1
|
Musafiri C, Nyandwi JB, Hahirwa I. Assessment of community pharmacies readiness to dispense antiretroviral medicines in Rwanda. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 17:2286349. [PMID: 38205193 PMCID: PMC10775709 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2023.2286349] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Since the introduction of the 'Test and treat' approach in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) management, various strategies have been devised and implemented by countries to relieve public health facilities of the large numbers of people coming for medicine refills and clinical follow-up. One of the strategies is the dispensing of antiretroviral medicines through community pharmacies. In Rwanda, community pharmacies are not yet involved in antiretrovirals (ARVs) dispensing, and no study has assessed their readiness to provide this service. This study aimed to assess the readiness of community pharmacy staff and infrastructure to implement a decentralised model of antiretroviral medicines dispensing. Methods This cross-sectional study included data from 262 community pharmacies sampled across all districts of Rwanda. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire, from February to March 2023. Responses were received for 262 community pharmacies, representing the total sample size. Data analysis was done using quantitative descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. Frequency tables and graphs were produced using STATA15 and the outputs were exported to MS Excel as well as MS Word to allow document framing and designing. Results The research has shown a high proportion of community pharmacy staff trained in HIV prevention (82.4% trained on HIV testing), but a low level of training in treatment (30.5%) and psychosocial support of people living with HIV (29.8%). Infrastructure and storage conditions were found to be adequate, with 99.6% of surveyed Pharmacies having sufficient storage space. Majority (93.9%) expressed their willingness to dispense ARVs in the pharmacy premises. A large number of respondents (92.4%) felt that dispensing of antiretroviral medicines through community pharmacies would lead to an increase in sales of over the counter and other non-HIV related medicines. The main anticipated challenge that should be addressed to ensure effective implementation is the lack of interoperability between reporting systems used by community pharmacies and those used by health facilities providing HIV services (76.7% of respondents). Conclusion Community pharmacies in Rwanda have majority of staff trained in various areas of HIV prevention, but a small proportion have been trained in HIV care and treatment. Community pharmacies have the necessary infrastructure to dispense ARVs, and those with shortcomings, such as the lack of a separate room for individual patient counselling, are willing to obtain such a room if they are authorised to dispense ARVs. Staffs are willing to dispense ARVs in community pharmacies if the model is recommended by policymakers. The model could have several benefits for community pharmacies and the public health system in general, but there are also challenges that should be mitigated to ensure effective implementation. The staff willingness and expected benefits constitute enabling factors that the Ministry of Health and the national HIV control programme may leverage to prepare for introducing the model of ARVs distribution through community pharmacies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyprien Musafiri
- EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jean Baptiste Nyandwi
- EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Innocent Hahirwa
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mataboge P, Nzenze S, Mthimkhulu N, Mazibuko M, Kutywayo A, Butler V, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Planning for decentralized, simplified prEP: Learnings from potential end users in Ga-Rankuwa, gauteng, South Africa. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 4:1081049. [PMID: 36699142 PMCID: PMC9868940 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1081049] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In South Africa, youth experience challenges with oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access and uptake. Taking services out of healthcare settings has the potential to increase reach and overcome these challenges. This paper presents young and older people's preferences for decentralized, simplified PrEP service delivery and new long-acting HIV prevention methods, in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa. Methods Between May and August 2021, both PrEP user and non-user adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), pregnant AGYW, female sex workers, adolescent boys and young men (ABYM), and men who have sex with men (MSM) were recruited to participate in focus group discussions (FDGs) in Ga-Rankuwa, Gauteng. Twenty-two FGDs were conducted. Participants were asked about PrEP uptake, potential acceptability of long-acting HIV prevention products, provision of integrated, simplified, and decentralized services, and digital tools to facilitate access to PrEP and other SRH services. A qualitative approach using inductive thematic analysis was carried out to explore emerging themes on decentralized, simplified delivery and the acceptability of long-acting methods. Results Of the 109 participants included in the study approximately 45% (n = 50) were female, the median age was 23 years ± 5.3. A third (n = 37) were current or previous PrEP users, of which, 59.5% (n = 22) collected PrEP refills from the clinic. Decentralized, simplified service delivery was appealing; health facilities, pharmacies and institutions of learning were preferred as service points for PrEP and SRH services, and recreational spaces preferred for dissemination of health information and engagement. ABYM were more open to having recreational spaces as service points. Long-acting Cabotegravir was preferred over the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring due to concerns around perceived side-effects, efficacy, and comfort. Conclusion Providing long-acting PrEP methods through decentralized, simplified service delivery was appealing to this population. They provided practical locations for decentralized service provision to potentially increase their engagement with and uptake of HIV prevention and SRH services.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lahai M, Theobald S, Wurie HR, Lakoh S, Erah PO, Samai M, Raven J. Factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy from the experience of people living with HIV and their healthcare providers in Sierra Leone: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1327. [PMID: 36348488 PMCID: PMC9644013 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08606-x] [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: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary mode of treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It slows disease progression and reduces the spread of infection. HIV treatment is also known to require a high level of adherence of over 90% to achieve good treatment outcomes and viral load suppression. In Sierra Leone, about 70% of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are non-adherent in their first year of treatment. Understanding the reasons behind this high rate of non-adherence from the perspectives of both PLHIV and health workers is critical for developing strategies to improve adherence. This qualitative study is rooted in the field of public health services. It identifies the barriers and facilitators influencing adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Sierra Leone. METHODS: A qualitative study design using in-depth interviews of four healthcare workers and 16 PLHIV in two districts in Sierra Leone- Freetown and Bo. The interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify emerging themes from the data. RESULTS The study identified several facilitators and barriers to ART adherence at the personal, community, and health system levels. The facilitators included perceived benefits of ART, family support, having an informal caregiver, receiving free ART medicines, and belonging to peer support groups. The identified barriers were stigma and discrimination, frequency of medication, use of traditional medicine, lack of money for food and transport, work barriers, inadequate medicines and test kits, limited health workers, and long distances to clinics. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasized the need for implementing behavioural change communication programmes and activities to reduce stigma and discrimination in the community. Knowledge of the facilitators and barriers to antiretroviral therapy could provide relevant information for more responsive and equitable programmes supporting adherence implementation in low- and middle-income countries. This study also identifies the vital need for community integration of HIV treatment services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lahai
- grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, 00232 Sierra Leone
| | - Sally Theobald
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Haja R. Wurie
- grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Patrick O. Erah
- grid.413068.80000 0001 2218 219XFaculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Mohamed Samai
- grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Joanna Raven
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kuo AP, Roche SD, Mugambi ML, Pintye J, Baeten JM, Bukusi E, Ngure K, Stergachis A, Ortblad KF. The effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of HIV service delivery at private pharmacies in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26027. [PMID: 36285619 PMCID: PMC9597376 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26027] [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: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Private pharmacies are an understudied setting for differentiated delivery of HIV services that may address barriers to clinic-delivered services, such as stigma and long wait times. To understand the potential for pharmacy-delivered HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa, we conducted a scoping review of the published and grey literature. METHODS Using a modified Cochrane approach, we searched electronic databases through March 2022 and HIV conference abstracts in the past 5 years for studies that: (1) focused on the delivery of HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and/or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at private pharmacies in sub-Saharan Africa; (2) reported on effectiveness outcomes (e.g. HIV incidence) or implementation outcomes, specifically feasibility and/or acceptability; and (3) were published in English. Two authors identified studies and extracted data on study setting, population, design, outcomes and findings by HIV service type. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Our search identified 1646 studies. After screening and review, we included 28 studies: seven on HIV testing, nine on ART delivery and 12 on PrEP delivery. Most studies (n = 16) were conducted in East Africa, primarily in Kenya. Only two studies evaluated effectiveness outcomes; the majority (n = 26) reported on feasibility and/or acceptability outcomes. The limited effectiveness data (n = 2 randomized trials) suggest that pharmacy-delivered HIV services can increase demand and result in comparable clinical outcomes (e.g. viral load suppression) to standard-of-care clinic-based models. Studies assessing implementation outcomes found actual and hypothetical models of pharmacy-delivered HIV services to be largely feasible (e.g. high initiation and continuation) and acceptable (e.g. preferable to facility-based models and high willingness to pay/provide) among stakeholders, providers and clients. Potential barriers to implementation included a lack of pharmacy provider training on HIV service delivery, costs to clients and providers, and perceived low quality of care. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence suggests that pharmacy-delivered HIV services may be feasible to implement and acceptable to clients and providers in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. However, limited evidence outside East Africa exists, as does limited evidence on the effectiveness of and costs associated with pharmacy-delivered HIV services. More research of this nature is needed to inform the scale-up of this new differentiated service delivery model throughout the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra P. Kuo
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Stephanie D. Roche
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Jillian Pintye
- School of NursingUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- School of NursingUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Gilead SciencesFoster CityCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Community HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ahmed A, Dujaili JA, Jabeen M, Umair MM, Chuah LH, Hashmi FK, Awaisu A, Chaiyakunapruk N. Barriers and Enablers for Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in the Era of COVID-19: A Qualitative Study From Pakistan. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:807446. [PMID: 35153763 PMCID: PMC8832364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.807446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With the increased availability of safe antiretroviral therapy (ART) in recent years, achieving optimal adherence and patient retention is becoming the biggest challenge for people living with HIV (PLWH). Care retention is influenced by several socioeconomic, socio-cultural, and government policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aim to explore barriers and facilitators to adherence to ART among PLWH in Pakistan in general and COVID-19 pandemic related in particular. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 25 PLWH from December 2020 to April 2021 in the local language (Urdu) at the ART centre of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan. Interviews were audio-recorded in the local Urdu language, and bilingual expert (English, Urdu) transcribed verbatim, coded for themes and sub-themes, and analyzed using a phenomenological approach for thematic content analysis. Results: Stigma and discrimination, fear of HIV disclosure, economic constraints, forgetfulness, religion (Ramadan, spiritual healing), adverse drug reactions, lack of social support, alternative therapies, and COVID-19-related lock-down and fear of lesser COVID-19 care due to HIV associated stigma were identified as barriers affecting the retention in HIV care. At the same time, positive social support, family responsibilities, use of reminders, the beneficial impact of ART, and initiation of telephone consultations, courier delivery, and long-term delivery of antiretrovirals during COVID-19 were identified as facilitators of HIV retention. Conclusion: Improving adherence and retention is even more challenging due to COVID-19; therefore, it requires the integration of enhanced access to treatment with improved employment and social support. HIV care providers must understand these reported factors comprehensively and treat patients accordingly to ensure the continuum of HIV care. A coordinated approach including different stakeholders is required to facilitate patient retention in HIV care and consequently improve the clinical outcomes of PLWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Ali Ahmed, ; Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, ; Ahmed Awaisu,
| | - Juman Abdulelah Dujaili
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Ali Ahmed, ; Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, ; Ahmed Awaisu,
| | - Musarat Jabeen
- ART Centre, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Malik Muhammad Umair
- National AIDS Control Programme, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Lay-Hong Chuah
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Furqan Khurshid Hashmi
- University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Allama Iqbal Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed Awaisu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Ali Ahmed, ; Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, ; Ahmed Awaisu,
