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Adan MA, Psaros C, Chamberlin G, Zionts D, Iyer S, Platt L, Lopes MD, Medeiros S, O'Connor C, Bassett IV, Ard KL. Swiping right on PrEP: a qualitative study of MSM preferences for PrEP public health messaging on dating apps. AIDS Care 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38648528 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2343761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Given that over 70% of MSM meet sexual partners via dating apps, such apps may be an effective platform for promoting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. We aimed to describe preferences among MSM for PrEP advertisements displayed on dating apps. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 16 MSM recruited from a mobile sexual health unit in Boston, Massachusetts. Two focus groups were also held: one with mobile unit staff (N = 3) and one with mobile unit users (N = 3). Content analysis was used to identify themes related to advertisement content and integration with app use. Mean participant age was 28 (SD 6.8); 37% identified as White and 63% as Latinx. 21% of interviews were conducted in Spanish. Preferences were organized around four themes: (1) relevant and relatable advertisements, (2) expansion of target audiences to promote access, (3) concise and captivating advertisements, and (4) PrEP advertisements and services as options, not obligations. MSM are supportive of receiving information about PrEP on dating apps, but feel that existing advertisements require modification to better engage viewers. Dating apps may be an underutilized tool for increasing PrEP awareness and knowledge among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Adan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Chamberlin
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dani Zionts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Surabhi Iyer
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Platt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin L Ard
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Azhir A, Hügel J, Tian J, Cheng J, Bassett IV, Bell DS, Bernstam EV, Farhat MR, Henderson DW, Lau ES, Morris M, Semenov YR, Triant VA, Visweswaran S, Strasser ZH, Klann JG, Murphy SN, Estiri H. Precision Phenotyping for Curating Research Cohorts of Patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) as a Diagnosis of Exclusion. medRxiv 2024:2024.04.13.24305771. [PMID: 38699316 PMCID: PMC11065031 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.13.24305771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Scalable identification of patients with the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is challenging due to a lack of reproducible precision phenotyping algorithms and the suboptimal accuracy, demographic biases, and underestimation of the PASC diagnosis code (ICD-10 U09.9). In a retrospective case-control study, we developed a precision phenotyping algorithm for identifying research cohorts of PASC patients, defined as a diagnosis of exclusion. We used longitudinal electronic health records (EHR) data from over 295 thousand patients from 14 hospitals and 20 community health centers in Massachusetts. The algorithm employs an attention mechanism to exclude sequelae that prior conditions can explain. We performed independent chart reviews to tune and validate our precision phenotyping algorithm. Our PASC phenotyping algorithm improves precision and prevalence estimation and reduces bias in identifying Long COVID patients compared to the U09.9 diagnosis code. Our algorithm identified a PASC research cohort of over 24 thousand patients (compared to about 6 thousand when using the U09.9 diagnosis code), with a 79.9 percent precision (compared to 77.8 percent from the U09.9 diagnosis code). Our estimated prevalence of PASC was 22.8 percent, which is close to the national estimates for the region. We also provide an in-depth analysis outlining the clinical attributes, encompassing identified lingering effects by organ, comorbidity profiles, and temporal differences in the risk of PASC. The PASC phenotyping method presented in this study boasts superior precision, accurately gauges the prevalence of PASC without underestimating it, and exhibits less bias in pinpointing Long COVID patients. The PASC cohort derived from our algorithm will serve as a springboard for delving into Long COVID's genetic, metabolomic, and clinical intricacies, surmounting the constraints of recent PASC cohort studies, which were hampered by their limited size and available outcome data.
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Mussa A, Jarolimova J, Ryan R, Wynn A, Ashour D, Bassett IV, Philpotts LL, Freyne B, Morroni C, Dugdale CM. Syphilis Prevalence Among People Living With and Without HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:e1-e7. [PMID: 38180840 PMCID: PMC10922304 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted infection that, untreated, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In people living with HIV (PLWH), syphilis carries greater risks of disease progression. We estimated syphilis prevalence among PLWH in the general population in sub-Saharan Africa and compared the prevalence among PLWH and without HIV. METHODS We searched for studies published January 1, 2011, to March 28, 2022, reporting syphilis prevalence among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa (PROSPERO No. CRD42020167328). We excluded studies in high-risk subpopulations. We estimated pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH using random-effects modeling and compared the prevalence with people without HIV when included in the same study. We examined influences of region, study setting, and test type in subgroup analyses. RESULTS We identified 926 studies; 53 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3%-8.5%). Prevalence differed by region: 3.1% (95% CI, 2.2%-4.0%) in Southern, 5.5% (95% CI, 2.3%-9.3%) in West/Central, and 10.5% (95% CI, 8.0%-13.1%) in Eastern Africa. Prevalence also differed by study setting: 13.8% (95% CI, 5.7%-23.0%) in sexual and reproductive health/sexually transmitted infection care, 8.7% (95% CI, 5.0%-12.8%) in HIV care, 7.1% (95% CI, 5.8%-8.5%) in antenatal care, and 3.8% (95% CI, 2.0%-5.8%) in household/community-based settings. Syphilis prevalence was higher among PLWH than without HIV (relative risk, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.8-4.5). CONCLUSIONS Syphilis is highly prevalent among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa and is more common among PLWH than without HIV. Integration of syphilis screening and management into HIV care may reduce complications of HIV-syphilis coinfection among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamirah Mussa
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jana Jarolimova
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Ryan
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Adrianne Wynn
- University of California, San Diego; Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health; La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dina Ashour
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa L Philpotts
- Treadwell Library, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bridget Freyne
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Caitlin M Dugdale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Adong J, Musinguzi N, Ngonzi J, Haberer JE, Bassett IV, Siedner MJ, Roberts DJ, Hahn JA, Bebell LM. Effects of Maternal HIV Infection and Alcohol Use in Pregnancy on Birth Outcomes in Uganda. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:805-810. [PMID: 37843685 PMCID: PMC10922316 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use and HIV infection are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), and both are associated with low birth weight. Yet, few studies have evaluated the combined effects of maternal HIV infection and alcohol use on birth outcomes. We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of HIV-related placental changes in Ugandan women. We defined alcohol use as self-reported alcohol use within the last year, using the AUDIT questionnaire and used linear and logistic regression to measure associations between maternal alcohol use, HIV serostatus, and birth weight. In a subsample, we measured alcohol exposure using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in neonatal heelstick dried blood spots to confirm maternal alcohol use. Of 352 participants, 176 (50%) were women with HIV (WHIV). Three of 176 (2%) HIVuninfected women and 17/176 (10%) of WHIV self-reported alcohol use (P = 0.002). Maternal HIV infection was associated with lower birth weight (β = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.20, -0.02], P = 0.02), but self-reported alcohol use was not (β = 0.06, 95% CI [-0.15, 0.26], P = 0.54), and the interaction between HIV serostatus and alcohol use was not significant (P = 0.13). Among the PEth subsample, neither HIV status nor PEthconfirmed alcohol use were associated with low birth weight. Maternal HIV infection was associated with lower birth weight, but alcohol use was not, and there was no significant interaction between maternal HIV infection and alcohol use. Alcohol use was more prevalent in WHIV and under-reporting was common. A larger study of the effects of laboratory-confirmed alcohol and HIV exposure on birth outcomes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Adong
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O.Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | | | - Lisa M Bebell
- Department of Medicine, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
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Iyer S, Zionts DL, Psaros C, Tyagi A, Jarolimova J, Platt L, Kalweit AH, Ard KL, Bassett IV. Electronic Partner Notification for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Qualitative Assessment of Patient, Clinical Staff, and State Field Epidemiologist Perspectives. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2024; 38:82-92. [PMID: 38381947 PMCID: PMC10890957 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In Massachusetts (MA), partner notification is routinely offered for new HIV and infectious syphilis cases, but there are no formal partner notification services for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Electronic partner notification (ePN), which allows patients to anonymously notify their partners of sexually transmitted infection exposure, could fill this gap. We evaluated the acceptability of and ideal characteristics for a statewide ePN service in MA. We performed semistructured interviews with patients at a Boston area sexual health clinic and conducted focus groups with clinicians and Massachusetts Department of Public Health Field Epidemiologists (FEs). We developed a codebook and thematically analyzed interview and focus group data; 25% of interviews were double coded. We identified six main themes from our data: (1) partner notification is a relational process and (2) partner notification is situation dependent. There are three pairs of challenges and core values for an effective ePN system: (3) stigmatization versus inclusivity, (4) trust versus mistrust, and (5) privacy versus helpful information sharing. Therefore, (6) a statewide ePN platform must be customizable at each possible step. Although ePN was acceptable across all three groups, the likelihood of individual use was grounded in a patient's sociocultural context, interpersonal relationships, trust in the platform and health authorities, desire to avoid stigmatization, and privacy needs. These factors are best accommodated by a platform that adapts to users' preferences and needs. ePN presents an opportunity to link partners at risk for gonorrhea or chlamydia to clinical care that is complementary to the more labor-intensive FE role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Iyer
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dani L. Zionts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anisha Tyagi
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jana Jarolimova
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Platt
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew H. Kalweit
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin L. Ard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Myers B, Regenauer KS, Rose A, Johnson K, Ndamase S, Ciya N, Brown I, Joska J, Bassett IV, Belus JM, Ma TC, Sibeko G, Magidson JF. Community health worker training to reduce mental health and substance use stigma towards patients who have disengaged from HIV/TB care in South Africa: protocol for a stepped wedge hybrid type II pilot implementation trial. Implement Sci Commun 2024; 5:1. [PMID: 38167261 PMCID: PMC10759561 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00537-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has deployed community health workers (CHWs) to support individuals to enter and stay in HIV/TB care. Although CHWs routinely encounter patients with mental health (particularly depression) and substance use (SU) conditions that impact their engagement in HIV/TB care, CHWs are rarely trained in how to work with these patients. This contributes to mental health and SU stigma among CHWs, a known barrier to patient engagement in care. Mental health and SU training interventions could reduce CHW stigma and potentially improve patient engagement in care, but evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of these interventions is scarce. Therefore, we designed a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation pilot trial to evaluate the implementation and preliminary effectiveness of a CHW training intervention for reducing depression and SU stigma in the Western Cape, South Africa. METHODS This stepped wedge pilot trial will engage CHWs from six primary care clinics offering HIV/TB care. Clinics will be block randomized into three-step cohorts that receive the intervention at varying time points. The Siyakhana intervention involves 3 days of training in depression and SU focused on psychoeducation, evidence-based skills for working with patients, and self-care strategies for promoting CHW wellness. The implementation strategy involves social contact with people with lived experience of depression/SU during training (via patient videos and a peer trainer) and clinical supervision to support CHWs to practice new skills. Both implementation outcomes (acceptability, feasibility, fidelity) and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on CHW stigma will be assessed using mixed methods at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. DISCUSSION This trial will advance knowledge of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a CHW training for reducing depression and SU stigma towards patients with HIV and/or TB. Study findings will inform a larger implementation trial to evaluate the longer-term implementation and effectiveness of this intervention for reducing CHW stigma towards patients with depression and SU and improving patient engagement in HIV/TB care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05282173. Registered on 7 March 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Myers
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Kristen S Regenauer
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Alexandra Rose
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kim Johnson
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sibabalwe Ndamase
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nonceba Ciya
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Imani Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - John Joska
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Division of Neuropsychiatry, University of Cape Town, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Belus
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Tianzhou Charles Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Goodman Sibeko
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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Bassett IV, Yan J, Giddy J, Ross D, Bogart LM, Stuckwisch A, Zionts D, Naidoo R, Parker RA. Geographic variation in 5-year mortality following HIV diagnosis: implications for clinical interventions. AIDS Care 2023; 35:2016-2023. [PMID: 36942651 PMCID: PMC10511661 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2189224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Characterizing spatial distribution of HIV outcomes is vital for targeting interventions to areas most at risk. We performed spatial analysis to identify geographic clusters and factors associated with mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We utilized Sizanani trial (NCT01188941) data, which enrolled participants August 2010-January 2013 and obtained vital status at 5.8 (IQR 5.0-6.4) years of follow-up. We mapped geocoded addresses to 2011 Census-defined small area layer (SAL) centroids, used Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic to identify mortality clusters, and compared socio-demographic factors for SALs within and outside mortality clusters. We assigned 1,143 participants living with HIV (260 [23%] of whom died during follow-up) to 677 SALs. One lower mortality cluster (n = 90, RR = 0.23, p = 0.022) was identified near a hospital outside Durban. SALs in the cluster were younger (24y vs 25y, p < 0.001); had fewer bedrooms/household (3 vs 4, p < 0.001); had more females (52% vs 51%, p = 0.013) and residents with no schooling past age 20 (4% vs 3%, p < 0.001) or no education at all (4% vs 3%, p < 0.001); had fewer residents with income >3,200 ZAR/month (5% vs 9%, p < 0.001); and had reduced access to piped water (p < 0.001), refuse disposal (p < 0.001), and toilets (p < 0.001). Targeted interventions may improve outcomes in areas with similar characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid V. Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joyce Yan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Douglas Ross
- St. Mary’s Hospital, Mariannhill, Durban, South Africa*
| | - Laura M. Bogart
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, United States of America
| | - Ashley Stuckwisch
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dani Zionts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ravi Naidoo
- Statistics South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office, Durban, South Africa
| | - Robert A. Parker
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Jarolimova J, Chidumwa G, Chimbindi N, Okesola N, Dreyer J, Smit T, Seeley J, Harling G, Copas A, Baisley K, Shahmanesh M, Herbst (C, McGrath N, Zuma T, Khoza T, Behuhuma N, Bassett IV, Sherr L. Prevalence of Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Population-Representative Sample of Young Adults in a High HIV Incidence Area in South Africa. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:796-803. [PMID: 37944161 PMCID: PMC10655853 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent population-representative estimates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence in high HIV burden areas in southern Africa are limited. We estimated the prevalence and associated factors of 3 STIs among adolescents and young adults (AYA) in rural South Africa. METHODS Between March 2020 and May 2021, a population-representative sample of AYA aged 16 to 29 years were randomly selected from a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial. Participants in 2 intervention arms were offered baseline testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis using GeneXpert. Prevalence estimates were weighted for participation bias, and logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with STIs. RESULTS Of 2323 eligible AYA, 1743 (75%) enrolled in the trial. Among 863 eligible for STI testing, 814 (94%) provided specimens (median age of 21.8 years, 52% female, and 71% residing in rural areas). Population-weighted prevalence estimates were 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2%-5.8%) for gonorrhea, 17.9% (16.5%-19.3%) for chlamydia, 5.4% (4.6%-6.3%) for trichomoniasis, and 23.7% (22.2%-25.3%) for any STI. In multivariable models, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.24; 95% CI, 1.48-3.09) and urban/periurban (vs. rural) residence (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02-2.15) were associated with STIs; recent migration was associated with lower odds of STI (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.89). Among those with an STI, 53 (31.0%) were treated within 7 days; median time to treatment was 11 days (interquartile range, 6-77 days). CONCLUSIONS We identified a high prevalence of curable STIs among AYA in rural South Africa. Improved access to STI testing to enable etiologic diagnosis and rapid treatment is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glory Chidumwa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute (Wits Health Consortium), University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Natsayi Chimbindi
