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Palich R, Rodger AJ, Nicholls EJ, Wright T, Samba P, Chu IYH, Burns FM, Weatherburn P, Trevelion R, McCabe L, Witzel TC. Experiences with health care services and HIV testing after sexual assault in cisgender gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender people. HIV Med 2024. [PMID: 38433523 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13629] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative sub-study aimed to explore how cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (cis-GBMSM) and transgender people who reported non-consensual sex (NCS) accessed health care services, what barriers they faced, and how this experience influenced subsequent HIV testing. METHODS SELPHI is an online randomized controlled trial evaluating both acceptability and efficiency of HIV-self testing among cis-GBMSM and transgender people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed through a framework analysis, as a qualitative sub-study. We identified narratives of NCS from interviews and investigated experiences of cis-GBMSM and transgender people accessing health care services following sexual assault. RESULTS Of 95 participants, 15 (16%) spontaneously reported NCS. Participants reported a broad range of NCS, including partner's coercive behaviours, non-consensual removal of condoms, and rapes. All feared HIV transmission, leading them to test for HIV, underlining a marked lack of awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Most had negative experiences in communicating with reception staff in sexual health clinics following these incidents. A lack of confidentiality and empathy was described in these situations of psychological distress. Clinic visits were primarily focused on testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infection, and generally no specific psychological support was offered. Getting a negative HIV result was a key step in regaining control for people who experienced NCS. CONCLUSIONS Sexual health care providers should take care to more fully address the issue of NCS with cis-GBMSM and transgender people when it arises. Recognizing and managing the emotional impact of NCS on affected patients would prevent negative experiences and increase confidence in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Palich
- University College London, Institute for Global Health, Royal Free Hospital, NHS, London, UK
| | - Alison J Rodger
- University College London, Institute for Global Health, Royal Free Hospital, NHS, London, UK
| | - Emily Jay Nicholls
- University College London, Institute for Global Health, Royal Free Hospital, NHS, London, UK
| | - Talen Wright
- University College London, Division of Psychiatry, London, UK
| | | | - Isaac Yen-Hao Chu
- University College London, Institute for Global Health, Royal Free Hospital, NHS, London, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | - Fiona M Burns
- University College London, Institute for Global Health, Royal Free Hospital, NHS, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London, UK
| | | | - Leanne McCabe
- University College London, MRC Clinical Trials Unit, London, UK
| | - T Charles Witzel
- University College London, Institute for Global Health, Royal Free Hospital, NHS, London, UK
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Rodger AJ, McCabe L, Phillips AN, Lampe FC, Burns F, Ward D, Delpech V, Weatherburn P, Witzel TC, Pebody R, Kirwan P, Gabriel M, Khawam J, Brady M, Fenton KA, Trevelion R, Collaco-Moraes Y, McCormack S, Dunn D. Free HIV self-test for identification and linkage to care of previously undetected HIV infection in men who have sex with men in England and Wales (SELPHI): an open-label, internet-based, randomised controlled trial. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e838-e847. [PMID: 36460023 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00266-1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of HIV testing in men who have sex with men remain key to reducing the incidence of HIV. We aimed to assess whether the offer of a single, free HIV self-testing kit led to increased HIV diagnoses with linkage to care. METHODS SELPHI was an internet-based, open-label, randomised controlled trial that recruited participants via sexual and social networking sites. Eligibility criteria included being a man or trans woman (although trans women are reported separately); being resident in England or Wales, UK; being aged 16 years or older; having had anal intercourse with a man; not having a positive HIV diagnosis; and being willing to provide name, email address, date of birth, and consent to link to national HIV databases. Participants were randomly allocated (3:2) by computer-generated number sequence to receive a free HIV self-test kit (BT group) or to not receive this free kit (nBT group). Online surveys collected data at baseline, 2 weeks after enrolment (BT group only), 3 months after enrolment, and at the end of the study. The primary outcome was confirmed (linked to care) new HIV diagnosis within 3 months of enrolment, analysed by intention to treat. Those assessing the primary outcome were masked to allocation. This study is registered with the ISRCTN Clinical Trials Register, number ISRCTN20312003. FINDINGS 10 111 participants (6049 in BT group and 4062 in nBT group) enrolled between Feb 16, 2017, and March 1, 2018. The median age of participants was 33 years (IQR 26-44 years); 9000 (89%) participants were White; 8118 (80%) participants were born in the UK; 81 (1%) participants were transgender men; 4706 (47%) participants