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Puleh SS, Ikwara EA, Namutebi S, Nakero L, Mwesiga G, Isabirye R, Acen J, Anyolitho MK. Knowledge and perceptions of primary healthcare providers towards integration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services at departmental levels at selected health facilities Lira district, Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:394. [PMID: 37095491 PMCID: PMC10123554 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09388-6] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations conducted among healthcare providers to assess their knowledge and perceptions towards the integration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) related services in Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. This study explored the knowledge and perceptions of primary healthcare providers towards the integration of ART management services at departmental levels in health facilities in Lira district. METHODS We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey that employed qualitative methods of data collection in four selected health facilities in Lira district between January and February 2022. The study involved in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions. The study population consisted exclusively of primary healthcare providers; however, those who were not full-time employees of the participating health facilities were excluded. We used thematic content analysis. RESULTS A significant proportion of staff (especially those who are not directly involved in ART) still lack full knowledge of ART services integration. There was generally a positive perception, with some suggesting ART integration can minimize stigma and discrimination. The potential barriers to integration included limited knowledge and skills for providing comprehensive ART services, insufficient staffing and space, funding gaps, and inadequate drug supplies, coupled with increased workload due to enlarged clientele. CONCLUSION Whereas healthcare workers are generally knowledgeable about ART integration, but their knowledge was limited to partial integration. The participants had a basic understanding of ART services being provided by different health facilities. Furthermore, participants viewed integration as critical, but it should be implemented in conjunction with ART management training. Given that respondents reported a lack of infrastructure, increased workload, and understaffing, additional investments in staff recruitment, motivation through training and incentives, and other means are needed if ART integration is to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Steven Puleh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda.
| | - Emmanuel Asher Ikwara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Syliviah Namutebi
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Lakeri Nakero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Mwesiga
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Rogers Isabirye
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
| | - Joy Acen
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira University, Lira City, Uganda
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Bulstra CA, Hontelez JAC, Otto M, Stepanova A, Lamontagne E, Yakusik A, El-Sadr WM, Apollo T, Rabkin M, Atun R, Bärnighausen T. Integrating HIV services and other health services: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003836. [PMID: 34752477 PMCID: PMC8577772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integration of HIV services with other health services has been proposed as an important strategy to boost the sustainability of the global HIV response. We conducted a systematic and comprehensive synthesis of the existing scientific evidence on the impact of service integration on the HIV care cascade, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. METHODS AND FINDINGS We reviewed the global quantitative empirical evidence on integration published between 1 January 2010 and 10 September 2021. We included experimental and observational studies that featured both an integration intervention and a comparator in our review. Of the 7,118 unique peer-reviewed English-language studies that our search algorithm identified, 114 met all of our selection criteria for data extraction. Most of the studies (90) were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in East Africa (55) and Southern Africa (24). The most common forms of integration were (i) HIV testing and counselling added to non-HIV services and (ii) non-HIV services added to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The most commonly integrated non-HIV services were maternal and child healthcare, tuberculosis testing and treatment, primary healthcare, family planning, and sexual and reproductive health services. Values for HIV care cascade outcomes tended to be better in integrated services: uptake of HIV testing and counselling (pooled risk ratio [RR] across 37 studies: 1.67 [95% CI 1.41-1.99], p < 0.001), ART initiation coverage (pooled RR across 19 studies: 1.42 [95% CI 1.16-1.75], p = 0.002), time until ART initiation (pooled RR across 5 studies: 0.45 [95% CI 0.20-1.00], p = 0.050), retention in HIV care (pooled RR across 19 studies: 1.68 [95% CI 1.05-2.69], p = 0.031), and viral suppression (pooled RR across 9 studies: 1.19 [95% CI 1.03-1.37], p = 0.025). Also, treatment success for non-HIV-related diseases and conditions and the uptake of non-HIV services were commonly higher in integrated services. We did not find any significant differences for the following outcomes in our meta-analyses: HIV testing yield, ART adherence, HIV-free survival among infants, and HIV and non-HIV mortality. We could not conduct meta-analyses for several outcomes (HIV infections averted, costs, and cost-effectiveness), because our systematic review did not identify sufficient poolable studies. Study limitations included possible publication bias of studies with significant or favourable findings and comparatively weak evidence from some world regions and on integration of services for key populations in the HIV response. CONCLUSIONS Integration of HIV services and other health services tends to improve health and health systems outcomes. Despite some scientific limitations, the global evidence shows that service integration can be a valuable strategy to boost the sustainability of the HIV response and contribute to the goal of 'ending AIDS by 2030', while simultaneously supporting progress towards universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A. Bulstra
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Jan A. C. Hontelez
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Moritz Otto
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Stepanova
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik Lamontagne
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
- Aix-Marseille School of Economics, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, Les Milles, France
| | - Anna Yakusik
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Wafaa M. El-Sadr
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Miriam Rabkin
- ICAP, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Medical Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Mutabazi JC, Enok Bonong PR, Trottier H, Ware LJ, Norris SA, Murphy K, Levitt N, Zarowsky C. Integrating gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes care into primary health care: Lessons from prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in South Africa - A mixed methods study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245229. [PMID: 33481855 PMCID: PMC7822503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of the programmes for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) into antenatal care over the last three decades could inform implementation of interventions for other health challenges such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study assessed PMTCT outcomes, and how GDM screening, care, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prevention were integrated into PMTCT in Western Cape (WC), South Africa. METHODS A convergent mixed methods and triangulation design were used. Content and thematic analysis of PMTCT-related policy documents and of 30 semi-structured interviews with HIV/PMTCT experts, health care workers and women under PMTC diagnosed with GDM complement quantitative longitudinal analysis of PMTCT implementation indicators across the WC for 2012-2017. RESULTS Provincial PMTCT and Post Natal Care (PNC) documents emphasized the importance of PMTCT, but GDM screening and T2DM prevention were not covered. Data on women with both HIV and GDM were not available and GDM screening was not integrated into PMTCT. Women who attended HIV counselling and testing annually increased at 17.8% (95% CI: 12.9% - 22.0%), while women who delivered under PMTCT increased at 3.1% (95% CI: 0.6% - 5.9%) annually in the WC. All 30 respondents favour integrating GDM screening and T2DM prevention initiatives into PMTCT. CONCLUSION PMTCT programmes have not yet integrated GDM care. However, Western Cape PMTCT integration experience suggests that antenatal GDM screening and post-partum initiatives for preventing or delaying T2DM can be successfully integrated into PMTCT and primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Mutabazi
