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Gibas KM, Ahonkhai AA, Huang A, van Wyk C, Tsiga-Ahmed FI, Musa BM, Sani MU, Audet CM, Wester CW, Aliyu MH. The V-BRCH Project: Strengthening HIV Research Capacity in Nigeria through Intensive Workshops in Implementation Science and Grant Writing. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:534-539. [PMID: 38350133 PMCID: PMC10919197 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0711] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
As persons with HIV live longer as the result of antiretroviral therapy, morbidity from HIV-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV and Noncommunicable Diseases program is a training platform created with the goal of training a cohort of successful Nigerian investigators to become leaders in HIV-associated NCD research. We describe survey findings from two week-long workshops in Kano, Nigeria, where trainees received instruction in implementation science and grant writing. Surveys assessed participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence in topics taught during these workshops. Thirty-seven participants (all assistant professors) attended the implementation science workshop; 30 attended the grant-writing workshop. Response rates for the implementation science workshop were 89.2% for the preworkshop survey and 91.9% for the postworkshop survey. For the grant-writing workshop, these values were 88.2% and 85.3%, respectively. Improvement in participant knowledge and confidence was observed in every domain measured for both workshops. On average, a 101.4% increase in knowledge and a 118.0% increase in confidence was observed across measured domains among participants in the implementation science workshop. For the grant-writing workshop, there was a 68.8% increase in knowledge and a 70.3% increase in confidence observed. Participants rated the workshops and instructors as effective for both workshops. These workshops improved participants' knowledge and competence in implementation science and grant writing, and provide a model for training programs that aim to provide physician scientists with the skills needed to compete for independent funding, conduct locally relevant research, and disseminate research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Gibas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Epidemiology & Infection Prevention, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alexander Huang
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Chelsea van Wyk
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Baba M. Musa
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Muktar H. Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee
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Akoko B, Regan S, Idigbe I, Ezechi O, Pierce LJ, Musa Z, Okonkwo P, Freedberg KA, Ahonkhai AA. HIV-related stigma and psychological distress in a cohort of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria. AIDS Care 2024; 36:204-211. [PMID: 37229763 PMCID: PMC10674032 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2216006] [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: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Psychological distress is increasingly recognized as a barrier to engagement in HIV care, resulting in poor HIV outcomes. HIV-related stigma is a potential driver of distress in people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a prospective cohort study in 288 PLWH who newly initiated ART in a Nigeria. We assessed overall stigma (range 40-160) and four stigma subtypes (personalized, disclosure, negative self-image, and public stigma) at enrollment, and assessed psychological distress at enrollment, 6, and 12-months after ART initiation. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between stigma and 12-month psychological distress. Overall stigma was high (102.34 ± 5.65) and was higher in both unmarried patients (p < 0.01) and those who had not disclosed their HIV status to anyone at enrollment (p < 0.01). Higher overall stigma (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.09) and personalized stigma (OR:1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16) were associated with higher odds of psychological distress at 12-months. Conclusions: Overall stigma levels were high in a cohort of PLWH initiating care in Nigeria. Higher stigma was associated with psychological distress. These data support the need for integration of measures to reduce stigma and psychological distress in the care of PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bentley Akoko
- Emerging Infections Program, Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Susan Regan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ifeoma Idigbe
- Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Leslie J. Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Zaidat Musa
- Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Kenneth A. Freedberg
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Ahonkhai AA, Kuti KM, Hirschhorn LR, Kuhns LM, Garofalo R, Johnson AK, Adetunji A, Berzins B, Okonkwor O, Awolude O, Omigbodun O, Taiwo BO. Successful Implementation Strategies in iCARE Nigeria-A Pilot Intervention with Text Message Reminders and Peer Navigation for Youth Living with HIV. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:498. [PMID: 37999617 PMCID: PMC10675344 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8110498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
To address poor outcomes among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYA-HIV), iCARE Nigeria successfully piloted two-way text message antiretroviral therapy (ART) reminders together with peer navigation. Study participants had significant improvement in ART adherence and viral suppression at 48 weeks. Understanding facto of this intervention. We used explanatory, mixed methods to assess implementation outcomes (feasibility, acceptability, and adoption) and identify implementation strategies used or adapted to promote intervention success. Quantitative data included participant surveys, program records, and back-end mHealth data, and were summarized using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected from key informants and focus group discussions with program staff and summarized using directed content analysis. iCARE Nigeria was feasible as evidenced by ease of recruitment, high retention of patients and peer navigators (PN), and successful deployment of initial text message reminders (99.9%). Most participants (95%) and PN (90%) found text message reminders were not bothersome or intrusive. Implementation strategies employed to facilitate intervention success included: (1) selecting, training, supervising, and matching of PN to patients; (2) tailoring frequency (daily to weekly) and mode of communication between PN and patients according to patient need; (3) routine screening for adherence challenges; (4) changing phone airtime stipends from monthly to weekly in response to rapid depletion; and (5) conducting telecommunication needs assessments, to identify and troubleshoot implementation barriers (issues with mobile devices, power availability). iCARE Nigeria was feasible and acceptable with high adoption by stakeholders. The implementation strategies identified here can be tailored for intervention scale-up in similar environments to promote ART adherence for AYA-HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kehinde M. Kuti
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria; (K.M.K.)
| | - Lisa R. Hirschhorn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Lisa M. Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.M.K.); (R.G.); (A.K.J.)
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.M.K.); (R.G.); (A.K.J.)
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Amy K. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.M.K.); (R.G.); (A.K.J.)
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Adedotun Adetunji
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan 200005, Nigeria; (K.M.K.)
| | - Baiba Berzins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA (O.O.)
| | - Ogochukwu Okonkwor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA (O.O.)
| | - Olutosin Awolude
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200212, Nigeria;
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200212, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka Omigbodun
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200212, Nigeria;
| | - Babafemi O. Taiwo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA (O.O.)