were university educated; 1537 (15%) participants had never been tested for HIV; and 389 (4%) participants were taking pre-exposure prophylaxis. At enrolment, 7282 (72%) participants reported condomless anal sex with at least one male partner in the previous 3 months. In the BT group, of the 4511 participants for whom HIV testing information was available, 4263 (95%) reported having used the free HIV self-test kit within 3 months.Within 3 months of enrolment there were 19 confirmed new HIV diagnoses (0·31%) in 6049 participants in the BT group and 15 (0·37%) of 4062 in the nBT group (p=0·64). INTERPRETATION The offer of a single, free HIV self-test did not lead to increased rates of new HIV diagnoses, which could reflect decreasing HIV incidence rates in the UK. Nonetheless, the offer of a free HIV self-testing kit resulted in high HIV testing rates, indicating that self-testing is an attractive testing option for a large group of men who have sex with men. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Leanne McCabe
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fiona C Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Denise Ward
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Valerie Delpech
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - T Charles Witzel
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Peter Kirwan
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Michelle Gabriel
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jameel Khawam
- National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Michael Brady
- Department of Sexual Health and HIV, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sheena McCormack
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Dunn
- UK MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
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Nicholls EJ, Samba P, McCabe L, Gafos M, Philips AN, Trevelion R, Rodger AJ, Burns FM, Weatherburn P, Witzel TC. Experiences of and attitudes towards HIV testing for Asian, Black and Latin American men who have sex with men (MSM) in the SELPHI (HIV Self-Testing Public Health Intervention) randomized controlled trial in England and Wales: implications for HIV self-testing. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:809. [PMID: 35459233 PMCID: PMC9034480 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13189-7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) could play an important role in improving access to testing and therefore reducing inequalities related to late diagnosis of HIV, while also improving access to HIV prevention interventions such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. This study sought to understand the potential role of HIVST by exploring the experiences of Asian, Black and Latin American men who have sex with men (MSM) accessing the gay scene and the circulation of HIV testing norms; experiences of accessing HIV testing services; HIVST acceptability and preferences for intervention adaptations. Methods Twenty-nine qualitative interviews were conducted with Asian, Black and Latin American MSM who had participated in SELPHI, an HIVST randomised controlled trial. Topics included HIV testing history, HIV testing patterns, experiences of accessing sexual health services, mental health, engagement with HIVST and SELPHI, and experiences of the gay scene. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and then analysed using a thematic framework. Results The gay scene was identified as an important site for learning about HIV and being exposed to norms reinforcing the importance of protective behaviours. However, experiences of discomfort due to perceptions of ‘whiteness’ on the scene or experiences of racism may hinder the protective function the scene could play in developing norms influencing HIV testing behaviour. Discomfort in clinic waiting rooms was identified as a substantial barrier to accessing clinical services and many interviewees expressed preferences regarding the personal characteristics of healthcare providers. HIVST was found to be acceptable and some interviewees suggested potential adaptations of the HIVST offer, such as packaging HIVST with at home sexually transmitted infections testing options. Conclusions HIVST responds to some service access barriers experienced by Asian, Black and Latin American MSM. The decoupling of HIV testing and clinic attendance may be particularly valuable for MSM of minority ethnic backgrounds who are likely to experience anxiety and discomfort in clinic waiting rooms more acutely than White MSM due to concerns around implied disclosure. This suggests that HIVST may have the potential to increase testing uptake and frequency, particularly for those with complex relationships with clinical services. Trial Registration SELPHI was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN (ref: ISRCTN 20312003).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Jay Nicholls
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK. .,Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - Phil Samba
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Leanne McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Andrew N Philips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Roy Trevelion
- HIV I-Base, 107 The Maltings, 169 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LJ, UK
| | - Alison J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Fiona M Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - T Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 5-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, UK.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