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Jaco Dreyer
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
| | | | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guy Harling
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrew Copas
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- University of Southampton, Southampton
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- From the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal
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Castle AC, Hoeppner SS, Manne-Goehler JM, Olivier S, Magodoro IM, Singh U, Edwards JA, Tanser F, Bassett IV, Wong EB, Siedner MJ. Identifying sex-specific anthropometric measures and thresholds for dysglycemia screening in an HIV-endemic rural South African population. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001698. [PMID: 37889883 PMCID: PMC10610455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Valid screening and diagnostic algorithms are needed to achieve 2030 targets proposed by the WHO's Global Diabetes Compact. We explored anthropometric thresholds to optimally screen and refer individuals for diabetes testing in rural South Africa. We evaluated screening thresholds for waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) to detect dysglycemia based on a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) ≥6.5% among adults in a population-based study in South Africa using weighted, non-parametric ROC regression analyses. We then assessed the diagnostic validity of traditional obesity thresholds, explored optimal thresholds for this population, and fit models stratified by sex, age, and HIV status. The prevalence of dysglycemia in the total study population (n = 17,846) was 7.7%. WC had greater discriminatory capacity than WHR to detect dysglycemia in men (p-value<0.001) and women (p<0.001). WC had greater discriminatory capacity than BMI to detect dysglycemia in women (p<0.001). However, BMI and WC performed similarly for men (p = 0.589). Whereas traditional WC thresholds for women (>81cm) performed well (sensitivity 91%, positive predictive value [PPV] 14.9%), substantially lower thresholds were needed to achieve acceptable sensitivity and PPV among men (traditional >94cm, derived >79.5cm). WC outperforms BMI as an anthropometric screening measure for dysglycemia in rural South Africa. Whereas WC guideline thresholds are appropriate for women, male-derived WC cutoffs performed better at lower thresholds. In this rural South African population, thresholds that maximize specificity and PPV for efficient resource allocation may be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C. Castle
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Jennifer M. Manne-Goehler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephen Olivier
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Itai M. Magodoro
- Emory Global Diabetes Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Urisha Singh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Johnathan A. Edwards
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Lincoln Institute for Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily B. Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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10
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Gupta A, Ashour D, Shebl FM, Platt L, Chiosi JJ, Nelson SB, Ard KL, Kim AY, Bassett IV. Evaluation of Hepatitis C Treatment Outcomes Among Patients Enrolled in Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy-Boston, Massachusetts, 2016-2021. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad342. [PMID: 37496604 PMCID: PMC10368317 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In our Boston-based outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) program between 2016 and 2021, we found that a low proportion of patients with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) were prescribed HCV treatment by their OPAT provider and few achieved sustained virologic response. Clinicians should consider concurrent HCV treatment during OPAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Gupta
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dina Ashour
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fatma M Shebl
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Platt
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John J Chiosi
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sandra B Nelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin L Ard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Horwitz LI, Thaweethai T, Brosnahan SB, Cicek MS, Fitzgerald ML, Goldman JD, Hess R, Hodder SL, Jacoby VL, Jordan MR, Krishnan JA, Laiyemo AO, Metz TD, Nichols L, Patzer RE, Sekar A, Singer NG, Stiles LE, Taylor BS, Ahmed S, Algren HA, Anglin K, Aponte-Soto L, Ashktorab H, Bassett IV, Bedi B, Bhadelia N, Bime C, Bind MAC, Black LJ, Blomkalns AL, Brim H, Castro M, Chan J, Charney AW, Chen BK, Chen LQ, Chen P, Chestek D, Chibnik LB, Chow DC, Chu HY, Clifton RG, Collins S, Costantine MM, Cribbs SK, Deeks SG, Dickinson JD, Donohue SE, Durstenfeld MS, Emery IF, Erlandson KM, Facelli JC, Farah-Abraham R, Finn AV, Fischer MS, Flaherman VJ, Fleurimont J, Fonseca V, Gallagher EJ, Gander JC, Gennaro ML, Gibson KS, Go M, Goodman SN, Granger JP, Greenway FL, Hafner JW, Han JE, Harkins MS, Hauser KSP, Heath JR, Hernandez CR, Ho O, Hoffman MK, Hoover SE, Horowitz CR, Hsu H, Hsue PY, Hughes BL, Jagannathan P, James JA, John J, Jolley S, Judd SE, Juskowich JJ, Kanjilal DG, Karlson EW, Katz SD, Kelly JD, Kelly SW, Kim AY, Kirwan JP, Knox KS, Kumar A, Lamendola-Essel MF, Lanca M, Lee-lannotti JK, Lefebvre RC, Levy BD, Lin JY, Logarbo BP, Logue JK, Longo MT, Luciano CA, Lutrick K, Malakooti SK, Mallett G, Maranga G, Marathe JG, Marconi VC, Marshall GD, Martin CF, Martin JN, May HT, McComsey GA, McDonald D, Mendez-Figueroa H, Miele L, Mittleman MA, Mohandas S, Mouchati C, Mullington JM, Nadkarni GN, Nahin ER, Neuman RB, Newman LT, Nguyen A, Nikolich JZ, Ofotokun I, Ogbogu PU, Palatnik A, Palomares KTS, Parimon T, Parry S, Parthasarathy S, Patterson TF, Pearman A, Peluso MJ, Pemu P, Pettker CM, Plunkett BA, Pogreba-Brown K, Poppas A, Porterfield JZ, Quigley JG, Quinn DK, Raissy H, Rebello CJ, Reddy UM, Reece R, Reeder HT, Rischard FP, Rosas JM, Rosen CJ, Rouphael NG, Rouse DJ, Ruff AM, Saint Jean C, Sandoval GJ, Santana JL, Schlater SM, Sciurba FC, Selvaggi C, Seshadri S, Sesso HD, Shah DP, Shemesh E, Sherif ZA, Shinnick DJ, Simhan HN, Singh U, Sowles A, Subbian V, Sun J, Suthar MS, Teunis LJ, Thorp JM, Ticotsky A, Tita ATN, Tragus R, Tuttle KR, Urdaneta AE, Utz PJ, VanWagoner TM, Vasey A, Vernon SD, Vidal C, Walker T, Ward HD, Warren DE, Weeks RM, Weiner SJ, Weyer JC, Wheeler JL, Whiteheart SW, Wiley Z, Williams NJ, Wisnivesky JP, Wood JC, Yee LM, Young NM, Zisis SN, Foulkes AS. Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) adult study protocol: Rationale, objectives, and design. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286297. [PMID: 37352211 PMCID: PMC10289397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects after the acute phase of infection; termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. The characteristics, prevalence, trajectory and mechanisms of PASC are ill-defined. The objectives of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC in Adults (RECOVER-Adult) are to: (1) characterize PASC prevalence; (2) characterize the symptoms, organ dysfunction, natural history, and distinct phenotypes of PASC; (3) identify demographic, social and clinical risk factors for PASC onset and recovery; and (4) define the biological mechanisms underlying PASC pathogenesis. METHODS RECOVER-Adult is a combined prospective/retrospective cohort currently planned to enroll 14,880 adults aged ≥18 years. Eligible participants either must meet WHO criteria for suspected, probable, or confirmed infection; or must have evidence of no prior infection. Recruitment occurs at 86 sites in 33 U.S. states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, via facility- and community-based outreach. Participants complete quarterly questionnaires about symptoms, social determinants, vaccination status, and interim SARS-CoV-2 infections. In addition, participants contribute biospecimens and undergo physical and laboratory examinations at approximately 0, 90 and 180 days from infection or negative test date, and yearly thereafter. Some participants undergo additional testing based on specific criteria or random sampling. Patient representatives provide input on all study processes. The primary study outcome is onset of PASC, measured by signs and symptoms. A paradigm for identifying PASC cases will be defined and updated using supervised and unsupervised learning approaches with cross-validation. Logistic regression and proportional hazards regression will be conducted to investigate associations between risk factors, onset, and resolution of PASC symptoms. DISCUSSION RECOVER-Adult is the first national, prospective, longitudinal cohort of PASC among US adults. Results of this study are intended to inform public health, spur clinical trials, and expand treatment options. REGISTRATION NCT05172024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leora I. Horwitz
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tanayott Thaweethai
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shari B. Brosnahan
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mine S. Cicek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Megan L. Fitzgerald
- Patient Led Research Collaboration on COVID-19, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jason D. Goldman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Providence Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rachel Hess
- Department of Population Health Sciences and Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - S. L. Hodder
- Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Vanessa L. Jacoby
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Jordan
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Medford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jerry A. Krishnan
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Adeyinka O. Laiyemo
- Department of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Torri D. Metz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Lauren Nichols
- Body Politic COVID-19 Support Group, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Patzer
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Health Services Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Anisha Sekar
- Patient Led Research Collaboration on COVID-19, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Nora G. Singer
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology, The MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Stiles
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Barbara S. Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Infectious Diseases, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shifa Ahmed
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Algren
- Swedish Center for Research and Innovation, Providence Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Khamal Anglin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco Institute of Global Health Sciences, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lisa Aponte-Soto
- College of Science and Health, Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brahmchetna Bedi
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nahid Bhadelia
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christian Bime
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Marie-Abele C. Bind
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lora J. Black
- Department of Clinical Research, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Andra L. Blomkalns
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Hassan Brim
- Department of Pathology, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Mario Castro
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas City, United States of America
| | - James Chan
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexander W. Charney
- Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Benjamin K. Chen
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Li Qing Chen
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter Chen
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David Chestek
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lori B. Chibnik
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dominic C. Chow
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Helen Y. Chu
- Department of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rebecca G. Clifton
- Department of Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Shelby Collins
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Maged M. Costantine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sushma K. Cribbs
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Steven G. Deeks
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - John D. Dickinson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Donohue
- Department of Research Services, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Matthew S. Durstenfeld
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology at Zuckerberg San Francisco General, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ivette F. Emery
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, MaineHealth, Scarborough, Maine, United States of America
| | - Kristine M. Erlandson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Julio C. Facelli
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Rachael Farah-Abraham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Aloke V. Finn
- Department of Pathology, CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Melinda S. Fischer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Infectious Diseases, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Valerie J. Flaherman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Judes Fleurimont
- Mile Square Health Center, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Vivian Fonseca
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Emily J. Gallagher
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer C. Gander
- Center for Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Maria Laura Gennaro
- Public Health Research Institute and Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Kelly S. Gibson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Minjoung Go
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Steven N. Goodman
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Joey P. Granger
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Frank L. Greenway
- Clinical Trials, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - John W. Hafner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jenny E. Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michelle S. Harkins
- Department of Internal Medicine University of New Mexico, Health Science Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Kristine S. P. Hauser
- Clinical Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James R. Heath
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Carla R. Hernandez
- Clinical Research Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - On Ho
- Seattle Children’s Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Matthew K. Hoffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Care Health Services, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Susan E. Hoover
- Department of Clinical Research, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Carol R. Horowitz
- Institute for Health Equity Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Harvey Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Priscilla Y. Hsue
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Brenna L. Hughes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Judith A. James
- Department of Arthritis & Clinical Immunology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Janice John
- Department of Family Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sarah Jolley
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - S. E. Judd
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Joy J. Juskowich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Diane G. Kanjilal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth W. Karlson
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stuart D. Katz
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - J. Daniel Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sara W. Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics & Department of Research Services, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Arthur Y. Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John P. Kirwan
- Department Integrated Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Kenneth S. Knox
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Andre Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | | | - Margaret Lanca
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joyce K. Lee-lannotti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Neurology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - R. Craig Lefebvre
- Communications Practice Area, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bruce D. Levy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Janet Y. Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Brian P. Logarbo
- Tulane Center for Clinical Research, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Logue
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michele T. Longo
- Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Carlos A. Luciano
- Department of Neurology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Karen Lutrick
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Shahdi K. Malakooti
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Gail Mallett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle Maranga
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jai G. Marathe
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Vincent C. Marconi
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Department of Global Health, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gailen D. Marshall
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Christopher F. Martin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey N. Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Heidi T. May
- Department of Cardiology, Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Grace A. McComsey
- Department of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Dylan McDonald
- Department of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Hector Mendez-Figueroa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Murray A. Mittleman
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sindhu Mohandas
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Christian Mouchati
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Janet M. Mullington
- Department of Neurology and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Girish N. Nadkarni
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Erica R. Nahin
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert B. Neuman
- Division of Cardiology, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lisa T. Newman