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Rich KM, Pandya A, Chiosi JJ, Reddy KP, Shebl FM, Ciaranello AL, Neilan AM, Pinkney JA, Losina E, Freedberg KA, Ahonkhai AA, Hyle EP. Projected Life Expectancy Gains From Improvements in HIV Care in Black and White Men Who Have Sex With Men. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2344385. [PMID: 38015507 PMCID: PMC10685884 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44385] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Substantial racial inequities exist across the HIV care continuum between non-Hispanic Black and White men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US. Objectives To project years of life gained (YLG) with improving the HIV care continuum among Black MSM and White MSM in the US and to determine the outcomes of achieving health equity goals. Design, Setting, and Participants The Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications microsimulation model was used and populated with 2021 race-specific data to simulate HIV care among Black MSM and White MSM in the US who have acquired HIV. Analyses were completed from July 2021 to October 2023. Intervention The study simulated status quo care using race-specific estimates: age at infection, time to diagnosis, receipt of care, and virologic suppression. The study next projected the outcomes of attaining equity-centered vs non-equity-centered goals by simulating 2 equal improvements in care goals: (10-point increased receipt of care and 5-point increased virologic suppression), 3 equity-centered goals (annual HIV testing, 95% receiving HIV care, and 95% virologic suppression) and lastly, an equitable care continuum that achieves annual HIV testing, 95% receiving care, and 95% virologic suppression in Black MSM and White MSM. One-way and multiway sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted. Main Outcomes and Measures Mean age at death and YLG. Results In the simulated cohort, the mean (SD) age at HIV infection was 27.0 (10.8) years for Black MSM and 35.5 (13.6) years for White MSM. In status quo, mean age at death would be 68.8 years for Black MSM and 75.6 years for White MSM. The equal improvements in care goals would result in 0.5 YLG for Black MSM and 0.5 to 0.9 YLG for White MSM. Achieving any 1 equity-centered goal would result in 0.5 to 1.7 YLG for Black MSM and 0.4 to 1.3 YLG for White MSM. With an equitable care continuum compared with the nationally reported status quo, Black MSM and White MSM would gain 3.5 and 2.1 life-years, respectively. If the status quo HIV testing was every 6 years with 75% retained in care and 75% virologically suppressed, Black MSM would gain 4.2 life-years with an equitable care continuum. Conclusions and Relevance In this simulation modeling study of HIV care goals, equal improvements in HIV care for Black and White MSM maintained or worsened inequities. These results suggest that equity-centered goals for the HIV care continuum are critical to mitigate long-standing inequities in HIV outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Rich
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John J. Chiosi
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Krishna P. Reddy
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Tobacco Research and Treatment Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Fatma M. Shebl
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea L. Ciaranello
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Anne M. Neilan
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Jodian A. Pinkney
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Elena Losina
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Massachusetts
- Orthopedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (OrACORe), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Policy and Innovation Evaluation in Orthopedic Treatments (PIVOT) Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth A. Freedberg
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Emily P. Hyle
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hirschhorn LR, Adetunji A, Ahonkhai AA, Oladeji B, Awolude OA, Kuhns LM, Onumabor J, Kuti KM, Omigbodun O, Johnson AK, Okonkwor O, Taiwo B, Garofalo R. Mixed methods implementation research to understand success of intensive combination approach to roll back the epidemic in Nigerian adolescents) (iCARE Nigeria) HIV testing uptake and linkage to care among young men focusing on young men who have sex with men in Ibadan. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:75. [PMID: 37904200 PMCID: PMC10617228 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00574-4] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV seroprevalence in Nigeria is increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) from 14% to 2007 to 23% in 2014, threatening progress towards ending the epidemic in the country. Expanding access to HIV testing and linkage to care for key populations, like young MSM (YMSM), is critical to end the HIV epidemic in Nigeria. The Intensive Combination Approach to Roll Back the Epidemic in Nigerian Adolescents (iCARE Nigeria) pilot intervention successfully implemented a combination of evidence-based interventions utilizing peer navigators and popular social media apps and platforms to reach young men at risk for HIV exposure, including YMSM. We conducted sequential mixed methods explanatory implementation research to expand on the previously reported effectiveness and implementation outcomes and to explore the determinants and strategies which contributed to primary study results. METHODS We conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions with 2 peer navigators and 3 study staff at the end of the pilot. We used directed content analysis to understand the quantitative results from the pilot. Using the Implementation Research Logic Model, we were able to identify and map strategies through mechanisms of action from barriers addressed to the reported implementation outcomes including feasibility, acceptability fidelity and adoption. RESULTS We found that iCARE Nigeria's pilot intervention implementers reported high feasibility, acceptability fidelity and adoption were associated with implementation of strategies which addressed many challenging contextual factors, including social stigma, online social networking, legal barriers surrounding MSM behavior, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies included integration of stakeholders' interests, selection of experienced peer navigators including from the targeted population, training and supportive supervision using an implementation guide, ensuring safety (COVID and legal) and identification of clinics serving the targeted population. CONCLUSION Mixed methods using implementation research frameworks provided insights into the strategies and barriers and facilitators they addressed which may explain the success of the pilot. These results can inform strategies needed to scale-up the intervention to youth including YMSM in other areas in Nigeria and the region. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN94590823, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN94590823.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Hirschhorn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 625 N Michigan Ave, 14-013, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Ryan Family Center for Global Primary Care, Robert J Havey Institute of Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
| | - Adedotun Adetunji
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bibilola Oladeji
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olutosin A Awolude
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jude Onumabor
- Initiative for the Advancement of Improved Health and Development, I-AIHD, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kehinde M Kuti
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Staff Medical Services Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka Omigbodun
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, College of Medicine,, Ibadan University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Amy K Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ogochukwu Okonkwor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Babafemi Taiwo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Pierce LJ, Were MC, Amaral S, Aliyu MH, Ezechi O, David A, Idigbe I, Musa AZ, Okonkwo P, Dowshen N, Ahonkhai AA. PEERNaija-a mobile health platform incentivizing medication adherence among youth living with HIV in Nigeria: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:179. [PMID: 37891681 PMCID: PMC10605971 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor medication adherence is a major barrier to HIV control among youth living with HIV (Y-PLWH). The PEERNaija application (app) is an adapted smartphone app grounded in social cognitive and contigency management theories and designed to harness peer-based social incentives and conditional financial incentives to promote medication adherence. The app delivers a multifaceted medication adherence intervention including (1) peer-based social incentives, (2) financial incentives, (3) virtual peer social support, and (4) early clinic-based outreach for non-adherent Y-PLWH. A pilot trial of the app will be conducted in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country with the 4th largest HIV epidemic, and home to 10% of the world's four million Y-PLWH. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, we will compare implementation outcomes (feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness measured via validated scales, enrollment and application installation rates, feedback surveys and focus group discussions with participants, and back-end application data), and preliminary efficacy (in improving medication adherence and viral suppression) of the PEERNaija app at 6 months. Participants in Arm 1 (PEERNaija) will receive daily medication reminders, peer-based social incentives, and virtual peer social support. Participants in Arm 2 (PEERNaija +) will additionally receive a conditional financial incentive based on their adherence performance. Eligibility for Y-PLWH includes (1) being aged 14-29 years, (2) being on ART, (3) owning a smartphone, (4) being willing to download an app, and (5) being able to read simple text in English. DISCUSSION This study will serve as the basis for a larger intervention trial evaluating the PEERNaija app (and the integration of mHealth, incentive, and peer-support-based strategies) to improve HIV outcomes in a critically important region of the world for Y-PLWH. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04930198. First submitted date: May 25, 2021. Study start: August 1, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ . PROTOCOL VERSION January 21, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie J Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Martin C Were
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sandra Amaral
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Agatha David
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoma Idigbe
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Nadia Dowshen
- Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Boston, MA, USA.