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Witzel TC, Wright T, McCabe L, Gabriel MM, Wolton A, Gafos M, Ward D, Lampe FC, Phillips AN, Trevelion R, Collaco-Moraes Y, Harbottle J, Speakman A, Bonell C, Dunn DD, McCormack S, Burns FM, Weatherburn P, Rodger AJ. Impact and acceptability of HIV self-testing for trans men and trans women: A mixed-methods subgroup analysis of the SELPHI randomised controlled trial and process evaluation in England and Wales. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 32:100700. [PMID: 33681732 PMCID: PMC7910695 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, trans people are disproportionately affected by HIV, but research on strategies to increase testing are limited. SELPHI is a randomised-controlled-trial (RCT) of 10,135 cis men, trans men, and trans women reporting lifetime anal intercourse with male partners (cis or trans), evaluating whether the offer of free HIV self-testing (HIVST) increases diagnosis. This subgroup analysis from the SELPHI RCT aims to describe key HIVST outcomes and HIVST acceptability for trans people. METHODS SELPHI recruited using social networking and trans focused social media. Participants were randomised 60/40 to baseline HIVST (Biosure™) (BT) vs no baseline HIVST (nBT); and at 3-months (if completed the survey and reported recent CAI) 50/50 to 3-monthly HIVST (RT) vs no repeat HIVST (nRT). Outcomes were self-reported through online surveys. We conducted a qualitative study of semi-structured peer-led participant interviews (n = 20) exploring HIVST motivations and experiences. These were analysed using a framework approach. FINDINGS SELPHI recruited and randomised 118 trans men and trans women (94 trans men, 24 trans women), of whom 20 (16 trans men, 4 trans women) underwent the second randomisation. Median age at baseline was 29 (IQR: 22, 37), 79% were white, 79% were UK born, 37% had degree level education, and 31% had never tested for HIV. 62% (n = 59) of trans men completed the 3-month survey, but survey completion by trans women in nBT was too low (1/11) for randomised comparison. In trans men HIV testing uptake by 3 months was significantly higher in BT (95% 36/38) vs nBT (29%, 6/21) (RR=3.32 (1.68, 6.55) p<0.001). Trans people randomised to RT reported 3 times higher rate of HIV testing compared to nRT during the two-year follow-up (IRR 3.66 (1.86, 8.01) p<0.0001). STI testing frequency (mean number of tests during each 13 week period/ 2-year follow-up) was not significantly different across interventions: RT (0.03) and nRT (0.01) (IRR=1.86 95%CI; 0.77, 5.15; p = 0.15). Social harms were rare. Acceptability was very high in BT: 97% (38/39) found instructions easy to understand, 97% (37/38) found the HIVST simple to use and 100% (39/39) reported good overall experience. In interviews, reported HIVST benefits included increased autonomy, privacy, convenience and avoidance of health care providers perceived to be discriminatory and services that increased dysphoria. Minor lancet and test processing issues were reported. INTERPRETATION HIVST significantly increased testing uptake and frequency in trans men and trans people overall, although recruitment and retention of trans women was low. HIVST acceptability was high and indicates easy access to this novel technology may increase HIV testing access for this key population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
| | - Talen Wright
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle M. Gabriel
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Aedan Wolton
- 56T, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Hospital Foundation Trust, 56 Dean Street, London W1D 4PR, United Kingdom
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Denise Ward
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona C. Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew N. Phillips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Roy Trevelion
- HIV i-base, 107 The Maltings, 169 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 3LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Yolanda Collaco-Moraes
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Harbottle
- SH:24, 35a Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, London SE1 7JB, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Speakman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - David D. Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 90 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M. Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J. Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
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Baker V, Nkhoma K, Trevelion R, Roach A, Winston A, Sabin C, Bristowe K, Harding R. “I have failed to separate my HIV from this pain”: the challenge of managing chronic pain among people with HIV. AIDS Care 2021:1-9. [PMID: 33443450 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1869148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a highly prevalent and burdensome symptom among people with HIV (PWH). This study aims to identify how the experience of living with HIV and chronic pain influences pain beliefs, health-seeking and pain management. Thirty-nine purposively sampled PWH with chronic pain (sample characteristics = 61% women, 79% Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, 18% men who have sex with men, 45-54 median age category) participated in focus groups in London. Focus groups were co-facilitated with community members. Transcripts wereanalysed using a thematic approach. Findings