test and treat rolls out, effective interventions are needed to address the determinants of outcomes across the HIV treatment continuum and ensure that people infected with HIV are promptly tested, initiate treatment early, adhere to treatment, and are virally suppressed. Communication approaches offer viable options for promoting relevant behaviors across the continuum.

Conceptual Framework:

This article introduces a conceptual framework, which can guide the development of effective health communication interventions and activities that aim to impact behaviors across the HIV treatment continuum in low- and medium-income countries. The framework includes HIV testing and counseling, linkage to care, retention in pre-antiretroviral therapy and antiretroviral therapy initiation in one single-stage linkage to care and treatment, and adherence for viral suppression. The determinants of behaviors vary across the continuum and include both facilitators and barriers with communication interventions designed to focus on specific determinants presented in the model. At each stage, relevant determinants occur at the various levels of the social–ecological model: intrapersonal, interpersonal, health services, community, and policy. Effective health communication interventions have mainly relied on mHealth, interpersonal communication through service providers and peers, community support groups, and treatment supporters.

Discussion:

The conceptual framework and evidence presented highlight areas across the continuum where health communication can significantly impact treatment outcomes to reach the 90-90-90 goals by strategically addressing key behavioral determinants. As test and treat rolls out, multifaceted health communication approaches will be critical.

The impact of antiretroviral therapy on symptom burden among HIV outpatients with low CD4 count in rural Uganda: nested longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with HIV have a high prevalence of physical and psychological symptoms throughout their disease course. Despite the clinical and public health implications of unresolved pain and symptoms, little is known about the effect of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) on these outcomes. This study aimed to assess the impact on symptom burden for the year after ART initiation in individuals with a CD4 count <200 cells/uL in Uganda.

METHODS

HIV-infected, ART-naıve adults referred from voluntary testing and counseling services in rural Uganda for enrollment into a randomized controlled trial to test fluconazole as primary prophylaxis against cryptococcal disease were invited to complete the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) prior to commencing ART and at two subsequent follow up visits. This tool measures self-reported 7-day period prevalence and associated burden of physical and psychological symptoms. Changes in the total number of symptoms and distress indices with time on ART and trial arm were investigated through fitting Linear Mixed Models for repeated measures.

RESULTS

During the first year of ART initiation the prevalence of most individual symptoms remained constant. The notable exceptions which improved after commencing ART are as follow; prevalence of pain (prevalence changed from 79% to 60%), weight loss (67% to 31%), lack of appetite (46% to 28%), feeling sad (52% to 25%) and difficulty sleeping (35% to 23%). The total number of symptoms and distress indices reduced after treatment commenced. Of concern was that half or more study participants remained with symptoms of pain (60%), itching (57%), skin changes (53%) and numbness in hands and feet (52%) after starting ART. Sixteen symptoms remained with a burden of 25% or more.

CONCLUSION

Despite the beneficial effect of ART on reducing symptoms, some patients continue to experience a high symptom burden. It is essential that HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa integrate management of symptoms into their programmes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRYPTOPRO [ISRCTN 76481529 ], November 2004.

90-90-90-Plus: Maintaining Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapies

Medication adherence is the "Plus" in the global challenge to have 90% of HIV-infected individuals tested, 90% of those who are HIV positive treated, and 90% of those treated achieve an undetectable viral load. The latter indicates viral suppression, the goal for clinicians treating people living with HIV (PLWH). The comparative importance of different psychosocial scales in predicting the level of antiretroviral adherence, however, has been little studied. Using data from a cross-sectional study of medication adherence with an international convenience sample of 1811 PLWH, we categorized respondent medication adherence as None (0%), Low (1-60%), Moderate (61-94%), and High (95-100%) adherence based on self-report. The survey contained 13 psychosocial scales/indices, all of which were correlated with one another (p < 0.05 or less) and had differing degrees of association with the levels of adherence. Controlling for the influence of race, gender, education, and ability to pay for care, all scales/indices were associated with adherence, with the exception of Berger's perceived stigma scale. Using forward selection stepwise regression, we found that adherence self-efficacy, depression, stressful life events, and perceived stigma were significant predictors of medication adherence. Among the demographic variables entered into the model, nonwhite race was associated with double the odds of being in the None rather than in the High adherence category, suggesting these individuals may require additional support. In addition, asking about self-efficacy, depression, stigma, and stressful life events also will be beneficial in identifying patients requiring greater adherence support. This support is essential to medication adherence, the Plus to 90-90-90.

Patient-reported barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral adherence in sub-Saharan Africa

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the range and frequency of patient-reported barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

DESIGN

Studies from 2005 to 2016 were identified by searching 10 electronic databases and through additional hand and web-searching.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria were HIV-positive adults taking ART based in any SSA country, qualitative study or quantitative survey and included at least one patient-reported barrier or facilitator to ART adherence. Exclusion criteria were only including data from treatment-naive patients initiating ART, only single-dose treatment, participants residing outside of SSA and reviews.

RESULTS

After screening 11 283 records, 154 studies (161 papers) were included in this review. Forty-three barriers and 30 facilitators were reported across 24 SSA countries. The most frequently identified barriers across studies were forgetting (n = 76), lack of access to adequate food (n = 72), stigma and discrimination (n = 68), side effects (n = 67) and being outside the house or travelling (n = 60). The most frequently identified facilitators across studies were social support (n = 60), reminders (n = 55), feeling better or healthier after taking ART (n = 35), disclosing their HIV status (n = 26) and having a good relationship with a health provider (n = 22).