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7
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Nwakoby C, Pierce LJ, Crawford R, Conserve D, Perkins J, Hurt S, Ahonkhai AA. Establishing an Academic-Community Partnership to Explore the Potential of Barbers and Barbershops in the Southern United States to Address Racial Disparities in HIV Care Outcomes for Black Men Living With HIV. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231152114. [PMID: 36757054 PMCID: PMC9943967 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231152114] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Black men comprise most new HIV infections in the Southern United States and have worse HIV outcomes than their non-Black counterparts. We developed an academic-community partnership in Nashville, Tennessee, to explore opportunities to improve HIV outcomes for Black men. We recruited barbers to an HIV training and focus group discussion about prevention and potential barber/barbershop-based strategies to address HIV-related needs for Black men. We assessed HIV knowledge and stigma with validated scales and conducted thematic analysis on discussion transcripts. HIV-related stigma was low (1.8 of 15 points [SD = 1.69]) among 13 participants of unknown HIV status (12 men and one woman). HIV knowledge increased among eight (67%) participants after receiving a brief HIV didactic. Participants described general health care barriers (e.g., the social norm that Black men do not go to the doctor until they are "damn near dead"), fears about unwanted HIV disclosure when seeking HIV testing or care, and community fears about negative stereotypes associated with HIV. Participants expressed enthusiasm about receiving more HIV-related training and utilizing communication skills and client/community relationships to serve as health educators and navigators. Barbers highlighted opportunities to disseminate HIV information in barbershops and combine HIV interventions with other health issues, such as COVID-19, and suggested that these interventions may help reduce HIV-related stigma. Our findings suggest that barbers and barbershops are an underutilized resource for disseminating HIV-related health information and engaging Black men in HIV and other important prevention and care activities such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leslie J. Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health,
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Donaldson Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community
Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University,
Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health,
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases,
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Desai N, Jenkins CA, Zanoni B, Nmoh A, Patel N, Shepherd BE, Hussen S, Doraivelu K, Pierce L, Carlucci JG, Ahonkhai AA. High Rates of Viral Suppression and Care Retention Among Youth Born Outside of the United States with Perinatally Acquired HIV. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:970-975. [PMID: 36102695 PMCID: PMC9669206 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003698] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth born outside of the US with perinatally acquired HIV infection (YBoUS-PHIV) account for most children living with HIV in the US, but there are few data characterizing their care outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of YBoUS-PHIV receiving care across 3 HIV clinics in the Southeastern US between October 2018 and 2019. Primary outcomes were retention in care and viral suppression defined as (1) proportion of suppressed viral loads (VLs) and (2) having all VLs suppressed (definition 1 presented in the abstract). Primary predictors were age, adoption and disclosure status (full, partial and none/unknown). Multivariable logistic regression and χ 2 tests were used to test for associations with care outcomes. Analysis of disclosure status was restricted to youth greater than or equal to 12 years. RESULTS The cohort included 111 YBoUS-PHIV. Median age was 14 years (interquartile range, 12-18), 59% were female, and 79% were international adoptees. Overall, 84% of patients were retained in care, and 88% were virally suppressed at each VL measurement. Adopted youth were more likely to be virally suppressed than nonadopted youth [odds ratio (OR), 7.08; P < 0.01] although the association was not statistically significant in adjusted analysis (adjusted OR, 4.26; P = 0.07). Neither age nor adoption status was significantly associated with retention. Among 89 patients greater than or equal to 12 years, 74% were fully disclosed of their HIV status, 12% were partially disclosed, and 13% had not started the disclosure process. There was no significant difference in retention or viral suppression by disclosure status. CONCLUSIONS YBoUS-PHIV achieved high rates of retention and viral suppression. Adopted youth may be more likely to achieve viral suppression which may reflect the need for tailored interventions for nonadopted youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neerav Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cathy A. Jenkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian Zanoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ashley Nmoh
- Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nehali Patel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sophia Hussen
- Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kamini Doraivelu
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Leslie Pierce
- Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - James G Carlucci
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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9
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Wester CW, Shepherd BE, Wudil UJ, Musa BM, Ingles DJ, Prigmore HL, Dankishiya FS, Ahonkhai AA, Grema BA, Budge PJ, Takakura A, Olabisi OA, Winkler CA, Kopp JB, Bonventre JV, Wyatt CM, Aliyu MH. Etiology of Persistent Microalbuminuria in Nigeria (P_MICRO study): protocol and study design. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:591. [PMID: 35787257 PMCID: PMC9251938 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07531-y] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microalbuminuria is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease and a predictor of end organ damage, both in the general population and in persons with HIV (PWH). Microalbuminuria is also an important risk factor for mortality in PWH treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the ongoing Renal Risk Reduction (R3) study in Nigeria, we identified a high prevalence of microalbuminuria confirmed by two measurements 4-8 weeks apart in ART-experienced, virologically suppressed PWH. Although Stage 1 or 2 hypertension and exposure to potentially nephrotoxic antiretroviral medications were common in R3 participants, other traditional risk factors for albuminuria and kidney disease, including diabetes, APOL1 high-risk genotype, and smoking were rare. Co-infection with endemic pathogens may also be significant contributors to albuminuria, but co-infections were not evaluated in the R3 study population. METHODS In Aim 1, we will cross-sectionally compare the prevalence of albuminuria and established kidney disease risk factors in a cohort of PWH to age- and sex-matched HIV-negative adults presenting for routine care at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, Nigeria. We will leverage stored specimens from 2500 R3 participants and enroll an additional 500 PLWH recently initiated on ART (≤ 24 months) and 750 age- and sex-matched HIV-negative adults to determine the contribution of HIV, hypertension, and other comorbid medical conditions to prevalent albuminuria. In Aim 2, we will follow a cohort of 1000 HIV-positive, ART-treated and 500 HIV-negative normoalbuminuric adults for 30 months to evaluate the incidence and predictors of albuminuria. DISCUSSION The findings from this study will support the development of interventions to prevent or address microalbuminuria in PWH to reduce kidney and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Such interventions might include more intensive monitoring and treatment of traditional risk factors, the provision of renin-angiotensin aldosterone system or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, consideration of changes in ART regimen, and screening and treatment for relevant co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA.