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mando RO, Moghadassi M, Juma E, Ogollah C, Packel L, Kulzer JL, Kadima J, Odhiambo F, Eshun-Wilson I, Kim HY, Cohen CR, Bukusi EA, Geng E. Patient preferences for HIV service delivery models; a Discrete Choice Experiment in Kisumu, Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000614. [PMID: 36962597 PMCID: PMC10021384 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Novel "differentiated service delivery" models for HIV treatment that reduce clinic visit frequency, minimize waiting time, and deliver treatment in the community promise retention improvement for HIV treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Quantitative assessments of differentiated service delivery (DSD) feature most preferred by patient populations do not widely exist but could inform selection and prioritization of different DSD models. We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to elicit patient preferences of HIV treatment services and how they differ across DSD models. We surveyed 18+year-olds, enrolled in HIV care for ≥6 months between February-March, 2019 at four facilities in Kisumu County, Kenya. DCE offered patients a series of comparisons between three treatment models, each varying across seven attributes: ART refill location, quantity of dispensed ART at each refill, medication pick-up hours, type of adherence support, clinical visit frequency, staff attitude, and professional cadre of person providing ART refills. We used hierarchical Bayesian model to estimate attribute importance and relative desirability of care characteristics, latent class analysis (LCA) for groups of preferences and mixed logit model for willingness to trade analysis. Of 242 patients, 128 (53.8%) were females and 150 (62.8%) lived in rural areas. Patients placed greatest importance on ART refill location [19.5% (95% CI 18.4, 10.6) and adherence support [19.5% (95% CI 18.17, 20.3)], followed by staff attitude [16.1% (95% CI 15.1, 17.2)]. In the mixed logit, patients preferred nice attitude of staff (coefficient = 1.60), refill ART health center (Coeff = 1.58) and individual adherence support (Coeff = 1.54), 3 or 6 months for ART refill (Coeff = 0.95 and 0.80, respectively) and pharmacists (instead of lay health workers) providing ART refill (Coeff = 0.64). No differences were observed by gender or urbanicity. LCA revealed two distinct groups (59.5% vs. 40.5%). Participants preferred 3 to 6-month refill interval or clinic visit spacing, which DSD offers stable patients. While DSD has encouraged community ART group options, our results suggest strong preferences for ART refills from health-centers or pharmacists over lay-caregivers or community members. These preferences held across gender&urban/rural subpopulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Onyango Mando
- Research Care and Training Program, Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Michelle Moghadassi
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Eric Juma
- Research Care and Training Program, Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cirilus Ogollah
- Research Care and Training Program, Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura Packel
- The University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jayne Lewis Kulzer
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, California, United States of America
- The University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Julie Kadima
- Research Care and Training Program, Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francesca Odhiambo
- Research Care and Training Program, Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Research Care and Training Program, Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, California, United States of America
- The University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Elvin Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Worgu G, Ogaji D. Satisfaction with HIV care: Comparative assessment between HIV clients in community pharmacies and specialty clinics in Rivers State Nigeria. NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/njm.njm_100_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
|
8
|
Long L, Kuchukhidze S, Pascoe S, Nichols BE, Fox MP, Cele R, Govathson C, Huber AN, Flynn D, Rosen S. Retention in care and viral suppression in differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment delivery in sub-Saharan Africa: a rapid systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25640. [PMID: 33247517 PMCID: PMC7696000 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV are being scaled up in the expectation that they will better meet the needs of patients, improve the quality and efficiency of treatment delivery and reduce costs while maintaining at least equivalent clinical outcomes. We reviewed the recent literature on DSD models to describe what is known about clinical outcomes. METHODS We conducted a rapid systematic review of peer-reviewed publications in PubMed, Embase and the Web of Science and major international conference abstracts that reported outcomes of DSD models for the provision of ART in sub-Saharan Africa from January 1, 2016 to September 12, 2019. Sources reporting standard clinical HIV treatment metrics, primarily retention in care and viral load suppression, were reviewed and categorized by DSD model and source quality assessed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Twenty-nine papers and abstracts describing 37 DSD models and reporting 52 discrete outcomes met search inclusion criteria. Of the 37 models, 7 (19%) were facility-based individual models, 12 (32%) out-of-facility-based