- Department of Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Amber Nguyen
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Janko Z. Nikolich
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Princess U. Ogbogu
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Anna Palatnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kristy T. S. Palomares
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Tanyalak Parimon
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sairam Parthasarathy
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Thomas F. Patterson
- Department of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ann Pearman
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Peluso
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Priscilla Pemu
- Department of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Christian M. Pettker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Beth A. Plunkett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kristen Pogreba-Brown
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Athena Poppas
- Division of Cardiology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - J. Zachary Porterfield
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - John G. Quigley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Davin K. Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Hengameh Raissy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Candida J. Rebello
- Department of Nutrition and Chronic Disease, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Uma M. Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Reece
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Harrison T. Reeder
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Franz P. Rischard
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Johana M. Rosas
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Clifford J. Rosen
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, MaineHealth, Scarborough, Maine, United States of America
| | - Nadine G. Rouphael
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dwight J. Rouse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Adam M. Ruff
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas City, United States of America
| | - Christina Saint Jean
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Grecio J. Sandoval
- Department of Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jorge L. Santana
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Shannon M. Schlater
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Frank C. Sciurba
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Caitlin Selvaggi
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sudha Seshadri
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Howard D. Sesso
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dimpy P. Shah
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Eyal Shemesh
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Zaki A. Sherif
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Shinnick
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hyagriv N. Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Upinder Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Amber Sowles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Vignesh Subbian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona College of Engineering, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jun Sun
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mehul S. Suthar
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Larissa J. Teunis
- Health Services Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John M. Thorp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Amberly Ticotsky
- Department of Family Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alan T. N. Tita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Women’s Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Robin Tragus
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Katherine R. Tuttle
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, United States of America
| | - Alfredo E. Urdaneta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - P. J. Utz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Timothy M. VanWagoner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Andrew Vasey
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Suzanne D. Vernon
- Department of Research, Bateman Horne Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Crystal Vidal
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Walker
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Honorine D. Ward
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David E. Warren
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Weeks
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Weiner
- Department of Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jordan C. Weyer
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Wheeler
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Sidney W. Whiteheart
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Zanthia Wiley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Natasha J. Williams
- Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Juan P. Wisnivesky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - John C. Wood
- Department of Pediatrics and Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Lynn M. Yee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Natalie M. Young
- Swedish Center for Research and Innovation, Providence Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sokratis N. Zisis
- Department of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Andrea S. Foulkes
- Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Nardell MF, Sindelo S, Rousseau E, Siko N, Fuzile P, Julies R, Bassett IV, Mellins CA, Bekker LG, Butler LM, Katz IT. Development of "Yima Nkqo," a community-based, peer group intervention to support treatment initiation for young adults with HIV in South Africa. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280895. [PMID: 37319250 PMCID: PMC10270624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Half of young adults diagnosed with HIV in South Africa start antiretroviral therapy (ART). We developed and field tested a facilitator-guided peer support group called Yima Nkqo ("Standing Tall" in isiXhosa) to promote treatment initiation for young adults newly diagnosed with HIV in communities around Cape Town. METHODS Following an adapted version of the UK Medical Research Council's framework for developing complex interventions, we 1) identified evidence on previous interventions to improve ART uptake in sub-Saharan Africa; 2) collected and analyzed qualitative data on the acceptability of our proposed intervention; 3) proposed a theoretical understanding of the process of behavior change; and 4) developed an intervention manual and feedback tools. During field-testing, participant feedback on intervention acceptability, and team feedback on consistency of content delivery and facilitation quality, were analyzed using an iterative, rapid-feedback evaluation approach. In-depth written and verbal summaries were shared in weekly team meetings. Team members interpreted feedback, identified areas for improvement, and proposed suggestions for intervention modifications. RESULTS Based on our formative research, we developed three, 90-minute sessions with content including HIV and ART education, reflection on personal resources and strengths, practice disclosing one's status, strategies to overcome stressors, and goal setting to start treatment. A lay facilitator was trained to deliver intervention content. Two field testing groups (five and four participants, respectively) completed the intervention. Participants highlighted that strengths of Yima Nkqo included peer support, motivation, and education about HIV and ART. Team feedback to the facilitator ensured optimal consistency of intervention content delivery. CONCLUSIONS Iteratively developed in collaboration with youth and healthcare providers, Yima Nkqo is a promising new intervention to improve treatment uptake among young adults with HIV in South Africa. The next phase will be a pilot randomized controlled trial of Yima Nkqo (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04568460).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F. Nardell
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Siyaxolisa Sindelo
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Elzette Rousseau
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Nomakaziwe Siko
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Pamela Fuzile
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Robin Julies
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Claude A. Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
- Governing Council, International AIDS Society, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lisa M. Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Ingrid T. Katz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
- Division of Women’s Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
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13
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Thaweethai T, Jolley SE, Karlson EW, Levitan EB, Levy B, McComsey GA, McCorkell L, Nadkarni GN, Parthasarathy S, Singh U, Walker TA, Selvaggi CA, Shinnick DJ, Schulte CCM, Atchley-Challenner R, Alba GA, Alicic R, Altman N, Anglin K, Argueta U, Ashktorab H, Baslet G, Bassett IV, Bateman L, Bedi B, Bhattacharyya S, Bind MA, Blomkalns AL, Bonilla H, Bush PA, Castro M, Chan J, Charney AW, Chen P, Chibnik LB, Chu HY, Clifton RG, Costantine MM, Cribbs SK, Davila Nieves SI, Deeks SG, Duven A, Emery IF, Erdmann N, Erlandson KM, Ernst KC, Farah-Abraham R, Farner CE, Feuerriegel EM, Fleurimont J, Fonseca V, Franko N, Gainer V, Gander JC, Gardner EM, Geng LN, Gibson KS, Go M, Goldman JD, Grebe H, Greenway FL, Habli M, Hafner J, Han JE, Hanson KA, Heath J, Hernandez C, Hess R, Hodder SL, Hoffman MK, Hoover SE, Huang B, Hughes BL, Jagannathan P, John J, Jordan MR, Katz SD, Kaufman ES, Kelly JD, Kelly SW, Kemp MM, Kirwan JP, Klein JD, Knox KS, Krishnan JA, Kumar A, Laiyemo AO, Lambert AA, Lanca M, Lee-Iannotti JK, Logarbo BP, Longo MT, Luciano CA, Lutrick K, Maley JH, Marathe JG, Marconi V, Marshall GD, Martin CF, Matusov Y, Mehari A, Mendez-Figueroa H, Mermelstein R, Metz TD, Morse R, Mosier J, Mouchati C, Mullington J, Murphy SN, Neuman RB, Nikolich JZ, Ofotokun I, Ojemakinde E, Palatnik A, Palomares K, Parimon T, Parry S, Patterson JE, Patterson TF, Patzer RE, Peluso MJ, Pemu P, Pettker CM, Plunkett BA, Pogreba-Brown K, Poppas A, Quigley JG, Reddy U, Reece R, Reeder H, Reeves WB, Reiman EM, Rischard F, Rosand J, Rouse DJ, Ruff A, Saade G, Sandoval GJ, Schlater SM, Shepherd F, Sherif ZA, Simhan H, Singer NG, Skupski DW, Sowles A, Sparks JA, Sukhera FI, Taylor BS, Teunis L, Thomas RJ, Thorp JM, Thuluvath P, Ticotsky A, Tita AT, Tuttle KR, Urdaneta AE, Valdivieso D, VanWagoner TM, Vasey A, Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Wallace ZS, Ward HD, Warren DE, Weiner SJ, Welch S, Whiteheart SW, Wiley Z, Wisnivesky JP, Yee LM, Zisis S, Horwitz LI, Foulkes AS. Development of a Definition of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. JAMA 2023; 329:1934-1946. [PMID: 37278994 PMCID: PMC10214179 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.8823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 152.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Importance SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with persistent, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects occurring after acute infection, termed postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as long COVID. Characterizing PASC requires analysis of prospectively and uniformly collected data from diverse uninfected and infected individuals. Objective To develop a definition of PASC using self-reported symptoms and describe PASC frequencies across cohorts, vaccination status, and number of infections. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective observational cohort study of adults with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection at 85 enrolling sites (hospitals, health centers, community organizations) located in 33 states plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Participants who were enrolled in the RECOVER adult cohort before April 10, 2023, completed a symptom survey 6 months or more after acute symptom onset or test date. Selection included population-based, volunteer, and convenience sampling. Exposure SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main Outcomes and Measures PASC and 44 participant-reported symptoms (with severity thresholds). Results A total of 9764 participants (89% SARS-CoV-2 infected; 71% female; 16% Hispanic/Latino; 15% non-Hispanic Black; median age, 47 years [IQR, 35-60]) met selection criteria. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.5 or greater (infected vs uninfected participants) for 37 symptoms. Symptoms contributing to PASC score included postexertional malaise, fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, palpitations, changes in sexual desire or capacity, loss of or change in smell or taste, thirst, chronic cough, chest pain, and abnormal movements. Among 2231 participants first infected on or after December 1, 2021, and enrolled within 30 days of infection, 224 (10% [95% CI, 8.8%-11%]) were PASC positive at 6 months. Conclusions and Relevance A definition of PASC was developed based on symptoms in a prospective cohort study. As a first step to providing a framework for other investigations, iterative refinement that further incorporates other clinical features is needed to support actionable definitions of PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanayott Thaweethai
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Bruce Levy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Lisa McCorkell
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, Calabasas, California
| | | | | | - Upinder Singh
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Castro
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | | | | | - Peter Chen
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Helen Y Chu
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cheryl E Farner
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | | | | | - Vivian Fonseca
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Minjoung Go
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | | | | | - John Hafner
- University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine
| | - Jenny E Han
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - James Heath
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Rachel Hess
- University of Utah Schools of the Health Sciences, Salt Lake City
| | - Sally L Hodder
- West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Morgantown
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Janice John
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Stuart D Katz
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York
| | | | | | - Sara W Kelly
- University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
| | | | - John P Kirwan
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | | | | | - Jerry A Krishnan
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago
| | - Andre Kumar
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jason H Maley
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Matusov
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alem Mehari
- Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jan E Patterson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Beth A Plunkett
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois
| | | | - Athena Poppas
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Uma Reddy
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Rebecca Reece
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown
| | | | - W B Reeves
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | | | | | | | | | - Adam Ruff
- The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | | | - Grecio J Sandoval
- Milken Institute of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | | | | | - Zaki A Sherif
- Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Steven J Weiner
- The George Washington University Biostatistics Center, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | - Lynn M Yee
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Andrea S Foulkes
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Chamberlin G, Lopes MD, Iyer S, Psaros C, Bassett IV, Medeiros S, O'Connor C, Ard KL. "That was our afterparty": a qualitative study of mobile, venue-based PrEP for MSM. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:504. [PMID: 37198608 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group disproportionately impacted by HIV, is not commensurate with need. Settings which reduce or remove barriers to accessing care are promising venues to support PrEP uptake. PrEP provision at mobile clinics represents a novel strategy to increase PrEP access; however, the acceptability and feasibility of this approach have not been well studied. METHODS Our objective was to understand patient and staff experiences of a mobile clinic van offering PrEP and sexual health services in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. We interviewed mobile unit users and conducted focus groups with mobile unit staff and users. Data were organized using Dedoose software, and content analysis was used to identify themes of access, community, and stigma. RESULTS Nineteen individuals (16 patients and 3 staff members) participated in interviews (N = 13) or focus groups (N = 6). All patients identified as MSM, 63% were Hispanic or Latino, and 21% of patient interviews were conducted in Spanish. Logistical and psychological convenience facilitated service use, while the community-oriented environment improved satisfaction with care. Overall, participants supported expansion of mobile unit services and recommended changes to improve access to longitudinal care. However, some barriers to PrEP persisted, including low HIV risk perception and stigma about sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS Mobile units can promote sexual health and PrEP uptake, particularly for populations facing social and logistical barriers to care in traditional settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Chamberlin
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Surabhi Iyer
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin L Ard
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Rose AL, Ochieng YA, Jack HE, Sangraula A, Ciya N, Jacobs Y, Ndamase S, Regenauer KS, Brown I, Hines AC, Johnson K, Bassett IV, Joska JA, Magidson JF, Myers B. Patient and stakeholder perspectives on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV and mental health care delivery in South Africa. Int J STD AIDS 2023:9564624231160581. [PMID: 36943694 PMCID: PMC10031273 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231160581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact on health systems and the delivery of health services, including for chronic conditions such as HIV. In South Africa, impacts on HIV services have widely been quantitatively described. Across different health settings, patients have also qualitatively described numerous negative impacts to their HIV care. However, patient perspectives on COVID-19 impacts to HIV care in South Africa, the largest HIV care system in the world, have been little explored to date. METHODS We conducted 29 semi-structured individual interviews with people living with HIV (n = 24) and providers (n = 5) in Cape Town, South Africa. RESULTS While most patient participants reported continued access to HIV treatment during the pandemic, many described perceiving that the quality of their care declined. Increased structural barriers were described as one contributing factor to this change. Additionally, patients described that reduced privacy in clinical interactions was a key factor negatively influencing their experience of receiving care. CONCLUSION Findings underscore the importance of ensuring patient privacy for HIV services even during the rearrangement of services in emergencies. It is also important to continue developing models to integrate community mental health services within HIV care delivery in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Rose