| | - Bryan E Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Usman J Wudil
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
| | - Baba Maiyaki Musa
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
- Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Donna J Ingles
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
| | - Heather L Prigmore
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
| | - Bukar A Grema
- Department of Family Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Philip J Budge
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Division, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ayumi Takakura
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Renal Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Opeyemi A Olabisi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cheryl A Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Kopp
- Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joseph V Bonventre
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Renal Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina M Wyatt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203-1738, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA
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10
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Pettit AC, Pichon LC, Ahonkhai AA, Robinson C, Randolph B, Gaur A, Stubbs A, Summers NA, Truss K, Brantley M, Devasia R, Teti M, Gimbel S, Dombrowski JC. Comprehensive Process Mapping and Qualitative Interviews to Inform Implementation of Rapid Linkage to HIV Care Programs in a Mid-Sized Urban Setting in the Southern United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:S56-S64. [PMID: 35703756 PMCID: PMC9204789 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, in which people living with HIV start ART within days of diagnosis, is a key component of the US Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. SETTING The Memphis Metropolitan Statistical Area ranked fourth in the United States for the highest HIV incidence per 100,000 population in 2018. Rapid ART programs are limited in the Memphis Metropolitan Statistical Area, and our objective was to identify local implementation barriers. METHODS We conducted participatory process mapping and in-depth interviews to detail steps between HIV testing at the municipal health department's Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic and ART prescription from a nearby high-volume Ryan White-funded HIV Clinic. RESULTS Process mapping identified 4 modifiable, rate-limiting rapid ART barriers: (1) requiring laboratory-based confirmatory HIV results, (2) eligibility documentation requirements for Ryan White-funded services, (3) insufficient HIV Clinic medical provider availability, and (4) variability in ART initiation timing among HIV Clinic providers. Staff at both sites highlighted suboptimal communication and sense of shared management between facilities, limited resources to address important social determinants of health, and lack of Medicaid expansion in Tennessee as key barriers. In-depth interview themes negatively affecting rapid ART initiation included clinic burden; provider knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs; and client psychosocial needs. CONCLUSIONS Our preimplementation work identified modifiable and systemic barriers to systems flow and patient-level outcomes. This work will inform the design and implementation of a locally relevant rapid ART program in Memphis, a community disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aditya Gaur
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Andrea Stubbs
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Nathan A. Summers
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Regional One Health, Adult Special Care Clinic, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Rose Devasia
- Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, Tennessee
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11
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Nwaozuru U, Obiezu-Umeh C, Diallo H, Graham D, Whembolua GL, Bourgeau MJ, Ritchwood TD, Nelson LE, Shato T, Mathews A, Moise R, Ward MC, Raude J, Ahonkhai AA, Young DJ, Conserve DF. Perceptions of COVID-19 self-testing and recommendations for implementation and scale-up among Black/African Americans: implications for the COVID-19 STEP project. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1220. [PMID: 35725400 PMCID: PMC9207861 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13619-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 self-testing (ST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase the access and uptake of testing and ultimately to limit the spread of the virus. To maximize the uptake and reach of this promising strategy and inform intervention development and scale up, research is needed to understand the acceptability of and willingness to use this tool. This is vital to ensure that Black/African Americans are reached by the Biden-Harris Administration's free national COVID-19 ST program. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and recommendations to promote and scale-up the uptake of COVID-19 ST among Black/African Americans. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess barriers and facilitators to the uptake of COVID-19 ST among a convenience sample of 28 self-identified Black/African Americans from schools, community centers, and faith-based institutions in Ohio and Maryland. Inductive content analysis was conducted to identify categories and subcategories related to acceptability and recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST in communities. RESULTS Participants perceived COVID-19 self-testing as an acceptable tool that is beneficial to prevent transmission and address some of the barriers associated with health facility testing, such as transportation cost and human contact at the health facility. However, concerns were raised regarding the accurate use of the kits and costs. Recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST included engagement of community stakeholders to disseminate information about COVID-19 self-testing and creating culturally appropriate education tools to promote knowledge of and clear instructions about how to properly use COVID-19 ST kits. Based on these recommendations, the COVID-19 STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) Project is being developed and will involve engaging community partners such as barbers, church leaders, and other community-based organizations to increase the uptake and use of free COVID-19 ST kits among Black/African Americans. CONCLUSION Findings showed that most participants considered COVID-19 ST valuable for encouraging COVID-19 testing. However, cost and accuracy concerns may pose barriers. Future work should consider implementing interventions that leverage the benefits of COVID-19 ST and further assess the extent to which these identified facilitators and barriers may influence COVID-19 ST uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ucheoma Nwaozuru
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 475 Vine Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 USA
| | - Chisom Obiezu-Umeh
- grid.262962.b0000 0004 1936 9342College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63104 USA
| | - Hassim Diallo
- grid.164295.d0000 0001 0941 7177School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Danielle Graham
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Africana Studies, University of Cincinnati, 2815 Commons Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0370 USA
| | - Guy-Lucien Whembolua
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Africana Studies, University of Cincinnati, 2815 Commons Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0370 USA
| | - Marie Janeeca Bourgeau
- grid.262273.00000 0001 2188 3760Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Queens, New York, NY 11567 USA
| | - Tiarney D. Ritchwood
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705 USA
| | - LaRon E. Nelson
- grid.47100.320000000419368710School of Nursing, Yale University, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT 06477 USA
| | - Thembekile Shato
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Washington University in Saint Louis, Brown School, 1 Brookings Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Allison Mathews
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Gilead COMPASS Faith Coordinating Center, School of Divinity, Wake Forest University, 2596 Reynolda Rd., Suite 215C, Winston-Salem, NC 27106 USA
| | - Rhoda Moise
- Rhoda Moise, LLC, 127 Church Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 USA
| | - Maranda C. Ward
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University, 2600 Virginia Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20036 USA
| | - Jocelyn Raude
- grid.414412.60000 0001 1943 5037EHESP School of Public Health, Avenue du Pr Leon Bernard, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA
| | - Diane J. Young
- grid.430001.60000 0004 0623 0683Prince George’s County Health Department, Family Health Services, Largo, MD 20774 USA
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20052 USA
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12
