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Togna Pabo WLR, Kengni Ngueko AM, Nka AD, Santoro MM, Bouba Y, Chenwi CA, Ngoufack Jagni Semengue E, Takou D, Teto G, Dambaya B, Nyasa RB, Tommo Tchouaket MC, Beloumou GA, Djupsa Ndjeyep SC, Ka’e AC, Tekoh TAK, Ayuk Ngwese DT, Etame NK, Mundo RAN, Kamgaing RS, Sosso SM, Ndip RN, Colizzi V, Cecchereni-Silberstein F, Ndjolo A, Fokam J. Empowering adolescents living with perinatally-acquired HIV: tailored CD4+ count assessment for optimized care, the EDCTP READY-study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1457501. [PMID: 39371336 PMCID: PMC11450861 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1457501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The elevated rate of AIDS-related mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is influenced by various factors, notably immunosuppression, within a framework of limited therapeutic alternatives. We aimed to enhance the management of pediatric HIV by assessing the immune response and associated factors in perinatally-infected ALHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Cameroon. Methods A cohort study was conducted from 2018-2020 among 271 ART-experienced ALHIV in Cameroon. Sociodemographic data, immunological (CD4), and virological (plasma viral load, PVL) responses were measured at enrolment (T0), 6-months (T1), and 12-months (T2) using PIMA CD4 (Abbott/Pantech (Pty) Ltd) and Abbott Applied Biosystem platform (Real-Time PCR m2000RT) respectively. Immunological failure (IF) was defined as absolute CD4 < 250 cells/mm3, and Virological failure (VF) as PVL ≥ 1,000 copies/ml. A linear mixed-effects model with R version 4.4.1 was used to estimate both fixed and random effects, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results Of the 271 perinatally-infected ALHIV enrolled over three phases, females were predominant (55.7, 55.1, and 56.0%); median age was 14 (IQR: 12-17); majority of the participants were followed-up in urban areas (77.5, 74.5, and 78.6%); and the age distribution favored older adolescents (48.7, 61.2, and 58.5%). Most participants achieved clinical success (93.1, 89.7, 88.9%), predominantly on first-line ART (80.8, 66.2, and 53.0%), with good adherence (64.2, 58.9, and 64.5%). Most participants had secondary education (67.2, 70.1, and 67.5%). Median CD4+ counts fluctuated overtime, with values of 563 (IQR: 249.0-845.0), 502 (IQR: 319.0-783.5), and 628 (IQR: 427.5-817.5), respectively. Of note, being male was linked to a reduction in CD4+ count compared to females, [-200.63 (-379.32 to -21.95), p = 0.028]. Similarly, late adolescence was associated with lower CD4+ counts compared to early adolescence, [-181.08 (-301.08 to -61.09), p = 0.003]. Moreover, participants experiencing VF showed significantly lower CD4+ counts compared to those with undetectable viral loads, [-353.08 (-465.81 to -240.36), p < 0.001]. Additionally, there was a marginally significant interaction between male gender and secondary educational level, [209.78 (-6.94-426.51), p = 0.058]. Conclusion Among perinatally-infected ALHIV, age, gender, educational level, and virological status are key factors influencing their immune health and treatment outcomes. Prioritizing targeted interventions and close monitoring within these subgroups is crucial for optimal management, employing holistic care strategies that consider not only medical interventions but also psychosocial support and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Le Roi Togna Pabo
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Aurelie Minelle Kengni Ngueko
- University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Alex Durand Nka
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | | | - Yagai Bouba
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Collins Ambe Chenwi
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Ezéchiel Ngoufack Jagni Semengue
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Désiré Takou
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Georges Teto
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Beatrice Dambaya
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Michel Carlos Tommo Tchouaket
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Grace Angong Beloumou
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sandrine Claire Djupsa Ndjeyep
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Aude Christelle Ka’e
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Tatiana Anim Keng Tekoh
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Derrick Tambe Ayuk Ngwese
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Naomi-Karell Etame
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Rachel Audrey Nayang Mundo
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Rachel Simo Kamgaing
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Samuel Martin Sosso
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | | | - Alexis Ndjolo
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Joseph Fokam
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- National HIV Drug Resistance Working Group, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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Ashaba S, Baguma C, Tushemereirwe P, Nansera D, Maling S, Tsai AC, Zanoni BC. A qualitative analysis of self-management needs of adolescents and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV in rural, southwestern Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003037. [PMID: 38498515 PMCID: PMC10947701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The number of adolescents living with HIV remains high in sub-Saharan Africa with poorer HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents and young adults compared to individuals in other age groups. For adolescents and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (AYLPHIV), the transition from pediatric to adult HIV care is a particularly high-risk period. We conducted a qualitative study to understand self-management needs of AYLPHIV in rural, southwestern Uganda as they prepare to transition to adult HIV care in order to inform relevant interventions that can enable AYLPHIV acquire the necessary skills to manage their illness as they age into adulthood. We conducted 60 in-depth interviews with AYLPHIV (n = 30), caregivers (n = 20) and health care