- Department of Psychology, 1068University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne A Ochieng
- Department of Psychology, 1068University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Helen E Jack
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, 205280University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anu Sangraula
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, 1068University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Nonceba Ciya
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, 59097South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
| | - Yuche Jacobs
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, 59097South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
| | - Sibabalwe Ndamase
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, 59097South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
| | | | - Imani Brown
- Department of Psychology, 1068University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Abigail C Hines
- Department of Psychology, 1068University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kim Johnson
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, 59097South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John A Joska
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, 37716University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, 1068University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, 59097South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
- Curtin EnAble Institute, 1649Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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16
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Turbett SE, Tomkins-Tinch CH, Anahtar MN, Dugdale CM, Hyle EP, Shenoy ES, Shaw B, Egbuonu K, Bowman KA, Zachary KC, Adams GC, Hooper DC, Ryan ET, LaRocque RC, Bassett IV, Triant VA, Siddle KJ, Rosenberg E, Sabeti PC, Schaffner SF, MacInnis BL, Lemieux JE, Charles RC. Distinguishing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Persistence and Reinfection: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:850-860. [PMID: 36268576 PMCID: PMC9619827 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection is poorly understood, partly because few studies have systematically applied genomic analysis to distinguish reinfection from persistent RNA detection related to initial infection. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and persistent RNA detection using independent genomic, clinical, and laboratory assessments. METHODS All individuals at a large academic medical center who underwent a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) ≥45 days after an initial positive test, with both tests between 14 March and 30 December 2020, were analyzed for potential reinfection. Inclusion criteria required having ≥2 positive NAATs collected ≥45 days apart with a cycle threshold (Ct) value <35 at repeat testing. For each included subject, likelihood of reinfection was assessed by viral genomic analysis of all available specimens with a Ct value <35, structured Ct trajectory criteria, and case-by-case review by infectious diseases physicians. RESULTS Among 1569 individuals with repeat SARS-CoV-2 testing ≥45 days after an initial positive NAAT, 65 (4%) met cohort inclusion criteria. Viral genomic analysis characterized mutations present and was successful for 14/65 (22%) subjects. Six subjects had genomically supported reinfection, and 8 subjects had genomically supported persistent RNA detection. Compared to viral genomic analysis, clinical and laboratory assessments correctly distinguished reinfection from persistent RNA detection in 12/14 (86%) subjects but missed 2/6 (33%) genomically supported reinfections. CONCLUSIONS Despite good overall concordance with viral genomic analysis, clinical and Ct value-based assessments failed to identify 33% of genomically supported reinfections. Scaling-up genomic analysis for clinical use would improve detection of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Turbett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher H Tomkins-Tinch
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melis N Anahtar
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caitlin M Dugdale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily P Hyle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erica S Shenoy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bennett Shaw
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Kathryn A Bowman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kimon C Zachary
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gordon C Adams
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David C Hooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Infection Control Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia A Triant
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katherine J Siddle
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Rosenberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen F Schaffner
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bronwyn L MacInnis
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob E Lemieux
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richelle C Charles
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Pratt MC, Isehunwa OO, Bassett IV, Kempf MC, Gordon B, Matthews LT. Rapid qualitative analysis approach to stakeholder and client interviews to inform mobile-based HIV testing in the U.S. Deep South. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:24. [PMID: 36793139 PMCID: PMC9930722 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01039-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of the HIV epidemic in the United States' rural South highlights geographic, socioeconomic, and racial disparities that disproportionately affect poor Black Americans. Approximately 16% of Alabamians living with HIV remain undiagnosed and just 37% of rural Alabamians have ever been tested for HIV. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 key stakeholders involved in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, or community health initiatives, and 10 adults living in rural communities across Alabama to explore HIV testing challenges and opportunities. We utilized a rapid qualitative analysis approach and engaged community partners for feedback and discussion. This analysis will inform the implementation of a mobile HIV testing service in rural Alabama. RESULTS The following themes were identified: (1) Cultural norms, racism, poverty, and rurality impair access to healthcare. (2) Lack of sex education, low knowledge of HIV and perception of risk reinforce stigmas. (3) Messaging about "Undetectable = Untransmissible" (U = U) is not well understood in communities. (4) Community involvement may promote communication and trust between communities and testing advocates. (5) Novel testing strategies are acceptable and may diminish barriers. CONCLUSIONS Working with community "gatekeepers" may be a key strategy to understand and promote acceptability of interventions new to rural Alabama and ameliorate stigma within communities. The implementation of new HIV testing strategies requires building and maintaining relationships with advocates, especially faith-based leaders, who engage people across many demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline C. Pratt
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Oluwaseyi O. Isehunwa
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Division of Infectious Disease and Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mirjam-Colette Kempf
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Family, Community, and Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Departments of Epidemiology and Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | | | - Lynn T. Matthews
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ziegler Research Building 210, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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18
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Castle AC, Hoeppner SS, Magodoro IM, Singh U, Moosa Y, Bassett IV, Wong EB, Siedner MJ. Association between prior tuberculosis disease and dysglycemia within an HIV-endemic, rural South African population. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282371. [PMID: 36928895 PMCID: PMC10019670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tuberculosis (TB) may predispose individuals to the development of diabetes. Such a relationship could have an outsized impact in high-prevalence TB settings. However, few studies have explored this relationship in populations heavily burdened by diabetes and TB. METHODS We analyzed data from a community-based population cohort that enrolled adults in rural South Africa. Individuals were considered to have prior TB if they self-reported a history of TB treatment. We fitted sex-specific logistic regression models, adjusted for potential clinical and demographic confounders, to estimate relationships between dysglycemia (HBA1c ≥6.5%) and prior TB. Propensity score-matched cohorts accounted for the differential age distributions between comparator groups. We examined the interactions between sex, prior TB, and HIV status. RESULTS In the analytic cohort (n = 17,593), the prevalence of prior TB was 13.8% among men and 10.7% among women. Dysglycemia was found in 9.1% of the population, and HIV prevalence was 34.0%. We found no difference in dysglycemia prevalence by prior TB (men OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.60-1.56: women OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.79-1.39). However, there was a qualitative interaction by HIV serostatus, such that among men without HIV, those with a history of TB had a greater prevalence of dysglycemia than those without prior TB (10.1% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.0077). An inverse relationship was observed among men living with HIV (prior TB 3.3% vs. no TB 7.3%, p = 0.0073). CONCLUSIONS Treated TB disease was not associated with dysglycemia in an HIV-endemic, rural South African population. However, we found a significant interaction between prior TB and HIV status among men, suggesting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms between the two infections that may impact glucose metabolism. Longitudinal studies are needed to better establish a causal effect and underlying mechanisms related to resolved TB, HIV, and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison C. Castle
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Itai M. Magodoro
- Emory Global Diabetes Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Urisha Singh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Yumna Moosa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily B. Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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19
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Rahim NE, Ngonzi J, Boatin AA, Bassett IV, Siedner MJ, Mugyenyi GR, Bebell LM. Correction: The interaction between antenatal care and abnormal temperature during delivery and its relationship with postpartum care: a prospective study of 1,538 women in semi-rural Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:953. [PMID: 36544105 PMCID: PMC9769070 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05293-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Rahim
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Adeline A. Boatin
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA ,grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Godfrey R. Mugyenyi
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Lisa M. Bebell
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, GRJ-504, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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20
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Foulkes AS, Selvaggi C, Shinnick D, Lumish H, Cao T, Thaweethai T, Qian J, Meigs JB, Triant VA, Bassett IV, Reilly MP. Response to Letter to the Editor From Nelson et al: "Understanding the Link Between Obesity and Severe COVID-19 Outcomes: Causal Mediation by Systemic Inflammatory Response". J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:e13. [PMID: 36300318 PMCID: PMC9620379 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Foulkes
- Correspondence: Andrea S. Foulkes, 50 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Caitlin Selvaggi
- Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Daniel Shinnick
- Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Heidi Lumish
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tingyi Cao
- Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tanayott Thaweethai
- Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jing Qian
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - James B Meigs
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Virginia A Triant
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Muredach P Reilly
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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21
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O’neil JC, Geisler BP, Rusinak D, Bassett IV, Triant VA, Mckenzie R, Mattison ML, Baughman AW. Discharge to post-acute care and other predictors of prolonged length of stay during the initial COVID-19 surge: a single site analysis. Int J Qual Health Care 2022; 35:6883863. [PMID: 36477564 PMCID: PMC9806864 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzac098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the initial surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), health-care utilization fluctuated dramatically, straining acute hospital capacity across the USA and potentially contributing to excess mortality. METHODS This was an observational retrospective study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a large US urban academic medical center during a 12-week COVID-19 surge in the Spring of 2020. We describe patterns in length of stay (LOS) over time. Our outcome of interest was prolonged LOS (PLOS), which we defined as 7 or more days. We performed univariate analyses of patient characteristics, clinical outcomes and discharge disposition to evaluate the association of each variable with PLOS and developed a final multivariate model via backward elimination, wherein all variables with a P-value above 0.05 were eliminated in a stepwise fashion. RESULTS The cohort included 1366 patients, of whom 13% died and 29% were readmitted within 30 days. The LOS (mean: 12.6) fell over time (P < 0.0001). Predictors of PLOS included discharge to a post-acute care (PAC) facility (odds ratio [OR]: 11.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6-54.0), uninsured status (OR 3.2, CI 1.1-9.1) and requiring intensive care and intubation (OR 18.4, CI 11.5-29.6). Patients had a higher readmission rate if discharged to PAC facilities (40%) or home with home health agency (HHA) services (38%) as compared to patients discharged home without HHA services (26%) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during a US COVID-19 surge had a PLOS and high readmission rate. Lack of insurance, an intensive care unit stay and a decision to discharge to a PAC facility were associated with a PLOS. Efforts to decrease LOS and optimize hospital capacity during COVID-19 surges may benefit from focusing on increasing PAC and HHA capacity and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C O’neil
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin P Geisler
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Marchioninistr, 15, München 81377, Germany
| | - Donna Rusinak
- Performance Analysis and Improvement, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Virginia A Triant
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rachael Mckenzie
- Department of Case Management, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Melissa L Mattison
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amy W Baughman
- Address reprint requests to: Amy W. Baughman, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. E-mail:
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22
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Rahim NE, Ngonzi J, Boatin AA, Bassett IV, Siedner MJ, Mugyenyi GR, Bebell LM. The interaction between antenatal care and abnormal temperature during delivery and its relationship with postpartum care: a prospective study of 1,538 women in semi-rural Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:860. [PMID: 36411419 PMCID: PMC9677695 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postnatal care (PNC) is an important tool for reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, what predicts receipt and maintenance in PNC, particularly events during pregnancy and the peripartum period, is not well understood. We hypothesized that fever or hypothermia during delivery would engender greater health consciousness among those attending antenatal care, leading to greater PNC engagement after hospital discharge and our objective was to evaluate this relationship. METHODS Women were prospectively enrolled immediately postpartum at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). We collected postpartum vital signs and surveyed women by telephone about PNC receipt, fever, and infection at two and six weeks postpartum. Our outcome of interest was receipt of PNC post-discharge, defined as whether a participant visited a health facility and/or was hospitalized in the postpartum period. Our explanatory variables were whether a participant was ever febrile (> 38.0˚C) or hypothermic (< 36.0˚C) during delivery stay and whether a participant attended at least 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits. We used logistic regressions to estimate the association between ANC and fever/hypothermia with PNC, including an interaction term between ANC and fever/hypothermia to determine whether there was a modifying relationship between variables on PNC. Regression models were adjusted for age, marital status, parity, HIV serostatus, Mbarara residency, and whether the participant was referred to MRRH, RESULTS: Of the 1,541 women, 86 (5.6%) reported visiting a health facility and/or hospitalization and 186 (12.0%) had an abnormal temperature recorded during delivery stay. Of those who reported at least one visit, 59/86 (68.6%) delivered by cesarean, 37/86 (43.0%) reported post-discharge fever, and 44/86 (51.2%) reported post-discharge infection. Neither ANC attendance, abnormal temperature after delivery, nor their interaction term, were significantly associated with post-discharge PNC. The included covariates were not significantly associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS While the overall proportion of women reporting post-discharge PNC was low, those who reported visiting a health facility and/or hospitalization had high proportions of post-discharge fever, post-discharge infection, and cesarean delivery, which suggests that these visits may have been related to problem-focused care. No significant associations between ANC and PNC were observed in this cohort. Further research assessing ANC quality and PNC visit focus is needed to ensure ANC and PNC are optimized to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Rahim
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Adeline A. Boatin
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Mark J. Siedner
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA ,grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Godfrey R. Mugyenyi
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Lisa M. Bebell
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, GRJ-504, Boston, MA 02114 USA
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23