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Pierce LJ, Regan S, Idigbe I, Adeola J, Musa Z, Ezechi O, Oladeji B, Gureje O, Freedberg KA, Okonkwo P, Ahonkhai AA. Author Correction: Psychological Distress Increases 30-Fold Among People with HIV in the First Year on ART in Nigeria-a Call for Integrated Mental Health Services. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:530. [PMID: 35532843 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie J Pierce
- Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Susan Regan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ifeoma Idigbe
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Juliet Adeola
- APIN Public Health Initiatives (APIN), Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Zaidat Musa
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bibilola Oladeji
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oye Gureje
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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13
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Ahonkhai AA, Rebeiro PF, Jenkins CA, Rickles M, Cook M, Conserve DF, Pierce LJ, Shepherd BE, Brantley M, Wester C. Individual, community, and structural factors associated with linkage to HIV care among people diagnosed with HIV in Tennessee. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264508. [PMID: 35239705 PMCID: PMC8893655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed trends and identified individual- and county-level factors associated with individual linkage to HIV care in Tennessee (TN). METHODS TN residents diagnosed with HIV from 2012-2016 were included in the analysis (n = 3,751). Individuals were assigned county-level factors based on county of residence at the time of diagnosis. Linkage was defined by the first CD4 or HIV RNA test date after HIV diagnosis. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate probability of 30-day linkage to care at the individual-level and the contribution of individual and county-level factors to this outcome. RESULTS Both MSM (aRR 1.23, 95%CI 0.98-1.55) and women who reported heterosexual sex risk factors (aRR 1.39, 95%CI 1.18-1.65) were more likely to link to care within 30-days than heterosexual males. Non-Hispanic Black individuals had poorer linkage than White individuals (aRR 0.77, 95%CI 0.71-0.83). County-level mentally unhealthy days were negatively associated with linkage (aRR 0.63, 95%CI: 0.40-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Racial disparities in linkage to care persist at both individual and county levels, even when adjusting for county-level social determinants of health. These findings suggest a need for structural interventions to address both structural racism and mental health needs to improve linkage to care and minimize racial disparities in HIV outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Peter F. Rebeiro
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Cathy A. Jenkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Michael Rickles
- Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Mekeila Cook
- Division of Public Health Practice, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Leslie J. Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Meredith Brantley
- Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Wester
- Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, United States of America
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14
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Conserve DF, Msofe J, Issango J, Tureski K, McCarthy P, Rwezahura P, Maboko L, Lwakatare M, Ndugulile F, Kamwela J, Sims W, Ahonkhai AA, Whembolua GL. Development, Implementation, and Scale Up of the National Furaha Yangu Campaign to Promote HIV Test and Treat Services Uptake Among Men in Tanzania. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221087838. [PMID: 35333688 PMCID: PMC8958702 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221087838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence has demonstrated that immediate HIV treatment initiation upon a positive HIV test, referred to as Test and Treat, can help people living with HIV live longer, healthier lives and prevent HIV transmission. Although Tanzania adopted the evidence-based Test and Treat strategy since 2016, men were not being adequately reached for HIV services. A national campaign was launched to promote the new HIV services with a focus on men. To inform the development and implementation of the campaign, we conducted formative audience insights-gathering (AIG) sessions to assess facilitators and barriers to accessing HIV Test and Treat services and inform the concepts and materials for the campaign. Qualitative AIG interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 54 people who were unaware or aware of their HIV status and currently or not currently on treatment, as well as health workers. Facilitators and barriers included a fear of testing positive, the desire to belong, control their narratives, and reinvent themselves to achieve their dreams and live a happy life. The campaign played off a My Happiness! creative concept to position antiretroviral therapy (ART) as a solution to fears around what life would be like after a positive HIV diagnosis. The development and implementation of the campaign were informed by the AIG sessions and national stakeholders, leading to strong partners’ buy-in that supported the scale-up of the ongoing campaign from 12 to 26 regions via the collaborative efforts of government, donors, and implementing partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donaldson F Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jumanne Issango
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kara Tureski
- FHI 360, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Kara Tureski is now affiliated with FHI 360, Washington, DC, USA and Pamela McCarthy is now affiliated with Pam McCarthy Associates, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Pamela McCarthy
- FHI 360, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Kara Tureski is now affiliated with FHI 360, Washington, DC, USA and Pamela McCarthy is now affiliated with Pam McCarthy Associates, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Leonard Maboko
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Jerome Kamwela
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wynton Sims
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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15
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Nwaozuru U, Obiezu-Umeh C, Diallo H, Graham D, Whembolua GL, Bourgeau MJ, Ritchwood T, Nelson LE, Shato T, Mathews A, Moise R, Ward MC, Raude J, Ahonkhai AA, Young DJ, Conserve DF. Perceptions of COVID-19 Self-Testing and Recommendations for Implementation and Scale up Among Black/African Americans: Implications for the COVID-19 STEP Project. Res Sq 2022:rs.3.rs-1277219. [PMID: 35194597 PMCID: PMC8863154 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1277219/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 self-testing (ST) is an innovative strategy with the potential to increase the access and uptake of testing and ultimately to limit the spread of the virus. To maximize the uptake and reach of this promising strategy and inform intervention development and scale up, research is needed to understand the acceptability of and willingness to use this tool. This is vital to ensure that Black/African Americans are reached by the Biden-Harris Administration’s free national COVID-19 ST program. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and recommendations to promote and scale up the uptake of COVID-19 ST among Black/African Americans. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using a semi-structured survey to assess barriers and facilitators to the uptake of COVID-19 ST among a convenience sample of 28 self-identified Black/African Americans from schools, community centers, and faith-based institutions in Ohio and Maryland. Inductive content analysis was conducted to identify categories and subcategories related to acceptability and recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST in communities. Results Participants perceived COVID-19 self-testing as an acceptable tool that is beneficial to prevent transmission and address some of the barriers associated with health facility testing, such as transportation cost and human contact at the health facility. However, concerns were raised regarding the accurate use of the kits and costs. Recommendations for implementing and scaling up COVID-19 ST included engagement of community stakeholders to disseminate information about COVID-19 self-testing and creating culturally appropriate education tools to promote knowledge of and clear instructions about how to properly use COVID-19 ST kits. Based on these recommendations, the COVID-19 STEP (Self-Testing Education and Promotion) Project is being developed and will involve engaging community partners such as barbers, church leaders, and other community-based organizations to increase the uptake and use of free COVID-19 ST kits among Black/African Americans. Conclusion Findings showed that most participants considered COVID-19 ST valuable for encouraging COVID-19 testing. However, cost and accuracy concerns may pose barriers. Future work should consider implementing interventions that leverage the benefits of COVID-19 ST and further assess the extent to which these identified facilitators and barriers may influence COVID-19 ST uptake.