providers (n = 10) from the HIV clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. We used an interview guide that focused on perceptions about transition to adult HIV care, challenges with transitioning, navigating HIV care, and self-management needs for AYLPHIV (from the perspectives of AYLPHIV, their caregivers, and health care providers). We used thematic analysis to identify themes related to AYLPHIV's self-management skills. We identified several self-management needs that we grouped under two major themes; social support and empowerment for AYLPHIV to assume responsibility for their own health and to navigate adult HIV care independently. The sub-themes under social support were information support, instrumental support, and emotional support as the sub themes while sub-themes under empowerment included self-advocacy skills, interpersonal skills, self-care skills, and disclosure skills. Taken together, these findings indicate that AYLPHIV need to be supported and empowered to maximize their chances of successfully transitioning to adult HIV care. Support comes from peers and caregivers. AYLPHIV require knowledge about their HIV status and empowerment with different skills including: self-advocacy skills, interpersonal skills, self-care skills, and HIV status disclosure skills, in order to assume responsibilities related to independent HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scholastic Ashaba
- Department of Psychiatry Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Charles Baguma
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Patricia Tushemereirwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Denis Nansera
- Department of Pediatrics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- Department of Psychiatry Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brian C. Zanoni
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Dlamini BP, Mtshali NG. Views of adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV on HIV status disclosure in Eswatini. AIDS Care 2023:1-9. [PMID: 38157356 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2299334] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
HIV is recognised as a multifaceted chronic disease, bearing psychosocial consequences that potentially impact on the personal and social well-being of those living with it. Adolescents and youth bear a significant proportion of the burden of the HIV epidemic but they have low rates of disclosure of their HIV status. This study aims to determine the views of adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV on HIV status disclosure among 361 adolescents aged 15-19 in Eswatini. A cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents who already knew their status, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A majority of the participants, 55% (n = 200), were females, and 44% (n = 160) were males. A low number of adolescents (22%) had disclosed their HIV status to anyone. Adolescents who found it difficult to understand disclosure themselves had low levels of onward disclosure (27%) compared to adolescents who better understood the disclosure event. Our results revealed that adolescents' prevalence of HIV status disclosure was low. This raises concerns as some of the adolescents were in relationships with partners who were not aware of their status. However, older adolescents displayed some level of disclosure self-efficacy in that a higher proportion of them disclosed better than younger adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baliwe P Dlamini
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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4
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Mabasa RA, Muthelo L, Skaal L, Mothiba TM. Qualitative Study on the Voices of Adolescents Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV in Selected Clinics in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 11:28. [PMID: 38255342 PMCID: PMC10814135 DOI: 10.3390/children11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The disclosure of HIV status among adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV (APHIV) has become one of the core challenges in the management of APHIV. Disclosure is a challenge that undermines positive advances and achievements in HIV management. There is limited literature on the voices of APHIV on disclosure of their status. This study aims to explore the current disclosure process and how it affects APHIV. A qualitative exploratory design was employed to conduct one-on-one in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Purposive sampling was used to sample 21 APHIV in 16 selected health facilities in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were analyzed using Tesch's qualitative data method. The findings of this study reflect the gaps in the current disclosure process and guidelines while acknowledging the importance of disclosure to APHIV. A notable finding in this study is that most APHIV, especially those in early adolescence, did not want to know their HIV status due to the stigma attached to an HIV-positive diagnosis. This study suggests that proper training and support of parents and/or guardians in the disclosure process are needed, as they are the primary caregivers of APHIV. The disclosure of HIV status must be a comprehensive part of the management and care of HIV for APHIV. Furthermore, dedicated support programs should be developed and implemented to improve their lives post-disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rirhandzu Austice Mabasa
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0700, South Africa;
| | - Livhuwani Muthelo
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0700, South Africa;
| | - Linda Skaal
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sefako Makgato University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
| | - Tebogo Maria Mothiba
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0700, South Africa;