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Klabbers RE, Ashaba S, Stern J, Faustin Z, Tsai AC, Kasozi J, Kambugu A, Ventevogel P, Bassett IV, O'Laughlin KN. Mental disorders and lack of social support among refugees and Ugandan nationals screening for HIV at health centers in Nakivale refugee settlement in southwestern Uganda. Journal of Global Health Reports 2022; 6. [PMID: 37168525 PMCID: PMC10168545 DOI: 10.29392/001c.39600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to potentially traumatic events and daily stressors in humanitarian settings puts refugees and asylum seekers (henceforth collectively referred to as refugees) at increased risk for mental disorders. Little is known about how mental disorder prevalence compares between refugees and national populations who live in the same settings and are exposed to many of the same daily challenges. We aimed to compare the proportions of refugees and Ugandan nationals screening positive for mental disorders in a Ugandan refugee settlement to inform targeted health interventions. Given displacement’s disruptive effect on social networks and the importance of social support for mental health, we also aimed to assess social support. Methods Refugees and Ugandan nationals voluntarily testing for HIV at health centers in Nakivale Refugee Settlement were screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD CheckList-6 – Civilian Version [PCL-6]), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), and lack of social support (Brief Social Support Scale [BS6]). The association between refugee versus Ugandan national status and the four outcomes was assessed using log-binomial regression. Results Screening surveys were completed by 5,513 participants, including 3,622 refugees and 1,891 Ugandan nationals. A positive screen for PTSD, depression, anxiety and lack of social support was found for 2,388 (44%), 1,337 (25%), 1,241 (23%) and 631 (12%) participants, respectively. Refugee status was associated with a higher prevalence of a positive screen for PTSD (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-1.23), depression (PR=1.22; 95% CI=1.11-1.36), anxiety (PR=1.28; 95% CI=1.14-1.42), and lack of social support (PR=1.50; 95% CI=1.27-1.78). When adjusted for the other outcomes, the higher prevalence of a positive screen for PTSD, anxiety and lack of social support for refugees remained statistically significant. Conclusions Elevated symptoms of mental disorders are found among refugees and Ugandan nationals testing for HIV in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. The significant association between refugee status and PTSD, anxiety and lack of social support symptoms highlights the distinct needs of this population. To determine the prevalence of mental disorders in these populations, comprehensive assessment, including psychological and neuropsychological testing, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E. Klabbers
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Joshua Stern
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julius Kasozi
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Kambugu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Ventevogel
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelli N. O'Laughlin
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Jarolimova J, Yan J, Govere S, Bunda BA, Wara NJ, Bogart LM, Ngobese N, Shazi ZM, Khumalo AR, Zionts D, Thulare H, Parker RA, Bassett IV. Experiences of participants in a decentralized antiretroviral therapy program in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1413-1419. [PMID: 35877987 PMCID: PMC9873830 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2095333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions could adversely affect long-term HIV care. We evaluated the experiences of people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) through a decentralized delivery program in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. We telephoned a random subsample of participants enrolled in a prospective cohort study in KwaZulu-Natal in April and May 2020 and administered a semi-structured telephone interview to consenting participants. We completed interviews with 303 of 638 contacted participants (47%); 66% were female, with median age 36y. The most common concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic were food running out (121, 40%), fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 (103, 34%), and being unable to work/losing employment or income (102, 34%). Twenty-five (8%) participants had delayed ART pick-up due to the pandemic, while 212 (70%) had new concerns about ART access going forward. Mental health scores were worse during the pandemic compared to baseline (median score 65.0 vs 80.0, p < 0.001). Decentralized ART distribution systems have the potential to support patients outside of health facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, but economic concerns and mental health impacts related to the pandemic must also be recognized and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jarolimova
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, United States
| | - Joyce Yan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Boston, United States
| | | | - Bridget A Bunda
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, United States
| | - Nafisa J Wara
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Dani Zionts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, United States
| | | | - Robert A Parker
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Boston, United States
- Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, United States
- Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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Dolatshahi S, Butler AL, Siedner MJ, Ngonzi J, Edlow AG, Adong J, Jennewein MF, Atyeo C, Bassett IV, Roberts DJ, Lauffenburger DA, Alter G, Bebell LM. Altered Maternal Antibody Profiles in Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drive Changes in Transplacental Antibody Transfer. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1359-1369. [PMID: 35245365 PMCID: PMC9555842 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed, uninfected (HEU) children have a higher risk of severe infection, but the causes are poorly understood. Emerging data point to altered antibody transfer in women with HIV (WHIV); however, specific perturbations and the influence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV viremia remain unclear. METHODS We evaluated antigen-specific transplacental antibody transfer across 14 antigens in paired maternal and umbilical cord plasma from 352 Ugandan women; 176 were WHIV taking ART. We measured antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) sub-class (IgG1, 2, 3, 4) levels and antibody Fcγ receptor (FcγRn, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) binding profiles. We used partial least squares discrimi-nant analysis to define antigen-specific transplacental antibody transfer features. RESULTS Global antibody transfer patterns were similar by maternal HIV serostatus, pointing to effective placental function in WHIV. However, HEU umbilical cord antibody profiles were altered, driven by perturbed WHIV seroprofiles, with higher levels of herpesvirus antibodies (P < .01 for Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus) and lower levels of classic vaccine-induced antibodies (P < .01 for tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b), suggesting that umbilical cord antibody profile differences arise from imbalanced WHIV immunity. Abnormal WHIV antibody profiles were associated with HIV viremia, lower CD4 count, and postconception ART initiation (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Perturbed immune-dominance profiles in WHIV shift the balance of immunity delivered to neonates. Perturbed HIV-associated maternal antibody profiles are a key determinant of com-promised neonatal immunity. Maternal vaccination interventions may promote transfer of relevant, effective antibodies to protect HEU children against early-life infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Dolatshahi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Audrey L Butler
- State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julian Adong
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Caroline Atyeo
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Galit Alter
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa M Bebell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Magidson JF, Rose AL, Regenauer KS, Brooke-Sumner C, Anvari MS, Jack HE, Johnson K, Belus JM, Joska J, Bassett IV, Sibeko G, Myers B. "It's all about asking from those who have walked the path": Patient and stakeholder perspectives on how peers may shift substance use stigma in HIV care in South Africa. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:52. [PMID: 36131304 PMCID: PMC9490994 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has the highest number of people with HIV (PWH) globally and a significant burden of co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). Health care worker (HCW) stigma towards SUD is a key barrier to HIV care engagement among PWH with SUD. Support from peers-individuals with lived experience of SUD-may be a promising solution for addressing SUD stigma, while also improving engagement in HIV care. We evaluated the perceived acceptability of integrating a peer role into community-based HIV care teams as a strategy to address SUD stigma at multiple levels and improve patient engagement in HIV care. METHODS Patients and stakeholders (N = 40) were recruited from publicly-funded HIV and SUD organizations in Cape Town, South Africa. We conducted a quantitative assessment of stigma among stakeholders using an adapted Social Distance Scale (SDS) and patient perceptions of working with a peer, as well as semi-structured interviews focused on experiences of SUD stigma, acceptability of a peer model integrated into community-based HIV care, and potential peer roles. RESULTS On the SDS, 75% of stakeholders had high stigma towards a patient with SUD, yet 90% had low stigma when in recovery for at least 2 years. All patients endorsed feeling comfortable talking to someone in recovery and wanting them on their HIV care team. Three main themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) patient-reported experiences of enacted SUD and HIV stigmas were common and impacted HIV care engagement; (2) both patients and stakeholders considered a peer model highly acceptable for integration into HIV care to support engagement and address SUD stigma; and (3) patients and stakeholders identified both individual-level and systems-level roles for peers, how peers could work alongside other providers to improve patient care, and key characteristics that peers would need to be successful in these roles. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this formative work point to the promise of a peer model for reducing SUD stigma among patients and HCWs within community-based HIV care teams in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, MD, USA.
| | - Alexandra L Rose
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Kristen S Regenauer
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Carrie Brooke-Sumner
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
| | - Morgan S Anvari
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 4094 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland, MD, USA
| | - Helen E Jack
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kim Johnson
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
| | - Jennifer M Belus
- Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - John Joska
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Goodman Sibeko
- HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa. .,HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Building 408, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia.
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McMahon DE, Chemtai L, Grant M, Singh R, Semeere A, Byakwaga H, Laker-Oketta M, Maurer T, Busakhala N, Martin J, Bassett IV, Butler L, Freeman EE. Understanding Diagnostic Delays for Kaposi Sarcoma in Kenya: A Qualitative Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:494-503. [PMID: 35499523 PMCID: PMC9283252 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage in sub-Saharan Africa, reasons for diagnostic delays have not been well described. METHODS We enrolled patients >18 years with newly diagnosed KS between 2016 and 2019 into the parent study, based in western Kenya. We then purposively selected 30 participants with diversity of disease severity and geographic locations to participate in semistructured interviews. We used 2 behavioral models in developing the codebook for this analysis: situated Information, Motivation, and Behavior framework and Andersen model of total patient delay. We then analyzed the interviews using framework analysis. RESULTS The most common patient factors that delayed diagnosis were lack of KS awareness, seeking traditional treatments, lack of personal efficacy, lack of social support, and fear of cancer, skin biopsy, amputation, and HIV diagnosis. Health system factors that delayed diagnosis included previous negative health care interactions, incorrect diagnoses, lack of physical examination, delayed referral, and lack of tissue biopsy availability. Financial constraints were prominent barriers for patients to access and receive care. Facilitators for diagnosis included being part of an HIV care network, living near health facilities, trust in the health care system, desire to treat painful or disfiguring lesions, and social support. CONCLUSIONS Lack of KS awareness among patients and providers, stigma surrounding diagnoses, and health system referral delays were barriers in reaching KS diagnosis. Improved public health campaigns, increased availability of biopsy and pathology facilities, and health provider training about KS are needed to improve early diagnosis of KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon E McMahon
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Rhea Singh
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
| | | | | | | | - Toby Maurer
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Esther E Freeman
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Freeman EE, McCann NC, Semeere A, Reddy KP, Laker-Oketta M, Byakwaga H, Pei PP, Hajny Fernandez ME, Kiprono S, Busakhala N, Martin JN, Maurer T, Bassett IV, Freedberg KA, Hyle EP. Evaluation of four chemotherapy regimens for treatment of advanced AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma in Kenya: a cost-effectiveness analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1179-e1188. [PMID: 35839816 PMCID: PMC9287596 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most effective treatment for advanced AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma is paclitaxel or pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD); neither is routinely used in sub-Saharan Africa due to limited availability and high cost. We examined the clinical impact, costs, and cost-effectiveness of paclitaxel or PLD in Kenya, compared with etoposide or bleomycin-vincristine. METHODS In this study, we use the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications (CEPAC)-International Model to project clinical outcomes and costs among people living with HIV and advanced Kaposi sarcoma on antiretroviral therapy. We compared four different treatment strategies: etoposide, bleomycin-vincristine, paclitaxel, or PLD. We derived cohort characteristics and costs from the Kenyan Academic Model for Providing Access to Healthcare network, and adverse events, efficacy, and mortality from clinical trials. We projected model outcomes over a lifetime and included life expectancy, per-person lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). We conducted budget impact analysis for 5-year total costs and did deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to evaluate the effect of uncertainty in input parameters. FINDINGS We found that paclitaxel would be more effective than bleomycin-vincristine and would increase life expectancy by 4·2 years per person. PLD would further increase life expectancy by 0·6 years per person. Paclitaxel would be the most cost-effective strategy (ICER US$380 per year-of-life-saved compared with bleomycin-vincristine) and would remain cost-effective across a range of scenarios. PLD would be cost-effective compared with paclitaxel if its price were reduced to $100 per cycle (base case $180 per cycle). Implementing paclitaxel instead of bleomycin-vincristine would save approximately 6400 life-years and would increase the overall 5-year Kenyan health-care costs by $3·7 million; increased costs would be primarily related to ongoing HIV care given improved survival. INTERPRETATION Paclitaxel would substantially increase life expectancy and be cost-effective compared with bleomycin-vincristine for advanced AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma in Kenya and should be the standard of care. PLD would further improve survival and be cost-effective with a 44% price reduction. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health and Massachusetts General Hospital. TRANSLATION For the Swahili translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther E Freeman
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nicole C McCann
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Krishna P Reddy
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Pamela P Pei
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Samson Kiprono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jeffery N Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Toby Maurer
- Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily P Hyle
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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McMahon DE, Singh R, Chemtai L, Semeere A, Byakwaga H, Grant M, Laker-Oketta M, Lagat C, Collier S, Maurer T, Martin J, Bassett IV, Butler L, Kiprono S, Busakhala N, Freeman EE. Barriers and facilitators to chemotherapy initiation and adherence for patients with HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma in Kenya: a qualitative study. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:37. [PMID: 35794634 PMCID: PMC9258164 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kaposi sarcoma is one of the most prevalent HIV-associated malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa and is often diagnosed at advanced stage of disease. Only 50% of KS patients who qualify for chemotherapy receive it and adherence is sub-optimal. Methods 57 patients > 18 years with newly diagnosed KS within the AMPATH clinic network in Western Kenya were purposively selected to participate in semi-structured interviews stratified by whether they had completed, partially completed, or not completed chemotherapy for advanced stage KS. We based the interview guide and coding framework on the situated Information, Motivation, Behavioral Skills (sIMB) framework, in which the core patient centered IMB constructs are situated into the socioecological context of receiving care. Results Of the 57 participants, the median age was 37 (IQR 32–41) and the majority were male (68%). Notable barriers to chemotherapy initiation and adherence included lack of financial means, difficulty with convenience of appointments such as distance to facility, appointment times, long lines, limited appointments, intrapersonal barriers such as fear or hopelessness, and lack of proper or sufficient information about chemotherapy. Factors that facilitated chemotherapy initiation and adherence included health literacy, motivation to treat symptoms, improvement on chemotherapy, prioritization of self-care, resilience while experiencing side effects, ability to carry out behavioral skills, obtaining national health insurance, and free chemotherapy. Conclusion Our findings about the barriers and facilitators to chemotherapy initiation and adherence for KS in Western Kenya support further work that promotes public health campaigns with reliable cancer and chemotherapy information, improves education about the chemotherapy process and side effects, increases oncology service ability, supports enrollment in national health insurance, and increases incorporation of chronic disease care into existing HIV treatment networks.