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Ahonkhai AA, Odusanya OO, Meurice FP, Pierce LJ, Durojaiye TO, Alufohai EF, Clemens R, Ahonkhai VI. Lessons for strengthening childhood immunization in low- and middle-income countries from a successful public-private partnership in rural Nigeria. Int Health 2022; 14:632-638. [PMID: 35039869 PMCID: PMC9623495 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immunization is a cost-effective public health strategy to reduce vaccine preventable disease, especially in childhood. Methods This paper reports the philosophy, service delivery, achievements and lessons learned from an immunization program in rural Nigeria privately financed via a corporate social responsibility initiative from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. Results The immunization program served the community for a 16-y period extending from 1998 until 2015, resulting in an increase in age-appropriate immunization coverage from 43% to 78%. Conclusion In its success, this immunization program exemplified the importance of early and sustained community engagement, integration of strategies to optimize implementation outcomes and effective team building well before some of these principles were accepted and codified in the literature. The project also underscores the important role that the private sector can bring to achieving critical immunization goals, especially among underserved populations and provides a model for successful public-private partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A Ahonkhai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, A2200 MCN, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-2605, USA.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Olumuyiwa O Odusanya
- Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University College of Medicine, 1-5 Oba Akinjobi Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - François P Meurice
- GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines, Rue de Hanret, 17, Cortil-Wodon, 5380, Belgium.,University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Leslie J Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Temitope O Durojaiye
- Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Lagos State University College of Medicine, 1-5 Oba Akinjobi Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ewan F Alufohai
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Ambrose-Alli University, 1 Alufohai Close, Sabongida-Ora, Owan West LG Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Ralph Clemens
- Grid Europe Consulting, Rua Euclides de Figuereido 188, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22261-070, Brasil
| | - Vincent I Ahonkhai
- Gwynedd Consultancy Group, LLC, 1444 Evans Road, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002, USA
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Aliyu MH, Iliyasu Z, Ingles DJ, Cassell HM, Lloyd WH, Ahonkhai AA, Abdu A, Audet CM, Wester CW. The V-RAMP Program: Building Research Administration and Management Capacity in Nigeria. J Glob Health Rep 2021; 5. [PMID: 34660911 DOI: 10.29392/001c.24355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing volume and complexity of research activities in Nigeria necessitates urgent measures to improve research infrastructure in grants administration and management. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Research Administration and Management Training Program (V-RAMP) seeks to build infrastructure capacity in research administration and management and research ethics at a major teaching hospital in Nigeria. We will perform a mixed methods needs assessment of the administrative and management environment and develop an action plan to address infrastructure needs, prioritize processes, and guide program implementation. We will capacitate a newly established Office of Research Administration and improve the knowledge and skills of research administrators and grant managers via short term in-person trainings in Nashville, Tennessee and in Kano, Nigeria and through remote learning opportunities. We will enhance local administrative efficiency and performance of research ethics operations through training and mentoring of members and staff of the ethics review committee. Systematic processes to streamline protocols, including a REDCap protocol tracking database and standard operating procedures in the responsible conduct of research and rigor and reproducibility will also be developed. V-RAMP will enable the creation of a high-quality research administration environment that is knowledgeable, efficient, and compliant regarding the fiscal, management and ethical standards of sponsored research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Zubairu Iliyasu
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University & Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Donna J Ingles
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Holly M Cassell
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Wendy H Lloyd
- Vanderbilt Coordinating Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
| | - Aliyu Abdu
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University & Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN
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18
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Ahonkhai AA, Wudil UJ, Dankishiya FS, Ingles DJ, Musa BM, Muhammad H, Sani MU, Nalado AM, Abdu A, Abdussalam K, Pierce L, Wester CW, Aliyu MH. Strategies for Successful Clinical Trial Recruitment of People Living with HIV in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Lessons Learned and Implementation Implications from the Nigeria Renal Risk Reduction (R3) Trial. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:289-298. [PMID: 34086250 PMCID: PMC8650944 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00566-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: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Clinical trials represent a bedrock for measuring efficacy of interventions in biomedical research, but recruitment into clinical trials remains a challenge. Few data have focused on recruitment strategies from the perspective of clinical trial teams, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where HIV is most prevalent. RECENT FINDINGS We summarized data from the literature and our experience with recruitment for the Renal Risk Reduction trial, aimed at reducing risk of kidney complications among people living with HIV in Nigeria. Using an implementation science framework, we identified strategies that contributed to successful clinical trial recruitment. For strategies that could not be categorized by this framework, we summarized key features according to selected action, actor, target, context, and time. We identified how these identified strategies could map to subsequent implementation outcomes at the patient and provider/health system level, as well as capacity-building efforts to meet needs identified by LMIC partners, which is a priority for success. Our experience highlights the importance of considering implementation outcomes, and the strategies necessary to achieve those outcomes early, in the planning and execution of clinical trials. Clinical trial recruitment can be optimized via methodologies grounded in implementation science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), 2525 West End Ave, Suite, Nashville, TN, 750, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Usman J Wudil
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), 2525 West End Ave, Suite, Nashville, TN, 750, USA
| | - Faisal S Dankishiya
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Donna J Ingles
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), 2525 West End Ave, Suite, Nashville, TN, 750, USA
| | - Baba M Musa
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
- African Center of Excellence in Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University Kano (BUK), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Hamza Muhammad
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Mahmoud U Sani
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Aisha M Nalado
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Abdu
- Department of Medicine, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Kabiru Abdussalam
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria
| | - Leslie Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), 2525 West End Ave, Suite, Nashville, TN, 750, USA
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), 2525 West End Ave, Suite, Nashville, TN, 750, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), 2525 West End Ave, Suite, Nashville, TN, 750, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Nashville, TN, USA
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19
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Wudil UJ, Aliyu MH, Prigmore HL, Ingles DJ, Ahonkhai AA, Musa BM, Muhammad H, Sani MU, Nalado AM, Abdu A, Abdussalam K, Shepherd BE, Dankishiya FS, Burgner AM, Ikizler TA, Wyatt CM, Kopp JB, Kimmel PL, Winkler CA, Wester CW. Apolipoprotein-1 risk variants and associated kidney phenotypes in an adult HIV cohort in Nigeria. Kidney Int 2021; 100:146-154. [PMID: 33901548 PMCID: PMC8487768 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
