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Small L, Mellins C. Mental Health and Treatment Engagement among Low-Income Women of Color Living with HIV. Soc Work Public Health 2024; 39:393-404. [PMID: 38535437 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2024.2323693] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Low-income women of color are disproportionately more likely to contract HIV, struggle with treatment adherence, and have compromised health as a result of HIV infections in comparison to White and more affluent women. The current study is a secondary analysis aimed at examining the association between stress, symptoms of depression, trauma exposure, healthcare engagement, and adherence self-efficacy, among low-income women of color with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Structural equation modeling is used to identify latent mental health symptoms that may influence one another, as well as outcomes involving treatment engagement. Participants contributing to this dataset (n = 134) were low income, women of color (primarily African American) living with HIV or AIDS, receiving care at a major medical center in the northeastern United States. Findings indicate significant indirect associations between perceived stress and the outcome of medical appointment attendance. Significant mediators of this indirect relationship include depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and adherence self-efficacy. Implications for health and behavioral health practice and policy interventions are drawn. Areas in need of future research are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latoya Small
- UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Department of Social Welfare, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Claude Mellins
- Medical Psychology (in Sociomedical Sciences and Psychiatry), Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
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2
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Gass SJ, Yelverton V, Ostermann J, Weissman S, Albrecht H. Which Features of Telehealth in HIV Care Are Most Important? A Mixed-Methods Study With HIV Care Providers and People Living With HIV in South Carolina. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:e17-e25. [PMID: 38619229 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001945] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Telehealth was rapidly implemented in HIV care during COVID-19 yet remains understudied. To assess the importance of telehealth features, we conducted a mixed-methods study with HIV care providers and people living with HIV. Qualitative interviews and ranking exercises revealed heterogeneity in preference-relevant features of telehealth in HIV care.
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Bedert M, Moody K, Nieuwkerk P, van Holten N, de Wit J, van der Valk M. Between delivering chronic care and answering patients' burdens: Understanding HIV specialist nurses' experiences in the age of treatment. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1943-1954. [PMID: 37983876 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15941] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM(S) To understand the experiences of HIV nurses in the context of ambivalence between biomedical treatment advancements and the continuing burden for people living with HIV and negative representations of HIV. DESIGN An interpretative phenomenological study was conducted using in-depth interviews. METHODS Twenty-one interviews with nurses were conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. A thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS Six themes related to the nurses' experiences emerged. Despite effective treatment for most people with HIV, nurses identify patient populations that require additional care. Nurses are flexible in making extra appointments to accommodate complex issues in these patients. Nurses develop a unique relationship with their patients based on trust and empathy, linked to patient's experiences with stigma and discrimination for people with HIV. Nurses perceive their tasks as becoming increasingly complex. There is explicit awareness about the changes in HIV care from acute to chronic care and how this affects nurses' tasks. Nurses continue to differentiate HIV from other chronic conditions. CONCLUSION Biomedical advancements change the organization of HIV care while public health concerns remain and patient population has particular needs due to negative social representations of HIV. Nurses navigate these issues in their everyday care. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE A potential re-evaluation of the role of nurses in providing chronic HIV care. IMPACT Our study addresses the roles of HIV nurses as care is shifting towards chronic care models. The unique relationship between nurses and patients is key in understanding the importance of nurses in the care trajectory. These findings impact the institutional role of nurses in HIV treatment centres and the institutional organization of HIV care. REPORT METHOD The COREQ guideline was used. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Amsterdam UMC (AMC) staff, the national organization of HIV Nurses and patient organizations contributed to the study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Bedert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Moody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pythia Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja van Holten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - John de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- HIV Monitoring Foundation, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Grimes KEL, Ebasone PV, Dzudie A, Nash D, Wainberg ML, Pence BW, Barrington C, Pefura E, Yotebieng M, Anastos K, Nsame D, Ajeh R, Nyenti A, Parcesepe AM. Factors influencing integration of mental health screening and treatment at HIV clinic settings in Cameroon: a qualitative study of health providers' perspectives. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:519. [PMID: 38658992 PMCID: PMC11044447 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10775-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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders are common among people with HIV (PWH) and are associated with poor HIV outcomes. Despite high unmet mental health needs among PWH, use of evidence-based mental health screening and treatment protocols remains limited at HIV treatment facilities across low-resource settings. Integrating mental health services into HIV care can reduce this gap. This study's objective was to explore factors that influence integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV clinics in Cameroon. METHODS We analyzed 14 in-depth interviews with clinic staff supporting PWH at three urban HIV treatment clinics in Cameroon. Interviews focused on current processes, barriers and facilitators, and types of support needed to integrate mental health care into HIV care. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. French transcripts were translated into English. We used thematic analysis to identify factors that influence integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV care in these settings. Ethical review boards in the United States and Cameroon approved this study. RESULTS Respondents discussed a lack of standardized mental health screening processes in HIV treatment facilities and generally felt ill-equipped to conduct mental health screening. Low community awareness about mental disorders, mental health-related stigma, limited physical space, and high clinic volume affected providers' ability to screen clients for mental disorders. Providers indicated that better coordination and communication were needed to support client referral to mental health care. Despite these barriers, providers were motivated to screen clients for mental disorders and believed that mental health service provision could improve quality of HIV care and treatment outcomes. All providers interviewed said they would feel more confident screening for mental disorders with additional training and resources. Providers recommended community sensitization, training or hiring additional staff, improved coordination to manage referrals, and leadership buy-in at multiple levels of the health system to support sustainable integration of mental health screening and treatment into HIV clinics in Cameroon. CONCLUSIONS Providers reported enthusiasm to integrate mental health services into HIV care but need more support and training to do so in an effective and sustainable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E L Grimes
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | - Anastase Dzudie
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Milton L Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian W Pence
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clare Barrington
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Denis Nsame
- Bamenda Regional Hospital, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Rogers Ajeh
- Clinical Research Education Networking and Consultancy, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Angela M Parcesepe
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Bonadonna LV, Guerrero E, McClendon T, Union S, Kabbani D, Wittmann D, Cohn J, Veltman J. Evaluation of an HIV homecare program for lost-to-follow-up populations: a mixed methods study in Detroit, Michigan. AIDS Res Ther 2024; 21:21. [PMID: 38609992 PMCID: PMC11015688 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-024-00608-5] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in clinical care is a global priority. In the Metro Detroit area of Michigan, approximately 30% of PLWHIV are out of care. To re-engage lost-to-follow-up patients, Wayne Health Infectious Disease clinic launched an innovative Homecare program in 2017. In addition to home healthcare delivery, the program included links to community resources and quarterly community meetings. We aimed to evaluate Homecare's impact on participants' ability to stay engaged in HIV care and reach viral suppression. We included data from PLWHIV and their healthcare workers. METHODS We used a convergent mixed-methods design, including first year program record review, semi-structured interviews, and a validated Likert scale questionnaire rating illness perception before and after Homecare. Interview data were collected from 15 PLWHIV in Metro Detroit and two healthcare workers responsible for program delivery. Semi-structured interviews focused on obstacles to clinic-based care, support networks, and illness perceptions. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic approach. A fully coded analysis was used to create a conceptual framework of factors contributing to Homecare's success. Means in eight categories of the Brief Illness Perception (IPQ) were compared using paired T-tests. RESULTS In the first year of Homecare, 28 of 34 participants (82%) became virally suppressed at least once. The program offered (1) social support and stigma reduction through strong relationships with healthcare workers, (2) removal of physical and resource barriers such as transportation, and (3) positive changes in illness perceptions. PLWHIV worked towards functional coping strategies, including improvements in emotional regulation, acceptance of their diagnosis, and more positive perspectives of control. Brief-IPQ showed significant changes in six domains before and after Homecare. CONCLUSION Homecare offers an innovative system for successfully re-engaging and maintaining lost-to-follow-up PLWHIV in care. These findings have implications for HIV control efforts and could inform the development of future programs for difficult to reach populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L V Bonadonna
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - E Guerrero
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - S Union
- Wayne Health, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - D Kabbani
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - J Cohn
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - J Veltman
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Ahmed MM. Dentists and dental hygienists' comprehension of HIV infection associated periodontal implications and management. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1370112. [PMID: 38638482 PMCID: PMC11024279 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1370112] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In an era wherein, persuasive evidence continues to witness the association between systemic and periodontal diseases, the absence of scientific data on dental professionals' comprehension concerning the HIV infection and periodontal link is lamentably backward. Thus, the key objective of this research is to ascertain the extent of comprehension possessed by dentists and dental hygienists concerning periodontal implications and their management in HIV patients. Methods It is a quantitative cross-sectional survey employing a descriptive approach focusing on a specific cohort of dental professionals. The study setting featured an online platform for the distribution of concealed, closed-ended, structured questionnaire. The data was gathered for four sections: six comprehension statements about periodontal manifestations in HIV patients; fifteen comprehension statements about HIV patients' periodontal management; eight familiarity statements about HIV management; and two educational statements about HIV. The comparisons of comprehension scores were drawn between variables such as specialties, age groups, and genders. Results The survey represented 468 dental professionals representing distinct dental specialties, with a mean age of 24.26 ± 7.53 years. The mean comprehension score for all groups of participants is 10.31 ± 9.34 (33.25%). The highest scores were recorded among those aged 31-40 (20.67 ± 8.31), followed by those aged 40+ (19.38 ± 9.39), 20-30 (9.53 ± 8.96), and under 20 (8.92 ± 8.57), at p < 0.001. The female participants (15.06 ± 12.2) exhibited substantially better scores in contrast to the male participants (8.74 ± 7.57). Periodontists (27.77 ± 3.08) comprehended most, then the oral medicine practitioners (25 ± 0). Dental hygiene students (5.52 ± 3.56) and hygienists (7.67 ± 9.72) comprehended the least. The scores for all four domains assessed were disappointingly low: knowledge about HIV-periodontal manifestations (2.81 ± 2.18), knowledge about management of periodontal diseases in HIV patients (3.73 ± 4.7), familiarity with periodontal care in HIV patients (2.87 ± 3.01), and education received about HIV and periodontal diseases (0.91 ± 0.66). Conclusion Dental professionals are notably incomprehensive, unfamiliar, and lacking in expertise in the realm of periodontal facets of HIV. The periodontists and oral medicine practitioners showed a substantial amount of comprehension, while the dental hygiene students and dental hygienists presented a conspicuously inadequate level of comprehension. The study outcome could potentially serve as an invaluable instrument for self-assessment by dental professionals and educators. HIV/AIDS ought not to persist as an unspoken taboo or disregarded subject within the dental field, particularly in periodontics, but rather should receive prominence in dental schools and professional development programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammil Moin Ahmed