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Universitaire Sainte Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pascal Roland Enok Bonong
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Universitaire Sainte Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Helen Trottier
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Universitaire Sainte Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Jayne Ware
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shane A. Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katherine Murphy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town, Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Naomi Levitt
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town, Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Christina Zarowsky
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Chi BH, Mbori‐Ngacha D, Essajee S, Mofenson LM, Tsiouris F, Mahy M, Luo C. Accelerating progress towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: a narrative review. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25571. [PMID: 32820609 PMCID: PMC7440973 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Findings from biomedical, behavioural and implementation studies provide a rich foundation to guide programmatic efforts for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). METHODS We summarized the current evidence base to support policy makers, programme managers, funding agencies and other stakeholders in designing and optimizing PMTCT programmes. We searched the scientific literature for PMTCT interventions in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy for pregnant and breastfeeding women (i.e. 2013 onward). Where evidence was sparse, relevant studies from the general HIV treatment literature or from prior eras of PMTCT programme implementation were also considered. Studies were organized into six categories: HIV prevention services for women, timely access to HIV testing, timely access to ART, programme retention and adherence support, timely engagement in antenatal care and services for infants at highest risk of HIV acquisition. These were mapped to specific missed opportunities identified by the UNAIDS Spectrum model and embedded in UNICEF operational guidance to optimize PMTCT services. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION From May to November 2019, we identified numerous promising, evidence-based strategies that, properly tailored and adopted, could contribute to population reductions in vertical HIV transmission. These spanned the HIV and maternal and child health literature, emphasizing the importance of continued alignment and integration of services. We observed overlap between several intervention domains, suggesting potential for synergies and increased downstream impact. Common themes included integration of facility-based healthcare; decentralization of health services from facilities to communities; and engagement of partners, peers and lay workers for social support. Approaches to ensure early HIV diagnosis and treatment prior to pregnancy would strengthen care across the maternal lifespan and should be promoted in the context of PMTCT. CONCLUSIONS A wide range of effective strategies exist to improve PMTCT access, uptake and retention. Programmes should carefully consider, prioritize and plan those that are most appropriate for the local setting and best address existing gaps in PMTCT health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Chi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mary Mahy
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Chewe Luo
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)New YorkNYUSA
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Pollahan A, Thinkhamrop J, Kongwattanakul K, Chaiyarach S, Sutthasri N, Lao-Unka K. Rate of Couple HIV Testing in a Prenatal Care Clinic and Factors Associated with Refusal of Testing Among Male Partners. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2019; 11:369-375. [PMID: 32021479 PMCID: PMC6942528 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s232191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the rate of HIV testing in couples during pregnancy and the reasons and risk factors related to male partners refusing to be tested. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in pregnant women undergoing prenatal care after receiving information about HIV testing on their first visit. After 20 weeks of gestation, they were approached to participate in the study, which consisted of an interview and examination of their medical records. Data collection included the women’s socioeconomic status, obstetric condition and serological test results together with their partner information. If relevant, the partner’s reasons for refusing to undergo HIV testing. Results A total of 400 pregnant women were recruited between February and August 2018, 150 (37.5%) of whose male partners underwent HIV testing. There were five couples in which one or both members were found to be positive for HIV: 1 seroconcordant couple, 1 serodiscordant couple in which the pregnant woman was positive, and 3 serodiscordant couples in which the male partners were positive. The most common reason for male partners refusing to take the test was their already having been tested once before. The women having had other sexual partners prior to their current partners was a significant risk factor for the partners refusing to be tested. Conclusion There was a low rate of couple HIV testing and a substantial portion of discordant infection among positive couples. Routine couples counseling and testing should be encouraged to reduce the vertical transmission and the number of new cases of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achara Pollahan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Jadsada Thinkhamrop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Kiattisak Kongwattanakul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sukanya Chaiyarach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Nutwara Sutthasri
- Nursing Department, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Kesorn Lao-Unka
- Nursing Department, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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Ejeh EF, Undiandeye A, Akinseye VO, Okon KO, Kazeem HM, Kudi CA, Cadmus SIB. Diagnostic performance of GeneXpert and Ziehl-Neelson microscopy in the detection of tuberculosis in Benue State, Nigeria. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Enenche Francis Ejeh
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
- Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Unit, University of California, San Diego, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Victor O. Akinseye
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Augustine University Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Kenneth O. Okon
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Nigeria
| | - Haruna M. Kazeem
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Simeon Idowu B. Cadmus
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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