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Kippen A, Nzimande L, Gareta D, Iwuji C. The viral load monitoring cascade in HIV treatment programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2603. [PMID: 39334013 PMCID: PMC11428611 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United Nations' 95-95-95 (95% of people with HIV being aware of their diagnosis, 95% of those aware of their diagnosis being on treatment and 95% achieving viral suppression) target aims to reduce morbidity and mortality of HIV. However, with 60% of new HIV infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), achieving this target in the region is challenging. Viral load (VL) monitoring is the gold-standard approach of assessing treatment efficacy, and its implementation into national health systems is a global health priority if elimination of HIV as a public health threat is to be achieved by 2030. This systematic review aims to investigate VL monitoring outcomes in SSA, and to identify gaps and possible interventions to help nations meet their 2030 targets. METHODS A literature search of three electronic platforms (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Global Health) was undertaken from 1 January to 9 August 2024 to identify studies published in English and conducted in SSA. The primary outcome was the proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with routine VL monitoring at the recommended time points (initially, 6 months, 12 months and annually). Secondary outcomes reported proportions of PLHIV who received routine VL monitoring who went on to complete the cascade of care after identified virological failure [enhanced adherence counselling (EAC), switch to second-line ART, and finally viral suppression]. RESULTS The initial search identified 342 papers, of which 35 studies were included for narrative synthesis. Included studies reported on findings from 14 African countries and demonstrated extensive variation in rates of VL monitoring (range: 24.3-99.7%, mean: 63.8%). Results were more unfavourable in the latter steps of the viral load monitoring cascade, with a range of 0-88%, and a switch to second-line ART mean of 42% (range: 4.4-93%). Studies with additional support, and those with community-based models of care, had higher rates of VL testing and viral suppression. CONCLUSIONS VL monitoring and management of virological failure are suboptimal in many SSA countries due to individual and health system-related challenges. Health system strengthening is vital to ensure the sustainability of HIV treatment programmes and the achievement of 95-95-95 targets by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dickman Gareta
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
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Mbira TE, Kufa T, Sherman GG, Ngandu NK. Compliance to Viral Load Monitoring Schedules Among Women Attending Prevention of Vertical HIV Transmission Services Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:868-885. [PMID: 37831233 PMCID: PMC10896817 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04192-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load (VL) monitoring was likely interrupted during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We used routine data on repeat VL testing among 667 prevention of vertical HIV transmission (PVT) clients in Ehlanzeni district, to determine compliance to VL testing recommendations and associated factors during different time periods: pre-COVID-19, transition, and COVID-19. Descriptive and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were conducted, with and without including revised PVT-guidelines rolled out in January-2020. Among 405 women with ≥ 2 VL tests, the overall median age was 30 years (interquartile range: 26-35 years). Compliance to recommended VL testing guidelines ranged between 81.5% (172/211) and 92.3% (191/207) at different time periods. Across all three periods and when revised PVT-guidelines were used, being compliant was significantly reduced among those with earliest VL = 50-999 copies/ml (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-0.82], p value < 0.001) and VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml (IRR = 0.18 [95% CI 0.09-0.36], p value < 0.001). When guideline revisions were excluded, compliance was only significantly reduced among those with VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml (IRR = 0.14 [95% CI 0.06-0.32], p value < 0.001) and increased during the COVID-19 period versus pre-COVID-19 (IRR = 1.10 [95% CI 1.05-1.15], p value < 0.001). Similar significant associations between compliance and VL level were observed when the COVID-19 period was analyzed separately. Significantly increased compliance to VL testing among the 25-34 years age-group versus younger women was also observed across all periods. These results highlight the importance of strengthening strategies such as short message service reminders and educational messaging, reaching all age-groups, to fast-track implementation targets for VL monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thandiwe Elsie Mbira
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tendesayi Kufa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gayle Gillian Sherman
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nobubelo Kwanele Ngandu
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Musanhu CCC, Takarinda KC, Shea J, Chitsike I, Eley B. Viral load testing among pregnant women living with HIV in Mutare district of Manicaland province, Zimbabwe. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:52. [PMID: 36384677 PMCID: PMC9667426 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00480-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral load (VL) monitoring of pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) may contribute to lowering the risk of vertical transmission of HIV. The aims of this study were to assess the uptake of HIV VL testing among PWLHIV at entry to the prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services and identify facilitatory factors and barriers to HIV VL access. METHODS A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at 15 health facilities in Mutare district, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe from January to December 2018. This analysis was complemented by prospective interviews with PWLHIV and health care providers between October 2019 and March 2020. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Risk factors were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Open-ended questions were analysed and recurring and shared experiences and perceptions of PWLHIV and health care providers identified. RESULTS Among 383 PWLHIV, enrolled in antenatal care (ANC) and receiving ART, only 121 (31.6%) had a VL sample collected and 106 (88%) received their results. Among these 106 women, 93 (87.7%) had a VL < 1000 copies/mL and 77 (73%) a VL < 50 copies/mL. The overall median duration from ANC booking to VL sample collection was 87 (IQR, 7-215) days. The median time interval for the return of VL results from date of sample collection was 14 days (IQR, 7-30). There was no significant difference when this variable was stratified by time of ART initiation. VL samples were significantly less likely to be collected at local authority compared to government facilities (aOR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.16-0.48). Barriers to VL testing included staff shortages, non-availability of consumables and sub-optimal sample transportation. Turnaround time was prolonged by the manual results feedback system. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION The low rate of HIV VL testing among PWLHIV in Mutare district is a cause for concern. To reverse this situation, the Ministry of Health should consider interventions such as disseminating antiretroviral guidelines and policies electronically, conducting regular PMTCT mentorship for clinical staff members, and utilising point of care testing and telecommunication devices like mHealth to increase uptake of VL testing and improve results turnaround time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Chiedza Chakanyuka Musanhu
- World Health Organization Country Office, Highlands, P.O.Box HG 430, Harare, Zimbabwe ,grid.415818.1AIDS & TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe ,grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jawaya Shea
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Inam Chitsike
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Brian Eley
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.415742.10000 0001 2296 3850Paediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mhlanga TT, Jacobs BKM, Decroo T, Govere E, Bara H, Chonzi P, Sithole N, Apollo T, Van Damme W, Rusakaniko S, Lynen L, Makurumidze R. Virological outcomes and risk factors for non-suppression for routine and repeat viral load testing after enhanced adherence counselling during viral load testing scale-up in Zimbabwe: analytic cross-sectional study using laboratory data from 2014 to 2018. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:34. [PMID: 35810317 PMCID: PMC9270749 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00458-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the scale-up of routine viral load (VL) testing started in 2016, there is limited evidence on VL suppression rates under programmatic settings and groups at risk of non-suppression. We conducted a study to estimate VL non-suppression (> 1000 copies/ml) and its risk factors using "routine" and "repeat after enhanced adherence counselling (EAC)" VL results. METHODS We conducted an analytic cross-sectional study using secondary VL testing data collected between 2014 and 2018 from a centrally located laboratory. We analysed data from routine tests and repeat tests after an individual received EAC. Our outcome was viral load non-suppression. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with having VL non-suppression for routine and repeat VL. RESULTS We analysed 103,609 VL test results (101,725 routine and 1884 repeat test results) collected from the country's ten provinces. Of the 101,725 routine and 1884 repeat VL tests, 13.8% and 52.9% were non-suppressed, respectively. Only one in seven (1:7) of the non-suppressed routine VL tests had a repeat test after EAC. For routine VL tests; males (vs females, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.19, [95% CI 1.14-1.24]) and adolescents (10-19 years) (vs adults (25-49 years), aOR = 3.11, [95% CI 2.9-3.31]) were more at risk of VL non-suppression. The patients who received care at the secondary level (vs primary, aOR = 1.21, [95% CI 1.17-1.26]) and tertiary level (vs primary, aOR = 1.63, [95% CI 1.44-1.85]) had a higher risk of VL non-suppression compared to the primary level. Those that started ART in 2014-2015 (vs < 2010, aOR = 0.83, [95% CI 0.79-0.88]) and from 2016 onwards (vs < 2010, aOR = 0.84, [95% CI 0.79-0.89]) had a lower risk of VL non-suppression. For repeat VL tests; young adults (20-24 years) (vs adults (25-49 years), (aOR) = 3.48, [95% CI 2.16 -5.83]), adolescents (10-19 years) (vs adults (25-49 years), aOR = 2.76, [95% CI 2.11-3.72]) and children (0-9 years) (vs adults (25-49 years), aOR = 1.51, [95% CI 1.03-2.22]) were at risk of VL non-suppression. CONCLUSION Close to 90% suppression in routine VL shows that Zimbabwe is on track to reach the third UNAIDS target. Strategies to improve the identification of clients with high routine VL results for repeating testing after EAC and ART adherence in subpopulations (men, adolescents and young adolescents) at risk of viral non-suppression should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emma Govere
- Harare City Council, Department of Health, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hilda Bara
- Harare City Council, Department of Health, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Prosper Chonzi
- Harare City Council, Department of Health, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ngwarai Sithole
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Richard Makurumidze
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe. .,Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