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Dudek AM, Feist WN, Sasu EJ, Luna SE, Ben-Efraim K, Bak RO, Cepika AM, Porteus MH. A simultaneous knockout knockin genome editing strategy in HSPCs potently inhibits CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 infection. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:499-518.e6. [PMID: 38579682 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell transplant (HSCT) of CCR5 null (CCR5Δ32) cells can be curative for HIV-1-infected patients. However, because allogeneic HSCT poses significant risk, CCR5Δ32 matched bone marrow donors are rare, and CCR5Δ32 transplant does not confer resistance to the CXCR4-tropic virus, it is not a viable option for most patients. We describe a targeted Cas9/AAV6-based genome editing strategy for autologous HSCT resulting in both CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 resistance. Edited human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) maintain multi-lineage repopulation capacity in vivo, and edited primary human T cells potently inhibit infection by both CCR5-tropic and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1. Modification rates facilitated complete loss of CCR5-tropic replication and up to a 2,000-fold decrease in CXCR4-tropic replication without CXCR4 locus disruption. This multi-factor editing strategy in HSPCs could provide a broad approach for autologous HSCT as a functional cure for both CCR5-tropic and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Dudek
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William N Feist
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elena J Sasu
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sofia E Luna
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kaya Ben-Efraim
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rasmus O Bak
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alma-Martina Cepika
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Matthew H Porteus
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Medeiros P, Koebel J, Yu A, Kazemi M, Nicholson V, Frank P, Persad Y, O'Brien N, Bertozzi B, Smith S, Ndung'u M, Fraleigh A, Gagnier B, Cardinal C, Webster K, Sanchez M, Lee M, Lacombe-Duncan A, Logie CH, Gormley R, de Pokomandy A, Kaida A, Loutfy MR. Experiences and resultant care gaps among women with HIV in Canada: concept mapping the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) findings. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078833. [PMID: 38569698 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078833] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The community-based, longitudinal, Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) explored the experiences of women with HIV in Canada over the past decade. CHIWOS' high-impact publications document significant gaps in the provision of healthcare to women with HIV. We used concept mapping to analyse and present a summary of CHIWOS findings on women's experiences navigating these gaps. DESIGN Concept mapping procedures were performed in two steps between June 2019 and March 2021. First, two reviewers (AY and PM) independently reviewed CHIWOS manuscripts and conference abstracts written before 1 August 2019 to identify main themes and generate individual concept maps. Next, the preliminary results were presented to national experts, including women with HIV, to consolidate findings into visuals summarising the experiences and care gaps of women with HIV in CHIWOS. SETTING British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS A total of 18 individual CHIWOS team members participated in this study including six lead investigators of CHIWOS and 12 community researchers. RESULTS Overall, a total of 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference abstracts met the inclusion criteria. Using concept mapping, themes were generated and structured through online meetings. In total, six composite concept maps were co-developed: quality of life, HIV care, psychosocial and mental health, sexual health, reproductive health, and trans women's health. Two summary diagrams were created encompassing the concept map themes, one for all women and one specific to trans women with HIV. Through our analysis, resilience, social support, positive healthy actions and women-centred HIV care were highlighted as strengths leading to well-being for women with HIV. CONCLUSIONS Concept mapping resulted in a composite summary of 60 peer-reviewed CHIWOS publications. This activity allows for priority setting to optimise care and well-being for women with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Medeiros
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill Koebel
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Yu
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mina Kazemi
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Valerie Nicholson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Epidemiology and Population Health, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peggy Frank
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Nadia O'Brien
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Mary Ndung'u
- Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Claudette Cardinal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kath Webster
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margarite Sanchez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie Lee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Lacombe-Duncan
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca Gormley
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alexandra de Pokomandy
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mona R Loutfy
- Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hlongwa M, Basera W, Hlongwana K, Lombard C, Laubscher R, Duma S, Cheyip M, Bradshaw D, Nicol E. Linkage to HIV care and early retention in HIV care among men in the 'universal test-and-treat' era in a high HIV-burdened district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:384. [PMID: 38561736 PMCID: PMC10985849 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10736-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the numerous efforts and initiatives, males with HIV are still less likely than women to receive HIV treatment. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, men are tested, linked, and retained in HIV care at lower rates than women, and South Africa is no exception. This is despite the introduction of the universal test-and-treat (UTT) prevention strategy anticipated to improve the uptake of HIV services. The aim of this study was to investigate linkage to and retention in care rates of an HIV-positive cohort of men in a high HIV prevalence rural district in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. METHODS From January 2018 to July 2019, we conducted an observational cohort study in 18 primary health care institutions in the uThukela district. Patient-level survey and clinical data were collected at baseline, 4-months and 12-months, using isiZulu and English REDCap-based questionnaires. We verified data through TIER.Net, Rapid mortality survey (RMS), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) databases. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.1, with confidence intervals and p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 343 male participants diagnosed with HIV and who reside in uThukela District. The median age was 33 years (interquartile range (IQR): 29-40), and more than half (56%; n = 193) were aged 18-34 years. Almost all participants (99.7%; n = 342) were Black African, with 84.5% (n = 290) being in a romantic relationship. The majority of participants (85%; n = 292) were linked to care within three months of follow-up. Short-term retention in care (≤ 12 months) was 46% (n = 132) among men who were linked to care within three months. CONCLUSION While the implementation of the UTT strategy has had positive influence on improving linkage to care, men's access of HIV treatment remains inconsistent and may require additional innovative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
- School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- Public Health, Societies and Belonging, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khumbulani Hlongwana
- School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ria Laubscher
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sinegugu Duma
- School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mireille Cheyip
- Division of Global HIV&TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Fonner V, Agostini T, Desai R, Hartzell P, Martin L, Meissner EG. Implementation of free-draft text messaging to enhance care retention and satisfaction for persons living with HIV infection. AIDS Care 2024; 36:452-462. [PMID: 37139535 PMCID: PMC10622326 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2208320] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Eligible persons with HIV infection can receive client-centered case management to coordinate medical and social services. Novel mobile health interventions could improve effective case management and retention in care, an important goal to help end the HIV epidemic. Using a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation design, we assessed whether access to bidirectional, free-draft secure text messaging with a case manager and clinic pharmacist could improve client satisfaction and care retention in a Southern academic HIV clinic. Sixty-four clients enrolled between November 2019 and March 2020, had a median age of 39 years, and were mostly male, single, and African-American. Heavy app users texted over 100 times (n = 6) over the course of the 12-month intervention while others never texted (n = 12). App usage peaked during months of clinic closure due to COVID-19. Most participants reported high satisfaction with the app and planned continued usage after study completion. Changes in clinic retention and virologic suppression rates were not observed, a result confounded by practice changes due to COVID-19. High usage and satisfaction of free-draft text messaging in case-managed HIV clients supports inclusion of this communication option in routine HIV clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Fonner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Thomas Agostini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Rohan Desai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Peyton Hartzell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Lisa Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Eric G. Meissner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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11
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Grewal R, Jones R, Peters J, Morga K, Wilkes AL, Johnston ME, Webb F. Providing telemedicine services to persons living with HIV in an urban community: a demonstration project. AIDS Care 2024; 36:432-441. [PMID: 37011383 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2195606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Although HIV incidence and mortality rates have declined over the past 20 years, HIV health disparities continue to persist among patients living in urban communities. Barriers to proficient health outcomes for persons with HIV (PWH) in urban communities include lack of access to care, resulting from limited transportation or clinic availability. While healthcare systems in rural communities provide telemedicine (TM) services to PWH to eliminate transportation and accessibility barriers, few examples exist regarding TM use for PWH in urban communities. This project's goal was to increase the provision of healthcare services in an urban setting to PWH, using TM. As guided by "Integration of Healthcare Delivery Service" theories and key principles, we created an integration framework comprised of several simultaneous, overlapping activities to include: (1) capacity building (2) clinical standardization (3) community and patient engagement and (4) evaluation performance and measurements. This paper describes major activities involved with developing, implementing and evaluating a TM program for PWH. We discuss results, challenges, and lessons learned from integrating this program into our existing healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetu Grewal
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Ross Jones
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Jessica Peters
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kristen Morga
- Office of Research Affairs Jacksonville, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Aisha L Wilkes
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marie E Johnston
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fern Webb
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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12
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Blanchette M, Flores-Aranda J, Bertrand K, Lemaître A, Jauffret-Roustide M, Goyette M. Sexualized substance use among gbMSM: Their perspectives on their intervention needs and counsellor competencies. J Subst Use Addict Treat 2024; 159:209258. [PMID: 38128651 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209258] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatments for problematic substance use by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in sexualized contexts must be adapted to take sociocultural aspects of these sexual practices into account. When treatment programs factor in sexuality, they most commonly address it from a biological perspective (STTBIs, HIV). This article sets out to identify intervention needs related to sexualized substance use (SSU) from the perspective of gbMSM, taking into consideration different dimensions of sexuality to offer more effective support. METHODS Twenty adult gbMSM, each of whom had previously participated in addiction-related treatment programs, took part in this study. We recruited through medical clinics, community organizations, social media advertising and word of mouth. Through one-on-one semi-structured interviews, participants shared their perspectives on the treatment they had received, how their sexuality had been addressed during treatment, and their perceptions of their treatment-related needs and requirements. The study analyzed and interpreted the data gathered during these interviews using a conceptual framework of sexual health combined with The Competencies, a model for addiction counselling training. RESULTS When the study asked participants what they would consider beneficial in terms of SSU-related treatment, they identified certain key competencies. These can be broken down into three categories - knowledge, skills and attitudes - that, together, participants perceived as critical to the development of adequate programs and services. While participants reported addiction-related knowledge was important, so too was an understanding of sexuality (e.g., sexual practices, gbMSM communities, sociocultural norms). With regard to attitudes, the study identified respect, non-judgment, acceptance and empathy as themes for most participants. Lastly, the desired skills were those permitting counsellors and other treatment providers to better align programs and services with each individual's singular reality within the context of their substance use. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that, to provide treatment programs adapted to the needs of gbMSM in a context of SSU, knowledge must be consolidated and new skills developed. Furthermore, both knowledge and skills need to be placed within an overarching perspective of cultural humility. Overall, improving these various competencies should improve the continuum of care in addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Blanchette
- École de travail social, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada.