CONCLUSION

This review addresses the gap in knowledge by collating all the patient-reported barriers and facilitators to ART adherence in SSA. Current barriers measures need to be adapted or new tools developed to include the wide variety of factors identified. The factors that have the greatest impact need to be isolated so interventions are developed that reduce the barriers and enhance the facilitators.

Evaluation of mHealth strategies to optimize adherence and efficacy of Option B+ prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission: Rationale, design and methods of a 3-armed randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) (Option B+) is recommended for all HIV-infected pregnant/postpartum women, but high adherence is required to maximize HIV prevention potential and maintain maternal health. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may provide treatment adherence support for women during, and beyond, the pregnancy and postpartum periods.

METHODS AND DESIGN

We are conducting an unblinded, triple-arm randomized clinical trial (Mobile WACh X) of one-way short message service (SMS) vs. two-way SMS vs. control (no SMS) to improve maternal ART adherence and retention in care by 2years postpartum. We will enroll 825 women from Nairobi and Western Kenya. Women in the intervention arms receive weekly, semi-automated motivational and educational SMS and visit reminders via an interactive, human-computer hybrid communication system. Participants in the two-way SMS arm are also asked to respond to a question related to the message. SMS are based in behavioral theory, are tailored to participant characteristics through SMS tracks, and are timed along the pregnancy/postpartum continuum. After enrollment, follow-up visits are scheduled at 6weeks; 6, 12, 18, and 24months postpartum. The primary outcomes, virological failure (HIV viral load ≥1000copies/mL), maternal retention in care, and infant HIV infection or death, will be compared in an intent to treat analysis. We will also measure ART adherence and drug resistance.

DISCUSSION

Personalized and tailored SMS to support HIV-infected women during and after pregnancy may be an effective strategy to motivate women to adhere to ART and remain in care and improve maternal and infant outcomes.

How are women living with HIV in France coping with their perceived side effects of antiretroviral therapy? Results from the EVE study

OBJECTIVE

Side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can have a negative impact on health-related quality of life threatening long-term retention in HIV care and adherence to ART. The aim of the French community-based survey EVE was to document personal experiences with side effects, the related physician-patient communication, and solutions found to deal with them.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of women between September 2013 to September 2014.

METHODS

An anonymous online questionnaire included the HIV Symptom Distress Module, which explores 20 symptoms.

RESULTS

In all, 301 women on ART participated in the study (median age: 49 years; median duration of ART: 14 years). They reported having experienced a median of 12 symptoms (Q1-Q3: 9-15) during the previous 12 months. Overall, 56% of them reported having found at least a partial solution to dealing with their symptoms. Women reporting financial difficulties were twice less likely to have found solutions to coping with their side effects (AOR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8). Feeling supported by the health-care provider (AOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-3.9) and being in contact with HIV/AIDS organisations (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-3.2) were positively associated with coping. Seventeen percent reported having modified their ART regimen to improve tolerance, with only 2 in 3 informing their physician afterwards. Reporting financial difficulties and living with more bothersome symptoms increased the risk of ART regimen modification without health-care provider consultation.

CONCLUSION

The EVE study has called attention to the large number of side effects experienced by WLWHIV, only half of whom have found self-care strategies to manage their symptoms. Modification of ART regimen by the women themselves was not uncommon.

Persons living with HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy also consulting traditional healers: a study in three African countries

Traditional healers provide healthcare to a substantial proportion of people living with HIV infection (PLHIV) in high HIV burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the impact on the health of retained patients visiting traditional healers is unknown. In 2011, a study to asses adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) performed in 18 purposefully selected HIV treatment centers in Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda showed that 'consulting a traditional healer/herbalist because of HIV' was an independent risk factor for incomplete ART adherence. To identify characteristics of PLHIV on ART who were also consulting traditional healers, we conducted a secondary analysis of the data from this study. It was found that 260 (5.8%) of the 4451 patients enrolled in the study had consulted a traditional healer during the last three months because of HIV. In multivariable analysis, patients with fewer HIV symptoms, those who had been on ART for >5.3 years and those from Tanzania were more likely to have consulted a traditional healer. However, at the time of the study, there was a famous healer in Manyara district, Loliondo village of Tanzania who claimed his herbal remedy was able to cure all chronic diseases including HIV. HIV treatment programs should be aware that patients with fewer HIV symptoms, those who have been on ART for five or more years, and patients attending ART centers near famous traditional healers are likely to consult traditional healers. Such patients may need more support or counseling about the risks of both stopping ART and poor adherence. Considering the realities of inadequate human resources for health and the burden of disease caused by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, facilitating a collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners is recommended.

Evaluating an enhanced adherence intervention among HIV positive adolescents failing atazanavir/ritonavir-based second line antiretroviral treatment at a public health clinic

Sustaining virological suppression among HIV-infected adolescents is challenging. We evaluated a home-based adherence intervention and characterized self-reported adherence, virological response and drug resistance among adolescents failing atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r)-based 2^nd line treatment.

Global travel and HIV/STI epidemics among MSM: what does the future hold?

Infectious disease epidemics occur within dynamic systems and environments that shape risk and, ultimately, the spread of infectious diseases. Gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV everywhere in the world. Several emerging trends present risks for sustained or increased HIV acquisition and transmission, and the growth of global travel in the context of emerging online platforms for social/sexual networking is discussed here. Four factors associated with travel that could potentiate HIV transmission are highlighted: different patterns of sexual risk behaviours during travel; the growth of online tools to meet sex partners more efficiently; the global heterogeneity of HIV strains; and the potential for diassortative mixing of men from high- and low-HIV prevalence areas. Prevention tools and services must rise to these challenges, and innovative mobile applications and programs have played, and will continue to play, an important role in supporting MSM at risk for or living with HIV during their periods of travel.