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Pham MD, Nguyen HV, Anderson D, Crowe S, Luchters S. Viral load monitoring for people living with HIV in the era of test and treat: progress made and challenges ahead - a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1203. [PMID: 35710413 PMCID: PMC9202111 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13504-2] [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: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2016, we conducted a systematic review to assess the feasibility of treatment monitoring for people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), in line with the 90-90-90 treatment target. By 2020, global estimates suggest the 90-90-90 target, particularly the last 90, remains unattainable in many LMICs. This study aims to review the progress and identify needs for public health interventions to improve viral load monitoring and viral suppression for PLHIV in LMICs. Methods A literature search was conducted using an update of the initial search strategy developed for the 2016 review. Electronic databases (Medline and PubMed) were searched to identify relevant literature published in English between Dec 2015 and August 2021. The primary outcome was initial viral load (VL) monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV on ART and eligible for VL monitoring who received a VL test). Secondary outcomes included follow-up VL monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV who received a follow-up VL after an initial elevated VL test), confirmation of treatment failure (the proportion of PLHIV who had two consecutive elevated VL results) and switching treatment regimen rates (the proportion of PLHIV who switched treatment regimen after confirmation of treatment failure). Results The search strategy identified 1984 non-duplicate records, of which 34 studies were included in the review. Marked variations in initial VL monitoring coverage were reported across study settings/countries (range: 12–93% median: 74% IQR: 46–82%) and study populations (adults (range: 25–96%, median: 67% IQR: 50–84%), children, adolescents/young people (range: 2–94%, median: 72% IQR: 47–85%), and pregnant women (range: 32–82%, median: 57% IQR: 43–71%)). Community-based models reported higher VL monitoring (median: 85%, IQR: 82-88%) compared to decentralised care at primary health facility (median: 64%, IRQ: 48-82%). Suboptimal uptake of follow-up VL monitoring and low regimen switching rates were observed. Conclusions Substantial gaps in VL coverage across study settings and study populations were evident, with limited data availability outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Further research is needed to fill the data gaps. Development and implementation of innovative, community-based interventions are required to improve VL monitoring and address the “failure cascade” in PLHIV on ART who fail to achieve viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh D Pham
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Huy V Nguyen
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Federation University, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Anderson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suzanne Crowe
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Sexual Health and HIV & AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Public health and Primary care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Ngandu NK, Lombard CJ, Mbira TE, Puren A, Waitt C, Prendergast AJ, Tylleskär T, Van de Perre P, Goga AE. HIV viral load non-suppression and associated factors among pregnant and postpartum women in rural northeastern South Africa: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058347. [PMID: 35273061 PMCID: PMC8915310 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to measure the prevalence of maternal HIV viral load (VL) non-suppression and assess associated factors, to evaluate progress towards United Nations-AIDS (UNAIDS) targets. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING The eight largest community health centres of Ehlanzeni, a rural district in northeast South Africa. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV) in their third trimester and postpartum WLHIV and their biological infants, recruited equally across all stages of the first 24 months post partum, were included. A sample of 612 mothers participated from a target of 1000. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was maternal VL (mVL) non-suppression (defined here as mVL >1000 copies/mL). We collected information on antiretroviral use, healthcare visits and sociodemographics through interviews and measured plasma mVL. Descriptive statistics, χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS All mothers (median age: 30 years) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 24.9% were on ART ≤12 months. The prevalence of mVL non-suppression was 14.7% (95% CI: 11.3% to 19.0%), while 13.8% had low-level viraemia (50-1000 copies/mL). Most (68.9%) women had initiated breast feeding and 37.6% were currently breast feeding their infants. Being younger than 25 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 6.4)), on first-line ART (AOR: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1 to 4.6)) and married/cohabiting (AOR: 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0 to 3.7)) were significantly associated with increased odds of mVL non-suppression. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of mVL ≤1000 copies/mL of 85.3% among pregnant and postpartum WLHIV and attending public healthcare centres in this rural district is below the 2020 90-90-90 and 2030 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets. Given that low-level viraemia may also increase the risk of vertical HIV transmission, we recommend strengthened implementation of the new guidelines which include better ART options, improved ART regimen switching and mVL monitoring schedules, and intensified psychosocial support for younger women, while exploring district-level complementary interventions, to sustain VLs below 50 copies/mL among all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobubelo Kwanele Ngandu
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carl J Lombard
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thandiwe Elsie Mbira
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adrian Puren
- Centre for HIV and STI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier INSERM, Montpellier, France
- CHU, Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang, Antilles University, Paris, France
| | - Ameena Ebrahim Goga