| | - Jorge Flores-Aranda
- École de travail social, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- Département des sciences de la santé communautaire, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - André Lemaître
- Faculté des Sciences sociales, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France; Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University, Buffalo, USA; British Columbia Center on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Goyette
- Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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13
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Eichholz K, Fukazawa Y, Peterson CW, Haeseleer F, Medina M, Hoffmeister S, Duell DM, Varco-Merth BD, Dross S, Park H, Labriola CS, Axthelm MK, Murnane RD, Smedley JV, Jin L, Gong J, Rust BJ, Fuller DH, Kiem HP, Picker LJ, Okoye AA, Corey L. Anti-PD-1 chimeric antigen receptor T cells efficiently target SIV-infected CD4+ T cells in germinal centers. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e169309. [PMID: 38557496 PMCID: PMC10977982 DOI: 10.1172/jci169309] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint marker commonly expressed on memory T cells and enriched in latently HIV-infected CD4+ T cells. We engineered an anti-PD-1 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to assess the impact of PD-1 depletion on viral reservoirs and rebound dynamics in SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques (RMs). Adoptive transfer of anti-PD-1 CAR T cells was done in 2 SIV-naive and 4 SIV-infected RMs on antiretroviral therapy (ART). In 3 of 6 RMs, anti-PD-1 CAR T cells expanded and persisted for up to 100 days concomitant with the depletion of PD-1+ memory T cells in blood and tissues, including lymph node CD4+ follicular helper T (TFH) cells. Loss of TFH cells was associated with depletion of detectable SIV RNA from the germinal center (GC). However, following CAR T infusion and ART interruption, there was a marked increase in SIV replication in extrafollicular portions of lymph nodes, a 2-log higher plasma viremia relative to controls, and accelerated disease progression associated with the depletion of CD8+ memory T cells. These data indicate anti-PD-1 CAR T cells depleted PD-1+ T cells, including GC TFH cells, and eradicated SIV from this immunological sanctuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Eichholz
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yoshinori Fukazawa
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Christopher W. Peterson
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and
| | - Francoise Haeseleer
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Manuel Medina
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Shelby Hoffmeister
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Derick M. Duell
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Varco-Merth
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Sandra Dross
- Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Haesun Park
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Caralyn S. Labriola
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael K. Axthelm
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Robert D. Murnane
- Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeremy V. Smedley
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Lei Jin
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jiaxin Gong
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Blake J. Rust
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Deborah H. Fuller
- Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Louis J. Picker
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Afam A. Okoye
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Lawrence Corey
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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14
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Amico KR. A Linkage-to-Care Intervention for Hospitalized People With HIV: High Value at Minimal Cost. JAMA 2024; 331:1013-1014. [PMID: 38446780 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.0271] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- K Rivet Amico
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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15
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Burke A, Davoren MP, Arensman E, Harrington JM. Psychoeducational interventions for people living with chronic communicable disease: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077007. [PMID: 38521523 PMCID: PMC10961541 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077007] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychoeducation is increasingly recognised for its value in facilitating adaption to a chronic disease diagnosis. This study aimed to synthesise available literature on the psychoeducation interventions available to adults living with chronic communicable disease. METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, SocINDEX, PsycINFO and PsycArticles were systematically searched up to May 2023. Peer-reviewed studies, published in English, investigating the impact of psychoeducational interventions on adults living with chronic communicable disease were included, across a range of outcome measures. Narrative synthesis was performed. The Effective Public Health Practice Project tool and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool were used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS In total, 22 studies were included in the review. The majority (n=16) of study populations focused on people living with HIV, followed by hepatitis C (n=5) and genital herpes (n=1). Interventions were delivered online (n=2), via telephone (n=1) and in-person (n=19). The majority of interventions were delivered in group sessions (n=16) and studies emphasised the value of group cohesion for social support, encouraging participants to share their own knowledge in addition to standard didactic presentations. Four studies facilitated peer-led delivery of the psychoeducation. Studies aiming to improve psychological well-being were beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms and/or emotional distress or showed improvement in the participant group overall. There was some evidence to suggest psychoeducation can improve readiness to attend treatment and medication adherence. CONCLUSION The findings of this review highlight potential benefits of psychoeducation but indicate more robust clinical trials will be required to examine their effectiveness and elucidate the mechanisms by which they best operate. Future interventions incorporating a broader focus on resilience enhancement and coping skills specific to stigmatisation could more comprehensively serve the needs of adults living with chronic communicable disease, particularly with HIV. The role of peer support in group psychoeducation merits further exploration. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021243058.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Burke
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Martin P Davoren
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Sexual Health Centre, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
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Pitpitan EV, Horvath KJ, Aldous J, Stockman JK, Patterson TL, Liang M, Barrozo C, Moore V, Penninga K, Smith LR. Peers plus mobile app for treatment in HIV (PATH): protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test a community-based integrated peer support and mHealth intervention to improve viral suppression among Hispanic and Black people living with HIV. Trials 2024; 25:212. [PMID: 38520030 PMCID: PMC10958824 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08042-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant disparities continue to exist in the HIV care continuum, whereby Hispanic and Black people living with HIV (PLWH) are less likely to achieve viral suppression compared to their White counterparts. Studies have shown that intervention approaches that involve peer navigation may play an important role in supporting patients to stay engaged in HIV care. However, implementation may be challenging in real-world settings where there are limited resources to support peer navigators. Combining a peer navigation approach with scalable mobile health (mHealth) technology may improve impact and implementation outcomes. METHODS We combined a peer navigation intervention with a mHealth application and are conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of this integrated "Peers plus mobile App for Treatment in HIV" (PATH) intervention to improve HIV care engagement, and ultimately sustained viral suppression, among Hispanic and Black PLWH. We will enroll up to 375 PLWH into a two-arm prospective RCT, conducting follow-up assessments every 3 months up to 12 months post-baseline. Participants randomized to the control arm will continue to receive usual care Ryan White Program case management services. Individuals randomized to receive the PATH intervention will receive usual care plus access to two main intervention components: (1) a peer navigation program and (2) a mHealth web application. The primary outcome is sustained HIV viral suppression (undetectable viral load observed at 6- and 12-month follow-up). Secondary outcomes are retention in HIV care, gaps in HIV medical visits, and self-reported ART adherence. Recruitment for the RCT began in November 2021 and will continue until June 2024. Follow-up assessments and medical chart abstractions will be conducted to collect measurements of outcome variables. DISCUSSION The efficacy trial of PATH will help to fill gaps in our scientific understanding of how a combined peer navigation and mHealth approach may produce effects on HIV care outcomes while addressing potential implementation challenges of peer navigation in Ryan White-funded clinics. TRIAL REGISTRATION The PATH trial is registered at the United States National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov) under ID # NCT05427318 . Registered on 22 June 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen V Pitpitan
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Jamila K Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Thomas L Patterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Megan Liang
- San Diego State University Research Foundation, San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
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Van Hout MC, Akugizibwe M, Shayo EH, Namulundu M, Kasujja FX, Namakoola I, Birungi J, Okebe J, Murdoch J, Mfinanga SG, Jaffar S. Decentralising chronic disease management in sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for the qualitative process evaluation of community-based integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension in Tanzania and Uganda. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078044. [PMID: 38508649 PMCID: PMC10961519 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078044] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience a syndemic of HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Vertical (stand-alone) HIV programming has provided high-quality care in the region, with almost 80% of people living with HIV in regular care and 90% virally suppressed. While integrated health education and concurrent management of HIV, hypertension and diabetes are being scaled up in clinics, innovative, more efficient and cost-effective interventions that include decentralisation into the community are required to respond to the increased burden of comorbid HIV/NCD disease. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol describes procedures for a process evaluation running concurrently with a pragmatic cluster-randomised trial (INTE-COMM) in Tanzania and Uganda that will compare community-based integrated care (HIV, diabetes and hypertension) with standard facility-based integrated care. The INTE-COMM intervention will manage multiple conditions (HIV, hypertension and diabetes) in the community via health monitoring and adherence/lifestyle advice (medicine, diet and exercise) provided by community nurses and trained lay workers, as well as the devolvement of NCD drug dispensing to the community level. Based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the process evaluation will use qualitative methods to investigate sociostructural factors shaping care delivery and outcomes in up to 10 standard care facilities and/or intervention community sites with linked healthcare facilities. Multistakeholder interviews (patients, community health workers and volunteers, healthcare providers, policymakers, clinical researchers and international and non-governmental organisations), focus group discussions (community leaders and members) and non-participant observations (community meetings and drug dispensing) will explore implementation from diverse perspectives at three timepoints in the trial implementation. Iterative sampling and analysis, moving between data collection points and data analysis to test emerging theories, will continue until saturation is reached. This process of analytic reflexivity and triangulation across methods and sources will provide findings to explain the main trial findings and offer clear directions for future efforts to sustain and scale up community-integrated care for HIV, diabetes and hypertension. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol has been approved by the University College of London (UK), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Ethics Committee (UK), the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology and the Uganda Virus Research Institute Research and Ethics Committee (Uganda) and the Medical Research Coordinating Committee of the National Institute for Medical Research (Tanzania). The University College of London is the trial sponsor. Dissemination of findings will be done through journal publications and stakeholder meetings (with study participants, healthcare providers, policymakers and other stakeholders), local and international conferences, policy briefs, peer-reviewed journal articles and publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN15319595.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth Henry Shayo
- Health Systems, Policy and Translational Reseach Section, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic
| | - Moreen Namulundu
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Wakiso, Uganda
| | | | - Ivan Namakoola
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Wakiso, Uganda
| | | | - Joseph Okebe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Murdoch
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, London, UK
| | - Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Chireshe R, Manyangadze T, Naidoo K. Integrated chronic care models for people with comorbid of HIV and non-communicable diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299904. [PMID: 38489252 PMCID: PMC10942093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299904] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrated health care is an approach characterized by a high degree of collaboration and communication among health professionals. Integration of HIV/NCD is recommended to enhance the quality of healthcare services being provided. Duplication of limited resources is minimized, and a holistic care approach is promoted by shifting from acute and reactive care to care that embraces patient-centredness that includes promotive health and disease surveillance. The high burden of HIV disease in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) combined with the increasing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) necessitates a review of how health systems has been doing to deliver quality integrated care for people living with HIV (PLWH) and comorbid chronic NCDs. METHODS A scoping review was conducted to identify and describe all publications on integrated chronic care management models at the primary care level in the SSA context, particularly those that addressed the care of PLHIV with co-morbid chronic NCDs. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and duplicates were removed. RESULTS A total of twenty-one articles were included in the final review. Integrated healthcare systems were reported in only eight SSA countries-(South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Swaziland). Integrated care systems adopted one of three health models. These included added-on NCD services to previously dedicated HIV care facilities, expansion of primary care facilities to include HIV care and establishment of integrated care services. Short-term benefits included staff capacitation, improved retention of patients and improved screening and detection of NCDs. However, the expansion of existing services resulted in an increased workload with no additional staff. A significant positive change noted by communities was that there was less or no stigmatisation of people living with HIV when attending dedicated HIV clinics. CONCLUSION Evidence of integrated healthcare services for PLWH and co-morbid of NCDs in SSA is scanty. Data on some short-term benefits of integrated care was available, but evidence was absent on the long-term outcomes. Randomized clinical trials with clearly defined comparator groups and standardized measures of HIV and NCD outcomes are needed to demonstrate non-inferiority of integrated against non-integrated care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumbidzai Chireshe
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tawanda Manyangadze
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Geosciences; School of Geosciences, Disasters, and Development, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe
| | - Keshena Naidoo
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa
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19
