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Tapera T, Odimegwu C, Makoni T, Mukuwapasi W, Chitiyo V, Kadziyanike G, Willis N, Mutsinze A, Mawodzeke M, Chimberengwa P, Phiri M. Intersecting Epidemics: The Predictors of Continued Utilization of HIV Care and Treatment Services During the COVID-19 Outbreak Among People Living with HIV in ZIMBABWE. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04194-x. [PMID: 37861922 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04194-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Globally, there have been considerable achievements towards HIV care and treatment. AIDS-related deaths have been reduced by 60% since the peak in 2004. Potentially, the fight against the HIV epidemic was made more difficult with the outbreak of COVID-19. Thus, this study examined the implications of COVID-19 in the utilization of HIV care and treatment services among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Zimbabwe. The study aimed to identify the critical factors defining the utilization of HIV services at the advent of COVID-19 using the fifth revision of the Anderson Behavioral Model of Healthcare Utilization. The study utilized a concurrent triangulation design of which only one data collection phase was used. The quantitative data was collected from 2,157 people living with HIV on antiretroviral viral therapy through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. On the other hand, qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews. Regarding accessing ART refills, the study findings revealed that adolescents aged 15-19 (aOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.18-3.96) had higher odds of utilizing ART refills compared to their counterparts who were aged 20-24. Living in a rural area was associated with higher odds of utilizing the ART refill service (aOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.49-3.24). Regarding accessing viral load monitoring adults aged 25-39 (aOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.26-0.66) were less likely to utilize viral load monitoring compared to young people aged 20-24. Being vaccinated for COVID-19 was significantly associated with higher odds of utilizing the viral load monitoring service (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.36-2.87) than those not yet vaccinated. Living in a rural area was associated with higher odds of utilizing viral load monitoring (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.09-2.08). Regarding tuberculosis preventative therapy, adults aged 25-39 (aOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.20-0.47) were less likely to utilize tuberculosis preventative therapy compared to young people aged 20-24. Being vaccinated for COVID-19 was significantly associated with higher odds of utilizing tuberculosis preventative therapy (aOR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.12-2.25) than those not yet vaccinated. Living in a rural area was associated with higher odds of utilizing tuberculosis preventive therapy (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.19-2.08). Regarding tuberculosis screening being vaccinated for COVID-19 was significantly associated with higher odds of utilizing tuberculosis screening services (aOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.41-2.54) than those not yet vaccinated. Although the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has dwindled, COVID-19 appears to come and go in waves, and a few countries are still recording relatively high cases. It is therefore likely that the factors associated with utilization of HIV services identified by the study such as age, residence, type of health facility, vaccination of COVID-19 and fear of contracting COVID-19, among others, need to be included when planning to improve access to health utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talent Tapera
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Clifford Odimegwu
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Makoni
- Zimbabwe National Network of People Living With HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Waraidzo Mukuwapasi
- Zimbabwe National Network of People Living With HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Gilton Kadziyanike
- Zimbabwe National Network of People Living With HIV (ZNNP+), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | | | - Pugie Chimberengwa
- Organisation for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Million Phiri
- Demography and Population Studies Programme, Schools of Public Health and Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Population Studies, Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Kassa S, Dingeta T, Gobana T, Dufera T. Incidence and predictors of attrition among adults receiving first line anti-retroviral therapy at public health facility in Adea Berga district, Oromia, Ethiopia. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036231197194. [PMID: 37693738 PMCID: PMC10492486 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231197194] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background According to current estimates, there are 665,723 people in Ethiopia who have human immunodeficiency syndrome. As Ethiopia inches closer to attaining the 95/95/95 targets for treatment coverage and reaching epidemic control, however, attrition from anti-retroviral treatment is still one of the key programmatic challenges. Objective To assess the incidence of attrition rate and its predictors among adult HIV patients receiving anti retro viral treatment at Public Health Facility in Adea Berga/Enchini District. Method A 6-year (June 28, 2015 to June 27, 2021) institution-based retrospective cohort study was used to recruit 540 study participants by using simple random sampling. Data were obtained from chart review, coded, entered into Epi Data, and exported to Stata 14.2 software for analysis. At least 1 month missed appointment is considered as attrition and the predictors of attrition were identified using bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to find predictors of attrition, p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results From the total 540 study participant, 158 (29.26%) patients were discontinuing from follow up making the incidence rate of attrition 9.50 per 100 person years .Being WHO clinical stage III or IV (AHR = 1.96,), non-practice of Appointment spacing model (AHR = 3.98), poor or fair ART adherence level (AHR = 6.47), age groups (15-24) years (AHR = 1.73) and Others ART linkage points[index case testing, tuberculosis clinic and referral from private/public health institutions] (AHR = 1.76) were significantly associated. Conclusions The study showed that the incidence of attrition among adults receiving antiretroviral therapy was high. Patient sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors were significantly associated with patients on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seifu Kassa
- Boloso Bombe District Health Office, South Ethiopia Regional State, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tariku Dingeta
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Gobana
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Dufera
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Elgalib A, Shah S, Al-Wahaibi A, Al-Habsi Z, Al-Fouri M, Lau R, Al-Kindi H, Al-Rawahi B, Al-Abri S. Treatment outcomes 12 months after antiretroviral therapy initiation in Oman: a nationwide study from the Middle East. AIDS Care 2023; 35:63-70. [PMID: 34702098 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1991880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTWe used routinely collected programme data on people living with HIV in Oman who started ART in 2014-2018 to assess retention on ART, viral suppression, attrition (mortality or loss to follow-up [LTFU]) and treatment failure (attrition or HIV viral load of > 1000 copies/mL) 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. We identified 726 patients; 72% were male. Overall, 12 months retention on ART and viral suppression (intention-to-treat [ITT] analysis) were 85.7% and 74.5%, respectively. Attrition occurred in 14.3% (mortality of 7% and LTFU of 7.3%). Retention increased from 78.8% (93/118) to 90.6% (144/159) among patients who started ART in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Similarly, ITT and on-treatment analyses revealed that viral suppression 12 months after ART initiation increased from 57.6% (68/118) and 73.1% (68/93) among patients who initiated therapy in 2014-80.5% (128/159) and 88.8% (128/144) among patients started treatment in 2018, respectively. On multivariate analysis, older age, having "Other" as an HIV risk factor (compared to heterosexual) and receiving HIV care outside the capital Muscat independently predicted both attrition and treatment failure. Our findings have been useful in identifying factors at the individual and programme level that influenced the risk of attrition and treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Elgalib
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - S Shah
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - A Al-Wahaibi
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Z Al-Habsi
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - M Al-Fouri
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - R Lau
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - H Al-Kindi
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - B Al-Rawahi
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - S Al-Abri
- Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
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Bantie B, Abate MW, Nigat AB, Birlie TA, Dires T, Minuye T, Kerebeh G, Tiruneh CM, Misganaw NM, Chanie ES, Feleke DG, Mulu AT, Demssie B, Fentie TA, Abate MD, Abate M, Ali AS, Dessie G. Attrition rate and its predictors among adults receiving anti-retroviral therapy following the implementation of the “Universal Test and Treat strategy” at public health institutions in Northern Ethiopia. A retrospective follow-up study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Matsena Zingoni Z, Chirwa T, Todd J, Musenge E. Loss to Follow-Up Risk among HIV Patients on ART in Zimbabwe, 2009-2016: Hierarchical Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Modeling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11013. [PMID: 36078729 PMCID: PMC9518110 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Loss to follow-up (LTFU) is a risk factor for poor outcomes in HIV patients. The spatio-temporal risk of LTFU is useful to identify hotspots and guide policy. Secondary data on adult HIV patients attending a clinic in provinces of Zimbabwe between 2009 and 2016 were used to estimate the LTFU risk in each of the 10 provinces. A hierarchical Bayesian spatio-temporal Poisson regression model was fitted using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) package with LTFU as counts adjusting for age, gender, WHO clinical stage, tuberculosis coinfection and duration on