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Collier S, Singh R, Semeere A, Byakwaga H, Laker‐Oketta M, McMahon DE, Chemtai L, Grant M, Butler L, Bogart L, Bassett IV, Kiprono S, Maurer T, Martin J, Busakhala N, Freeman EE. Telling the story of intersectional stigma in HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in western Kenya: a convergent mixed-methods approach. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 1:e25918. [PMID: 35818882 PMCID: PMC9274375 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The experience of stigma can be multifaceted for people with HIV and cancer. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the most common HIV-associated cancers in sub-Saharan Africa, often presents with visible skin lesions that may put people at risk for stigmatization. In this way, HIV-associated KS is unique, as people with KS can experience stigma associated with HIV, cancer, and skin disease simultaneously. The aim of this study is to characterize the intersectionality of HIV-related, cancer-related and skin disease-related stigma in people living with HIV and KS. METHODS We used a convergent mixed-methods approach nested within a longitudinal study of people with HIV-associated KS in western Kenya. Between February 2019 and December 2020, we collected quantitative surveys among all participants and conducted semi-structured interviews among a purposive sample of participants. Quantitative surveys were adapted from the abridged Berger HIV Stigma Scale to assess overall stigma, HIV-related stigma, cancer-related stigma, and skin disease-related stigma. Qualitative data were coded using stigma constructs from the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. RESULTS In 88 semi-structured interviews, stigma was a major barrier to KS diagnosis and treatment among people with HIV-associated KS. Participant's stories of stigma were dominated by HIV-related stigma, more than cancer-related or skin disease-related stigma. However, quantitative stigma scores among the 117 participants were similar for HIV-related (Median: 28.00; IQR: 28.0, 34.0), cancer-related (Median: 28.0; IQR: 28.0, 34.8), and skin disease-related stigma (Median: 28.0; IQR: 27.0, 34.0). In semi-structured interviews, cancer-related and skin disease-related stigma were more subtle contributors; cancer-related stigma was linked to fatalism and skin-related stigma was linked to visible disease. Participants reported resolution of skin lesions contributed to lessening stigma over time; there was a significant decline in quantitative scores of overall stigma in time since KS diagnosis (adjusted β = -0.15, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the role mixed-method approaches can play in better understanding stigma in people living with both HIV and cancer. While HIV-related stigma may dominate perceptions of stigma among people with KS in Kenya, intersectional experiences of stigma may be subtle, and quantitative evaluation alone may be insufficient to understand intersectional stigma in certain contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Collier
- Division of DermatologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Rhea Singh
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVirginiaUSA
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Disease InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Helen Byakwaga
- Infectious Disease InstituteMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | | | - Devon E. McMahon
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Linda Chemtai
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
| | - Merridy Grant
- Centre for Rural HealthUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lisa Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on HealthIntervention and PolicyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Samson Kiprono
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of MedicineCollege of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
| | - Toby Maurer
- Department of DermatologyIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Academic Model Providing Access to HealthcareEldoretKenya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineCollege of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
| | - Esther E. Freeman
- Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Govere-Hwenje S, Jarolimova J, Yan J, Khumalo A, Zondi G, Ngcobo M, Wara NJ, Zionts D, Bogart LM, Parker RA, Bassett IV. Willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination among people living with HIV in a high HIV prevalence community. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1239. [PMID: 35733209 PMCID: PMC9214683 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13623-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People living with HIV (PLWH) may have a poorer prognosis with COVID-19 infection and are an important population for COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed the willingness and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or hesitancy among PLWH in South Africa. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of telephone interviews with a randomly selected subset of participants enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study evaluating a decentralized antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery program in South Africa. Questions assessed willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine, concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and overall vaccine confidence. Interviews were conducted between September 2020 and January 2021. We evaluated participant demographics, sources of COVID-19 information, stigma and medical mistrust, uptake of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as potential covariates of willingness to accept vaccination. Results We completed interviews with 213 participants; 153 (72%) were female, median age 35y, and 100 (47%) had completed secondary school. Among the participants, 121 (57%) were willing to accept future vaccination, 46 (22%) were unsure, and 45 (21%) stated they did not intend to be vaccinated. Fear of side effects, reported by 42 (20%), was the most common concern about COVID-19 vaccination. Older age was associated with willingness to accept vaccination (aOR 1.75 for every 10-year increase in age, 95% CI 1.10–2.78, p = 0.02), while higher medical mistrust related to COVID-19 (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.093–0.45, p < 0.001) and use of social media for COVID-19 information (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.84, p = 0.02) were associated with lower willingness to accept vaccination. Conclusions In this cohort of PLWH in South Africa, over half were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination, although a substantial proportion remained unsure or were not willing to be vaccinated. Public health messaging should emphasize the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination and address misinformation and medical mistrust among PLWH. Ongoing efforts to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations are crucial. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13623-w.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana Jarolimova
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, USA
| | - Joyce Yan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Boston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nafisa J Wara
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, USA
| | - Dani Zionts
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, USA
| | | | - Robert A Parker
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics Center, Boston, USA.,Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston, USA.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, USA.,Harvard University, Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Collier S, Semeere A, Byakwaga H, Laker-Oketta M, Chemtai L, Wagner AD, Bassett IV, Wools-Kaloustian K, Maurer T, Martin J, Kiprono S, Freeman EE. A type III effectiveness-implementation hybrid evaluation of a multicomponent patient navigation strategy for advanced-stage Kaposi's sarcoma: protocol. Implement Sci Commun 2022; 3:50. [PMID: 35562783 PMCID: PMC9102240 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-022-00281-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For people with advanced-stage Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), a common HIV-associated malignancy in sub-Saharan Africa, mortality is estimated to be 45% within 2 years after KS diagnosis, despite increasingly wide-spread availability of antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy. For advanced-stage KS, chemotherapy in addition to antiretroviral therapy improves outcomes and saves lives, but currently, only ~50% of people with KS in western Kenya who have an indication for chemotherapy actually receive it. This protocol describes the evaluation of a multicomponent patient navigation strategy that addresses common barriers to service penetration of and fidelity to evidence-based chemotherapy among people with advanced-stage KS in Kenya. Methods This is a hybrid type III effectiveness-implementation study using a non-randomized, pre- post-design nested within a longitudinal cohort. We will compare the delivery of evidence-based chemotherapy for advanced-stage KS during the period before (2016–2020) to the period after (2021–2024), the rollout of a multicomponent patient navigation strategy. The multicomponent patient navigation strategy was developed in a systematic process to address key determinants of service penetration of and fidelity to chemotherapy in western Kenya and includes (1) physical navigation and care coordination, (2) video-based education, (3) travel stipend, (4) health insurance enrollment assistance, (5) health insurance stipend, and (6) peer mentorship. We will compare the pre-navigation period to the post-navigation period to assess the impact of this multicomponent patient navigation strategy on (1) implementation outcomes: service penetration (chemotherapy initiation) and fidelity (chemotherapy completion) and (2) service and client outcomes: timeliness of cancer care, mortality, quality of life, stigma, and social support. We will also describe the implementation process and the determinants of implementation success for the multicomponent patient navigation strategy. Discussion This study addresses an urgent need for effective implementation strategies to improve the initiation and completion of evidence-based chemotherapy in advanced-stage KS. By using a clearly specified, theory-based implementation strategy and validated frameworks, this study will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how to improve cancer treatment in advanced-stage KS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43058-022-00281-7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Linda Chemtai
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey Martin
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samson Kiprono
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Moi University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Eldoret, California, USA
| | - Esther E Freeman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Govere-hwenje S, Jarolimova J, Yan J, Khumalo A, Zondi G, Ngcobo M, Wara NJ, Zionts D, Bogart LM, Parker RA, Bassett IV. Willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination among people living with HIV in a high HIV prevalence community.. [PMID: 35441173 PMCID: PMC9016651 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-824083/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background People living with HIV (PLWH) may have a poorer prognosis with COVID-19 infection and are an important population for COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed the willingness and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance or hesitancy among PLWH in South Africa. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of telephone interviews with a randomly selected subset of participants enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study evaluating a decentralized antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery program in South Africa. Questions assessed willingness to accept a future COVID-19 vaccine, concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and overall vaccine confidence. Interviews were conducted between September 2020 and January 2021. We evaluated participant demographics, sources of COVID-19 information, stigma and medical mistrust, uptake of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as potential covariates of willingness to accept vaccination. Results We completed interviews with 213 participants; 153 (72%) were female, median age 35y, and 100 (47%) had completed secondary school. Among the participants, 121 (57%) were willing to accept future vaccination, 46 (22%) were unsure, and 45 (21 %) stated they did not intend to be vaccinated. Fear of side effects, reported by 42 (20%), was the most common concern about COVID-19 vaccination. Older age was associated with willingness to accept vaccination (aOR 1.75 for every 10-year increase in age, 95% CI 1.10–2.78, p=0.02), while higher medical mistrust related to COVID-19 (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.093–0.45, p<0.001) and use of social media for COVID-19 information (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.84, p=0.02) were associated with lower willingness to accept vaccination. Conclusions In this cohort of PLWH in South Africa, over half were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination, although a substantial proportion remained unsure or were not willing to be vaccinated. Public health messaging should emphasize the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination and address misinformation and medical mistrust among PLWH. Ongoing efforts to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations are crucial.
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Jarolimova J, Platt LR, Curtis MR, Philpotts LL, Bekker LG, Morroni C, Shahmanesh M, Mussa A, Barracks K, Ciaranello AL, Parker RA, Bassett IV, Dugdale CM. Curable sexually transmitted infections among women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS 2022; 36:697-709. [PMID: 34999605 PMCID: PMC8957553 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause significant morbidity among women with HIV and increase HIV transmission. We estimated the prevalence of four STIs among women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and compared prevalence among women with and without HIV. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched for studies published 1 January 1999 to 19 December 2019 reporting prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or Mycoplasma genitalium among women with HIV in SSA. We excluded studies conducted in high-risk groups (e.g. female sex workers). We extracted data on laboratory-confirmed STIs among women with HIV, and when included, among women without HIV. We estimated pooled prevalence for each STI among women with HIV using inverse variance heterogeneity meta-analysis, compared prevalence to women without HIV, and examined the influences of region, clinical setting, and pregnancy status in subgroup analyses. RESULTS We identified 3756 unique records; 67 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and M. genitalium was 3.5, 4, 15.6, and 10.2%, respectively. Chlamydia prevalence was lower in Eastern (2.8%) than in Southern (12.5%) and West/Central (19.1%) Africa combined. Prevalence of chlamydia and trichomoniasis was higher among pregnant (8.1%, 17.6%) than nonpregnant (1.7%, 12.3%) women. All STIs were more prevalent among women with than without HIV (relative risks ranging 1.54-1.89). CONCLUSION STIs are common among women with HIV in SSA, and more common among women with than without HIV. Integrated STI and HIV care could substantially impact STI burden among women with HIV, with potential downstream impacts on HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jarolimova
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Laura R Platt
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Megan R Curtis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Lisa L Philpotts
- Treadwell Library, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Chelsea Morroni
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC Center for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Andrea L Ciaranello
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Robert A Parker
- Harvard Medical School
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caitlin M Dugdale
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
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Neilan AM, Tyagi A, Tong Y, Farkas EJ, Burns MD, Fialkowski A, Park G, Hardcastle M, Gootkind E, Bassett IV, Shebl FM, Yonker LM. Pediatric biorepository participation during the COVID-19 pandemic: predictors of enrollment and biospecimen donation. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:130. [PMID: 35279115 PMCID: PMC8917327 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient-level predictors of enrollment in pediatric biorepositories are poorly described. Especially in pandemic settings, understanding who is likely to enroll in a biorepository is critical to interpreting analyses conducted on biospecimens. We describe predictors of pediatric COVID-19 biorepository enrollment and biospecimen donation to identify gaps in COVID-19 research on pediatric biospecimens. Methods We compared data from enrollees and non-enrollees aged 0–25 years with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection who were approached for enrollment in the Massachusetts General Hospital pediatric COVID-19 biorepository between April 12, 2020, and May 28, 2020, from community or academic outpatient or inpatient settings. Demographic and clinical data at presentation to care were from automatic and manual chart extractions. Predictors of enrollment and biospecimen donation were assessed with Poisson regression models. Results Among 457 individuals approached, 214 (47%) enrolled in the biorepository. A COVID-19 epidemiologic risk factor was recorded for 53%, and 15% lived in a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined COVID-19 hotspot. Individuals living in a COVID-19 hotspot (relative risk (RR) 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8–3.2]), with symptoms at presentation (RR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2–2.7]), or admitted to hospital (RR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2–2.8]) were more likely to enroll. Seventy-nine percent of enrollees donated any biospecimen, including 97 nasopharyngeal swabs, 119 oropharyngeal swabs, and 105 blood, 16 urine, and 16 stool specimens, respectively. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status based on zip code did not predict enrollment or biospecimen donation. Conclusions While fewer than half of individuals approached consented to participate in the pediatric biorepository, enrollment appeared to be representative of children affected by the pandemic. Living in a COVID-19 hotspot, symptoms at presentation to care and hospital admission predicted biorepository enrollment. Once enrolled, most individuals donated a biospecimen. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03185-6.