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de Sousa Mascena Veras MA, Menezes NP, Mocello AR, Leddy AM, Saggese GSR, Bassichetto KC, Gilmore HJ, de Carvalho PGC, Maschião LF, Neilands TB, Sevelius J, Lippman SA. Correlation between gender-based violence and poor treatment outcomes among transgender women living with HIV in Brazil. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:791. [PMID: 38481195 PMCID: PMC10938823 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18224-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender women are disproportionately affected by both HIV and gender-based violence (GBV), defined as physical, sexual, or emotional violence perpetrated against an individual based on their gender identity/expression. While a growing body of evidence demonstrates that GBV leads to poor HIV care and treatment outcomes among cisgender women, less research has examined this association among transgender women. We assessed the impact of lifetime experiences of GBV on subsequent retention in HIV care and laboratory confirmed viral suppression among a sample of transgender women living with HIV (TWH) in Brazil. METHODS A pilot trial of a peer navigation intervention to improve HIV care and treatment among TWH was conducted in São Paulo, Brazil between 2018 and 2019. TWH were recruited and randomized into the intervention or control arm and participated in a baseline and 9-month follow-up survey and ongoing extraction of clinical visit, prescribing, and laboratory data. Generalized linear model regressions with a Poisson distribution estimated the relative risk (RR) for the association of lifetime physical and sexual violence reported at baseline with treatment outcomes (retention in HIV care and viral suppression) at follow-up, adjusting for baseline sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS A total of 113 TWH participated in the study. At baseline, median age was 30 years, and the prevalence of lifetime physical and sexual violence was 62% and 45%, respectively. At follow-up, 58% (n = 66/113) were retained in care and 35% (n = 40/113) had evidence of viral suppression. In adjusted models, lifetime physical violence was non-significantly associated with a 10% reduction in retention in care (aRR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.67, 1.22) and a 31% reduction in viral suppression (aRR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.43, 1.11). Lifetime sexual violence was non-significantly associated with a 28% reduction in retention in HIV care (aRR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.00) and significantly associated with a 56% reduction in viral suppression (aRR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.79). CONCLUSION Our findings are among the first to demonstrate that lifetime experiences with physical and sexual violence are associated with poor HIV outcomes over time among transgender women. Interventions seeking to improve HIV treatment outcomes should assess and address experiences of GBV among this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03525340.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neia Prata Menezes
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Adrienne Rain Mocello
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Anna M Leddy
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Gustavo Santa Roza Saggese
- Department of Collective Health, Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Hailey J Gilmore
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Luca Fasciolo Maschião
- Department of Collective Health, Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jae Sevelius
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Sheri A Lippman
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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20
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Beschorner N, Künzle P, Voges M, Hauber I, Indenbirken D, Nakel J, Virdi S, Bradtke P, Lory NC, Rothe M, Paszkowski-Rogacz M, Buchholz F, Grundhoff A, Schambach A, Thirion C, Mittrücker HW, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Hauber J, Chemnitz J. Preclinical toxicity analyses of lentiviral vectors expressing the HIV-1 LTR-specific designer-recombinase Brec1. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298542. [PMID: 38457474 PMCID: PMC10923487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298542] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-based antiretroviral therapies (ART) efficiently suppress HIV replication in humans, but the virus persists as integrated proviral reservoirs in small numbers of cells. Importantly, ART cannot eliminate HIV from an infected individual, since it does not target the integrated provirus. Therefore, genome editing-based strategies that can inactivate or excise HIV genomes would provide the technology for novel curative therapies. In fact, the HIV-1 LTR-specific designer-recombinase Brec1 has been shown to remove integrated proviruses from infected cells and is highly efficacious on clinical HIV-1 isolates in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that Brec1 has the potential for clinical development of advanced HIV-1 eradication strategies in people living with HIV. In line with the preparation of a first-in-human advanced therapy medicinal product gene therapy trial, we here present an extensive preclinical evaluation of Brec1 and lentiviral vectors expressing the Brec1 transgene. This included detailed functional analysis of potential genomic off-target sites, assessing vector safety by investigating vector copy number (VCN) and the risk for potential vector-related insertional mutagenesis, as well as analyzing the potential of Brec1 to trigger an undesired strong T cell immune response. In conclusion, the antiviral designer-recombinase Brec1 is shown to lack any detectable cytopathic, genotoxic or T cell-related immunogenic effects, thereby meeting an important precondition for clinical application of the therapeutic lentiviral vector LV-Brec1 in novel HIV-1 curative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Beschorner
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul Künzle
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Maike Voges
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ilona Hauber
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Nakel
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Sanamjeet Virdi
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Peter Bradtke
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niels Christian Lory
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rothe
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Frank Buchholz
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology, UCC, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Hans-Willi Mittrücker
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Hauber
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Chemnitz
- Leibniz-Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Germany
- PROVIREX Genome Editing Therapies GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
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21
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Wallace Z, Heunis T, Paterson RL, Suckling RJ, Grant T, Dembek M, Donoso J, Brener J, Long J, Bunjobpol W, Gibbs-Howe D, Kay DP, Leneghan DB, Godinho LF, Walker A, Singh PK, Knox A, Leonard S, Dorrell L. Instability of the HLA-E peptidome of HIV presents a major barrier to therapeutic targeting. Mol Ther 2024; 32:678-688. [PMID: 38219014 PMCID: PMC10928138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.010] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring T cells that recognize microbial peptides via HLA-E, a nonpolymorphic HLA class Ib molecule, could provide the foundation for new universal immunotherapeutics. However, confidence in the biological relevance of putative ligands is crucial, given that the mechanisms by which pathogen-derived peptides can access the HLA-E presentation pathway are poorly understood. We systematically interrogated the HIV proteome using immunopeptidomic and bioinformatic approaches, coupled with biochemical and cellular assays. No HIV HLA-E peptides were identified by tandem mass spectrometry analysis of HIV-infected cells. In addition, all bioinformatically predicted HIV peptide ligands (>80) were characterized by poor complex stability. Furthermore, infected cell elimination assays using an affinity-enhanced T cell receptor bispecific targeted to a previously reported HIV Gag HLA-E epitope demonstrated inconsistent presentation of the peptide, despite normal HLA-E expression on HIV-infected cells. This work highlights the instability of the HIV HLA-E peptidome as a major challenge for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Wallace
- Immunocore Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK.
| | - Tiaan Heunis
- Immunocore Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Jose Donoso
- Immunocore Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | | | - Joshua Long
- Immunocore Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | | | | | - Daniel P Kay
- Immunocore Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew Knox
- Immunocore Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
| | | | - Lucy Dorrell
- Immunocore Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4RY, UK
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22
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Koay WLA, Aware Y, Andine T, Cruz Figueroa GM, Selekman RE, Bryant Y, Rakhmanina NY. Patient Perspectives on Telehealth for HIV and Mental Health Care at a Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Clinic in Washington, DC. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:993-1001. [PMID: 37843684 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04209-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the scale-up of telehealth for children and youth living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic, their experience and interest in continued telehealth use in the future is unknown. We conducted a quality improvement project to identify areas for improvement of telehealth delivery to children and youth living with HIV and evaluate youth's experiences when using telehealth for mental health services. Children and youth living with HIV (up to 24 years) seen at a specialty HIV program during 2020-2021 were surveyed regarding technology access, telehealth knowledge, barriers to telehealth use and interest in future telehealth use for HIV care. Youth (12-<24 years) who used telehealth for mental health services were surveyed regarding their experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of the 170 patients in care, we surveyed 103 children and youth living with HIV (median age 17.6 years, 88.3% Black, 52.4% female, 77.7% perinatally infected), of whom 69.9% had prior telehealth use for their clinical visit. Most patients had access to a device with internet (99%) and were interested in future telehealth use for HIV care (87.4%). Reasons for not wanting to use telehealth included privacy concerns, distrust, discomfort with telehealth, preferring in-person visits, technology access issues and needing translation services. Most youth (81%) surveyed regarding telehealth for mental health services were satisfied and very likely to recommend it to others. Despite some reported barriers to telehealth, there is a high desirability for continued telehealth use among children and youth receiving HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li Adeline Koay
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Yashvi Aware
- Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Tsion Andine
- College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Rachel E Selekman
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Division of Urology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Natella Y Rakhmanina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, USA
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23
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McDermott A, Murphy N, Reddin C, Bergin C. The experiences of individuals living with HIV in Ireland attending out-patient physiotherapy. AIDS Care 2024; 36:368-373. [PMID: 37272341 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2218638] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer and are becoming increasingly susceptible to multi-morbidity resulting in disability. Physiotherapy is an important component in the care of PLWH, increasing functional capacity and quality of life. However, few PLWH access physiotherapy services due to a lack of specialised services, relapses in medical conditions and financial barriers. This study aimed to gather feedback from PLWH in a tertiary infection centre in Ireland attending out-patient physiotherapy on their experiences of physiotherapy. Eleven PLWH completed a semi-structured feedback survey focusing on their expectations and experiences of physiotherapy. Participants reported an overall positive experience of physiotherapy especially in terms of improving movement, confidence, physical activity level and sense of control. In addition, participants highlighted the importance of a physiotherapist with specialist knowledge of HIV. Barriers to participation in physiotherapy included potential relapses in other medical conditions, lack of time due to work and lack of flexibility or availability of physiotherapy appointments. This study highlights the important role of physiotherapy in the care of PLWH, several potential barriers to participation in physiotherapy for PLWH and the importance of the participation of PLWH in the co-design of services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niamh Murphy
- St. James's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Colm Bergin
- St. James's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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24
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Lu D, Wang YX, Geng ST, Zhang Z, Xu Y, Peng QY, Li SY, Zhang JB, Wang KH, Kuang YQ. Whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation reduces Escherichia and improves intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected immunological nonresponders. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:319-329. [PMID: 37922515 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2022-0450] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) have persistent malnutrition, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbial imbalance. The interplay between gut microbiota and nutrients is involved in the immune reconstitution of PLWH. To evaluate the effects of whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation on T-cell levels, intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected immunological nonresponders (INRs) who failed to normalize CD4+ T-cell counts, with a number <350 cells/µL, a pilot study was carried out in 13 HIV-infected INRs undergoing antiretroviral therapy who received a 3-month phase supplementation of 200 mL/200 kcal/45 g whole-protein enteral nutrition formula once daily. Our primary endpoint was increased CD4+ T-cell counts. Secondary outcome parameters were changes in intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition. We showed that CD4+ T-cell counts of HIV-infected INRs increased significantly after the 3-month supplementation. Dietary supplementation for 3 months improved the intestinal barrier function and nutritional status of HIV-infected INRs. Furthermore, the enteral nutrition formula significantly decreased the relative abundance of Escherichia at the genus level and increased the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in HIV-infected INRs. The findings demonstrated that the whole-protein enteral nutrition formula aids in reducing Escherichia and improving intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected INRs. This study provides insight into the role of nutrients in the improvement of immune reconstitution in HIV-infected INRs. This study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Document No. ChiCTR2000037839; http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Lu
- School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yue-Xin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shi-Tao Geng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zunyue Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Technological Innovation Centre of Drug Addiction Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hernia Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qing-Yan Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shao-You Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Bo Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Second People's Hospital of Dali City, Dali, China
| | - Kun-Hua Wang
- Yunnan Technological Innovation Centre of Drug Addiction Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yi-Qun Kuang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine and Research Center for Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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25
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Clemenzi-Allen AA, Hebert J, Reid MA, Mains T, Hammer H, Gandhi M, Pratt L, Wesson P. Interruptions in HIV and Behavioral Health Care for Criminal-Legal Involved People Living with HIV Following Implementation of Decarceration and Shelter in Place in San Francisco, California. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1093-1103. [PMID: 38060113 PMCID: PMC10896806 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04221-x] [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: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Decarceration policies, enacted for SARS-CoV-2 mitigation in carceral settings, potentially exacerbated barriers to care for people living with HIV (PWH) with criminal legal involvement (CLI) during Shelter-in-Place (SIP) by limiting opportunities for engagement in provisions of HIV and behavioral health care. We compared health care engagement for PWH with CLI in San Francisco, California before and after decarceration and SIP using interrupted time series analyses. Administrative data identified PWH booked at the San Francisco County Jail with at least one clinic encounter from 01/01/2018-03/31/2020 within the municipal health care network. Monthly proportions of HIV, substance use, psychiatric and acute care encounters before (05/01/2019-02/29/2020) and after (03/01/2020-12/31/2020) SIP and decarceration were compared using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) log-binomial and logistic regression models, clustering on the patient-level. Of 436 patients, mean age was 43 years (standard-deviation 11); 88% cisgender-male; 39% white, 66% homeless; 67% had trimorbidity by Elixhauser score (medical comorbidity, psychotic disorder or depression, and substance use disorder). Clinical encounters immediately dropped following SIP for HIV (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.90) and substance use visits (aRR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.99) and declined in subsequent months. Differential reductions in clinical encounters were seen among Black/African Americans (aRR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99) and people experiencing homelessness (aRR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87, 0.98). Significant reductions in care were observed for PWH with CLI during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among Black/African Americans and people experiencing homelessness. Strategies to End the HIV Epidemic must improve engagement across diverse care settings to improve outcomes for this key population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Asa Clemenzi-Allen
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Division of HIV, Infection Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
- , 798 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA.