ART. The structured random effects were modelled using the conditional autoregression technique and the temporal random effects were modelled using first-order random walk Gaussian priors. The overall rate of LTFU was 22.7% (95%CI: 22.6/22.8) with Harare (50.28%) and Bulawayo (31.11%) having the highest rates. A one-year increase in the average number of years on ART reduced the risk of LTFU by 35% (relative risk (RR) = 0.651; 95%CI: 0.592-0.712). In general, the provinces with the highest exceedance LTFU risk were Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North. LTFU is one of the drawbacks of HIV prevention. Interventions targeting high-risk regions in the southern and northern regions of Zimbabwe are a priority. Community-based interventions and programmes which mitigate LTFU risk remain essential in the global HIV prevention campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvifadzo Matsena Zingoni
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 1619, South Africa
| | - Tobias Chirwa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 1619, South Africa
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Eustasius Musenge
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 1619, South Africa
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Mengistu ST, Ghebremeskel GG, Rezene A, Idris MM, Tikue TG, Hamida ME, Achila OO. Attrition and associated factors among children living with HIV at a tertiary hospital in Eritrea: a retrospective cohort analysis. BMJ Paediatr Open 2022; 6:10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001414. [PMID: 36053603 PMCID: PMC9252199 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing attrition in paediatric HIV-positive patients using combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) programmes in sub-Saharan Africa is a challenge. This study explored the rates and predictors of attrition in children started on cART in Asmara, Eritrea. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study using data from all paediatric patients on cART between 2005 and 2020, conducted at the Orotta National Referral and Teaching Hospital. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the likelihood of attrition and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the factors associated with attrition. All p values were two sided and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The study enrolled 710 participants with 374 boys (52.7%) and 336 girls (47.3%). After 5364 person-years' (PY) follow-up, attrition occurred in 172 (24.2%) patients: 65 (9.2%) died and 107 (15.1%) were lost to follow-up (LTFU). The crude incidence rate of attrition was 3.2 events/100 PY, mortality rate was 2.7/100 PY and LTFU was 1.2/100 PY. The independent predictors of attrition included male sex (adjusted HR (AHR)=1.6, 95% CI: 1 to 2.4), residence outside Zoba Maekel (AHR=1.5, 95% CI: 1 to 2.3), later enrolment years (2010-2015: AHR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.9 to 5.3; >2015: AHR=6.1, 95% CI: 3 to 12.2), WHO body mass index-for-age z-score <-2 (AHR=1.4, 95% CI: 0.9 to 2.1), advanced HIV disease (WHO III or IV) at enrolment (AHR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.9), and initiation of zidovudine+lamivudine or other cART backbones (unadjusted HR (UHR)=2, 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.2). In contrast, a reduced likelihood of attrition was observed in children with a record of cART changes (UHR=0.2, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.4). CONCLUSION A low incidence of attrition was observed in this study. However, the high mortality rate in the first 24 months of treatment and late presentation are concerning. Therefore, data-driven interventions for improving programme quality and outcomes should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Tekle Mengistu
- General Medicine, Nakfa Hospital, Ministry of Health Northern Red Sea Branch, Nakfa, Eritrea .,Medicine, Orota School of Medicine and Dentistry, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Ghirmay Ghebrekidan Ghebremeskel
- General Medicine, Nakfa Hospital, Ministry of Health Northern Red Sea Branch, Nakfa, Eritrea.,Medicine, Orota School of Medicine and Dentistry, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Aron Rezene
- Maternity Health, Edaga Hamus Hospital, Ministry of Health Maekel Branch, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Mahmud Mohammed Idris
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Tsegereda Gebrehiwot Tikue
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Mohammed Elfatih Hamida
- Unit of Medical Microbiology, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences (OCMHS), Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Oliver Okoth Achila
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences (OCMHS), Asmara, Eritrea