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Kitetele FN, Lelo GM, Akele CE, Lelo PVM, Mafuta EM, Tylleskär T, Kashala-Abotnes E. “The Peer Educator Is the Game-Changer of My Life”: Perceptions of Adolescents Living with HIV in DR Congo on Involving Peer Educators in the Process of HIV Disclosure. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081239. [PMID: 36010129 PMCID: PMC9406301 DOI: 10.3390/children9081239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several approaches to the disclosure of HIV status to children and adolescents have been described. Each of these places particular emphasis on the role of parents and health care workers (HCWs) to mitigate the impact of disclosure on the adolescent without exploring the possible roles that other individuals might play in the process of disclosure. This article assesses the perceptions of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) about disclosure done by parents, guardians, HCWs, peer educators in the role of peer supporters, accidentally or by self-discovery, and the subsequent effects of disclosure method on their mental health. We used a qualitative study to conduct semi-structured interviews with 73 ALHIV at the Kalembelembe Paediatric Hospital, in DR Congo disclosed to by parents, guardians, HCWs, and/or peer educators, respectively, or disclosed to accidentally or by self-discovery. Microsoft Excel analysis matrix was used to organize the qualitative data. The majority of ALHIV whose disclosure involved a peer educator unanimously acknowledged the important role of the peer in accepting their HIV status, in their ART adherence, and their development of self-esteem. However, most ALHIV disclosed without involving peers declared that they had accepted their situation after a relatively long period followed by contact with the peer and integration in the self-support group. We found that the peer approach is the game-changer of the HIV status disclosure process that would allow ALHIV to accept their HIV status with minimum distress, it builds resilience, and allows them to adhere to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustin Nd. Kitetele
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalembelembe Paediatric Hospital, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre for International Health (CIH), University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +243-819936833
| | - Gilbert M. Lelo
- Centre Neuro-Psycho-Pathologique de Kinshasa (CNPP), University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Cathy E. Akele
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalembelembe Paediatric Hospital, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Patricia V. M. Lelo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kalembelembe Paediatric Hospital, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre for International Health (CIH), University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Eric M. Mafuta
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 012, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Thorkild Tylleskär
- Centre for International Health (CIH), University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Gill MM, Ndimbii JN, Otieno-Masaba R, Ouma M, Jabuto S, Ochanda B. Adherence challenges and opportunities for optimizing care through enhanced adherence counseling for adolescents with suspected HIV treatment failure in Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:962. [PMID: 35906574 PMCID: PMC9336023 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) experience higher mortality and are more likely to have poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and unsuppressed viral load (VL) compared to adults. Enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) is a client-centered counseling strategy that aims to identify and address barriers to optimal ART use and can be tailored to the unique needs of adolescents. This study aimed to better understand adherence barriers among ALHIV with suspected treatment failure and their experience with EAC to inform future programming. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in Homa Bay and Turkana counties, Kenya in 2019 with adolescents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with HIV with suspected treatment failure after ≥6 months on ART and who had received ≥1 EAC sessions. Sixteen focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted; five FGDs each were held with adolescents 12–14 years (n = 48) and 15–19 years (n = 36). Caregivers (n = 52) participated in six FGDs. Additionally, 17 healthcare workers providing pediatric/adolescent HIV services participated in in-depth interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated from Kiswahili or Dholuo into English and coded using MAXQDA software. Data were thematically analyzed by participant group. Results Participants identified adolescents’ fear of being stigmatized due to their HIV status and their relationship with and level of support provided by caregivers. This underpinned and often undermined adolescents’ ART-taking behavior and progress towards more independent medication management. Adolescents were generally satisfied with EAC and perceived it to be important in improving adherence and reducing VL. However, problems were noted with facility-based, individual EAC counseling, including judgmental attitudes of providers and difficulties traveling to and keeping EAC clinic appointments. Participant-suggested improvements to EAC included peer support groups in addition to individual counseling, allowing for greater flexibility in the timing and location of sessions and greater caregiver involvement. Conclusions The findings provide opportunities to better tailor EAC interventions to promote improved ALHIV adherence and caregiver-supported disease management. Multi-prong EAC interventions that include peer-led and community approaches and target adolescent and caregiver treatment literacy may improve EAC delivery, address issues contributing to poor adherence, and position adolescents to achieve viral suppression. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04915469.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Gill
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington DC, USA
| | | | | | - Millicent Ouma
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stella Jabuto
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Boniface Ochanda
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV & TB, Kisumu, Kenya