revealed that HIV stigma, fractured care pathways, and general practitioners' lack of HIV training are barriers to supported pain management. Unaddressed pain results in poorer mental health and reduced quality of life, which has important clinical implications for HIV treatment adherence. Creating HIV-specific pain resources, activating social networks, and pain self-management techniques are potential solutions. Person-centred assessment and HIV training is needed to help clinicians identify PWH with chronic pain. Clear guidelines need to be developed to identify which health service providers are responsible for chronic pain management in PWH. This study generated a refined version of the Fear Avoidance Model that introduces a dimension of HIV-specific behaviours that impact PWHs seeking chronic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Baker
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, England
| | - K. Nkhoma
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, England
| | | | - A. Roach
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, England
| | - A. Winston
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, England
| | - C. Sabin
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, England
| | - K. Bristowe
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, England
| | - R. Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, England
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Palfreeman A, Sullivan A, Rayment M, Waters L, Buckley A, Burns F, Clutterbuck D, Cormack I, Croxford S, Dean G, Delpech V, Josh J, Kifetew C, Larbalestier N, Mackie N, Matthews P, Murchie M, Nardone A, Randell P, Skene H, Smithson K, Trevelion R, Trewinnard K, White A, Young E, Peto T. British HIV Association/British Association for Sexual Health and HIV/British Infection Association adult HIV testing guidelines 2020. HIV Med 2020; 21 Suppl 6:1-26. [PMID: 33333625 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Palfreeman
- Honorary Associate Professor, Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
| | - Ann Sullivan
- Consultant in HIV and Sexual Health, Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College, London
| | - Michael Rayment
- Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine and HIV, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Laura Waters
- Chair British HIV Association, Consultant in HIV & Sexual Health, Mortimer Market Centre, CNWL NHS Trust, London
| | - Anna Buckley
- Consultant in Emergency Medicine, University College Hospital NHS Trust, London
| | - Fiona Burns
- Associate Professor in HIV and Sexual Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London
| | - Daniel Clutterbuck
- Clinical Lead for Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV, Lothian Sexual and Reproductive Health Service, Edinburgh
| | - Ian Cormack
- Clinical Lead HIV Medicine, Croydon University Hospital
| | - Sara Croxford
- Senior HIV/STI Prevention Scientist, Public Health England, London
| | - Gillian Dean
- Consultant in Genitourinary/HIV Medicine, Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
| | | | | | - Chamut Kifetew
- Project Manager, National HIV Prevention Programme, Terrence Higgins Trust and HIV, Prevention England
| | - Nick Larbalestier
- Consultant in HIV Medicine, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Nicola Mackie
- Consultant in HIV/Sexual Health, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London
| | - Philippa Matthews
- General Practitioner, Medical Director, Islington GP Federation, Islington Clinical Lead for Sexual Health, London
| | - Martin Murchie
- Lecturer in Adult Nursing/Sexual Health Adviser, Glasgow Caledonian University/Sandyford Sexual Health NHS GGC
| | - Anthony Nardone
- Consultant Scientist (Sexual Health Promotion), HIV/STI Department, Public Health England (September 2016 to June 2018) and Senior Epidemiologist, Epiconcept, Paris (June 2018 to November 2019)
| | - Paul Randell
- Consultant Virologist, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
| | - Hannah Skene
- Clinical Lead for Acute Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London
| | | | | | - Karen Trewinnard
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinician and Trainer, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
| | | | - Emma Young
- Consultant Emergency Medicine, Barts Health NHS Trust, London
| | - Tim Peto
- Consultant in Infectious Diseases, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
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7
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Rodger AJ, Dunn D, McCabe L, Weatherburn P, Lampe FC, Witzel TC, Burns F, Ward D, Pebody R, Trevelion R, Brady M, Kirwan PD, Khawam J, Delpech VC, Gabriel M, Collaco-Moraes Y, Phillips AN, McCormack S. Sexual risk and HIV testing disconnect in men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited to an online HIV self-testing trial. HIV Med 2020; 21:588-598. [PMID: 32776431 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We report the frequency of previous HIV testing at baseline in men who have sex with men (MSM) who enrolled in an HIV self-testing (HIVST) randomized controlled trial [an HIV self-testing public health intervention (SELPHI)]. METHODS Criteria for enrolment were age ≥ 16 years, being a man (including trans men) who ever had anal intercourse (AI) with a man, not being known to be HIV positive and having consented to national HIV database linkage. Using online survey baseline data (2017-2018), we assessed associations with never having tested for HIV and not testing in the previous 6 