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Mayasi N, Situakibanza H, Mbula M, Longokolo M, Maes N, Bepouka B, Ossam JO, Moutschen M, Darcis G. Retention in care and predictors of attrition among HIV-infected patients who started antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DRC, before and after the implementation of the 'treat-all' strategy. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000259. [PMID: 36962315 PMCID: PMC10022330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The retention of patients in care is a key pillar of the continuum of HIV care. It has been suggested that the implementation of a "treat-all" strategy may favor attrition (death or lost to follow-up, as opposed to retention), specifically in the subgroup of asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLWH) with high CD4 counts. Attrition in HIV care could mitigate the success of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. We performed a retrospective study of PLWH at least 15 years old initiating ART in 85 HIV care centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between 2010 and 2019, with the objective of measuring attrition and to define factors associated with it. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics recorded at ART initiation included sex, age, weight, height, WHO HIV stage, pregnancy, baseline CD4 cell count, start date of ART, and baseline and last ART regimen. Attrition was defined as death or loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU was defined as "not presenting to an HIV care center for at least 180 days after the date of a last missed visit, without a notification of death or transfer". Kaplan-Meier curves were used to present attrition data, and mixed effects Cox regression models determined factors associated with attrition. The results compared were before and after the implementation of the "treat-all" strategy. A total of 15,762 PLWH were included in the study. Overall, retention in HIV care was 83% at twelve months and 77% after two years of follow-up. The risk of attrition increased with advanced HIV disease and the size of the HIV care center. Time to ART initiation greater than seven days after diagnosis and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk of attrition. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy modified the clinical characteristics of PLWH toward higher CD4 cell counts and a greater proportion of patients at WHO stages I and II at treatment initiation. Initiation of ART after the implementation of the 'treat all" strategy was associated with higher attrition (p<0.0001) and higher LTFU (p<0.0001). Attrition has remained high in recent years. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy was associated with higher attrition and LTFU in our study. Interventions to improve early and ongoing commitment to care are needed, with specific attention to high-risk groups to improve ART coverage and limit HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mayasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Hippolyte Situakibanza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Marcel Mbula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Murielle Longokolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ben Bepouka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Jérôme Odio Ossam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Michel Moutschen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
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Gray KL, Kiazolu M, Jones J, Konstantinova A, Zawolo JSW, Gray WMH, Walker NF, Garbo JT, Caldwell S, Odo M, Bhadelia N, DeMarco J, Skrip LA. Liberia adherence and loss-to-follow-up in HIV and AIDS care and treatment: A retrospective cohort of adolescents and adults from 2016-2019. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000198. [PMID: 36962289 PMCID: PMC10021315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a lifesaving intervention for people living with HIV infection, reducing morbidity and mortality; it is likewise essential to reducing transmission. The "Treat all" strategy recommended by the World Health Organization has dramatically increased ART eligibility and improved access. However, retaining patients on ART has been a major challenge for many national programs in low- and middle-income settings, despite actionable local policies and ambitious targets. To estimate retention of patients along the HIV care cascade in Liberia, and identify factors associated with loss-to-follow-up (LTFU), death, and suboptimal treatment adherence, we conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study utilizing facility and patient-level records. Patients aged ≥15 years, from 28 facilities who were first registered in HIV care from January 2016 -December 2017 were included. We used Cox proportional hazard models to explore associations between demographic and clinical factors and the outcomes of LTFU and death, and a multinomial logistic regression model to investigate factors associated with suboptimal treatment adherence. Among the 4185 records assessed, 27.4% (n = 1145) were males and the median age of the cohort was 37 (IQR: 30-45) years. At 24 months of follow-up, 41.8% (n = 1751) of patients were LTFU, 6.6% (n = 278) died, 0.5% (n = 21) stopped treatment, 3% (n = 127) transferred to another facility and 47.9% (n = 2008) were retained in care and treatment. The incidence of LTFU was 46.0 (95% CI: 40.8-51.6) per 100 person-years. Relative to patients at WHO clinical stage I at first treatment visit, patients at WHO clinical stage III [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.59, 95%CI: 1.21-2.09; p <0.001] or IV (aHR 2.41, 95%CI: 1.51-3.84; p <0.001) had increased risk of LTFU; whereas at registration, age category 35-44 (aHR 0.65, 95%CI: 0.44-0.98, p = 0.038) and 45 years and older (aHR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.39-0.93, p = 0.021) had a decreased risk. For death, patients assessed with WHO clinical stage II (aHR 2.35, 95%CI: 1.53-3.61, p<0.001), III (aHR 2.55, 95%CI: 1.75-3.71, p<0.001), and IV (aHR 4.21, 95%CI: 2.57-6.89, p<0.001) had an increased risk, while non-pregnant females (aHR 0.68, 95%CI: 0.51-0.92, p = 