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Armstrong-Hough M, Gupta AJ, Ggita J, Nangendo J, Katamba A, Davis JL. Using group norms to promote acceptance of HIV testing during household tuberculosis contact investigation: A household-randomized trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.02.24306703. [PMID: 38746428 PMCID: PMC11092710 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.24306703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Background HIV status awareness and linkage to care are critical for ending the HIV epidemic and preventing tuberculosis (TB). Among household contacts of persons with TB, HIV greatly increases the risk of incident TB and death. However, almost half of household contacts in routine settings decline HIV test offers during routine contact investigation. We evaluated a brief social-behavioral norming intervention to increase acceptance of HIV testing during household TB contact investigation. Methods We carried out a household-randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effect of the norming strategy among household contacts of persons with pulmonary TB in Kampala, Uganda ( ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT05124665 ). Community health workers (CHW) visited homes of persons with TB to screen contacts for TB symptoms and offer free, optional, oral HIV testing. Households were randomized (1:1) to usual care or the norming strategy. Contacts were eligible if they were ≥ 15 years old, self-reported to be HIV-negative, and living in a multi-contact household. The primary outcome, the proportion of contacts accepting HIV testing, was analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach, using a mixed-effects model to account for clustering by household. We assessed HIV testing yield as a proportion of all contacts tested. Results We randomized 328 contacts in 99 index households to the norming strategy, of whom 285 (87%) contacts were eligible. We randomized 224 contacts in 86 index households to the usual strategy, of whom 187 (84%) contacts were eligible. Acceptance of HIV testing was higher in the intervention arm (98% versus 92%, difference +6%, 95%CI +2% to +10%, p=0.004). Yield of HIV testing was 2.1% in the intervention arm and 0.6% in the control arm (p=0.22). Conclusion A norming intervention significantly improved uptake of HIV testing among household contacts of persons with TB. Funding/Support This work was supported by the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (P30MH062294) and the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (R21TW011270). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or other sponsors.
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Zhang M, Tseng AS, Anguzu G, Barnabas RV, Davis JL, Mujugira A, Flaxman AD, Ross JM. Modeled estimates of HIV-serodifferent couples in tuberculosis-affected households in four sub-Saharan African countries. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002609. [PMID: 38696500 PMCID: PMC11065259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Household-based tuberculosis (TB) contact evaluation may be an efficient strategy to reach people who could benefit from oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) because of the epidemiological links between HIV and TB. This study estimated the number of HIV serodifferent couples in TB-affected households and potential HIV acquisitions averted through their PrEP use in 4 TB-HIV high-burden countries. We conducted a model-based analysis set in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda using parameters from population-based household surveys, systematic literature review and meta-analyses, and estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. We parameterized the nonlinear relationship between the proportion of serodifferent couples among people living with HIV and population-level HIV prevalence using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We integrated all parameters in a mathematical model and propagated uncertainty using a Monte Carlo approach. We estimated the HIV prevalence among adults aged 15-49 living in TB-affected households to be higher than in the general population in all 4 countries. The proportion of serodifferent couples among all couples in TB-affected households was also higher than in the general population (South Africa: 20.7% vs. 15.7%, Kenya: 15.7% vs. 5.7%, Uganda: 14.5% vs. 6.0%, Ethiopia: 4.1% vs. 0.8%). We estimated that up to 1,799 (95% UI: 1,256-2,341) HIV acquisitions in South Africa could be prevented annually by PrEP use in serodifferent couples in TB-affected households, 918 (95% UI: 409-1,450) in Kenya, 686 (95% UI: 505-871) in Uganda, and 408 (95% UI: 298-522) in Ethiopia. As couples in TB-affected households are more likely to be serodifferent than couples in the general population, offering PrEP during household TB contact evaluation may prevent a substantial number of HIV acquisitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixin Zhang
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ashley S. Tseng
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Godwin Anguzu
- PART Fellowship, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Social Science Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - J. Lucian Davis
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abraham D. Flaxman
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M. Ross