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Bulterys MA, Oyaro P, Brown E, Yongo N, Karauki E, Wagude J, Kingwara L, Bowen N, Njogo S, Wagner AD, Mukui I, Oluoch F, Abuogi L, Patel R, Sharma M. Costs of Point-of-Care Viral Load Testing for Adults and Children Living with HIV in Kenya. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:140. [PMID: 33477850 PMCID: PMC7832863 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in need of treatment monitoring in low-and-middle-income countries is rapidly expanding, straining existing laboratory capacity. Point-of-care viral load (POC VL) testing can alleviate the burden on centralized laboratories and enable faster delivery of results, improving clinical outcomes. However, implementation costs are uncertain and will depend on clinic testing volume. We sought to estimate the costs of decentralized POC VL testing compared to centralized laboratory testing for adults and children receiving HIV care in Kenya. METHODS We conducted microcosting to estimate the per-patient costs of POC VL testing compared to known costs of centralized laboratory testing. We completed time-and-motion observations and stakeholder interviews to assess personnel structures, staff time, equipment costs, and laboratory processes associated with POC VL administration. Capital costs were estimated using a 5 year lifespan and a 3% annual discount rate. RESULTS We estimated that POC VL testing cost USD $24.25 per test, assuming a clinic is conducting 100 VL tests per month. Test cartridge and laboratory equipment costs accounted for most of the cost (62% and 28%, respectively). Costs varied by number of VL tests conducted at the clinic, ranging from $54.93 to $18.12 per test assuming 20 to 500 VL tests per month, respectively. A VL test processed at a centralized laboratory was estimated to cost USD $25.65. CONCLUSION POC VL testing for HIV treatment monitoring can be feasibly implemented in clinics within Kenya and costs declined with higher testing volumes. Our cost estimates are useful to policymakers in planning resource allocation and can inform cost-effectiveness analyses evaluating POC VL testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ann Bulterys
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.O.); (A.D.W.); (I.M.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Patrick Oyaro
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.O.); (A.D.W.); (I.M.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
- Health Innovations Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Evelyn Brown
- Department of HIV Research, University of Washington Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; (E.B.); (N.Y.); (E.K.)
| | - Nashon Yongo
- Department of HIV Research, University of Washington Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; (E.B.); (N.Y.); (E.K.)
| | - Enericah Karauki
- Department of HIV Research, University of Washington Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya; (E.B.); (N.Y.); (E.K.)
| | | | - Leonard Kingwara
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, National Public Health Laboratory, Nairobi, Kenya; (L.K.); (N.B.); (F.O.)
| | - Nancy Bowen
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, National Public Health Laboratory, Nairobi, Kenya; (L.K.); (N.B.); (F.O.)
| | - Susan Njogo
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Nairobi 19361, Kenya;
| | - Anjuli D. Wagner
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.O.); (A.D.W.); (I.M.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Irene Mukui
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.O.); (A.D.W.); (I.M.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Frederick Oluoch
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, National Public Health Laboratory, Nairobi, Kenya; (L.K.); (N.B.); (F.O.)
| | - Lisa Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Rena Patel
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.O.); (A.D.W.); (I.M.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.O.); (A.D.W.); (I.M.); (R.P.); (M.S.)
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8
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Nakalega R, Mukiza N, Kiwanuka G, Makanga-Kakumba R, Menge R, Kataike H, Maena J, Akello C, Atuhaire P, Matovu-Kiweewa F, Ndikuno-Kuteesa C, Debem H, Mujugira A. Non-uptake of viral load testing among people receiving HIV treatment in Gomba district, rural Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:727. [PMID: 33023498 PMCID: PMC7539500 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05461-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Viral load (VL) testing is the gold-standard approach for monitoring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment success and virologic failure, but uptake is suboptimal in resource-limited and rural settings. We conducted a cross-sectional study of risk factors for non-uptake of VL testing in rural Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of uptake of VL testing among randomly selected people with HIV (PWH) receiving anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for at least 6 months at all eight primary health centers in Gomba district, rural Uganda. Socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records for the period January to December 2017. VL testing was routinely performed 6 months after ART initiation and 12 months thereafter for PWH stable on ART. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with non-uptake of VL testing (the primary outcome). Results Of 414 PWH, 60% were female, and the median age was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31–48). Most (62.3%) had been on ART > 2 years, and the median duration of treatment was 34 months (IQR 14–55). Thirty three percent did not receive VL testing: 36% of women and 30% of men. Shorter duration of ART (≤2 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.38; 95% CI:1.37–4.12; p = 0.002), younger age 16–30 years (AOR 2.74; 95% CI:1.44–5.24; p = 0.002) and 31–45 years (AOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.12–3.27; p = 0.017), and receipt of ART at Health Center IV (AOR 2.85; 95% CI: 1.78–4.56; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with non-uptake of VL testing. Conclusions One-in-three PWH on ART missed VL testing in rural Uganda. Strategies to improve coverage of VL testing, such as VL focal persons to flag missed tests, patient education and demand creation for VL testing are needed, particularly for recent ART initiates and younger persons on treatment, in order to attain the third Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95–95-95 target – virologic suppression for 95% of PWH on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nakalega
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Nelson Mukiza
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
| | - George Kiwanuka
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Robert Menge
- School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hajira Kataike
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joel Maena
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Carolyne Akello
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience Atuhaire
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Henry Debem
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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