HIV-positive adults are at risk for various kidney diseases, and apolipoprotein 1 (APOL1) high-risk genotypes increase this risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and ethnic distribution of APOL1 risk genotypes among a cohort of HIV-positive Nigerian adults and explore the relationship between APOL1 risk variant status with albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2 458 persons living with HIV who attended an HIV clinic in northern Nigeria and had received antiretroviral therapy for a minimum of six months. We collected two urine samples four-eight weeks apart to measure albumin excretion, and blood samples to measure eGFR and determine APOL1 genotype. The frequency of APOL1 high-risk genotype was 6.2%, which varied by ethnic group: Hausa/Fulani (2.1%), Igbo (49.1%), and Yoruba (14.5%). The prevalence of microalbuminuria (urine/albumin creatinine ratio 30- 300 mg/g) was 37%, and prevalence of macroalbuminuria (urine/albumin creatinine ratio over 300 mg/g) was 3%. The odds of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were higher for participants with the APOL1 high-risk genotype compared to those carrying the low-risk genotype ([adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.37-2.82] and [3.96, 1.95-8.02] respectively). APOL1 high-risk genotype participants were at higher risk of having both an eGFR under 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and urine/albumin creatinine ratio over 300 mg/g (5.56, 1.57-19.69). Thus, we found a high proportion of HIV-positive, antiretroviral therapy-experienced, and largely virologically suppressed adults had microalbuminuria. Hence, although the high-risk APOL1 genotype was less prevalent than expected, it was strongly associated with some level of albuminuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman J Wudil
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Heather L Prigmore
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Donna J Ingles
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Baba M Musa
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria; Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Hamza Muhammad
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Mahmoud U Sani
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Aisha M Nalado
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Abdu
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Kabiru Abdussalam
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Bryan E Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Anna M Burgner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - T Alp Ikizler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Christina M Wyatt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Kopp
- Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul L Kimmel
- Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheryl A Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
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20
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Ahonkhai AA, Aliyu MH, Audet CM, Bravo M, Simmons M, Claquin G, Memiah P, Fernando AN, Carlucci JG, Shepherd BE, Van Rompaey S, Yu Z, Gong W, Vermund SH, Wester CW. Poor retention and care-related sex disparities among youth living with HIV in rural Mozambique. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250921. [PMID: 34019582 PMCID: PMC8139489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are few studies that characterize sex-related differences in HIV outcomes among adolescents and young adults (AYA) 15–24 years of age. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among AYA who enrolled in a comprehensive HIV program in Mozambique between 2012–2016. We assessed patients by sex and pregnancy/lactation status, comparing time to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation using Cox proportional hazard models. We employed multivariable logistic regression to investigate pre- and post-ART retention. Patients were defined as ‘retained pre-ART’ if they attended at least 3 of 4 required visits or started ART in the 6 months after enrollment, and ‘retained post-ART’ if they had any ART pickup or clinical visit during the last 90 days of the one-year follow-up period. Results Of 47,702 patients in the cohort, 81% (n = 38,511) were female and 19% (n = 9,191) were male. Of the females, 57% (n = 21,770) were non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL) and 43% (n = 16,741) were pregnant or lactating (PL). PL (aHR 2.64, 95%CI:2.47–2.81) and NPNL females (aHR 1.36, 95%CI:1.30–1.42) were more likely to initiate ART than males. PL females had higher odds of pre-ART retention in care (aOR 3.56, 95%CI: 3.30–3.84), as did NPNL females (aOR 1.71, 95%CI: 1.62–1.81), compared to males. This was also true for retention post-ART initiation, with higher odds for both PL (aOR 1.78, 95%CI:1.63–1.94) and NPNL females (aOR 1.50, 95%CI:1.35–1.65) compared to males. Conclusions PL females were most likely to initiate ART and remain in care post-ART in this AYA cohort, likely reflecting expansion of Option B+. Despite pregnancy and policy driven factors, we observed important sex-related disparities in this cohort. NPNL females were more likely to initiate ART and be retained in care before and after ART initiation than males. These data suggest that young males need targeted interventions to improve these important care continuum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Muktar H. Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Carolyn M. Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health (FGH), Maputo, Mozambique
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Melynda Simmons
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Gael Claquin
- Friends in Global Health (FGH), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Peter Memiah
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - James G. Carlucci
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | | | - Zhihong Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Wu Gong
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - C. William Wester
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Pierce LJ, Rebeiro P, Brantley M, Fields EL, Jenkins CA, Griffith DM, Conserve D, Shepherd B, Wester C, Ahonkhai AA. Who Is Not Linking to HIV Care in Tennessee - the Benefits of an Intersectional Approach. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2021; 9:849-855. [PMID: 33876409 PMCID: PMC8523577 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Guided by an intersectional approach, we assessed the association between social categories (individual and combined) on time to linkage to HIV care in Tennessee. Methods Tennessee residents diagnosed with HIV from 2012-2016 were included in the analysis (n=3750). Linkage was defined by the first CD4 or HIV RNA test date after HIV diagnosis. We used Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association of time to linkage with individual-level variables. We modeled interactions between race, age, gender, and HIV acquisition risk factor (RF), to understand how these variables jointly influence linkage to care. Results Age, race, and gender/RF weAima A. Ahonkhaire strong individual (p < 0.001 for each) and joint predictors of time to linkage to HIV care (p < 0.001 for interaction). Older individuals were more likely to link to care (aHR comparing 40 vs. 30 years, 1.20, 95%CI 1.11-1.29). Blacks were less likely to link to care than Whites (aHR= 0.73, 95% CI: 0.67-0.79). Men who have sex with men (MSM) (aHR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.03-1.34) and heterosexually active females (females) (aHR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.14-1.53) were more likely to link to care than heterosexually active males. The three-way interaction between age, race, and gender/RF showed that Black males overall and young, heterosexually active Black males in particular were least likely to establish care. Conclusions Racial disparities persist in establishing HIV care in Tennessee, but data highlighting the combined influence of age, race, gender, and sexual orientation suggest that heterosexually active Black males should be an important focus of targeted interventions for linkage to HIV care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40615-021-01023-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie J Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Peter Rebeiro
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Errol L Fields
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cathy A Jenkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Derek M Griffith
- Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Donaldson Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Bryan Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Ahonkhai AA, Pierce LJ, Mbugua S, Wasula B, Owino S, Nmoh A, Idigbe I, Ezechi O, Amaral S, David A, Okonkwo P, Dowshen N, Were MC. PEERNaija: A Gamified mHealth Behavioral Intervention to Improve Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Nigeria. Front Reprod Health 2021; 3. [PMID: 35237765 PMCID: PMC8887881 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.656507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV is the leading cause of death for youth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The rapid proliferation of smart phones in SSA provides an opportunity to leverage novel approaches to promote adherence to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYA-HIV) that go beyond simple medication reminders. Methods: Guided by the Integrate, Design, Assess and Share (IDEAS) framework, our multidisciplinary team developed a peer-based mHealth ART adherence intervention—PEERNaija. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, and principles of contingency management and supportive accountability, PEERNaija delivers a multi-faceted behavioral intervention within a smartphone application to address important obstacles to adherence. Results:PEERNaija was developed as a gamified Android-based mHealth application to support the behavioral change goal of improving ART adherence among AYA-HIV within Nigeria, a low- and middle- income country (LMIC). Identified via foundational interviews with the target population and review of the literature, key individual (forgetfulness and poor executive functioning), environmental (poor social support) and structural (indirect cost of clinic-based interventions) barriers to ART adherence for AYA-HIV informed application features. Further informed by established behavioral theories and principles, the intervention aimed to improve self-efficacy and self-regulation of AYA-HIV, leverage peer relationships among AYA to incentivize medication adherence (via contingency management, social accountability), provide peer social support through an app-based chat group, and allow for outreach of the provider team through the incorporation of a provider application. Gamification mechanics incorporated within PEERNaija include: points, progress bar, leaderboard with levels, achievements, badges, avatars and targeted behavior change messages. PEERNaija was designed as a tethered mobile personal health record application, sharing data to the widely deployed OpenMRS electronic health record application. It also uses the secure opensource Nakama gamification platform, in line with Principles of Digital Development that emphasize use of opensource systems within LMICs. Conclusions: Theory-based gamified mHealth applications that incorporate social incentives have the potential to improve adherence to AYA-HIV. Ongoing evaluations of PEERNaija will provide important data for the potential role for a gamified, smartphones application to deliver multifaceted adherence interventions for vulnerable AYA-HIV in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A Ahonkhai