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Ebbs D, Taricia M, Funaro MC, O’Daniel M, Cappello M. Prehospital use of point-of-care tests by community health workers: a scoping review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1360322. [PMID: 38721545 PMCID: PMC11076783 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1360322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Point-of-Care Tests (POCTs) are utilized daily in resource abundant regions, however, are limited in the global south, particularly in the prehospital setting. Few studies exist on the use of non-malarial POCTs by Community Health Workers (CHWs). The purpose of this scoping review is to delineate the current diversity in and breadth of POCTs evaluated in the prehospital setting. Methods A medical subject heading (MeSH) analysis of known key articles was done by an experienced medical librarian and scoping searches were performed in each database to capture "point of care testing" and "community health workers." This review was guided by the PRISMA Extension for scoping reviews. Results 2735 publications were returned, 185 were nominated for full-text review, and 110 studies were confirmed to meet study criteria. Majority focused on malaria (74/110; 67%) or HIV (25/110; 23%); 9/110 (8%) described other tests administered. Results from this review demonstrate a broad geographic range with significant heterogeneity in terminology for local CHWs. Conclusion The use of new POCTs is on the rise and may improve early risk stratification in limited resource settings. Current evidence from decades of malaria POCTs can guide future implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ebbs
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Max Taricia
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Melissa C. Funaro
- Department of Medicine, Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Maggie O’Daniel
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Michael Cappello
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
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Youngui BT, Atwine D, Otai D, Vasiliu A, Ssekyanzi B, Sih C, Kana R, Arinaitwe R, Cuer B, Simo L, Okello R, Tchendjou P, Casenghi M, Kuate AK, Turyahabwe S, Cohn J, Bonnet M, Tchounga BK. Integration of HIV Testing in a Community Intervention for Tuberculosis Screening Among Household Contacts of Patients with Tuberculosis in Cameroon and Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:431-438. [PMID: 38489492 PMCID: PMC10927301 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003379] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living with HIV are considered at higher risk of developing severe forms of tuberculosis (TB) disease. Providing HIV testing to TB-exposed people is therefore critical. We present the results of integrating HIV testing into a community-based intervention for household TB contact management in Cameroon and Uganda. METHODS Trained community health workers visited the households of index patients with TB identified in 3 urban/semiurban and 6 rural districts or subdistricts as part of a cluster-randomized trial and provided TB screening to all household contacts. Voluntary HIV counseling and testing were offered to contacts aged 5 years or older with unknown HIV status. We describe the cascade of care for HIV testing and the factors associated with the acceptance of HIV testing. RESULTS Overall, 1983 household contacts aged 5 years or older were screened for TB. Of these contacts, 1652 (83.3%) did not know their HIV status, 1457 (88.2%) accepted HIV testing, and 1439 (98.8%) received testing. HIV testing acceptance was lower among adults than children [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22 to 0.55], those living in household of an HIV-positive vs HIV-negative index case (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.83), and contacts requiring a reassessment visit after the initial TB screening visit vs asymptomatic contacts (aOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.67) and was higher if living in Uganda vs Cameroon (aOR = 4.54, 95% CI: 1.17 to 17.62) or if another contact of the same index case was tested for HIV (aOR = 9.22, 95% CI: 5.25 to 16.18). CONCLUSION HIV testing can be integrated into community-based household TB contact screening and is well-accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Tchakounte Youngui
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Daniel Atwine
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - David Otai
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Anca Vasiliu
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Bob Ssekyanzi
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Colette Sih
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Rogacien Kana
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Rinah Arinaitwe
- Department of Clinical Research, Epicentre Research Center, Mbarara, Uganda;
| | - Benjamin Cuer
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Leonie Simo
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroun
| | - Richard Okello
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Kampala, Uganda;
| | | | - Martina Casenghi
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland;
| | | | - Stavia Turyahabwe
- Tuberculosis Leprosy Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; and
| | - Jennifer Cohn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Maryline Bonnet
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
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Taylor M, Medley N, van Wyk SS, Oliver S. Community views on active case finding for tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 3:CD014756. [PMID: 38511668 PMCID: PMC10955804 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014756.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active case finding (ACF) refers to the systematic identification of people with tuberculosis in communities and amongst populations who do not present to health facilities, through approaches such as door-to-door screening or contact tracing. ACF may improve access to tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for the poor and for people remote from diagnostic and treatment facilities. As a result, ACF may also reduce onward transmission. However, there is a need to understand how these programmes are experienced by communities in order to design appropriate services. OBJECTIVES To synthesize community views on tuberculosis active case finding (ACF) programmes in low- and middle-income countries. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and eight other databases up to 22 June 2023, together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. We did not include grey literature. SELECTION CRITERIA This review synthesized qualitative research and mixed-methods studies with separate qualitative data. Eligible studies explored community experiences, perceptions, or attitudes towards ACF programmes for tuberculosis in any endemic low- or middle-income country, with no time restrictions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Due to the large volume of studies identified, we chose to sample studies that had 'thick' description and that investigated key subgroups of children and refugees. We followed standard Cochrane methods for study description and appraisal of methodological limitations. We conducted thematic synthesis and developed codes inductively using ATLAS.ti software. We examined codes for underlying ideas, connections, and interpretations and, from this, generated analytical themes. We assessed the confidence in the findings using the GRADE-CERQual approach, and produced a conceptual model to display how the different findings interact. MAIN RESULTS We included 45 studies in this synthesis, and sampled 20. The studies covered a broad range of World Health Organization (WHO) regions (Africa, South-East Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Americas) and explored the views and experiences of community members, community health workers, and clinical staff in low- and middle-income countries endemic for tuberculosis. The following five themes emerged. • ACF improves access to diagnosis for many, but does little to help communities on the edge. Tuberculosis ACF and contact tracing improve access to health services for people with worse health and fewer resources (High confidence). ACF helps to find this population, exposed to deprived living conditions, but is not sensitive to additional dimensions of their plight (High confidence) and out-of-pocket costs necessary to continue care (High confidence). Finally, migration and difficult geography further reduce communities' access to ACF (High confidence). • People are afraid of diagnosis and its impact. Some community members find screening frightening. It exposes them to discrimination along distinct pathways (isolation from their families and wider community, lost employment and housing). HIV stigma compounds tuberculosis stigma and heightens vulnerability to discrimination along these same pathways (High confidence). Consequently, community members may refuse to participate in screening, contact tracing, and treatment (High confidence). In addition, people with tuberculosis reported their emotional turmoil upon diagnosis, as they anticipated intense treatment regimens and the prospect of living with a serious illness (High confidence). • Screening is undermined by weak health infrastructure. In many settings, a lack of resources results in weak services in competition with other disease control programmes (Moderate confidence). In this context of low investment, people face repeated tests and clinic visits, wasted time, and fraught social interaction with health providers (Moderate confidence). ACF can create expectations for follow-up health care that it cannot deliver (High confidence). Finally, community education improves awareness of tuberculosis in some settings, but lack of full information impacts community members, parents, and health workers, and sometimes leads to harm for children (High confidence). • Health workers are an undervalued but important part of ACF. ACF can feel difficult for health workers in the context of a poorly resourced health system and with people who may not wish to be identified. In addition, the evidence suggests health workers are poorly protected against tuberculosis and fear they or their families might become infected (Moderate confidence). However, they appear to be central to programme success, as the humanity they offer often acts as a driving force for retaining people with tuberculosis in care (Moderate confidence). • Local leadership is necessary but not sufficient for ensuring appropriate programmes. Local leadership creates an intrinsic motivation for communities to value health services (High confidence). However, local leadership cannot guarantee the success of ACF and contact tracing programmes. It is important to balance professional authority with local knowledge and rapport (High confidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Tuberculosis active case finding (ACF) and contact tracing bring a diagnostic service to people who may otherwise not receive it, such as those who are well or without symptoms and those who are sick but who have fewer resources and live further from health facilities. However, capturing these 'missing cases' may in itself be insufficient without appropriate health system strengthening to retain people in care. People who receive a tuberculosis diagnosis must contend with a complex and unsustainable cascade of care, and this affects their perception of ACF and their decision to engage with it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Taylor
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nancy Medley
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susanna S van Wyk
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandy Oliver
- EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
- Faculty of the Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Gupta AJ, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Ggita JM, Babirye D, Ayakaka I, Mark D, Okello DA, Cattamanchi A, Dowdy DW, Haberer JE, Armstrong-Hough M, Katamba A, Davis JL. mHealth to improve implementation of TB contact investigation: a case study from Uganda. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:71. [PMID: 37340456 PMCID: PMC10280918 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00448-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation science offers a systematic approach to adapting innovations and delivery strategies to new contexts but has yet to be widely applied in low- and middle-income countries. The Fogarty Center for Global Health Studies is sponsoring a special series, "Global Implementation Science Case Studies," to address this gap. METHODS We developed a case study for this series describing our approach and lessons learned while conducting a prospective, multi-modal study to design, implement, and evaluate an implementation strategy for TB contact investigation in Kampala, Uganda. The study included formative, evaluative, and summative phases that allowed us to develop and test an adapted contact investigation intervention involving home-based sample collection for TB and HIV testing. We concurrently developed a multi-component mHealth implementation strategy involving fingerprint scanning, electronic decision support, and automated reporting of test results via text message. We then conducted a household-randomized, hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial comparing the adapted intervention and implementation strategy to usual care. Our assessment included nested quantitative and qualitative studies to understand the strategy's acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and costs. Reflecting on this process with a multi-disciplinary team of implementing researchers and local public health partners, we provide commentary on the previously published studies and how the results influenced the adaptation of international TB contact investigation guidelines to fit the local context. RESULTS While the trial did not show improvements in contact investigation delivery or public health outcomes, our multi-modal evaluation strategy helped us identify which elements of home-based, mHealth-facilitated contact investigation were feasible, acceptable, and appropriate and which elements reduced its fidelity and sustainability, including high costs. We identified a need for better tools for measuring implementation that are simple, quantitative, and repeatable and for greater attention to ethical issues in implementation science. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a theory-informed, community-engaged approach to implementation offered many learnings and actionable insights for delivering TB contact investigation and using implementation science in low-income countries. Future implementation trials, especially those incorporating mHealth strategies, should apply the learnings from this case study to enhance the rigor, equity, and impact of implementation research in global health settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Gupta
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patricia Turimumahoro
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ochom
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph M Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diana Babirye
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Ayakaka
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Mark
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Adithya Cattamanchi
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - David W Dowdy
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - J Lucian Davis
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Anguzu G, Gupta AJ, Ochom E, Tseng AS, Zhang M, Barnabas RV, Flaxman AD, Katamba A, Davis JL, Ross JM. Frequency of HIV serodifferent couples within TB-affected households in a setting with a high burden of HIV-associated TB. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:388. [PMID: 37296396 PMCID: PMC10251627 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08365-y] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Strong epidemiological links between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) may make household TB contact investigation an efficient strategy for HIV screening and finding individuals in serodifferent partnerships at risk of HIV and linking them to HIV prevention services. We aimed to compare the proportions of HIV serodifferent couples in TB-affected households and in the general population of Kampala, Uganda. METHODS We included data from a cross-sectional trial of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) in the context of home-based TB evaluation in Kampala, Uganda in 2016-2017. After obtaining consent, community health workers visited the homes of participants with TB to screen contacts for TB and offer HCT to household members ≥ 15 years. We defined index participants and their spouses or parents as couples. Couples were classified as serodifferent if confirmed by self-reported HIV status or by HIV testing results. We used a two-sample test of proportions to compare the frequency of HIV serodifference among couples in the study to its prevalence among couples in Kampala in the 2011 Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey (UAIS). RESULTS We included 323 index TB participants and 507 household contacts aged ≥ 18 years. Most index participants (55%) were male, while most (68%) adult contacts were female. There was ≥ 1 couple in 115/323 (35.6%) households, with most couples (98/115, 85.2%) including the index participant and spouse. The proportion of households with HIV-serodifferent couples was 18/323 (5.6%), giving a number-needed-to-screen of 18 households. The proportion of HIV serodifference among couples identified in the trial was significantly higher than among couples in the UAIS (15.7% vs. 8%, p = 0.039). The 18 serodifferent couples included 14 (77.8%) where the index participant was living with HIV and the spouse was HIV-negative, and 4 (22.2%) where the index partner was HIV-negative, while the spouse was living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of HIV serodifference among couples identified in TB-affected households was higher than in the general population. TB household contact investigation may be an efficient strategy for identifying people with substantial exposure to HIV and linking them to HIV prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Anguzu
- PART Fellowship, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Social Science Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Amanda J Gupta
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Emmanuel Ochom
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ashley S. Tseng
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Meixin Zhang
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Abraham D. Flaxman
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - J. Lucian Davis
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Ross