individual models, 5 (14%) client-led groups and 13 (35%) healthcare worker-led groups. Retention was reported for 29 (78%) of the models and viral suppression for 22 (59%). Where a comparison with conventional care was provided, retention in most DSD models was within 5% of that for conventional care; where no comparison was provided, retention generally exceeded 80% (range 47% to 100%). For viral suppression, all those with a comparison to conventional care reported a small increase in suppression in the DSD model; reported suppression exceeded 90% (range 77% to 98%) in 11/21 models. Analysis was limited by the extensive heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes, models and populations. Most sources did not provide comparisons with conventional care, and metrics for assessing outcomes varied widely and were in many cases poorly defined. CONCLUSIONS Existing evidence on the clinical outcomes of DSD models for HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa is limited in both quantity and quality but suggests that retention in care and viral suppression are roughly equivalent to those in conventional models of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Long
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Salome Kuchukhidze
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Sophie Pascoe
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Brooke E Nichols
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Refiloe Cele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Caroline Govathson
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Amy N Huber
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - David Flynn
- Alumni Medical LibraryBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Asieba IO, Oqua DA, Wutoh AA, Agu KA, Omeh OI, Adeyanju ZA, Adesina A, Agu F, Agada P, Achanya A, Ekechuwu N, Tofade T. Antiretroviral therapy in community pharmacies - Implementation and outcomes of a differentiated drug delivery model in Nigeria. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 17:842-849. [PMID: 32839146 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization recommended differentiated models of care portends opportunities to decongest hospitals providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) and improve retention, especially in developing countries. A community pharmacy-based ART refill model was implemented where stable clients were devolved to community pharmacies for routine refills at a service fee, to promote private sector participation and sustainability of ART services. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and outcomes of this model in Nigeria. METHODS A population-based retrospective analysis of the community pharmacy ART refill program of the United States Agency for International Development-funded 'Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services' project in Lagos, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States from October 2016 to February 2018 was conducted. Standard descriptive statistical methods were used for baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of study participants. Outcomes were assessed using the Chi-square test and a multivariate logistic regressions model. Statistical significance was defined at α-level of 0.05. Analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows version 23 (IBM Corp, Armonk, USA). RESULTS A total of 10015 participants representing 14.4% of ART clients in 50 hospitals opted for this model and were devolved to 244 community pharmacies. All clients consented and paid a service fee of N1000 (about $3) per refill visit. Median follow-up duration was 6 months. Prescription refill rate was 95% (95% CI 94.2-95.3). Retention rate was 98% while viral suppression was 99.12%. Refill rates were significantly affected by ART duration, regimen, age and location (P < 0.001, 0.004, 0.034 and < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS This community pharmacy ART refill model of differentiated care is feasible and acceptable by clients and providers and demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes of retention and viral suppression. The ability and willingness of some clients to contribute financially to their HIV care was also demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorothy A Oqua
- Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Kenneth A Agu
- Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Onuche I Omeh
- Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Afusat Adesina
- Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Festus Agu
- Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Peter Agada
- Howard University Global Initiative Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Crowe SJ, Karwa R, Schellhase EM, Miller ML, Abrons JP, Alsharif NZ, Andrade C, Cope RJ, Dornblaser EK, Hachey D, Holm MR, Jonkman L, Lukas S, Malhotra JV, Njuguna B, Pekny CR, Prescott GM, Ryan M, Steeb DR, Tran DN. American College of Clinical Pharmacy Global Health Practice and Research Network's opinion paper: Pillars for global health engagement and key engagement strategies for pharmacists. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/jac5.1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susie J. Crowe
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy; East Tennessee State University; Johnson City Tennessee USA
| | - Rakhi Karwa
- College of Pharmacy; Purdue University; West Lafayette Indiana USA
| | | | - Monica L. Miller
- College of Pharmacy; Purdue University; West Lafayette Indiana USA