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Toromo JJ, Apondi E, Nyandiko WM, Omollo M, Bakari S, Aluoch J, Kantor R, Fortenberry JD, Wools-Kaloustian K, Elul B, Vreeman RC, Enane LA. "I have never talked to anyone to free my mind" - challenges surrounding status disclosure to adolescents contribute to their disengagement from HIV care: a qualitative study in western Kenya. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1122. [PMID: 35658924 PMCID: PMC9167528 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13519-9] [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: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV, ages 10–19) experience complex barriers to care engagement. Challenges surrounding HIV status disclosure or non-disclosure to adolescents may contribute to adolescent disengagement from HIV care or non-adherence to ART. We performed a qualitative study to investigate the contribution of disclosure challenges to adolescent disengagement from HIV care. Methods This was a qualitative study performed with disengaged ALHIV and their caregivers, and with healthcare workers (HCW) in the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) program in western Kenya. Inclusion criteria for ALHIV were ≥1 visit within the 18 months prior to data collection at one of two clinical sites and nonattendance ≥60 days following their last scheduled appointment. HCW were recruited from 10 clinics. Analysis was conducted by multiple independent coders, and narratives of disclosure and care disengagement were closely interrogated. Overarching themes were elucidated and summarized. Results Interviews were conducted with 42 disengaged ALHIV, 32 caregivers, and 28 HCW. ALHIV were average age 17.0 (range 12.9–20.9), and 95% indicated awareness of their HIV diagnosis. Issues surrounding disclosure to ALHIV presented important barriers to HIV care engagement. Themes centered on delays in HIV status disclosure; hesitancy and reluctance among caregivers to disclose; struggles for adolescents to cope with feelings of having been deceived prior to full disclosure; pervasive HIV stigma internalized in school and community settings prior to disclosure; and inadequate and unstructured support after disclosure, including for adolescent mental health burdens and for adolescent-caregiver relationships and communication. Both HCW and caregivers described feeling inadequately prepared to optimally handle disclosure and to manage challenges that may arise after disclosure. Conclusions Complex challenges surrounding HIV status disclosure to adolescents contribute to care disengagement. There is need to enhance training and resources for HCW, and to empower caregivers to support children and adolescents before, during, and after HIV status disclosure. This should include counseling caregivers on how to provide children with developmentally-appropriate and accurate information about their health from an early age, and to support adolescent-caregiver communication and relationships. Optimally integrating peer support can further promote ALHIV wellbeing and retention in care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13519-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith J Toromo
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Edith Apondi
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Winstone M Nyandiko
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Mark Omollo
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Salim Bakari
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Josephine Aluoch
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Rami Kantor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brown University Apert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - J Dennis Fortenberry
- Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kara Wools-Kaloustian
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Batya Elul
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel C Vreeman
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Arnhold Institute for Global Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leslie A Enane
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.
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Ssemata AS, Nakasujja N, Kinyanda E. Transitioning from paediatric to HIV adult care services for adolescents and young people living with HIV in the African region: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059241. [PMID: 35256448 PMCID: PMC8905970 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059241] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of children living with HIV is increasing worldwide and is a major public health concern as they grow into adolescence and young adulthood with increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) especially in the African region. There is a pressing need to transfer them from paediatric to adult care which has implications for their well-being. The objective of this scoping review is to systematically review published and unpublished literature to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the transition of adolescents to adult HIV clinics in the African region. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Extension for Scoping Review) guidelines for conducting a scoping review, we will systematically search online bibliographic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and bibliographies of pertinent articles. This will be supplemented by searches in grey literature databases. Two reviewers will independently review all articles to determine if they meet eligibility criteria. Any conflicts will be resolved after discussion with a third reviewer to ensure accurate and reliable data collection. Both quantitative and qualitative results will be extracted from all included articles and synthesised in a narrative form in response to the review questions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The scoping review does not require ethics approval as we will collect and review existing literature and materials. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and stakeholder meetings to support clinicians, health experts and policy makers develop guidelines and evidence-based transition protocols favourable for the populations in the African region to minimise challenges associated with the transition process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sentoogo Ssemata
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eugene Kinyanda