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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Paudel K, Nalutaaya A, Robsky KO, Kitonsa PJ, Nakasolya O, Mukiibi J, Isooba D, Kendall EA, Katamba A, Dowdy D. The impact of time at home on potential yield of home-based TB contact investigation. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:121-127. [PMID: 36853106 PMCID: PMC9989504 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The yield of TB contact tracing is often limited by challenges in reaching individuals during the screening process. We investigated the times at which index patients and household contacts were typically at home and the potential effects of expanding the timing of home-based contact investigation.METHODS: Index patients and household contacts in Kampala, Uganda, were asked about their likely availability at different day/time combinations. We calculated the "participant identification gap" (defined as the proportion of participants who reported being home <50% of the time) during business hours only. We then estimated the incremental reduction in the participant identification gap if hours were expanded to include weekday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. Statistical significance was assessed using McNemar´s tests.RESULTS: Nearly half of eligible individuals (42% of index patients and 52% of contacts) were not likely to be home during contact investigation conducted only during business hours. Expanding to weekday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays would reduce this participant identification gap to 15% among index patients and 18% among contacts - while also reducing differences by sex and employment.CONCLUSIONS: Expanding hours for conducting contact investigation or other home-based health interventions could substantially reduce the number of individuals missed and address disparities in access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Paudel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Nalutaaya
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - K O Robsky
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - P J Kitonsa
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - O Nakasolya
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - J Mukiibi
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - D Isooba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - E A Kendall
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Division of Infectious Diseases Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - D Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA, Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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9
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Hennein R, Nanziri LM, Musinguzi J, Ggita JM, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Gupta AJ, Halder A, Katamba A, White MA, Pietrzak RH, Armstrong-Hough M, Davis JL. Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the General Self-Efficacy Scale in Ugandan Community Health Workers. GLOBAL IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS 2022; 2:371-383. [PMID: 37736283 PMCID: PMC10512428 DOI: 10.1007/s43477-022-00064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Self-efficacy is central to community health workers' capacity and motivation to deliver evidence-based care; thus, validated measures of self-efficacy are needed to assess the effectiveness of community health worker programs. In this study, we culturally adapted and evaluated the General Self-Efficacy Scale among community health workers in Uganda using multiple methods. We adapted the ten-item General Self-Efficacy Scale through cross-cultural discussions within our multidisciplinary research team, translation from English into Luganda and back-translation into English, and six cognitive interviews with community health workers. We administered the adapted scale in a staged, two-part cross-sectional study, including a total of 147 community health workers. Exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors, which we labeled problem-solving, persistence, and resourcefulness. This three-factor solution had good model fit (standardized root mean square residual = 0.07) and explained 53.4% of the variance. We found evidence of convergent validity, as scores for the total scale were positively correlated with years of experience (r = 0.48; p < .001) and perceived social support (r = 0.39, p < .001). Scores were also higher among those with higher educational attainment in one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni-corrected post hoc tests [F (2,72) = 9.16, p < .001]. We also found evidence of discriminant validity, as scores for the total scale were not correlated with age (r = - 0.07, p = .55), in agreement with literature showing that general self-efficacy is an age-independent construct. The internal consistency of the adapted scale was within the acceptable range for a pilot study (Cronbach's α = 0.61). This evaluation of a Uganda-adapted General Self-Efficacy Scale demonstrated promising psychometric properties; however, larger studies with repeated measures are warranted to further assess the adapted scale's factor structure, validity, reliability, and stability over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hennein
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Leah M. Nanziri
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Johnson Musinguzi
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph M. Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Emmanuel Ochom
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda J. Gupta
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anushka Halder
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Marney A. White
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J. Lucian Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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10