| | - Jillian Hebert
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Michael Alistair Reid
- Division of HIV, Infection Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Tyler Mains
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hali Hammer
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infection Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Lisa Pratt
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul Wesson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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26
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Atuk T. "If I knew you were a travesti, I wouldn't have touched you":Iatrogenic violence and trans necropolitics in Turkey. Soc Sci Med 2024; 345:116693. [PMID: 38367339 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116693] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Since 2007, the number of HIV diagnoses in Turkey has increased more than 600% and the AIDS-related deaths have more than doubled. Despite trans community being severely impacted by the growing epidemic, there exists a conspicuous absence of epidemiological data regarding the HIV burden of trans people. This paper examines the medical experiences of HIV-positive trans women who engage in sex work and the harmful violence they encounter at the hands of health providers. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the intersecting issues of HIV risk, structural violence, and discrimination faced by HIV-positive trans sex workers, one of the most marginalized communities worldwide. To interpret better how transphobia and HIVphobia become deeply entangled in Turkish medical settings, the paper draws from the concepts of iatrogenesis, necropolitics, and immunity. By bringing together these conceptual tools with long-term ethnographic data and in-depth interviews, this paper demonstrates that trans women are treated by healthcare providers as though they are always-already infectious. The paper contends that aggressive immunitarian boundaries, erected between healthcare personnel and individuals deemed "contagious others," are central to doctors' denial of medical care and reluctance to touch, examine, or even admit trans patients, particularly when they are HIV-positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tankut Atuk
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Science and Technology Studies Department, United States.
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27
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Barth SK, Saulters KJ, Balba GP, Monroe AK, Horberg MA, Kumar PN, Greenberg AE, Castel AD. Mixed Methods Analysis of Telehealth Experience, Satisfaction, and Quality of Care During the COVID Pandemic Among Persons with HIV in Washington, DC. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:912-923. [PMID: 37872460 PMCID: PMC10923106 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04198-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe telehealth experiences and quality of HIV care provided to an urban population of people with HIV (PWH) in Washington, DC. We used self-reported survey data from a cohort of PWH in the DC Cohort longitudinal study linked to medical records (October 26, 2020-December 31, 2021). Analyses followed a mixed-methods approach, including prevalence estimates and multivariable logistic regression of telehealth use by demographic and HIV characteristics. We measured primary motivation, modes of engagement, and telehealth satisfaction. Qualitative responses to open-ended questions were coded using collaborative coding. A framework developed by the National Quality Forum (NQF) was applied to the results. Among 978 participants, 69% reported using telehealth for HIV care during the pandemic. High school graduates were less likely to use telehealth compared to those with college education (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48, 0.98). PWH with > 1 co-morbid condition were more likely to use telehealth compared to those without (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02, 1.95). The majority reported satisfaction with telehealth (81%). Qualitative analysis of telehealth satisfaction found that most responses were related to access to care and technology, effectiveness, and patient experience. PWH using telehealth during the pandemic were satisfied with their experience though use differed demographically. Telehealth was used effectively to overcome barriers to care engagement, including transportation, costs, and time. As we transition away from the emergency pandemic responses, it will be important to determine how this technology can be used in the future in an equitable manner to further strengthen HIV care engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon K Barth
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
| | - Kacie J Saulters
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Largo, MD, USA
| | - Gayle P Balba
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anne K Monroe
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Michael A Horberg
- Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Princy N Kumar
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alan E Greenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Amanda D Castel
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
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28
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Mukooza E, Schausberger B, Mmema N, Dlamini V, Aung A, Kerschberger B, Ciglenecki I, Dube L, Wringe A. "It is still very little; I cannot pass it on": a qualitative study of experiences of diagnosis and treatment of acute HIV infection in Eswatini. AIDS Care 2024; 36:308-313. [PMID: 37552882 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2235275] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Acute and early HIV infection (AEHI) is rarely diagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa, despite its potential contribution to incidence reduction. This qualitative study in Eswatini explored the experiences of health workers, people diagnosed with AEHI, and their partners towards AEHI diagnosis, to inform its scale-up. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 11 women and four men diagnosed with AEHI. Three patients' partners were interviewed about their understanding of AEHI and six health workers were interviewed about experiences of delivering AEHI services. Data were coded inductively and analysed iteratively following the principles of grounded theory. Experiences with AEHI diagnoses were shaped by (i) understanding the nature and consequences of AEHI, and (ii) social norms that influence disclosure and sexual behaviour. AEHI was a new concept for health workers who struggled to explain it to patients, leading to some confusion over their HIV status and misunderstandings around its high transmissibility and prognosis. Disclosure tended to occur to primary partners, if at all, limiting the ability to provide partner services, and one relationship breakdown was reported. If AEHI diagnosis and care interventions are to realise their full potential, it will be essential to reinforce the accompanying counselling sessions and closely monitor for potential social harms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Aung Aung
- Médecins sans Frontières (OCG), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | - Lenhle Dube
- Eswatini National Aids Programme (ENAP), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Alison Wringe
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
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29
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Saifullah M, Laghzaoui O, Ozyahyalar H, Irfan A. The CRISPR-Cas9 induced CCR5 Δ32 mutation as a potent gene therapy methodology for resistance to HIV-1 variant: a review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2024; 28:2430-2463. [PMID: 38567606 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202403_35751] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has continuously been the greatest epidemic for humanity over a period spanning almost five decades. With no specific cure or treatment available to date despite extensive research, the C-C Chemokine Receptor 5, Delta 32 (CCR5 Δ32) allele genetic point mutation plays an imperative role in the prevention of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This comprehensive study aims to review the induction of the homozygous recessive deletion genotype using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, Cas 9 Enzyme (CRISPR-Cas9), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation under positive selection pressure for active immunity in seropositive patients' populations as the phenotype. A methodology is proposed to trigger a significant increase in the expression of Delta 32 beneficial mutant alleles within controlled modern healthcare facilities utilizing totipotent stem cells through somatic gene therapy. It acts upon two dysfunctional CCR5 genes, translating mutant G protein-coupled co-receptors, whose primary function is similar to that of C-X-C Motif Chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), by blocking the entry of viral RNA into the CD4+ T helper lymphocytes, halting infection and seizing viral life cycle. This modification is endemic in Northern Europe, where it naturally pertains to the Caucasian descent population samples in the form of polymorphism, p (X=0.01), where X is the probability of frequency of complete immunity against HIV-1 in population samples. The epigenetics of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) are analyzed as they play a significant role in immunity distribution. Furthermore, a comparative analysis within the ethical boundaries of CRISPR-Cas9 is conducted to discuss the practical aspects and challenges of the presented methodologies and treatment alternatives. Additionally, the study assembles all available data and summarizes preexisting research while providing a promising solution to this ethical dilemma. Finally, a methodology is devised to answer the question of whether the variant-specific epidemic of AIDS caused by HIV-1 can be cured via artificially inducing immunity by CRISPR-Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Saifullah
- University of Bonn, Medical School, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn, Germany.