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Bogart LM, Shazi Z, MacCarthy S, Mendoza-Graf A, Wara NJ, Zionts D, Dube N, Govere S, Bassett IV. Implementation of South Africa's Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Program for HIV Treatment: A Qualitative Evaluation. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2600-2612. [PMID: 35122215 PMCID: PMC8815398 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We used the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to evaluate implementation of South Africa’s Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program, a differentiated service delivery program which allows clinically stable HIV-positive patients to receive antiretroviral therapy refills at clinic- or community-based pick-up points. Across ten clinics, we conducted 109 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (pick-up point staff, CCMDD service providers and administrators) and 16 focus groups with 138 patients. Participants had highly favorable attitudes and said CCMDD decreased stigma concerns. Patient-level barriers included inadequate education about CCMDD and inability to get refills on designated dates. Organizational-level barriers included challenges with communication and transportation, errors in medication packaging and tracking, rigid CCMDD rules, and inadequate infrastructure. Recommendations included: (1) provide patient education and improve communication around refills (at the patient level); (2) provide dedicated space and staff, and ongoing training (at the organizational/clinic level); and (3) allow for prescription renewal at pick-up points and less frequent refills, and provide feedback to clinics (at the CCMDD program level).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Bogart
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA.
| | - Zinhle Shazi
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sarah MacCarthy
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Nafisa J Wara
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dani Zionts
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nduduzo Dube
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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O’Neil JC, Geisler BP, Rusinak D, Bassett IV, Triant VA, McKenzie R, Mattison ML, Baughman AW. Case management in a COVID-19 surge: A single-institution study of disposition and access to post-acute care. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:372-375. [PMID: 34817856 PMCID: PMC8821321 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. O’Neil
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Geisler
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donna Rusinak
- Performance Analysis and Improvement, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia A. Triant
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachael McKenzie
- Department of Case Management, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa L. Mattison
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy W. Baughman
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Case Management, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, Massachusetts
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Bassett IV, Yan J, Govere S, Khumalo A, Ngobese N, Shazi Z, Nzuza M, Bunda BA, Wara NJ, Stuckwisch A, Zionts D, Dube N, Tshabalala S, Bogart LM, Parker RA. Uptake of community‐ versus clinic‐based antiretroviral therapy dispensing in the Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution program in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25877. [PMID: 35077611 PMCID: PMC8789242 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa's government‐led Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program offers people living with HIV the option to collect antiretroviral therapy at their choice of community‐ or clinic‐based pick‐up points intended to increase convenience and decongest clinics. To understand CCMDD pick‐up point use among people living with HIV, we evaluated factors associated with uptake of a community‐ versus clinic‐based pick‐up point at CCMDD enrolment. Methods We collected baseline data from October 2018 to March 2020 on adults (≥18 years) who met CCMDD clinical eligibility criteria (non‐pregnant, on antiretroviral therapy for ≥1 year and virologically suppressed) as part of an observational cohort in seven public clinics in KwaZulu‐Natal. We identified factors associated with community‐based pick‐up point uptake and fit a multivariable logistic regression model, including age, gender, employment status, self‐perceived barriers to care, self‐efficacy, HIV‐related discrimination, and perceived benefits and challenges of CCMDD. Results and Discussion Among 1521 participants, 67% were females, with median age 36 years (IQR 30–44). Uptake of a community‐based pick‐up point was associated with younger age (aOR 1.18 per 10‐year decrease, 95% CI 1.05–1.33), being employed ≥40 hours per week (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.83) versus being unemployed, no self‐perceived barriers to care (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.09–1.86) and scoring between 36 and 39 (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03–2.01) or 40 (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.39–2.63) versus 10–35 on the self‐efficacy scale, where higher scores indicate greater self‐efficacy. Additional factors included more convenient pick‐up point location (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.77–3.04) or hours (aOR 5.09, 95% CI 3.71–6.98) as perceived benefits of CCMDD, and lack of in‐clinic follow‐up after a missed collection date as a perceived challenge of CCMDD (aOR 4.37, 95% CI 2.30–8.31). Conclusions Uptake of community‐based pick‐up was associated with younger age, full‐time employment, and systemic and structural factors of living with HIV (no self‐perceived barriers to care and high self‐efficacy), as well as perceptions of CCMDD (convenient pick‐up point location and hours, lack of in‐clinic follow‐up). Strategies to facilitate community‐based pick‐up point uptake should be tailored to patients’ age, employment, self‐perceived barriers to care and self‐efficacy to maximize the impact of CCMDD in decongesting clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid V. Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Infectious Diseases Boston Massachusetts USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA
- Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Joyce Yan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bridget A. Bunda
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Nafisa J. Wara
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Ashley Stuckwisch
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Dani Zionts
- Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Sandile Tshabalala
- South Africa Department of Health Province of KwaZulu‐Natal South Africa
| | | | - Robert A. Parker
- Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA
- Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center Boston Massachusetts USA
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Foulkes AS, Selvaggi C, Shinnick D, Lumish H, Kim E, Cao T, Thaweethai T, Qian J, Lu F, Yan J, Cheng D, He W, Clerkin KJ, Madhavan MV, Meigs JB, Triant VA, Lubitz SA, Gupta A, Bassett IV, Reilly MP. Understanding the Link Between Obesity and Severe COVID-19 Outcomes: Causal Mediation by Systemic Inflammatory Response. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e698-e707. [PMID: 34473294 PMCID: PMC8499919 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is an established risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes. The mechanistic underpinnings of this association are not well-understood. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the mediating role of systemic inflammation in obesity-associated COVID-19 outcomes. METHODS This hospital-based, observational study included 3828 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients who were hospitalized February to May 2020 at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) or Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital (CUIMC/NYP). We use mediation analysis to evaluate whether peak inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], D-dimer, ferritin, white blood cell count and interleukin-6) are in the causal pathway between obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and mechanical ventilation or death within 28 days of presentation to care. RESULTS In the MGH cohort (n = 1202), obesity was associated with greater likelihood of ventilation or death (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = [1.25, 2.41]; P = 0.001) and higher peak CRP (P < 0.001) compared with nonobese patients. The estimated proportion of the association between obesity and ventilation or death mediated by CRP was 0.49 (P < 0.001). Evidence of mediation was more pronounced in patients < 65 years (proportion mediated = 0.52 [P < 0.001] vs 0.44 [P = 0.180]). Findings were more moderate but consistent for peak ESR. Mediation by other inflammatory markers was not supported. Results were replicated in CUIMC/NYP cohort (n = 2626). CONCLUSION Findings support systemic inflammatory pathways in obesity-associated severe COVID-19 disease, particularly in patients < 65 years, captured by CRP and ESR. Contextualized in clinical trial findings, these results reveal therapeutic opportunity to target systemic inflammatory pathways and monitor interventions in high-risk subgroups and particularly obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea S Foulkes
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Caitlin Selvaggi
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Daniel Shinnick
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Heidi Lumish
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Eunyoung Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Tingyi Cao
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tanayott Thaweethai
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jing Qian
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Frances Lu
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Joyce Yan
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David Cheng
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wei He
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
| | - Kevin J Clerkin
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Mahesh V Madhavan
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - James B Meigs
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Virginia A Triant
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Steven A Lubitz
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aakriti Gupta
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Muredach P Reilly
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Gupta A, Shebl FM, Tong Y, Wagner K, Bassett IV, Page K, Winstanley EL. Association of co-occurring mental health problems with hepatitis C status among young people who inject drugs in rural New Mexico, 2016-2018. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:58. [PMID: 36266666 PMCID: PMC9583516 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use (IDU) remains the strongest risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States. HCV rates are increasing in rural areas among young adult people who inject drugs (PWID). People with HCV and PWID have disproportionate rates of mental health problems; however, it is unclear whether risky injection behaviors mediate the association between mental health problems and HCV. We examined the association between mental health problems and HCV in a rural cohort of young adult PWID, with the goal of informing rural service delivery. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of young adult PWID in 2 rural counties in New Mexico. Participants were recruited from 2 community venues between September 2016 and May 2018. Associations between mental health problems and HCV were examined using bivariate (Fisher's exact) and multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses (with robust standard errors). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we assessed duration of IDU and receptive syringe sharing (RSS) as mediators of this relationship. RESULTS A total of 263 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 26.1 years. The majority were male (66.3%) and Hispanic/Latino (a) (87.6%). The median age first injected was 19 years, and over half reported having ever engaged in RSS (53.4%). At least one mental health problem was reported by 60.1% of participants, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the most prevalent condition (42.2%). A majority (60.9%) tested positive for HCV antibody, and just under half (45.7%) of all participants tested positive for HCV ribonucleic acid. In SEM, PTSD had a significant total effect on HCV (τ = 0.230, P = 0.05), and this relationship was partially mediated by duration of IDU (αβ = 0.077, P = 0.03). The association between mental health problems and HCV was partially mediated by duration of IDU and the sequential mediation of duration of IDU and RSS (αβ + αββ = 0.091, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS High HCV rates among young adult PWID in rural New Mexico may be partly explained by mental health problems, duration of IDU and RSS. Mental health services for young adult PWID in rural areas may help decrease HCV transmission in rural areas. Trial Registration N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Gupta
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Fatma M. Shebl
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Yao Tong
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Katherine Wagner
- grid.266832.b0000 0001 2188 8502University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- grid.266832.b0000 0001 2188 8502University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Erin L. Winstanley
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV USA
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Bassett IV, Xu A, Giddy J, Bogart LM, Boulle A, Millham L, Losina E, Parker RA. Changing contextual factors from baseline to 9-months post-HIV diagnosis predict 5-year mortality in Durban, South Africa. AIDS Care 2021; 33:1543-1550. [PMID: 33138630 PMCID: PMC8088454 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1837338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Changes in an individual's contextual factors following HIV diagnosis may influence long-term outcomes. We evaluated how changes to contextual factors between HIV diagnosis and 9-month follow-up predict 5-year mortality among HIV-infected individuals in Durban, South Africa enrolled in the Sizanani Trial (NCT01188941). We used random survival forests to identify 9-month variables and changes from baseline predictive of time to mortality. We incorporated these into a Cox proportional hazards model including age, sex, and starting ART by 9 months a priori, 9-month social support and competing needs, and changes in mental health between baseline and 9 months. Among 1,154 participants with South African ID numbers, 900 (78%) had baseline and 9-month data available of whom 109 (12%) died after 9-month follow-up. Those who reported less social support at 9 months had a 16% higher risk of mortality. Participants who went without basic needs or healthcare at 9 months had a 2.6 times higher hazard of death compared to participants who did not. Low social support and competing needs at 9-month follow-up substantially increase long-term mortality risk. Reassessing contextual factors during follow-up and targeting interventions to increase social support and affordability of care may reduce long-term mortality for HIV-infected individuals in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid V. Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ai Xu
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Health, Provincial Government of the Western Cape
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town
| | - Lucia Millham
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Losina
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert A. Parker
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Platt L, Shebl FM, Qian Y, Bunda B, Ard KL, Bassett IV. Urban Sexual Health Clinic Patients With "Undetermined Risk" for HIV Are Less Likely to Receive Preexposure Prophylaxis. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:881-886. [PMID: 33938518 PMCID: PMC8505145 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New diagnoses of HIV increasingly occur among people who fall outside traditional transmission risk categories. This group remains poorly defined, and HIV prevention efforts for this group lag behind efforts for patients in other risk groups. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of patient visits at sexual health clinics in Boston, MA, over a 14-month period. Patients were classified into Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined HIV transmission risk categories. We compared frequencies of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) indications, and PrEP prescriptions. Predictors of HIV or STI among patients in the undetermined risk category were assessed with logistic regression. RESULTS There were 4723 clinic visits during the study period. Patients in the undetermined risk group constituted the largest proportion (55.8%), followed by men who have sex with men (MSM; 42.7%). The proportion of visits by patients in the undetermined risk group with an indication for PrEP was low (28.0%) compared with MSM (91.3%) and MSM who also inject drugs (93.8%); however, the absolute number was high (737). Among patients with an indication for PrEP, those in the undetermined risk group were least likely to receive a prescription. Behavioral risk factors were poorly predictive of STI or HIV among patients in the undetermined risk group. CONCLUSIONS Patients with undetermined risk for HIV constituted a large proportion of clinic visits and had a large volume of sexual health needs but rarely received PrEP when indicated. To end the HIV epidemic in the United States, prevention efforts must include people who fall outside traditional risk categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Platt
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Fatma M. Shebl
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Yiqi Qian
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Bridget Bunda
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Kevin L. Ard
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, MA
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Prasad S, Bassett IV, Freeman EE. Dermatology on the Global Stage: The role of dermatologists in international health advocacy and COVID-19 research. Int J Womens Dermatol 2021; 7:653-659. [PMID: 34722850 PMCID: PMC8539819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decade, there has been a surge in interest and funding for global health dermatology. Skin conditions are now recognized as the fourth leading cause of nonfatal disease burden worldwide in disability-adjusted life years. Dermatologists are uniquely positioned within global health because skin conditions are often the presenting sign of severe illnesses, such as neglected tropical diseases and COVID-19. Methods We review four major areas of work by dermatologists within global health: i) characterization of global burden of skin disease, ii) advocacy for dermatologic therapies on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines, iii) advancements in global programming for skin-related tropical diseases, and iv) the role of dermatologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. For each area of work, the significance and impact on the health of women and girls is briefly highlighted. Results Dermatologists have led the efforts to quantify and evaluate the global burden of skin disease, the burden of which is disproportionately shared by women. The dermatology community has also championed global efforts to eliminate skin-related neglected tropical diseases, such as scabies. Through national and international policy advocacy, dermatologists have pushed for more dermatologic therapies in the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines, helping to secure better care for patients with skin disease throughout the world. Since 2020, the dermatology community has worked collaboratively in the fight against COVID-19, establishing a worldwide registry for cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and pursuing research that has allowed colleagues in the house of medicine to better understand this landmark disease. Conclusion Through the study and promotion of global health, dermatologists have an important role in the house of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Prasad