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Armstrong-Hough M, Ggita J, Gupta AJ, Shelby T, Nangendo J, Ayen DO, Davis JL, Katamba A. Assessing a norming intervention to promote acceptance of HIV testing and reduce stigma during household tuberculosis contact investigation: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061508. [PMID: 35613785 PMCID: PMC9134160 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV status awareness is important for household contacts of patients with tuberculosis (TB). Home HIV testing during TB contact investigation increases HIV status awareness. Social interactions during home visits may influence perceived stigma and uptake of HIV testing. We designed an intervention to normalise and facilitate uptake of home HIV testing with five components: guided selection of first tester; prosocial invitation scripts; opt-out framing; optional sharing of decisions to test; and masking of decisions not to test. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will evaluate the intervention effect in a household-randomised controlled trial. The primary aim is to assess whether contacts offered HIV testing using the norming strategy will accept HIV testing more often than those offered testing using standard strategies. Approximately 198 households will be enrolled through three public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda. Households will be randomised to receive the norming or standard strategy and visited by a community health worker (CHW) assigned to that strategy. Eligible contacts ≥15 years will be offered optional, free, home HIV testing. The primary outcome, proportion of contacts accepting HIV testing, will be assessed by CHWs and analysed using an intention-to-treat approach. Secondary outcomes will be changes in perceived HIV stigma, changes in perceived TB stigma, effects of perceived HIV stigma on HIV test uptake, effects of perceived TB stigma on HIV test uptake and proportions of first-invited contacts who accept HIV testing. Results will inform new, scalable strategies for delivering HIV testing. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Yale Human Investigation Committee (2000024852), Makerere University School of Public Health Institutional Review Board (661) and Uganda National Council on Science and Technology (HS2567). All participants, including patients and their household contacts, will provide verbal informed consent. Results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated to national stakeholders, including policy-makers and representatives of affected communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05124665.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Departments of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Epidemiology, New York University, New YorkUSA
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda J Gupta
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Epideimology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tyler Shelby
- Epideimology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joanita Nangendo
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - J L Davis
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Epideimology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevetion Science, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
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11
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Sinha P, Shenoi SV, Friedland GH. Opportunities for community health workers to contribute to global efforts to end tuberculosis. Glob Public Health 2019; 15:474-484. [PMID: 31516079 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1663361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) has emerged as the leading infectious cause of death globally. New paradigms are needed to reduce TB rates and mortality. Programs harnessing the potential of community health workers (CHWs) to enhance TB prevention and care have shown great promise. In this perspective article, we review the history of CHW-based efforts to prevent and treat TB, present evidence illustrating the effectiveness of CHWs across the entire cascade of TB care, and outline additional opportunities for CHWs to address challenges particular to the TB pandemic. Despite many promising studies, knowledge gaps persist and we suggest an agenda for future research on the role of CHWs in TB prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranay Sinha
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sheela V Shenoi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gerald H Friedland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
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12
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Davis JL, Turimumahoro P, Meyer AJ, Ayakaka I, Ochom E, Ggita J, Mark D, Babirye D, Okello DA, Mugabe F, Fair E, Vittinghoff E, Armstrong-Hough M, Dowdy D, Cattamanchi A, Haberer JE, Katamba A. Home-based tuberculosis contact investigation in Uganda: a household randomised trial. ERJ Open Res 2019; 5:00112-2019. [PMID: 31367636 PMCID: PMC6661318 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00112-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends household tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation in low-income countries, but most contacts do not complete a full clinical and laboratory evaluation. Methods We performed a randomised trial of home-based, SMS-facilitated, household TB contact investigation in Kampala, Uganda. Community health workers (CHWs) visited homes of index patients with pulmonary TB to screen household contacts for TB. Entire households were randomly allocated to clinic (standard-of-care) or home (intervention) evaluation. In the intervention arm, CHWs offered HIV testing to adults; collected sputum from symptomatic contacts and persons living with HIV (PLWHs) if ≥5 years; and transported sputum for microbiologic testing. CHWs referred PLWHs, children <5 years, and anyone unable to complete sputum testing to clinic. Sputum testing results and/or follow-up instructions were returned by automated SMS texts. The primary outcome was completion of a full TB evaluation within 14 days; secondary outcomes were TB and HIV diagnoses and treatments among screened contacts. Results There were 471 contacts of 190 index patients allocated to the intervention and 448 contacts of 182 index patients allocated to the standard-of-care. CHWs identified 190/471 (40%) intervention and 213/448 (48%) standard-of-care contacts requiring TB evaluation. In the intervention arm, CHWs obtained sputum from 35/91 (39%) of sputum-eligible contacts and SMSs were sent to 95/190 (50%). Completion of TB evaluation in the intervention and standard-of-care arms at 14 days (14% versus 15%; difference −1%, 95% CI −9% to 7%, p=0.81) and yields of confirmed TB (1.5% versus 1.1%, p=0.62) and new HIV (2.0% versus 1.8%, p=0.90) diagnoses were similar. Conclusions Home-based, SMS-facilitated evaluation did not improve completion or yield of household TB contact investigation, likely due to challenges delivering the intervention components. In a household randomised trial in Kampala, Uganda, home-based, SMS-facilitated evaluation did not improve completion or yield of household TB contact investigation. Future studies will evaluate user-centred design to improve intervention delivery.http://bit.ly/2xwLpDu