| | | | - Naser Z. Alsharif
- School of Pharmacy and Health Professions; Creighton University; Omaha Nebraska USA
| | | | - Rebecca J. Cope
- The Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Long Island University; Brooklyn New York USA
| | | | - David Hachey
- Department of Family Medicine; Idaho State University; Pocatello Idaho USA
| | | | - Lauren Jonkman
- School of Pharmacy; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | | | - Jodie V. Malhotra
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado; Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Benson Njuguna
- Department of Pharmacy; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital; Eldoret Kenya
- Department of Cardiology; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital; Eldoret Kenya
| | - Chelsea R. Pekny
- College of Pharmacy; The Ohio State University; Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Gina M. Prescott
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; The University at Buffalo; Buffalo New York USA
| | - Melody Ryan
- University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy; Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - David R. Steeb
- Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy; The University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Dan N. Tran
- College of Pharmacy; Purdue University; West Lafayette Indiana USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bajunirwe F, Ayebazibwe N, Mulogo E, Eng M, McGrath J, Kaawa-Mafigiri D, Mugyenyi P, Sethi AK. Effectiveness of a mobile antiretroviral pharmacy and HIV care intervention on the continuum of HIV care in rural Uganda. AIDS Care 2020; 32:1111-1115. [PMID: 32279527 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1753006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical in order to achieve viral suppression. We designed an intervention, Mobile Antiretroviral Therapy and HIV care (MAP-HC) in rural southwestern Uganda aimed to reduce travel distance and hypothesized that MAP-HC would improve ART adherence and rates of viral load suppression. The study was conducted at two district hospitals, among patients who lived >5 km from the hospital. For each hospital, we identified 4 health centers in the catchment area to serve as site for the mobile pharmacy. Each site was visited once a month to provide ART refills and adherence counseling. We measured patient waiting time, adherence and viral load suppression before and after the intervention. The proportion of patients who missed an ART dose in the last 30 days dropped from 20% to 8.5% at 12 months post-intervention (p = 0.009) and those with detectable viral load dropped from 19.9% to 7.4% (p = 0.001), however, mean waiting time increased from 4.48 to 4.76 h (p = 0.13). Mobile pharmacy intervention in rural Uganda is feasible and resulted in improvement in adherence and viral load suppression. Although it did not reduce patient waiting time at the clinic, we recommend scale-up in rural areas where patients face transportation challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Bajunirwe
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Nicholas Ayebazibwe
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edgar Mulogo
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Maria Eng
- Applied Science for Health, LLC, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janet McGrath
- Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David Kaawa-Mafigiri
- Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Ajay K Sethi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ortblad KF, Baeten JM, Cherutich P, Wamicwe JN, Wasserheit JN. The arc of HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa: new challenges with concentrating epidemics in the era of 90-90-90. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2019; 14:354-365. [PMID: 31343457 PMCID: PMC6669088 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to examine the emerging results from the HIV universal test and treat (UTT) cluster-randomized trials in sub-Saharan Africa, discuss how expanding access to HIV clinical services is likely to reshape the arc of HIV epidemics, and consider implications for HIV prevention and control strategies in the coming decade. RECENT FINDINGS The effect of universal HIV testing followed by immediate antiretroviral treatment (ART) on community-level HIV incidence remains unclear upon completion of five randomized trials. Only two of the four trials that measured HIV incidence found significant reductions in community-level incidence. Even in these trials, HIV incidence remained above levels required for epidemic control (≤1 case per 1000 person-years) despite high levels of ART coverage and viral suppression. These findings may indicate that community-delivered HIV services are not reaching the high-frequency transmitters who sustain HIV epidemics and are likely members of marginalized or hard to engage core groups. SUMMARY With expanded access to HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa, HIV epidemics are transitioning from hyperendemic to declining/endemic epidemic phases, characterized increasingly by the reconcentration of HIV in marginalized or hard to engage core groups. To move toward epidemic control, novel HIV service delivery models and technologies are needed to engage those who continue to drive HIV incidence in this new epidemic phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Judith N Wasserheit
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|