months, among men who reported at least two recent condomless AI (CAI) partners. RESULTS A total of 10 111 men were randomized; the median age was 33 years [interquartile range (IQR) 26-44 years], 89% were white, 20% were born outside the UK, 0.8% were trans men, 47% were degree educated, and 8% and 4% had ever used and were currently using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), respectively. In the previous 3 months, 89% reported AI and 72% reported CAI with at least one male partner. Overall, 17%, 33%, 54%, and 72% had tested for HIV in the last 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 2 years, respectively; 13% had tested more than 2 years ago and 15% had never tested. Among 3972 men reporting at least two recent CAI partners, only 22% had tested in the previous 3 months. Region of residence and education level were independently associated with recent HIV testing. Among current PrEP users, 15% had not tested in the previous 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Most men in SELPHI, particularly those reporting at least two CAI partners and current PrEP users, were not testing in line with current UK recommendations. The results of the trial will inform whether online promotion of HIVST addresses ongoing testing barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Dunn
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
| | - L McCabe
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
| | - P Weatherburn
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - F C Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - T C Witzel
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - F Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Ward
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
| | | | | | - M Brady
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - P D Kirwan
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - J Khawam
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - V C Delpech
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - M Gabriel
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London, UK
| | | | - A N Phillips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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8
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Witzel TC, Weatherburn P, Bourne A, Rodger AJ, Bonell C, Gafos M, Trevelion R, Speakman A, Lampe F, Ward D, Dunn DT, Gabriel MM, McCabe L, Harbottle J, Collaco Moraes Y, Michie S, Phillips AN, McCormack S, Burns FM. Exploring Mechanisms of Action: Using a Testing Typology to Understand Intervention Performance in an HIV Self-Testing RCT in England and Wales. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17020466. [PMID: 31936798 PMCID: PMC7014239 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
SELPHI involves two interventions: A provides one HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit; B offers 3-monthly repeat HIVST kits if participants report ongoing risk. A logic model underpinned by the Behaviour Change Wheel informed the design of the intervention. SELPHI recruited 10,135 cis-men and trans people in England and Wales, all reporting anal sex with a man. This paper explores how the interventions were experienced and the mechanisms of action leading to impact for different groups of trial participants. In-depth interviews with 37 cis-men who have sex with men (MSM) were used to inductively categorise participants based on sexual and HIV testing histories. Themes relating to intervention experiences and impacts were mapped onto SELPHI-hypothesised intermediate outcomes to consider intervention impacts. Three groups were identified: ‘inexperienced testers’ engaged with SELPHI to overcome motivational and social and physical opportunity testing barriers. For ‘pro self-testers’, testing frequency was constrained by psychological and social barriers and lack of opportunity. ‘Opportunistic adopters’ engaged in HIVST for novelty and convenience. Perceived impacts for inexperienced testers were most closely aligned with the logic model, but for opportunistic adopters there was little evidence of impact. Distinctive groups were discernible with divergent intervention experiences. Using COM-B as a model for understanding behaviour change in relation to HIVST, our results indicate how HIVST interventions could be adapted to respond to different needs based on the target population’s demographic and behavioural features.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK; (P.W.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK; (P.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
| | - Alison J. Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK; (P.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1h 9SH, UK;
| | | | - Andrew Speakman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Fiona Lampe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Denise Ward
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - David T. Dunn
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Michelle M. Gabriel
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Leanne McCabe
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Yolanda Collaco Moraes
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1N 3AZ, UK;
| | - Andrew N. Phillips
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
| | - Sheena McCormack
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK; (D.W.); (D.T.D.); (M.M.G.); (L.M.); (Y.C.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Fiona M. Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK; (A.J.R.); (A.S.); (F.L.); (A.N.P.); (F.M.B.)