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lucian Davis
- Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven CT, USA.,Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patricia Turimumahoro
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda J Meyer
- Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Ayakaka
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emma Ochom
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ggita
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Mark
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diana Babirye
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Frank Mugabe
- Uganda National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, Uganda Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Fair
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Curry International Tuberculosis Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- Dept of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Dowdy
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Dept of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adithya Cattamanchi
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Curry International Tuberculosis Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Dept of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Det of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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13
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Meyer AJ, Babirye D, Armstrong-Hough M, Mark D, Ayakaka I, Katamba A, Haberer JE, Davis JL. Text Messages Sent to Household Tuberculosis Contacts in Kampala, Uganda: Process Evaluation. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2018; 6:e10239. [PMID: 30459147 PMCID: PMC6280036 DOI: 10.2196/10239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have reported the inconsistent effectiveness of text messaging (short message service, SMS) for improving health outcomes, but few have examined to what degree the quality, or “fidelity,” of implementation may explain study results. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the fidelity of a one-time text messaging (SMS) intervention to promote the uptake of tuberculosis evaluation services among household contacts of index patients with tuberculosis. Methods From February to June 2017, we nested a process evaluation of text message (SMS) delivery within the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial of tuberculosis contact investigation in Kampala, Uganda. Because mobile service providers in Uganda do not provide delivery confirmations, we asked household tuberculosis contacts to confirm the receipt of a one-time tuberculosis-related text message (SMS) by sending a text message (SMS) reply through a toll-free “short code.” Two weeks later, a research officer followed up by telephone to confirm the receipt of the one-time text message (SMS) and administer a survey. We considered participants lost to follow-up after 3 unsuccessful call attempts on 3 separate days over a 1-week period. Results Of 206 consecutive household contacts, 119 had a text message (SMS) initiated from the server. While 33% (39/119) were children aged 5-14 years, including 20% (24/119) girls and 13% (15/119) boys, 18 % (21/119) were adolescents or young adults, including 12% (14/119) young women and 6% (7/119) young men. 50% (59/119) were adults, including 26% (31/119) women and 24% (28/119) men. Of 107 (90%) participants for whom we could ascertain text message (SMS) receipt status, 67% (72/107) confirmed text message (SMS) receipt, including 22% (24/107) by reply text message (SMS) and 45% (48/107) during the follow-up telephone survey. No significant clinical or demographic differences were observed between those who did and did not report receiving the text message (SMS). Furthermore, 52% (56/107) reported ever reading the SMS. The cumulative likelihood of a text message (SMS) reaching its target and being read and retained by a participant was 19%. Conclusions The fidelity of a one-time text message (SMS) intervention to increase the uptake of household tuberculosis contact investigation and linkage to care was extremely low, a fact only discoverable through detailed process evaluation. This study suggests the need for systematic process monitoring and reporting of implementation fidelity in both research studies and programmatic interventions using mobile communications to improve health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Meyer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diana Babirye
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mari Armstrong-Hough
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Mark
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Ayakaka
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Achilles Katamba
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - J Lucian Davis
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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14
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Shapiro AE. Extending the reach of integrated TB-HIV services with community health workers. Public Health Action 2018; 8:32-33. [PMID: 29946517 PMCID: PMC6012963 DOI: 10.5588/pha.18.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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