0.011) and pregnant females (aHR 0.42, 95%CI: 0.20-0.90, p = 0.026) had a decreased risk when compared to males. Suboptimal adherence was strongly associated with the experience of drug side effects-average adherence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.99, p = 0.02) and poor adherence (aOR 1.75, 95%CI: 1.11-2.76, p = 0.016), and attending rural facility decreased the odds of average adherence (aOR 0.01, 95%CI: 0.01-0.03, p<0.001) and poor adherence (aOR 0.001, 95%CI: 0.0004-0.003, p<0.001). Loss-to-follow-up and poor adherence remain major challenges to achieving viral suppression targets in Liberia. Over two-fifths of patients engaged with the national HIV program are being lost to follow-up within 2 years of beginning care and treatment. WHO clinical stage III and IV were associated with LTFU while WHO clinical stage II, III and IV were associated with death. Suboptimal adherence was further associated with experience of drug side effects. Active support and close monitoring of patients who have signs of clinical progression and/or drug side effects could improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith L Gray
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Janjay Jones
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Jethro S W Zawolo
- College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | - Naomi F Walker
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Julia T Garbo
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Monrovia, Liberia
| | | | | | - Nahid Bhadelia
- Boston University, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jean DeMarco
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Laura A Skrip
- College of Health Sciences, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
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Hakim AJ, Tippett Barr BA, Kinchen S, Musuka G, Manjengwa J, Munyati S, Gwanzura L, Mugurungi O, Ncube G, Saito S, Parekh BS, Patel H, Duong YT, Gonese E, Sleeman K, Ruangtragool L, Justman J, Herman-Roloff A, Radin E. Progress Toward the 90-90-90 HIV Targets in Zimbabwe and Identifying Those Left Behind. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:272-281. [PMID: 34321414 PMCID: PMC8526397 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present findings from the nationally representative Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment that characterize Zimbabwe's progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 targets. DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional household survey. METHODS Consenting adults and children in the household were eligible to participate in Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (October 2015-August 2016). Participants completed face-to-face interviews and provided blood for HIV, CD4, viral load, and syphilis testing. Viral load suppression (VLS) was defined as HIV RNA <1000 copies/mL. HIV-positive specimens were tested for the presence of selected antiretroviral drugs. Data were weighted. Analysis was restricted to HIV-positive adults aged 15-64 years. RESULTS We enrolled 11,098 men and 14,033 women aged 15-64 years. HIV prevalence was 14.1%. Of those living with HIV, 76.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.9 to 78.7) were aware of their HIV status or had detectable antiretroviral levels. Of these, 88.4% (95% CI: 87.1 to 89.7) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and of these people, 85.3% (95% CI: 83.4 to 87.1) had VLS. Male sex age 15-34 years and having 1 or more sexual partners were associated with being unaware of one's HIV-positive status. Age <50 years and not taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being less likely to be being both aware and taking ART. Male sex, age <50 years, and taking cotrimoxazole were associated with being on ART but not having VLS. CONCLUSIONS Zimbabwe has made great strides toward epidemic control. Focusing resources on case finding, particularly among men, people aged <35 years, and sexually active individuals can help Zimbabwe attain 90-90-90 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi J Hakim
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Beth A Tippett Barr
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Steven Kinchen
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Julius Manjengwa
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Shungu Munyati
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lovemore Gwanzura
- Biomedical Research & Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Owen Mugurungi
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe ; and
| | - Getrude Ncube
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe ; and
| | - Suzue Saito
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Bharat S Parekh
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Hetal Patel
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Yen T Duong
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Elizabeth Gonese
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katrina Sleeman
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Leala Ruangtragool
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
- ASPPH/CDC Allan Rosenfield Global Health Fellow, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jessica Justman
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amy Herman-Roloff
- Division of Global HIV and TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Elizabeth Radin