- Icahn School of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, United States of America.,Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Esther E Freeman
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Klabbers RE, Muwonge TR, Ayikobua E, Izizinga D, Bassett IV, Kambugu A, Tsai AC, Ravicz M, Klabbers G, O’Laughlin KN. Health Worker Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators of Assisted Partner Notification for HIV for Refugees and Ugandan Nationals: A Mixed Methods Study in West Nile Uganda. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3206-3222. [PMID: 33884511 PMCID: PMC8416880 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03265-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Assisted partner notification (APN) is recommended by the World Health Organization to notify sexual partners of HIV exposure. Since 2018, APN has been offered in Uganda to Ugandan nationals and refugees. Distinct challenges faced by individuals in refugee settlements may influence APN utilization and effectiveness. To explore APN barriers and facilitators, we extracted index client and sexual partner data from APN registers at 11 health centers providing care to refugees and Ugandan nationals in West Nile Uganda and conducted qualitative interviews with health workers (N = 32). Since APN started, 882 index clients participated in APN identifying 1126 sexual partners. Following notification, 95% (1025/1126) of partners tested for HIV; 22% (230/1025) were diagnosed with HIV with 14% (139/1025) of tested partners newly diagnosed. Fear of stigma and disclosure-related violence limit APN utilization and effectiveness. Prospective research involving index clients and sexual partners is needed to facilitate safe APN optimization in refugee settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E. Klabbers
- Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Timothy R. Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ayikobua
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diego Izizinga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Andrew Kambugu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Miranda Ravicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Gonnie Klabbers
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life
Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kelli N. O’Laughlin
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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Platt L, Elder H, Bassett IV, Molotnikov L, Klevens M, O'Connor E, Leach D, Roosevelt K, Hsu K. Chlamydia Treatment Practices and Time to Treatment in Massachusetts: Directly Observed Therapy Versus Pharmacy Prescriptions. J Prim Care Community Health 2021; 12:21501327211044060. [PMID: 34583572 PMCID: PMC8485271 DOI: 10.1177/21501327211044060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Directly observed therapy (DOT) is recommended for the treatment of chlamydia, however pharmacy prescriptions are frequently used. Adherence to DOT and the association between treatment method and time to treatment is unknown. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of a randomized 2% of laboratory-confirmed chlamydia infections reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health from January 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019. Clinicians and pharmacies were contacted to ascertain treatment methods and timing. We assessed frequency of DOT and pharmacy prescriptions in the treatment of chlamydia infection in Massachusetts. We used log rank test to compare time to treatment initiation for patients receiving DOT versus pharmacy prescriptions. Data were stratified according to whether treatment was empiric or laboratory-driven. Key results We ascertained full outcomes for 199 patients. Eighty patients received DOT and 119 patients received pharmacy prescriptions. DOT was more common among those receiving empiric treatment and pharmacy prescriptions were more common among those receiving laboratory-driven treatment. The median time to treatment was 1.5 days for patients treated with DOT and 3 days for those treated with pharmacy prescriptions. For both groups, the median time to treatment for empiric therapy was 0 days and for laboratory-driven therapy was 4 days. The differences in time to treatment were not statistically significant. Conclusions Pharmacy prescriptions are frequently used for the treatment of chlamydia in Massachusetts. We did not observe a significant difference in the time to treatment between DOT and pharmacy prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Platt
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heather Elder
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Monina Klevens
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin O'Connor
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dylan Leach
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Katherine Hsu
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston Medical Center Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, USA
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Govere SM, Galagan S, Tlou B, Mashamba-Thompson T, Bassett IV, Drain PK. Effect of perceived HIV risk on initiation of antiretroviral therapy during the universal test and treat era in South Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:976. [PMID: 34544376 PMCID: PMC8451135 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has not achieved the 90-90-90 goals, in part due to low rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among those aware of their HIV status. Perceived risk of HIV at the time of testing may affect likelihood of rapid ART initiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with perceived risk of HIV and the relationship between perceived HIV risk and rapid ART initiation during the universal test and treat era which was adapted in October 2016. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of adults undergoing HIV testing from October 2016-February 2019 at Ithembalabantu Clinic in Durban. Eligible participants reported not previously being diagnosed with HIV. Before HIV testing, participants were asked to assess their perceived HIV risk on a four-level scale. We categorized "definitely not" and "probably not going to acquire HIV" as a low perceived risk, and "probably will" and "definitely will become HIV-infected" as a high perceived risk of HIV infection. Participants were followed for up to 14 months following HIV testing to assess ART initiation. RESULTS Among 1519 people newly diagnosed with HIV, 55% were female and mean age was 33 years. Among those, 1382 (90.9%) had a high HIV risk perception and 137 (9.1%) reported low HIV risk perception. In the low risk group individuals were more likely to be female (58% vs 55%), unemployed (62% vs 59%), have a partner with unknown HIV status (61% vs 55%) compared to the high risk group. 83.2% of those with low HIV risk perception reported previously HIV testing compared 91.5% of those with high HIV risk perception. In the multivariate model, males were associated with a higher chances of initiating ART compared to females (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.187, CI 1.187 (1.060-1.329) and being unemployed (aHR 0.767 CI (0.650-0.905). Those with a low HIV risk perception were less likely to initiate ART 125 (91%) vs 1310 (95%) p = 0.022), and took longer to initiate on ART after HIV diagnosis (11 days' vs 4 days, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION Factors associated with high HIV risk perception included being unemployed, single, and having a partner of unknown HIV status. People living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa who had a low self-perceived risk to HIV infection were less likely to initiate ART. Assessing self-perceived risk of HIV infection may help direct counselling and improve ART initiation to achieve universal 90-90-90 goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina M Govere
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,AIDS Healthcare Foundation, 162 ZweMadlala Road, Section W, Umlazi, Durban, 4041, South Africa.
| | - Sean Galagan
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Boikhutso Tlou
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Center for AIDS Research, CFAR, Harvard University, Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Paul K Drain
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Freeman EE, Semeere A, McMahon DE, Byakwaga H, Laker-Oketta M, Regan S, Wenger M, Kasozi C, Ssemakadde M, Bwana M, Kanyesigye M, Kadama-Makanga P, Rotich E, Kisuya J, Wools-Kaloustian K, Bassett IV, Busakhala N, Martin J. Beyond T Staging in the "Treat-All" Era: Severity and Heterogeneity of Kaposi Sarcoma in East Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1119-1127. [PMID: 33871409 PMCID: PMC8263487 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many patients with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed with AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) T1 disease, T1 staging insufficiently captures clinical heterogeneity of advanced KS. Using a representative community-based sample, we detailed disease severity at diagnosis to inform KS staging and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We performed rapid case ascertainment on people living with HIV, aged 18 years or older, newly diagnosed with KS from 2016 to 2019 at 3 clinic sites in Kenya and Uganda to ascertain disease stage as close as possible to diagnosis. We reported KS severity using ACTG and WHO staging criteria and detailed measurements that are not captured in the current staging systems. RESULTS We performed rapid case ascertainment within 1 month for 241 adults newly diagnosed with KS out of 389 adult patients with suspected KS. The study was 68% men with median age 35 years and median CD4 count 239. Most of the patients had advanced disease, with 82% qualifying as ACTG T1 and 64% as WHO severe/symptomatic KS. The most common ACTG T1 qualifiers were edema (79%), tumor-associated ulceration (24%), extensive oral KS (9%), pulmonary KS (7%), and gastrointestinal KS (4%). There was marked heterogeneity within T1 KS, with 25% of patients having 2 T1 qualifying symptoms and 3% having 3 or more. CONCLUSION Most of the patients newly diagnosed with KS had advanced stage disease, even in the current antiretroviral therapy "treat-all" era. We observed great clinical heterogeneity among advanced stage patients, leading to questions about whether all patients with advanced KS require the same treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther E Freeman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Devon E McMahon
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Helen Byakwaga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Susan Regan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elyne Rotich
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Job Kisuya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
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Drain PK, Galagan SR, Govere S, Krows M, Thulare H, Wallis CL, Gosnell BI, Moosa MY, Celum C, Bassett IV. Laboratory Reflex and Clinic-Based Point-of-Care Cryptococcal Antigen Screening for Preventing Meningitis and Mortality Among People Living With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1205-1213. [PMID: 33990495 PMCID: PMC8263484 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcosis remains a leading cause of meningitis and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide. We sought to evaluate laboratory-based cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) reflex testing and a clinic-based point-of-care (POC) CrAg screening intervention for preventing meningitis and mortality among PLHIV in South Africa. METHODS We conducted a prospective pre-post intervention study of adults presenting for HIV testing in Umlazi township, South Africa, over a 6-year period (2013-2019). Participants were enrolled during 3 phases of CrAg testing: CrAg testing ordered by a clinician (clinician-directed testing, 2013-2015); routine laboratory-based CrAg reflex testing for blood samples with CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 (laboratory reflex testing, 2015-2017); and a clinic-based intervention with POC CD4 testing and POC CrAg testing for PLHIV with CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 with continued standard-of-care routine laboratory reflex testing among those with CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 (clinic-based testing, 2017-2019). The laboratory and clinical teams performed serum CrAg by enzyme immunoassay and lateral flow assay (Immy Diagnostics, Norman, OK). We followed up participants for up to 14 months to compare associations between baseline CrAg positivity, antiretroviral therapy and fluconazole treatment initiation, and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis, hospitalization, and mortality. RESULTS Three thousand one hundred five (39.4%) of 7877 people screened were HIV-positive, of whom 908 had CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 and were included in the analyses. Laboratory reflex and clinic-based testing increased CrAg screening (P < 0.001) and diagnosis of CrAg-positive PLHIV (P = 0.011). When compared with clinician-directed testing, clinic-based CrAg testing showed an increase in the number of PLHIV diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis (4.5% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.059), initiation of fluconazole preemptive therapy (7.2% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.010), and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (96.8% vs. 91.3%; P = 0.012). Comparing clinic-based testing with laboratory reflex testing, there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of cryptococcal meningitis (4.5% vs. 4.1%; P = 0.836) or mortality (8.1% vs. 9.9%; P = 0.557). CONCLUSIONS Laboratory reflex and clinic-based CrAg testing facilitated the diagnosis of HIV-associated cryptococcosis and fluconazole initiation but did not reduce cryptococcal meningitis or mortality. In this nonrandomized cohort, clinical outcomes were similar between laboratory reflex testing and clinic-based POC CrAg testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K. Drain
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sean R. Galagan
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Meighan Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Bernadett I. Gosnell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mahomed-Yunus Moosa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Klabbers RE, Muwonge TR, Ayikobua E, Izizinga D, Bassett IV, Kambugu A, Tsai AC, Ravicz M, Klabbers G, O'Laughlin KN. Understanding the role of interpersonal violence in assisted partner notification for HIV: a mixed-methods study in refugee settlements in West Nile Uganda. J Glob Health 2021; 10:020440. [PMID: 33312504 PMCID: PMC7719270 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.020440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assisted partner notification (APN) for HIV was introduced in refugee settlements in West Nile Uganda in 2018 to facilitate testing of sexual partners. While APN is an effective strategy recommended by the World Health Organization, its safety has not been evaluated in a refugee settlement context in which participants have high prior exposure to interpersonal violence. The extent to which interpersonal violence influences APN utilization and the frequency with which post-APN interpersonal violence occurs remains unknown. Methods To explore the relationship between APN and interpersonal violence, a cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted at 11 health centers in or near refugee settlements serving refugee and national populations in West Nile Uganda. Routinely collected index client and sexual partner data were extracted from APN registers and semi-structured interviews were conducted with health workers. Results Through APN, 1126 partners of 882 distinct index clients were identified. For 8% (75/958) of partners, index clients reported a history of intimate partner violence (IPV). For 20% (226/1126) of partners, index clients were screened for post-APN IPV; 8 cases were reported of which 88% (7/8) concerned partners with whom index clients reported prior history of IPV. In qualitative interviews (N = 32), health workers reported HIV disclosure-related physical, sexual and psychological violence and deprivation or neglect. Incidents of disclosure-related violence against health workers and dependents of index clients were also reported. Fear of disclosure-related violence was identified as a major barrier to APN that prevents index clients from listing sexual partners. Conclusions Incidents of interpersonal violence have been reported following HIV-disclosure and fear of interpersonal violence strongly influences APN participation. Addressing HIV perception and stigma may contribute to APN uptake and program safety. Prospective research on interpersonal violence involving index clients and sexual partners in refugee settlements is needed to facilitate safe engagement in APN for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E Klabbers
- Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Timothy R Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ayikobua
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diego Izizinga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Kambugu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Miranda Ravicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gonnie Klabbers
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kelli N O'Laughlin
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Kubiak RW, Sveum EM, Faustin Z, Muwonge T, Zaidi HA, Kambugu A, Masereka S, Kasozi J, Bassett IV, O'Laughlin KN. Prevalence and risk factors for hypertension and diabetes among those screened in a refugee settlement in Uganda. Confl Health 2021; 15:53. [PMID: 34225741 PMCID: PMC8256510 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00388-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes and hypertension are increasingly prevalent in low and middle income countries, but they are not well documented in refugee settlements in these settings. We sought to estimate the prevalence and associated characteristics of diabetes and hypertension among adults presenting for clinic-based HIV testing in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Methods HIV-negative adults presenting to outpatient clinics for HIV testing at three health centers in Nakivale Refugee Settlement were enrolled from January 2019 through January 2020. Multi-lingual research assistants administered questionnaires aloud to ascertain medical history and sociodemographic information. The research assistants used standardized procedures to measure participants’ blood pressure to detect hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg), and conduct a point-of-care blood glucose test for diabetes (random blood glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L with self-reported frequent urination or thirst, or fasting blood glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L regardless of symptoms), as per Uganda Ministry of Health guidelines. We used χ-square or Fisher’s exact test to test for differences in disease prevalence by refugee status and log-binomial or Poisson regression models to estimate associations of immigration status and country of origin, respectively, with hypertension and diabetes while controlling for age, sex, education level, and body mass index. Results Among 2127 participants, 1379 (65%) were refugees or asylum seekers and 748 (35%) were Ugandan nationals. Overall, 32 participants met criteria for diabetes (1.5%, 95% CI 1.1–2.1%) and the period prevalence was 2.3% (95% CI 1.7–3.0). There were 1067 (50%, 95% CI 48.0–52.2%) who met the criteria for pre-hypertension and 189 (9%, 95% CI 7.7–10.1%) for hypertension. These proportions did not vary by immigration status or country of origin in univariate tests or multivariable regression models. Conclusions Hypertension was common and diabetes was uncommon among those screened in a Ugandan refugee settlement. Routine blood pressure screening should be considered in this setting. Additional research could develop diabetes screening criteria to help identify at risk individuals in this limited resource setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel W Kubiak
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elinor M Sveum
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Timothy Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere Univesity, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Andrew Kambugu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere Univesity, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Julius Kasozi
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelli N O'Laughlin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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