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Hood N, Benbow N, Jaggi C, Whitby S, Sullivan PS. AIDSVu Cities' Progress Toward HIV Care Continuum Goals: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e49381. [PMID: 38407961 DOI: 10.2196/49381] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health surveillance data are critical to understanding the current state of the HIV and AIDS epidemics. Surveillance data provide significant insight into patterns within and progress toward achieving targets for each of the steps in the HIV care continuum. Such targets include those outlined in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) goals. If these data are disseminated, they can be used to prioritize certain steps in the continuum, geographic locations, and groups of people. OBJECTIVE We sought to develop and report indicators of progress toward the NHAS goals for US cities and to characterize progress toward those goals with categorical metrics. METHODS Health departments used standardized SAS code to calculate care continuum indicators from their HIV surveillance data to ensure comparability across jurisdictions. We report 2018 descriptive statistics for continuum steps (timely diagnosis, linkage to medical care, receipt of medical care, and HIV viral load suppression) for 36 US cities and their progress toward 2020 NHAS goals as of 2018. Indicators are reported categorically as met or surpassed the goal, within 25% of attaining the goal, or further than 25% from achieving the goal. RESULTS Cities were closest to meeting NHAS goals for timely diagnosis compared to the goals for linkage to care, receipt of care, and viral load suppression, with all cities (n=36, 100%) within 25% of meeting the goal for timely diagnosis. Only 8% (n=3) of cities were >25% from achieving the goal for receipt of care, but 69% (n=25) of cities were >25% from achieving the goal for viral suppression. CONCLUSIONS Display of progress with graphical indicators enables communication of progress to stakeholders. AIDSVu analyses of HIV surveillance data facilitate cities' ability to benchmark their progress against that of other cities with similar characteristics. By identifying peer cities (eg, cities with analogous populations or similar NHAS goal concerns), the public display of indicators can promote dialogue between cities with comparable challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nanette Benbow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chandni Jaggi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shamaya Whitby
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Scaramutti C, Hervera B, Rivera Y, Chueng TA, Forrest DW, Suarez E, Serota DP, Alkamli H, Ciraldo K, Bartholomew TS, Tookes HE. Improving access to HIV care among people who inject drugs through tele-harm reduction: a qualitative analysis of perceived discrimination and stigma. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:50. [PMID: 38396017 PMCID: PMC10893685 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00961-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tele-harm reduction (THR) is a telehealth-enhanced, peer-led, harm reduction intervention delivered within a trusted syringe services program (SSP) venue. The primary goal of THR is to facilitate linkage to care and rapid, enduring virologic suppression among people who inject drugs (PWID) with HIV. An SSP in Miami, Florida, developed THR to circumvent pervasive stigma within the traditional healthcare system. METHODS During intervention development, we conducted in-depth interviews with PWID with HIV (n = 25) to identify barriers and facilitators to care via THR. We employed a general inductive approach to transcripts guided by iterative readings of the raw data to derive the concepts, themes, and interpretations of the THR intervention. RESULTS Of the 25 PWID interviewed, 15 were in HIV care and adherent to medication; 4 were in HIV care but non-adherent; and 6 were not in care. Themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis included the trust and confidence PWID have with SSP clinicians as opposed to professionals within the traditional healthcare system. Several barriers to treatment were reported among PWID, including perceived and actual discrimination by friends and family, negative internalized behaviors, denial of HIV status, and fear of engaging in care. Facilitators to HIV care included empathy and respect by SSP staff, flexibility of telehealth location, and an overall destigmatizing approach. CONCLUSION PWID identified barriers and facilitators to receipt of HIV care through the THR intervention. Interviews helped inform THR intervention development, centered on PWID in the destigmatizing environment of an SSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Scaramutti
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Belén Hervera
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yanexy Rivera
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Teresa A Chueng
- 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David W Forrest
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Edward Suarez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David P Serota
- 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hatoun Alkamli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Katrina Ciraldo
- Department of Family and Community Medicine & Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tyler S Bartholomew
- Division of Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hansel E Tookes
- 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Johnsen HM, Øgård-Repål A, Martinez SG, Fangen K, Bårdsen Aas K, Ersfjord EMI. Patients' perceptions of use, needs, and preferences related to a telemedicine solution for HIV care in a Norwegian outpatient clinic: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:209. [PMID: 38360650 PMCID: PMC10870609 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10659-z] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine in outpatient services for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) was scaled up during the COVID-19 pandemic as services transitioned to remote care. Many studies have reported on the challenges and advantages of telemedicine care during the pandemic. However, there is limited research on the provision of telemedicine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, which entails different telemedicine components and focuses on ways to improve the telemedicine experience for patients. This study aimed to explore PLHIV's perceptions of use, needs, and preferences related to a telemedicine solution for HIV care in an outpatient clinic in Norway. The telemedicine solution included a pre-consultation questionnaire, asynchronous digital messages, and video consultation. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with 12 PLHIV. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified four main themes that covered the participants' perceptions, needs, and preferences: (1) perceived usability, (2) maintaining confidentiality, (3) accommodating personal preferences, and (4) perceived usefulness. Some participants had difficulty logging into the telemedicine solution. Other participants suggested additional functionalities, such as picture sharing and access to test result. Telemedicine care enabled the avoidance of stigmatising clinic experiences, although a few participants reported concerns about confidentiality and data security. Accommodating personal preferences and needs in terms of the type of consultations (in-person or video) and frequency of visits was essential to the participants. With telemedicine care, participants felt more in control of their own lives, perceiving that it increased their perceived quality of life and saved them both time and money for travelling to the clinic. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified several specific needs and preferences related to the assessed technical solution and the provision of current and future telemedicine care services. Nevertheless, the telemedicine solution was perceived as a usable, flexible, and person-centred approach to HIV care, contributing to accommodating the participants' personal preferences. However, healthcare professionals need to ensure that individual requirements and preferences are consistent with evidence-based follow-up and supported by person-centred care. Thus, the practice of shared decision making is important in telemedicine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hege Mari Johnsen
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4898, Grimstad, PO Box 509, Norway.
| | - Anita Øgård-Repål
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4898, Grimstad, PO Box 509, Norway
| | - Santiago Gil Martinez
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4898, Grimstad, PO Box 509, Norway
| | - Kim Fangen
- Sørlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Ellen Margrete Iveland Ersfjord
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, 4898, Grimstad, PO Box 509, Norway
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Dickter JK, Aribi A, Cardoso AA, Gianella S, Gendzekhadze K, Li S, Feng Y, Chaillon A, Laird GM, Browning DL, Ross JA, Nanayakkara DD, Puing A, Stan R, Lai LL, Chang S, Kidambi TD, Thomas S, Al Malki MM, Nakamura R, Alvarnas J, Taplitz RA, Dadwal SS, Forman SJ, Zaia JA. HIV-1 Remission after Allogeneic Hematopoietic-Cell Transplantation. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:669-671. [PMID: 38354149 PMCID: PMC10906479 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2312556] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Aribi
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | | | - Shirley Li
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Ye Feng
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rodica Stan
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Lily L Lai
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Sue Chang
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | | | - Ryo Nakamura
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | | | | | - John A Zaia
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
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Kadota JL, Packel LJ, Mlowe M, Ulenga N, Mwenda N, Njau PF, Dow WH, Wang J, Sabasaba A, McCoy SI. Rudi Kundini, Pamoja Kundini (RKPK): study protocol for a hybrid type 1 randomized effectiveness-implementation trial using data science and economic incentive strategies to strengthen the continuity of care among people living with HIV in Tanzania. Trials 2024; 25:114. [PMID: 38336793 PMCID: PMC10858527 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07960-x] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Economic incentives can improve clinical outcomes among in-care people living with HIV (PLHIV), but evidence is limited for their effectiveness among out-of-care PLHIV or those at risk of disengagement. We propose a type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study to advance global knowledge about the use of economic incentives to strengthen the continuity of HIV care and accelerate global goals for HIV epidemic control. METHODS The Rudi Kundini, Pamoja Kundini study will evaluate two implementation models of an economic incentive strategy for supporting two groups of PLHIV in Tanzania. Phase 1 of the study consists of a two-arm, cluster randomized trial across 32 health facilities to assess the effectiveness of a home visit plus one-time economic incentive on the proportion of out-of-care PLHIV with viral load suppression (< 1000 copies/ml) 6 months after enrollment (n = 640). Phase 2 is an individual 1:1 randomized controlled trial designed to determine the effectiveness of a short-term counseling and economic incentive program offered to in-care PLHIV who are predicted through machine learning to be at risk of disengaging from care on the outcome of viral load suppression at 12 months (n = 692). The program includes up to three incentives conditional upon visit attendance coupled with adapted counselling sessions for this population of PLHIV. Consistent with a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design, phase 3 is a mixed methods evaluation to explore barriers and facilitators to strategy implementation in phases 1 and 2. Results will be used to guide optimization and scale-up of the incentive strategies, if effective, to the larger population of Tanzanian PLHIV who struggle with continuity of HIV care. DISCUSSION Innovative strategies that recognize the dynamic process of lifelong retention in HIV care are urgently needed. Strategies such as conditional economic incentives are a simple and effective method for improving many health outcomes, including those on the HIV continuum. If coupled with other supportive services such as home visits (phase 1) or with tailored counselling (phase 2), economic incentives have the potential to strengthen engagement among the subpopulation of PLHIV who struggle with retention in care and could help to close the gap towards reaching global "95-95-95" goals for ending the AIDS epidemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION Phase 1: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05248100 , registered 2/21/2022. Phase 2: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05373095 , registered 5/13/2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian L Kadota
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Center for Tuberculosis, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Laura J Packel
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Matilda Mlowe
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nzovu Ulenga
- Management and Development for Health, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - William H Dow
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Jingshen Wang
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Amon Sabasaba
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sandra I McCoy
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Ottaru TA, Wood CV, Butt Z, Hawkins C, Hirschhorn LR, Karoli P, Shayo EH, Metta E, Chillo P, Siril H, Kwesigabo GP. "I only seek treatment when I am ill": experiences of hypertension and diabetes care among adults living with HIV in urban Tanzania. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:186. [PMID: 38336716 PMCID: PMC10858457 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10688-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For adults living with HIV (ALHIV) and comorbidities, access to comprehensive healthcare services is crucial to achieving optimal health outcomes. This study aims to describe lived experiences, challenges, and coping strategies for accessing care for hypertension and/or diabetes (HTN/DM) in HIV care and treatment clinics (CTCs) and other healthcare settings. METHODOLOGY We conducted a qualitative study that employed a phenomenological approach between January and April 2022 using a semi-structured interview guide in six HIV CTCs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We purposively recruited 33 ALHIV with HTN (n = 16), DM (n = 10), and both (n = 7). Thematic content analysis was guided by the 5As framework of access to care. FINDINGS The majority of the participants were females, between the ages of 54-73, and were recruited from regional referral hospitals. HIV CTCs at regional referral hospitals had more consistent provision of HTN screening services compared to those from district hospitals and health centers. Participants sought HTN/DM care at non-CTC health facilities due to the limited availability of such services at HIV CTCs. However, healthcare delivery for these conditions was perceived as unaccommodating and poorly coordinated. The need to attend multiple clinic appointments for the management of HTN/DM in addition to HIV care was perceived as frustrating, time-consuming, and financially burdensome. High costs of care and transportation, limited understanding of comorbidities, and the perceived complexity of HTN/DM care contributed to HTN/DM treatment discontinuity. As a means of coping, participants frequently monitored their own HTN/DM symptoms at home and utilized community pharmacies and dispensaries near their residences to check blood pressure and sugar levels and obtain medications. Participants expressed a preference for non-pharmaceutical approaches to comorbidity management such as lifestyle modification (preferred by young participants) and herbal therapies (preferred by older participants) because of concerns about side effects and perceived ineffectiveness of HTN/DM medications. Participants also preferred integrated care and focused patient education on multimorbidity management at HIV CTCs. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight significant barriers to accessing HTN/DM care among ALHIV, mostly related to affordability, availability, and accessibility. Integration of NCD care into HIV CTCs, could greatly improve ALHIV health access and outcomes and align with patient preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresia A Ottaru
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Christine V Wood
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zeeshan Butt
- Phreesia, Inc, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Claudia Hawkins