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Shamu T, Chimbetete C, Egger M, Mudzviti T. Treatment outcomes in HIV infected patients older than 50 years attending an HIV clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe: A cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253000. [PMID: 34106989 PMCID: PMC8189507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing number of older people living with HIV (OPLHIV). While a significant proportion of this population are adults growing into old age with HIV, there are also new infections among OPLHIV. There is a lack of data describing the outcomes of OPLHIV who commenced antiretroviral therapy (ART) after the age of 50 years in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a cohort study of patients who enrolled in care at Newlands Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, at ages ≥50 years between February 2004 and March 2020. We examined demographic characteristics, attrition, viral suppression, immunological and clinical outcomes. Specifically, we described prevalent and incident HIV-related communicable and non-communicable comorbidities. We calculated frequencies, medians, interquartile ranges (IQR), and proportions; and used Cox proportional hazards models to identify risk factors associated with death. We included 420 (57% female) who commenced ART and were followed up for a median of 5.6 years (IQR 2.4–9.9). Most of the men were married (n = 152/179, 85%) whereas women were mostly widowed (n = 125/241, 51.9%). Forty per cent (n = 167) had WHO stage 3 or 4 conditions at ART baseline. Hypertension prevalence was 15% (n = 61) at baseline, and a further 27% (n = 112) had incident hypertension during follow-up. During follow-up, 300 (71%) were retained in care, 88 (21%) died, 17 (4%) were lost to follow-up, and 15 (4%) were transferred out. Of those in care, 283 (94%) had viral loads <50 copies/ml, and 10 had viral loads >1000 copies/ml. Seven patients (1.7%) were switched to second line ART during follow-up and none were switched to third-line. Higher baseline CD4 T-cell counts were protective against mortality (p = 0.001) while male sex (aHR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.21–4.33), being unmarried (aHR: 2.06, 95%CI: 1.13–3.78), and being unemployed (aHR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.2–3.37) were independent independent risk factors of mortality. There was high retention in care and virologic suppression in this cohort of OPLHIV. Hypertension was a common comorbidity. Being unmarried or unemployed were significant predictors of mortality highlighting the importance of sociologic factors among OPLHIV, while better immune competence at ART commencement was protective against mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinei Shamu
- Newlands Clinic, Newlands, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tinashe Mudzviti
- Newlands Clinic, Newlands, Harare, Zimbabwe
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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11
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Afolaranmi TO, Hassan ZI, Ugwu OJ, Ofakunrin AOD, Bello KK, Chingle MP, Shugaba AI. Retention in HIV care and its predictors among HIV-infected men who have sex with men in Plateau state, North Central Nigeria. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 10:1596-1601. [PMID: 34123898 PMCID: PMC8144791 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1748_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Retention in HIV care is the constancy of engagement in HIV treatment, care and support services which is essential to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the infection as well as halting the development of resistance to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In most African countries, Nigeria inclusive, men who have sex with men (MSM) are major contributors to HIV/AIDS burden. HIV-positive MSM are generally understudied and mostly underserved due to social, political and legislation factors resulting in limited characterization and documentation of the existing health disparities particularly with regards to retention in HIV care. It was against this backdrop that we conducted this study to assess the level of retention in HIV care and its predictors among MSM linked to HIV care. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 114 HIV-positive MSM in 2019 using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using version 7 of Epi Info statistical software version 7 and a probability value of less than 0.05 used as the cut-off for drawing statistically significant conclusion. Results: The average age in years of the respondents was 26.0 ± 5.4 while 43 (37.7%) of the participants were adequately retained in HIV care. Adequate retention in HIV care was found to be predicted by awareness of regular male partner's HIV status (AOR = 11.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.924–65.167) and financial difficulty (AOR = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.022–0.840). Conclusions: A suboptimal level of retention in HIV care was demonstrated in the study with awareness of male partner's HIV status and financial buoyancy as its main predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolulope O Afolaranmi
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Jos and Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Zuwaira I Hassan
- Department of Community Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | | | - Akinyemi O D Ofakunrin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Jos and Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Kayode K Bello