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Stirrup OT, Sabin CA, Phillips AN, Williams I, Churchill D, Tostevin A, Hill T, Dunn DT, Asboe D, Pozniak A, Cane P, Chadwick D, Churchill D, Clark D, Collins S, Delpech V, Douthwaite S, Dunn D, Fearnhill E, Porter K, Tostevin A, Stirrup O, Fraser C, Geretti AM, Gunson R, Hale A, Hué S, Lazarus L, Leigh-Brown A, Mbisa T, Mackie N, Orkin C, Nastouli E, Pillay D, Phillips A, Sabin C, Smit E, Templeton K, Tilston P, Volz E, Williams I, Zhang H, Fairbrother K, Dawkins J, O’Shea S, Mullen J, Cox A, Tandy R, Fawcett T, Hopkins M, Booth C, Renwick L, Renwick L, Schmid ML, Payne B, Hubb J, Dustan S, Kirk S, Bradley-Stewart A, Hill T, Jose S, Thornton A, Huntington S, Glabay A, Shidfar S, Lynch J, Hand J, de Souza C, Perry N, Tilbury S, Youssef E, Gazzard B, Nelson M, Mabika T, Mandalia S, Anderson J, Munshi S, Post F, Adefisan A, Taylor C, Gleisner Z, Ibrahim F, Campbell L, Baillie K, Gilson R, Brima N, Ainsworth J, Schwenk A, Miller S, Wood C, Johnson M, Youle M, Lampe F, Smith C, Tsintas R, Chaloner C, Hutchinson S, Walsh J, Mackie N, Winston A, Weber J, Ramzan F, Carder M, Leen C, Wilson A, Morris S, Gompels M, Allan S, Palfreeman A, Lewszuk A, Kegg S, Faleye A, Ogunbiyi V, Mitchell S, Hay P, Kemble C, Martin F, Russell-Sharpe S, Gravely J, Allan S, Harte A, Tariq A, Spencer H, Jones R, Pritchard J, Cumming S, Atkinson C, Mital D, Edgell V, Allen J, Ustianowski A, Murphy C, Gunder I, Trevelion R, Babiker A. Associations between baseline characteristics, CD4 cell count response and virological failure on first-line efavirenz + tenofovir + emtricitabine for HIV. J Virus Erad 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30037-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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10
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Churchill D, Waters L, Ahmed N, Angus B, Boffito M, Bower M, Dunn D, Edwards S, Emerson C, Fidler S, Fisher M, Horne R, Khoo S, Leen C, Mackie N, Marshall N, Monteiro F, Nelson M, Orkin C, Palfreeman A, Pett S, Phillips A, Post F, Pozniak A, Reeves I, Sabin C, Trevelion R, Walsh J, Wilkins E, Williams I, Winston A. British HIV Association guidelines for the treatment of HIV-1-positive adults with antiretroviral therapy 2015. HIV Med 2018; 17 Suppl 4:s2-s104. [PMID: 27568911 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark Bower
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Simon Edwards
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Nelson
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anton Pozniak
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Caroline Sabin
- Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK
| | | | - John Walsh
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Ian Williams
- Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK
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11
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Gompels M, Michael S, Jose S, Hill T, Trevelion R, Sabin CA, May MT. The use of funnel plots with regression as a tool to visually compare HIV treatment outcomes between centres adjusting for patient characteristics and size: a UK Collaborative HIV Cohort study. HIV Med 2018; 19:386-394. [PMID: 29656588 PMCID: PMC6032937 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives A measure used for assessing the effectiveness of HIV care and comparing clinical centres is the proportion of people starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) with viral suppression (VS) after 1 year. We propose a method that adjusts for patients’ demographic characteristics, and visually compares this measure between different sites accounting for centre size. Methods We analysed viral load measurements for UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) patients starting ART between 2006 and 2013. We used logistic regression to estimate the proportion with VS after 1 year of ART adjusted for patient mix (in terms of age and a combined gender/ethnicity/acquisition mode variable) and calendar year. We compared outcomes between centres using funnel plots which account for centre size. Results The overall proportion of the cohort with VS 1 year after starting ART was 90% and increased from 83% to 93% between 2006 and 2013. VS was lower in younger individuals. White men who have sex with men (MSM) had the highest (94%), and black African (81%) and white (82%) heterosexual women the lowest proportions achieving VS. Comparing the unadjusted funnel plot with the adjusted, there were movements of some centres from outside to inside the 95% contour limits, which was largely explained by the patient mix of these centres. Conclusions VS 1 year after ART start was associated with demographic characteristics and centre size; therefore, to compare the performances of centres, adjustment for these factors is required. Adjusted funnel plot is an effective tool which accounts for both the demographic characteristics and the centre size. Social factors, rather than treatment decisions within the control of the centres, may drive differences in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gompels
- Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Department of Immunology, Bristol, UK
| | - S Michael
- School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S Jose
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London, London, UK
| | - T Hill
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London, London, UK
| | | | - C A Sabin
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London, London, UK
| | - M T May
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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12
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Mason AJ, Gonzalez-Maffe J, Quinn K, Doyle N, Legg K, Norsworthy P, Trevelion R, Winston A, Ashby D. Developing a Bayesian adaptive design for a phase I clinical trial: a case study for a novel HIV treatment. Stat Med 2016; 36:754-771. [PMID: 27891651 PMCID: PMC5412923 DOI: 10.1002/sim.7169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The design of phase I studies is often challenging, because of limited evidence to inform study protocols. Adaptive designs are now well established in cancer but much less so in other clinical areas. A phase I study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetic profile and antiretroviral efficacy of C34-PEG4 -Chol, a novel peptide fusion inhibitor for the treatment of HIV infection, has been set up with Medical Research Council funding. During the study workup, Bayesian adaptive designs based on the continual reassessment method were compared with a more standard rule-based design, with the aim of choosing a design that would maximise the scientific information gained from the study. The process of specifying and evaluating the design options was time consuming and required the active involvement of all members of the trial's protocol development team. However, the effort was worthwhile as the originally proposed rule-based design has been replaced by a more efficient Bayesian adaptive design. While the outcome to be modelled, design details and evaluation criteria are trial specific, the principles behind their selection are general. This case study illustrates the steps required to establish a design in a novel context. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexina J Mason
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, U.K
| | - Juan Gonzalez-Maffe
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, 68 Wood Lane, London W12 7RH, U.K
| | - Killian Quinn
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, U.K
| | - Nicki Doyle
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, U.K
| | - Ken Legg
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, U.K
| | - Peter Norsworthy
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, U.K
| | | | - Alan Winston
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, U.K
| | - Deborah Ashby
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, 68 Wood Lane, London W12 7RH, U.K
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13
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Williams I, Churchill D, Anderson J, Boffito M, Bower M, Cairns G, Cwynarski K, Edwards S, Fidler S, Fisher M, Freedman A, Geretti AM, Gilleece Y, Horne R, Johnson M, Khoo S, Leen C, Marshall N, Nelson M, Orkin C, Paton N, Phillips A, Post F, Pozniak A, Sabin C, Trevelion R, Ustianowski A, Walsh J, Waters L, Wilkins E, Winston A, Youle M. British HIV Association guidelines for the treatment of HIV-1-positive adults with antiretroviral therapy 2012 (Updated November 2013. All changed text is cast in yellow highlight.). HIV Med 2014; 15 Suppl 1:1-85. [PMID: 24330011 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Williams I, Churchill D, Anderson J, Boffito M, Bower M, Cairns G, Cwynarski K, Edwards S, Fidler S, Fisher M, Freedman A, Geretti AM, Gilleece Y, Horne R, Johnson M, Khoo S, Leen C, Marshall N, Nelson M, Orkin C, Paton N, Phillips A, Post F, Pozniak A, Sabin C, Trevelion R, Ustianowski A, Walsh J, Waters L, Wilkins E, Winston A, Youle M. British HIV Association guidelines for the treatment of HIV-1-positive adults with antiretroviral therapy 2012. HIV Med 2012; 13 Suppl 2:1-85. [PMID: 22830364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2012.01029.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The overall purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance on best clinical practice in the treatment and management of adults with HIV infection with antiretroviral therapy (ART). The scope includes: (i) guidance on the initiation of ART in those previously naïve to therapy; (ii)support of patients on treatment; (iii) management of patients experiencing virological failure; and (iv) recommendations in specific patient populations where other factors need to be taken into consideration. The guidelines are aimed at clinical professionals directly involved with and responsible for the care of adults with HIV infection and at community advocates responsible for promoting the best interests and care of HIV-positive adults. They should be read in conjunction with other published BHIVA guidelines.
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