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Mental Health Section, MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Wakiso, Uganda
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Harris LR, Hoffman HJ, Griffith CJ, Lee N, Koay WLA, Rakhmanina NY. Factors Associated with Transition of HIV Care Readiness Among Adolescents and Youth from a Specialty Pediatric HIV Clinic in the United States. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2021; 35:495-502. [PMID: 34851725 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transitioning from pediatric to adult services is known to be associated with worsening of health outcomes and decreased retention in care among adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV). We aimed to identify factors associated with HIV care transition readiness among AYLHIV in care at a pediatric HIV clinic in Washington, DC. This retrospective cohort study from June 2019 through January 2021 collected demographic and clinical characteristics from the clinic database. We adapted the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ; scored 1-4; 1 being the lowest level of preparedness) to evaluate transition readiness over time. We analyzed data using two-sided unadjusted two-sample and paired t-tests and adjusted analysis of variance (ANOVA). We included 103 AYLHIV (50.49% female; 100% non-Hispanic Black/African American; mean age = 19.54 ± 2.78 years; 81.55% virally suppressed). Mean baseline TRAQ score (2.32 ± 0.78) was associated with age (p < 0.0001), gender (p = 0.033), mode of HIV transmission (p = 0.0005), viral suppression (p = 0.0033), and duration of HIV diagnosis (p = 0.012). AYLHIV diagnosed with HIV within the prior year experienced significantly greater mean improvement in transition readiness compared with those living with HIV for >10 years (p = 0.013). Adjusted for covariates, older age (p < 0.0001), undetectable viral load (p = 0.0008), and presence of mental health condition(s) (p = 0.020) were associated with higher TRAQ scores. Lower improvement in transition readiness among youth with a longer history of HIV suggests that AYLHIV with perinatally acquired HIV might require additional support than those with horizontally acquired HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah R. Harris
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- HIV and Special Immunology Services, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Heather J. Hoffman
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Caleb J. Griffith
- HIV and Special Immunology Services, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nara Lee
- HIV and Special Immunology Services, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Wei Li A. Koay
- HIV and Special Immunology Services, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Natella Y. Rakhmanina
- HIV and Special Immunology Services, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Technical Strategies and Innovation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Zhou S, Cluver L, Shenderovich Y, Toska E. Uncovering ART adherence inconsistencies: An assessment of sustained adherence among adolescents in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25832. [PMID: 34708912 PMCID: PMC8552454 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence rates are lower among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) than among adults and children, but more evidence is needed on long‐term sustained ART adherence among ALHIV. This study assesses rates of sustained ART adherence in a cohort of adolescents in South Africa. Methods A prospective cohort of adolescents (10‐19 years) living with HIV (baseline sample N = 1 046, 55% female, mean age 13.6) in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa were interviewed at baseline (2014‐15) and followed‐up twice (2015‐16, 2017–18). All adolescents ever initiated on treatment in 52 government health facilities were traced (with 90% uptake, 94% retention at Wave 2, and 97% retention at Wave 3, 3.4% mortality) and their clinic records were extracted where available. We investigate sustained ART adherence among adolescents interviewed at all three waves of data collection (N = 933). To quantify adherence at each study wave, we used self‐reported past‐week adherence (including weekdays and weekends). Self‐reported adherence was validated using HIV‐1 RNA viral load (>50 copies/mL cut‐off) reported in clinic records, in a random‐intercept logistic regression. Results and discussion At baseline, approximately 66% (N = 615) of adolescents reported past‐week ART adherence, and of these 45.3% reported adherence at both baseline and follow‐up. Only 37.1% of the sample reported sustained past‐week ART adherence over the three waves of the study. Most adolescents (N = 587, 62.9%) report inconsistent adherence across time (including 6.4% disengaged from care). Older (P = 0.007) and adolescents with horizontally acquired HIV (P = 0.002) were more likely to report inconsistent adherence across time. Controlling for socio‐demographic characteristics, past‐week adherence was associated with non‐detectable viral load (aOR 1.72, 95%CI 1.14‐2.59, P = 0.009). Overall, of the adolescents with viral load measurements at study Wave 1 and Wave 2, 50.6% maintained undetectable viral load for the preceding year. Conclusions Adolescents living with HIV reported very low rates of sustained ART adherence. Adherence reported at a single time may mask high rates of variability in adherence over time. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced and effective interventions to assist ALHIV with ART adherence through the challenging years of adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yulia Shenderovich
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Elona Toska