- Department of Community Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Moses P Chingle
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Jos and Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Ali I Shugaba
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
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12
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Dejen D, Jara D, Yeshanew F, Fentaw Z, Mengie Feleke T, Girmaw F, Wagaye B. Attrition and Its Predictors Among Adults Receiving First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Woldia Town Public Health Facilities, Northeast Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 13:445-454. [PMID: 33907472 PMCID: PMC8068483 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s304657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demeke Dejen
- Care and Treatment, Amhara Regional Health Bureau CDC Project Cluster Health Facilities HIV Case Detection Linkage, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Dube Jara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fanos Yeshanew
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Zinabu Fentaw
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfa Mengie Feleke
- Amhara Regional Health Bureau CDC Project Zonal Monitoring and Evaluation, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Fentaw Girmaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Wagaye
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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13
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Chauke P, Huma M, Madiba S. Lost to follow up rate in the first year of ART in adults initiated in a universal test and treat programme: a retrospective cohort study in Ekurhuleni District, South Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 37:198. [PMID: 33505567 PMCID: PMC7813655 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.198.25294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa adopted and implemented the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) strategy for HIV since 2016. However, the care outcomes for patients initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) through the UTT strategy have not been established. We determined the rate of lost to follow up (LTFU) and associated factors in patients who were initiated on ART through the UTT and the pre-ART strategy at 12 months post ART initiation. Methods this retrospective study analyzed the records of a cohort of patients at 12 months post the initiation of ART. We extracted data from the TIER.Net electronic database of selected facilities in a sub-district in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Factors associated with LFTU at 12 months of ART were assessed and logistic regression performed to identify predictors of LFTU. Results records of 367 patients were evaluated, and 54% were initiated ART through the UTT strategy. The mean age was 36.3 years, mean CD4 cell count at ART initiation was 341 cells/mm3, and 25% were initiated at CD4 cell count above 500 cells/mm3. LTFU at 12 months was 28%, 50% were LFTU within six months, and 28% within three months of ART. LFTU in the UTT cohort was higher than in the pre-ART cohort, patients initiated through UTT were twice more likely to be LTFU (AOR = 1.84, CI: 1.13-3.00) than pre-ART patients. Conclusion the rate of LTFU at 12 months of ART was 28%, which indicate that the retention in care rate (60%) falls far short of the triple 90 targets required for viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Chauke
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mmampedi Huma
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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14
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Makurumidze R, Buyze J, Decroo T, Lynen L, de Rooij M, Mataranyika T, Sithole N, Takarinda KC, Apollo T, Hakim J, Van Damme W, Rusakaniko S. Patient-mix, programmatic characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition among patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) before and after the implementation of HIV "Treat All" in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240865. [PMID: 33075094 PMCID: PMC7571688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the scale-up of the HIV “Treat All” recommendation, evidence on its real-world effect on predictors of attrition (either death or lost to follow-up) is lacking. We conducted a retrospective study using Zimbabwe ART program data to assess the association between “Treat All” and, patient-mix, programmatic characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition. Methods We used patient-level data from the electronic patient monitoring system (ePMS) from the nine districts, which piloted the “Treat All” recommendation. We compared patient-mix, programme characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition (lost to follow-up, death or stopping ART) in two cohorts; before (April/May 2016) and after (January/February 2017) “Treat All”. Retention was estimated using survival analysis. Predictors of attrition were determined using a multivariable Cox regression model. Interactions were used to assess the change in predictors of attrition before and after “Treat All”. Results We analysed 3787 patients, 1738 (45.9%) and 2049 (54.1%) started ART before and after “Treat All”, respectively. The proportion of men was higher after “Treat All” (39.4.