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert J Havey Institute of Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lisa R Hirschhorn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert J Havey Institute of Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Karoli
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Emmy Metta
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Muhimbli University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Pilly Chillo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hellen Siril
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gideon P Kwesigabo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Saldarriaga EM, Beima-Sofie K, Wamalwa D, Mugo C, Njuguna I, Onyango A, John-Stewart G, Sharma M. Estimating the costs of adolescent HIV care visits and an intervention to facilitate transition to adult care in Kenya. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296734. [PMID: 38330069 PMCID: PMC10852328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296734] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa face challenges transitioning to adult HIV care, which can affect long-term HIV care adherence and retention. An adolescent transition package (ATP) focused on transition tools can improve post-transition clinical outcomes, but its implementation costs are unknown. METHODS We estimated the average cost per patient of an HIV care visit and ATP provision to adolescents. Data was collected from 13 HIV clinics involved in a randomized clinical trial evaluating ATP in western Kenya. We conducted a micro-costing and activity-driven time estimation to assess costs from the provider perspective. We developed a flow-map, conducted staff interviews, and completed time and motion observation. ATP costs were estimated as the difference in average cost for an HIV care transition visit in the intervention compared to control facilities. We assessed uncertainty in costing estimates via Monte Carlo simulations. RESULTS The average cost of an adolescent HIV care visit was 29.8USD (95%CI 27.5, 33.4) in the standard of care arm and 32.9USD (95%CI 30.5, 36.8) in the ATP intervention arm, yielding an incremental cost of 3.1USD (95%CI 3.0, 3.4) for the ATP intervention. The majority of the intervention cost (2.8USD) was due ATP booklet discussion with the adolescent. CONCLUSION The ATP can be feasibly implemented in HIV care clinics at a modest increase in overall clinic visit cost. Our cost estimates can be used to inform economic evaluations or budgetary planning of adolescent HIV care interventions in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique M. Saldarriaga
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kristin Beima-Sofie
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Pediatrics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alvin Onyango
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Kerr J, Smith A, Nzama N, Bullock NAA, Chandler C, Osezua V, Johnson K, Rozema I, Metzger IW, Harris LM, Bond K, LaPreze D, Rice BM. Systematic Review of Neighborhood Factors Impacting HIV Care Continuum Participation in the United States. J Urban Health 2024; 101:31-63. [PMID: 38093034 PMCID: PMC10897076 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00801-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Social determinants have been increasingly implicated in accelerating HIV vulnerability, particularly for disenfranchised communities. Among these determinants, neighborhood factors play an important role in undermining HIV prevention. However, there has been little research comprehensively examining the impact of neighborhood factors on HIV care continuum participation in the US. To address this, we conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42022359787) to determine neighborhood factors most frequently associated with diminished HIV care continuum participation. Peer-reviewed studies were included if published between 2013 - 2022, centralized in the US, and analyzed a neighborhood factor with at least one aspect of the HIV care continuum. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Study quality was guided by LEGEND (Let Evidence Guide Every New Decision) evaluation guidelines. Systematic review analysis was conducted using Covidence software. There were 3,192 studies identified for initial screening. Forty-four were included for review after eliminating duplicates, title/abstract screening, and eligibility assessment. Social and economic disenfranchisement of neighborhoods negatively impacts HIV care continuum participation among persons living with HIV. In particular, five key neighborhood factors (socioeconomic status, segregation, social disorder, stigma, and care access) were associated with challenged HIV care continuum participation. Race moderated relationships between neighborhood quality and HIV care continuum participation. Structural interventions addressing neighborhood social and economic challenges may have favorable downstream effects for improving HIV care continuum participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelani Kerr
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Adrienne Smith
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nqobile Nzama
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nana Ama Aya Bullock
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Cristian Chandler
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Victory Osezua
- Public Health Program, Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd Valley, PA, USA
| | - Karen Johnson
- School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Isabel Rozema
- University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Isha W Metzger
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lesley M Harris
- Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Keosha Bond
- Department of Community Health and Social Medicine, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dani LaPreze
- Kornhauser Health Sciences Library, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Bridgette M Rice
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
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Chaukos D, Genus S, Wiesenfeld L, Maunder R, Mylopoulos M. Improving patient-centered care for HIV and mental illness: exploring hospital and community integration through education. AIDS Care 2024; 36:181-187. [PMID: 37856839 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2269408] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Current models of care delivery are failing patients with complexity, like those living with HIV, mental illness and other psychosocial challenges. These patients often require resource-intensive personalized care across hospital and community settings, but available supports can be fragmented and challenging to access and navigate. To improve this, the authors created a program to enhance integrated, trauma-informed care through an innovative educational role for a HIV community caseworker embedded in an academic HIV Psychiatry clinic, called the Mental Health Clinical Fellowship. Through qualitative interviews with 21 participants (patients, physicians, clinicians and Mental Health Clinical Fellows) from October 2020-March 2023, the authors explore how implementation of this program affects patient experiences and satisfaction with care. Patients described their care experiences as less stigmatizing, more accessible, holistic and coordinated. They often attributed this to the integration between fellow and psychiatrist, and specifically the accessible stance of community organizations embedded within a hospital, which helped build trust. Interchangeable and integrated support by caseworker and psychiatrist improved patient engagement in psychiatric management and patient satisfaction with their care. Cross-context and cross-disciplinary care provision that includes providers from community and hospital working directly together to deliver care can improve care for patients with significant complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Chaukos
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sandalia Genus
- Department of Psychiatry, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lesley Wiesenfeld
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Maunder
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria Mylopoulos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Canada
- The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Pronier C, Stefic K, Le Guillou Guillemette H, Roussel M, Thibault V, Maillard A. Analytical interference with most current commercial HIV molecular assays in patients treated by idecabtagene vicleucel, a recently approved lentivirus-based chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024; 30:258-260. [PMID: 37918511 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.10.026] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Pronier
- Virology, University of Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France.
| | | | | | | | - Vincent Thibault
- Virology, University of Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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Mungo C, Orang'o O, Ofner S, Musick B, Yiannoutsos C, Cohen CR, Brown D, Wools-Kaloustian K, Semeere A. Real-World Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake and Predictors of Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid Positivity Among Women Living With HIV in Care Programs in Western Kenya. JCO Glob Oncol 2024; 10:e2300311. [PMID: 38359369 PMCID: PMC10881085 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00311] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To achieve the WHO cervical cancer elimination targets, countries globally must achieve 70% cervical cancer screening (CCS) coverage. We evaluated CCS uptake and predictors of screening positive at two public HIV care programs in western Kenya. METHODS From October 2007 to February 2019, data from the Family AIDS Care and Education Services (FACES) and Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) programs in western Kenya were analyzed. The study population included women age 18-65 years enrolled in HIV care. Screening uptake was calculated annually and overall, determining the proportion of eligible women screened. Multivariate logistic regression assessed predictors of positive screening outcomes. RESULTS There were 57,298 women living with HIV (WLWHIV) eligible for CCS across both programs during the study period. The mean age was 31.4 years (IQR, 25.9-37.8), and 39% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the first CCS-eligible visit. Of all eligible women, 29.4% (95% CI, 29.1 to 29.8) underwent CCS during the study period, 27.0% (95% CI, 26.5 to 27.4) in the AMPATH program, and 35.6% (95% CI, 34.9 to 36.4) in the FACES program. Annual screening uptake varied greatly in both programs, with coverage as low as 1% of eligible WLWHIV during specific years. Age at first screening, CD4 count within 90 days of screening, current use of ART, and program (AMPATH v FACES) were each statistically significant predictors of positive screening. CONCLUSION CCS uptake at two large HIV care programs in Kenya fell short of the WHO's 70% screening target. Screening rates varied significantly on the basis of the availability of funding specific to CCS, reflecting the limitations of vertical funding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chemtai Mungo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Omenge Orang'o
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Susan Ofner
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Beverly Musick
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Constantin Yiannoutsos
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University R.M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Craig R. Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Family AIDS Care & Education Services, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Darron Brown
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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James TG, Argenyi MS, Gravino A, Benevides TW. Human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis and care among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are publicly insured. J Intellect Disabil Res 2024; 68:150-163. [PMID: 37859301 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13099] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, HIV diagnosis and receipt of HIV care among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) who are publicly insured in the USA. DESIGN This study is a cross-sectional analysis of Medicare-Medicaid linked data of adults with IDD who were publicly insured in 2012 (n = 878 186). METHODS We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios of HIV testing, diagnosis and receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We also identified the relationship between predisposing (age, gender, race and ethnicity), enabling (Medicare, Medicaid or both; rural status; geographical location; and county income) and need-related characteristics (IDD diagnosis and other co-occurring conditions) associated with these outcomes. RESULTS Only 0.12% of adults with IDD who had no known HIV diagnosis had received an HIV test in the past year. The prevalence of HIV diagnosis among adults with IDD was 0.38%, although differences by type of IDD diagnosis were observed. Prevalence of HIV diagnosis differed by type of IDD. Among adults with IDD who were living with HIV, approximately 71% had received ART during 2012. The adjusted analyses indicate significant racial disparities, with Black adults with IDD making up the majority (59.11%) of the HIV-positive IDD adult population. CONCLUSIONS Adults with IDD are a unique priority population at risk for HIV-related disparities, and the level of risk is differential among subtypes of IDD. People with IDD, like other people with disabilities, should be considered in prevention programming and treatment guidelines to address disparities across the HIV care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G James
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - M S Argenyi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - A Gravino
- Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - T W Benevides
- Institute of Public and Preventive Health & Department of Occupational Therapy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Lancaster KE, Stockton M, Remch M, Wester CW, Nash D, Brazier E, Adedimeji A, Finlayson R, Freeman A, Hogan B, Kasozi C, Kwobah EK, Kulzer JL, Merati T, Tine J, Poda A, Succi R, Twizere C, Tlali M, Groote PV, Edelman EJ, Parcesepe AM. Availability of substance use screening and treatment within HIV clinical sites across seven geographic regions within the IeDEA consortium. Int J Drug Policy 2024; 124:104309. [PMID: 38228025 PMCID: PMC10939808 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104309] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overwhelming evidence highlights the negative impact of substance use on HIV care and treatment outcomes. Yet, the extent to which alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorders (SUD) services have been integrated within HIV clinical settings is limited. We describe AUD/SUD screening and treatment availability in HIV clinical sites participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium. METHODS In 2020, 223 IeDEA HIV clinical sites from 41 countries across seven geographic regions completed a survey on capacity and practices related to management of AUD/ SUD. Sites provided information on AUD and other SUD screening and treatment practices. RESULTS Sites were from low-income countries (23%), lower-middle-income countries (38%), upper-middle income countries (17%) and high-income counties (23%). AUD and SUD screening using validated instruments were reported at 32% (n=71 located in 12 countries) and 12% (n=27 located in 6 countries) of the 223 sites from 41 countries, respectively. The North American region had the highest proportion of clinics that reported AUD screening (76%), followed by East Africa (46%); none of the sites in West or Central Africa reported AUD screening. 31% (n=69) reported both AUD screening and counseling, brief intervention, psychotherapy, or Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment; 8% (n=18) reported AUD screening and detox hospitalization; and 10% (n=24) reported both AUD screening and medication. While the proportion of clinics providing treatment for SUD was lower than those treating AUD, the prevalence estimates of treatment availability were similar. CONCLUSIONS Availability of screening and treatment for AUD/SUD in HIV care settings is limited, leaving a substantial gap for integration into ongoing HIV care. A critical understanding is needed of the multilevel implementation factors or feasible implementation strategies for integrating screening and treatment of AUD/SUD into HIV care settings, particularly for resource-constrained regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Stockton
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Molly Remch
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Denis Nash
- City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Brazier
- City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Aimee Freeman
- Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Breanna Hogan
- Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Judiacel Tine
- Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senagal
| | - Armel Poda
- Université Polytechnique de Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Regina Succi
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christelle Twizere
- Centre National de Référence en Matière de VIH/SIDA au Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Mpho Tlali
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Per von Groote
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Switzerland
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Martínez-Sanz J, Losa-García JE, Orozco N, Alastrué I, Mascort J, Pérez-Elías MJ. Executive summary of the consensus document on the shared care of patients with HIV infection between primary and hospital care. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed) 2024; 42:102-107. [PMID: 37919199 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2023.05.009] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The current reality of the diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection justifies a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach between Primary Care and Hospital Care, contemplating bidirectionality and communication between the two care settings. The consensus document, coordinated by the AIDS Study Group of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC-GeSIDA) and the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), was born out of this need. Here, the recommendations of the four sections that comprise it are summarized: the first deals with aspects of prevention and diagnosis of HIV infection; the second contemplates the clinical care of people living with HIV; the third deals with social factors, including legal and confidentiality issues, quality of life, and the role of NGOs; finally, the fourth block addresses bidirectional and shared training/teaching and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Martínez-Sanz
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, CIBERINFEC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan E Losa-García
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ignacio Alastrué
- Centro de Información y Prevención del Sida y otras ITS, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juanjo Mascort
- Centro de Salud La Florida Sud, ICS, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Jesús Pérez-Elías
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, CIBERINFEC, Madrid, Spain
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Njuguna I, Mugo C, Mbwayo A, Augusto O, Wamalwa D, Inwani I. Gaps and Opportunities for Strengthening In-School Support for Youth Living With HIV. J Sch Health 2024; 94:178-183. [PMID: 37919544 PMCID: PMC10790302 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13403] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With optimized antiretroviral treatment youth living with HIV (YLH) now spend most of their time in schools, making schools an important venue to optimize outcomes. We evaluated school support for YLH. METHODS We conducted surveys with public secondary/high schools in 3 Kenyan counties (Nairobi, Homa Bay, and Kajiado) to determine policies and training related to HIV. Chi-squared tests and Poisson regression were used to compare policy availability and staff training by county HIV prevalence and school type. RESULTS Of 512 schools in the 3 counties, we surveyed 100. The majority (60%) of schools surveyed had boarding facilities. The median student population was 406 (IQR: 200, 775). Only half (49%) of schools had medication use policies; more in boarding than day schools (65% vs 30%, p = .003). While most schools (82%) had clinic attendance policies; policy availability was higher in higher HIV prevalence counties (Homa Bay [100%], Nairobi [82%], Kajiado [56%], p < .05). Overall, 64% had confidentiality policies with higher policy availability in higher HIV prevalence regions (p < .05). Few schools had staff trained in HIV-related topics: HIV prevention (37%), HIV treatment (18%), HIV stigma reduction (36%). Few were trained in confidentiality (41%), psychosocial support (40%), or mental health (26%). Compared to day schools, boarding school were more likely to have staff trained in HIV prevention (prevalence ratio: 2.1 [95% confidence interval 1.0, 4.0], p = .037). CONCLUSION In this survey of Kenyan schools, there were notable gaps in HIV care policy availability and training, despite high HIV burden. Development and implementation of national school HIV policies and staff training as well as strengthening clinic and family support may improve outcomes for YLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Njuguna
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Cyrus Mugo
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Anne Mbwayo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Inwani
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Research and Programs, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
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Sawe SJ, Mugo R, Wilson-Barthes M, Osetinsky B, Chrysanthopoulou SA, Yego F, Mwangi A, Galárraga O. Gaussian process emulation to improve efficiency of computationally intensive multidisease models: a practical tutorial with adaptable R code. BMC Med Res Methodol 2024; 24:26. [PMID: 38281017 PMCID: PMC10821551 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02149-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapidly growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has expanded the number of multidisease models predicting future care needs and health system priorities. Usefulness of these models depends on their ability to replicate real-life data and be readily understood and applied by public health decision-makers; yet existing simulation models of HIV comorbidities are computationally expensive and require large numbers of parameters and long run times, which hinders their utility in resource-constrained settings. METHODS We present a novel, user-friendly emulator that can efficiently approximate complex simulators of long-term HIV and NCD outcomes in Africa. We describe how to implement the emulator via a tutorial based on publicly available data from Kenya. Emulator parameters relating to incidence and prevalence of HIV, hypertension and depression were derived from our own agent-based simulation model and other published literature. Gaussian processes were used to fit the emulator to simulator estimates, assuming presence of noise for design points. Bayesian posterior predictive checks and leave-one-out cross validation confirmed the emulator's descriptive accuracy. RESULTS In this example, our emulator resulted in a 13-fold (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 8-22) improvement in computing time compared to that of more complex chronic disease simulation models. One emulator run took 3.00 seconds (95% CI: 1.65-5.28) on a 64-bit operating system laptop with 8.00 gigabytes (GB) of Random Access Memory (RAM), compared to > 11 hours for 1000 simulator runs on a high-performance computing cluster with 1500 GBs of RAM. Pareto k estimates were < 0.70 for all emulations, which demonstrates sufficient predictive accuracy of the emulator. CONCLUSIONS The emulator presented in this tutorial offers a practical and flexible modelling tool that can help inform health policy-making in countries with a generalized HIV epidemic and growing NCD burden. Future emulator applications could be used to forecast the changing burden of HIV, hypertension and depression over an extended (> 10 year) period, estimate longer-term prevalence of other co-occurring conditions (e.g., postpartum depression among women living with HIV), and project the impact of nationally-prioritized interventions such as national health insurance schemes and differentiated care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Jepkorir Sawe
- African Center of Excellence in Data Science, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Richard Mugo
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Marta Wilson-Barthes
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brianna Osetinsky
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Faith Yego
- Department of Health Policy Management & Human Nutrition, Moi University School Public Health, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ann Mwangi
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Mathematics, Physics & Computing, School of Science and Aerospace Studies, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya.
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, and International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
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Oluoch T, Byiringiro B, Tuyishime E, Kitema F, Ntwali L, Malamba S, Wilmore S, Remera E. Implementation of an HIV Case Based Surveillance Using Standards-Based Health Information Exchange in Rwanda. Stud Health Technol Inform 2024; 310:875-880. [PMID: 38269934 DOI: 10.3233/shti231090] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
As Rwanda approaches the UNAIDS Fast Track goals which recommend that 95% of HIV-infected individuals know their status, of whom 95% should receive treatment and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression, the country currently relies on an inefficient paper, and disjointed electronic, systems for case-based surveillance (CBS). Rwanda has established an ecosystem of interoperable systems based on open standards to support HIV CBS. Data were successfully exchanged between an EMR, a client registry, laboratory information system and DHIS-2 Tracker, and subsequently, a complete analytic dataset was ingested into MS-Power Business Intelligence (MS-PowerBI) for analytics and visualization of the CBS data. Existing challenges included inadequate workforce capacity to support mapping of data elements to HL7 FHIR resources. Interoperability optimization to support CBS is work in progress and rigorous evaluations on the effect on health information exchange on monitoring patient outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Oluoch
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | | | - Samuel Malamba
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Sridevi Wilmore
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Atlanta, GA, USA
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Eskinder B, Habte D, Molla M, Hailemeskel F, Tewldebirhan E, Kebede T, Assefa T, Kabtyimer D, Amidino W, Lulseged S. Use of Electronic Quality Monitoring Tool and Central Dashboard to Improve Clinical and Programmatic Decisions. Stud Health Technol Inform 2024; 310:1472-1473. [PMID: 38269702 DOI: 10.3233/shti231250] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The HIV service quality improvement tool is deployed in 123 health facilities in Ethiopia. The tool uses a central dashboard for visualization and decision making at the health facility and higher levels of the health systems. The dashboard is developed on excel with analytics about HIV testing, case finding, treatment linkage and quality indicators. The dashboard was developed based on the requirements requested during discussions with HIV clinicians and the program team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biniyam Eskinder
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Masresha Molla
- Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau (AACAHB), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, USA
| | | | | | - Tekeste Kebede
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Daniel Kabtyimer
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Petros A, Desalegn DM, Dessie GF, Mumme BA, Abebe K, Haile DM, Bogale HB, Mohammed MS, Tesfaye Y, Tedla Y, Gutta GA, Bekedami DL, Melaku Z, Habte D, Lulseged S. Data-Exchange Between Electronic Medical Record and Viral-Load Laboratory Database Towards Improving HIV Care in Ethiopia. Stud Health Technol Inform 2024; 310:1366-1367. [PMID: 38270046 DOI: 10.3233/shti231197] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Electronic viral load (VL) Test Ordering and Result Reporting System (ETORRS) was introduced to create data exchange between the existing VL database and the electronic medical record (EMR) system, with the aim of reducing laboratory test results turnaround time (TAT), improving data quality, and supporting timely clinical response for patients with high VL. This use case is an illustrative example of initiating and adopting the principles of health information exchange for a priority health program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asaminew Petros
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yohannes Tesfaye
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yared Tedla
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Dereje Habte
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Mbalinda SN, Lusota DA, Muddu M, Nyashanu M. Ageing with HIV: challenges and coping mechanisms of older adults 50 years and above living with HIV in Uganda. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:95. [PMID: 38267880 PMCID: PMC10809588 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04704-z] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, adults 50 years and older are an increasing proportion of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), accounting for 16% of the patient group globally. The long-term effects of antiretroviral use are still being discovered and have been associated with several comorbidities; Stigma presents challenges for those in need of services and health care and can significantly affect mental health and treatment adherence. Understanding the experiences and challenges of older PLHIV will inform the development of interventions to improve their care, health, and quality of life, which may help prevent the further spread of HIV. We explored the experiences and challenges of older PLHIV aged 50 years and above. METHODS We conducted 40 in-depth interviews with elderly PLHIV aged 50 years and above who had lived with HIV for more than ten years. We also explored the experiences and challenges of ageing with HIV in two hospitals. We analysed the data thematically. RESULTS The key themes that emerged included; late diagnosis of HIV, depression and fear at the time of diagnosis, acceptance of close family, stigma from community, polypharmacy, development of comorbidities, financial burden, resilience, and mastery of own care. CONCLUSION Older adults experience several challenges, and there is a need to develop special clinics providing appropriate care for the ageing and their social life. Prevention, Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of HIV, and appropriate geriatric care are essential for the well-being of elderly PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scovia Nalugo Mbalinda
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P.O Box 7072, Uganda.
| | - Derrick Amooti Lusota
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P.O Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Martin Muddu
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mathew Nyashanu
- Department of Health & Allied Professions School of Social Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Prokopovich AK, Litvinova IS, Zubkova AE, Yudkin DV. CXCR4 Is a Potential Target for Anti-HIV Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1187. [PMID: 38256260 PMCID: PMC10816112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021187] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic is a global issue. The estimated number of people with HIV is 39,000,000 to date. Antiviral therapy is the primary approach to treat the infection. However, it does not allow for a complete elimination of the pathogen. The advances in modern gene therapy methods open up new possibilities of effective therapy. One of these areas of possibility is the development of technologies to prevent virus penetration into the cell. Currently, a number of technologies aimed at either the prevention of virus binding to the CCR5 coreceptor or its knockout are undergoing various stages of clinical trials. Since HIV can also utilize the CXCR4 coreceptor, technologies to modify this receptor are also required. Standard knockout of CXCR4 is impossible due to its physiological significance. This review presents an analysis of interactions between individual amino acids in CXCR4 and physiological ligands and HIV gp120. It also discusses potential targets for gene therapy approaches aimed at modifying the coreceptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Appolinaria K. Prokopovich
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.P.); (I.S.L.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Irina S. Litvinova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.P.); (I.S.L.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Alexandra E. Zubkova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.P.); (I.S.L.); (A.E.Z.)
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova 2, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Yudkin
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.P.); (I.S.L.); (A.E.Z.)
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