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Halyard AS, Doraivelu K, Camacho‐González AF, del Río C, Hussen SA. Examining healthcare transition experiences among youth living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia, USA: a longitudinal qualitative study. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25676. [PMID: 33619890 PMCID: PMC7900438 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Virtually all youth living with HIV in paediatric/adolescent care must eventually transition to adult-oriented HIV care settings. To date, there is limited evidence examining the perspectives of youth living with HIV longitudinally through the healthcare transition process. The objective of our study was to examine attitudes and experiences of youth living with HIV regarding healthcare transition, including potential change in attitudes and experiences over time. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal qualitative interview study within a large, comprehensive HIV care centre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA between August 2016 and October 2019.We interviewed 28 youth living with HIV as part of a longitudinal observational cohort study of youth undergoing healthcare transition. We conducted qualitative interviews both immediately prior to, and one year following the transition from paediatric to adult-oriented care. RESULTS Six distinct themes emerged from interviews conducted with youth living with HIV pre-transition: (1) reluctance to transition; (2) paediatric spaces as welcoming, and adult spaces as unwelcoming; (3) varying levels of preparation for transition; and (4) expectation of autonomy in the adult clinic. Analysis of post-transition interviews with the same youth demonstrated: (1) inconsistencies in the transition experience; (2) fear and anxiety about transition quelled by experience; (3) varying reactions to newfound autonomy and (4) communication as the most valuable facilitator of successful transition. CONCLUSIONS This study's longitudinal perspective on the healthcare transition experience yields insights that can be incorporated into programming targeting this critically important population. Although our study was conducted in a USA-based clinic with co-located paediatric and adult care services, many of our findings are likely to have relevance in other settings as well. Interventions aiming to improve HIV care engagement through transition should seek to enhance patient-provider communication in both paediatric and adult clinics, improve preparation of patients in paediatric clinics and ease patients gradually into autonomous disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamini Doraivelu
- Hubert Department of Global HealthEmory University Rollins School of Public HealthAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Andrés F Camacho‐González
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Carlos del Río
- Hubert Department of Global HealthEmory University Rollins School of Public HealthAtlantaGAUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global HealthEmory University Rollins School of Public HealthAtlantaGAUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
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12
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The Consequences of Delaying Telling Children with Perinatal HIV About Their Diagnosis as Perceived by Healthcare Workers in the Eastern Cape; A Qualitative Study. CHILDREN-BASEL 2020; 7:children7120289. [PMID: 33322497 PMCID: PMC7763355 DOI: 10.3390/children7120289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although the benefits of disclosure are considerable, informing children with perinatal HIV of their own HIV status is often delayed to late adolescence. This study examined the social and contextual challenges that influence delaying disclosure to children and assessed the outcomes of delayed disclosure on the psychosocial health of children as perceived by the healthcare workers (HCWs) providing care to these children. Data were collected from HCWs via focus group discussions. Nurses, lay counsellors, social workers, and dieticians were selected from facilities in a rural South African health district. Thematic analysis was performed. The caregivers’ social context was the main barrier against informing children timely about their HIV diagnosis. The extent of the internalised HIV stigma influenced the delay in disclosing to the children. Delaying disclosure contributes to children’s refusing to take their medication, leads to the accidental disclosure of HIV, give rise to anger and resentment towards the caregiver, increase the risk of secondary transmitting of HIV, and poor health outcomes. It is essential to train HCWs to support caregivers and children through the disclosure process to ensure that caregivers realise the benefits of disclosure. Strategies to encourage caregivers to disclose early should be sensitive to their concerns about the negative impacts of disclosure.
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Maseko Y, Madiba S. Pain, Anger, and the Fear of Being Discovered Persist Long after the Disclosure of HIV Serostatus among Adolescents with Perinatal HIV in Rural Communities in South Africa. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 7:E261. [PMID: 33260717 PMCID: PMC7761479 DOI: 10.3390/children7120261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Informing adolescents of their HIV serostatus forms part of their HIV care and is a critical step in the transition to adult clinical care services. This article describes the experiences of adolescents with perinatal HIV in regard to disclosure, and examines the impact disclosure has on their emotional health and behaviors. We used a qualitative design to conduct interviews with 21 adolescents aged 12-19 years recruited from a rural district in South Africa. NVivo 10 computer software was used for thematic analyses. All adolescents were aware of their HIV-serostatus. The findings show that delayed disclosure, was a one-time event, and was unplanned. Disclosure occurred at the clinic rather than the adolescent's home. For most adolescents, feelings of anger, pain, sadness, negative perceptions of self, internalized stigma, and denial persisted long after disclosure occurred. They lived in constant fear of having their serostatus being discovered, and they developed a sense of fear of self-disclosure. Their negative emotions undermined treatment adherence. In contrast, other adolescents that described disclosure as a positive event, had accepted their HIV status, and lived similar to other adolescents. The prolonged negative reactions underscore the importance of ongoing post-disclosure interventions for adolescents in rural settings where psychosocial support services are insufficient to address their emotional wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
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