% vs 36.2%, p = 0.044). Same-day ART initiation was more frequent after “Treat All” (43.2% vs 16.4%; p<0.001) than before. Retention on ART was higher before “Treat All” (p<0.001). Among non-pregnant women and men, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of attrition after compared to before “Treat All” was 1.73 (95%CI: 1.30–2.31). The observed hazard of attrition for women being pregnant at ART initiation decreased by 17% (aHR: 1.73*0.48 = 0.83) after “Treat All”. Being male (vs female; aHR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.12–1.87) and WHO Stage IV (vs WHO Stage I-III; aHR: 2.89; 95%CI: 1.16–7.11) predicted attrition both before and after “Treat All” implementation. Conclusion Attrition was higher after “Treat All”; being male, WHO Stage 4, and pregnancy predicted attrition in both before and after Treat All. However, pregnancy became a less strong risk factor for attrition after “Treat All” implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgiums
| | | | - Madelon de Rooij
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Ngwarai Sithole
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kudakwashe C. Takarinda
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - James Hakim
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Makurumidze R, Decroo T, Lynen L, Chinwadzimba ZK, Van Damme W, Hakim J, Rusakaniko S. District-level strategies to control the HIV epidemic in Zimbabwe: a practical example of precision public health. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:393. [PMID: 32847619 PMCID: PMC7449062 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05234-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using survey and programme data to assess district-level performance along the HIV care cascade (HIV testing target achievement, linkage to ART and ART coverage) in order to formulate district-specific recommendations, taking into consideration prevalence and yield of testing. Results Data from 60 districts were analysed. Forty-eight districts (80.0%) surpassed 90% of their 2018 HIV testing targets. Linkage to ART was less than 90% in 40 districts (83.3%). Thirty districts (50.0%) had ART coverage above 90%. Of the 30 districts with suboptimal (< 90%) ART coverage, 18 districts had achieved high HIV testing target but with suboptimal linkage to ART, 6 had achieved high HIV testing targets and high linkage to ART, 4 had both suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and linkage to ART and 2 had suboptimal HIV testing target achievement and high linkage to ART. Priority should be given to districts with suboptimal ART coverage. Remediation strategies should be tailored to address the poorly performing stage of the cascade in each of the districts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe. .,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - James Hakim
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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16
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Rosen S, Grimsrud A, Ehrenkranz P, Katz I. Models of service delivery for optimizing a patient's first six months on antiretroviral therapy for HIV: an applied research agenda. Gates Open Res 2020; 4:116. [PMID: 32875281 PMCID: PMC7445417 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13159.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated models of service delivery (DSD models) for HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa were conceived as a way to manage rapidly expanding populations of experienced patients who are clinically "stable" on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Entry requirements for most models include at least six months on treatment and a suppressed viral load. These models thus systematically exclude newly-initiated patients, who instead experience the conventional model of care, which requires frequent, multiple clinic visits that impose costs on both providers and patients. In this open letter, we argue that the conventional model of care for the first six months on ART is no longer adequate. The highest rates of treatment discontinuation are in the first six-month period after treatment initiation. Newly initiating patients are generally healthier than in the past, with higher CD4 counts, and antiretroviral medications are better tolerated, with fewer side effects and substitutions, making extra clinic visits unnecessary. Improvements in the treatment initiation process, such as same-day initiation, have not been followed by innovations in the early treatment period. Finally, the advent of COVID-19 has made it riskier to require multiple clinic visits. Research to develop differentiated models of care for the first six-month period is needed. Priorities include estimating the minimum number and type of provider interactions and ART education needed, optimizing the timing of a patient's first viral load test, determining when lay providers can replace clinicians, ensuring that patients have sufficient but not burdensome access to support, and identifying ways to establish a habit of lifelong adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Rosen
- School of Public Health, Boston University, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 3rd fl, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anna Grimsrud
- HIV Programmes & Advocacy, International AIDS Society, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ingrid Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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