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Leslie J Pierce
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Samuel Mbugua
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Moi University, Kesses, Kenya
| | - Benjamin Wasula
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Moi University, Kesses, Kenya
| | - Samuel Owino
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Moi University, Kesses, Kenya
| | - Ashley Nmoh
- Department of Medicine Health and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ifeoma Idigbe
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Sandra Amaral
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Agatha David
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Nadia Dowshen
- Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Martin C Were
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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Calder CL, O'Hara H, Tabatabai M, Maxwell CJ, Marryshow S, Ahonkhai AA, Audet CM, Wester CW, Aliyu MH. Adherence to Combination Antiretroviral Therapy among Pregnant Women Enrolled in a HIV Prevention Program in Rural North-central Nigeria. Int J MCH AIDS 2020; 9:81-92. [PMID: 32123632 PMCID: PMC7031888 DOI: 10.21106/ijma.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women is essential to attaining the goal of eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission. The objective of this study was to determine which factors affect adherence to ART among HIV-positive women enrolled in a large prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) trial in rural north-central Nigeria. METHODS The parent study included 372 HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled in a cluster-randomized control trial conducted at 12 health facilities in Nigeria between 2013 and 2015. This secondary analysis included HIV-positive women (and their infants) from the original trial with documented adherence data (n=210, 56.5%). The primary outcome was maternal adherence to ART, determined by self-report and based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) of a validated medication adherence tool. Participants with a VAS score of ≥ 95% were classified as adherent. We employed multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the predictors of maternal ART adherence in the study sample. RESULTS Approximately 61.0% of study participants (128/210) were adherent to ART. The majority of adherent participants (62.5%, 80/128) were enrolled in the trial intervention arm. The most common cited response for non-adherence was fear of status disclosure. Adherence to ART was associated with study arm (intervention arm vs. control arm, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) [95% CI]: 16.95 [5.30-54.23]), maternal ethnicity (Gwari vs. Other, aOR = 0.13 [0.05-0.38]), and partner HIV status (HIV-positive vs. unknown, aOR = 3.14 [1.22-8.07]). CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Adherence to ART among a cohort of pregnant women enrolled in a PMTCT trial in rural North-Central Nigeria was associated with trial arm, maternal self-reported ethnicity, and partner's HIV status. Increased understanding of the interplay between these factors will enable the development of more targeted and effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedrina L Calder
- Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heather O'Hara
- Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mohammad Tabatabai
- Meharry Medical College, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Department of Biostatistics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Celia J Maxwell
- Howard University Hospital, Department of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Salisha Marryshow
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Health Policy, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Health Policy, Nashville, TN, USA
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Banigbe B, Audet CM, Okonkwo P, Arije OO, Bassi E, Clouse K, Simmons M, Aliyu MH, Freedberg KA, Ahonkhai AA. Effect of PEPFAR funding policy change on HIV service delivery in a large HIV care and treatment network in Nigeria. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221809. [PMID: 31553735 PMCID: PMC6760763 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition to PEPFAR 2.0 with its focus on country ownership was accompanied by substantial funding cuts. We describe the impact of this transition on HIV care in a large network of HIV clinics in Nigeria. We surveyed 30 comprehensive HIV treatment clinics to assess services supported before (October 2013-September 2014) and after (October 2014-September 2015) the PEPFAR funding policy change, the impact of these policy changes on service delivery areas, and response of clinics to the change. We compared differences in support for staffing, laboratory services, and clinical operations pre- and post-policy change using paired t-tests. We used framework analysis to assess answers to open ended questions describing responses to the policy change. Most sites (83%, n = 25) completed the survey. The majority were public (60%, n = 15) and secondary (68%, n = 17) facilities. Clinics had a median of 989 patients in care (IQR: 543-3326). All clinics continued to receive support for first and second line antiretrovirals and CD4 testing after the policy change, while no clinics received support for other routine drug monitoring labs. We found statistically significant reductions in support for viral load testing, staff employment, defaulter tracking, and prevention services (92% vs. 64%, p = 0.02; 80% vs. 20%, 100% vs. 44%, 84% vs. 16%, respectively, p<0.01 for all) after the policy change. Service delivery was hampered by interrupted laboratory services and reduced wages and staff positions leading to reduced provider morale, and compromised quality of care. Almost all sites (96%) introduced user fees to address funding shortages. Clinics in Nigeria are experiencing major challenges in providing routine HIV services as a result of PEPFAR's policy changes. Funding cutbacks have been associated with compromised quality of care, staff shortages, and reliance on fee-based care for historically free services. Sustainable HIV services funding models are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolyn M. Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Olujide O. Arije
- Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Melynda Simmons
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Muktar H. Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A. Freedberg
- Division of Infectious Disease and General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Aima A. Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease and General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Aliyu MH, Wudil UJ, Ingles DJ, Shepherd BE, Gong W, Musa BM, Muhammad H, Sani MU, Abdu A, Nalado AM, Atanda A, Ahonkhai AA, Ikizler TA, Winkler CA, Kopp JB, Kimmel PL, Wester CW. Optimal management of HIV- positive adults at risk for kidney disease in Nigeria (Renal Risk Reduction "R3" Trial): protocol and study design. Trials 2019; 20:341. [PMID: 31182139 PMCID: PMC6558910 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with two copies of the apolipoprotein-1 (APOL1) gene risk variants are at high risk (HR) for non-diabetic kidney disease. The presence of these risk variants is highest in West Africa, specifically in Nigeria. However, there is limited availability of dialysis and kidney transplantation in Nigeria, and most individuals will die soon after developing end-stage renal disease. Blocking the renin angiotensin aldosterone system with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) is a well-recognized strategy to slow renal disease progression in patients with diabetes mellitus with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy. We propose to determine whether presence of the APOL1 HR genotype alters or predicts responsiveness to conventional therapy to treat or prevent CKD and if addition of an ACEi to standard combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the risk of kidney complications among non-diabetic Nigerian adults. Methods/design We will screen 2600 HIV-positive adults who have received ART to (1) determine the prevalence of APOL1 risk variants and assess whether APOL1 HR status correlates with prevalent albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and/or prevalent CKD; (2) assess, via a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) in a subset of these participants with microalbuminura (n = 280) whether addition of the ACEi, lisinopril, compared to standard of care, significantly reduces the incidence or progression of albuminuria; and (3) determine whether the APOL1 HR genotype is associated with worse kidney outcomes (i.e. eGFR slope or regression of albuminuria) among participants in the RCT. Conclusions This study will examine the increasing prevalence of kidney diseases in HIV-positive adults in a West African population, and the relationship between these diseases and the APOL1 high-risk genotype. By evaluating the addition of an ACEi to the care of individuals with HIV infection who have albuminuria, our trial will provide definitive evidence to guide strategies for management and clinical care in this population, with the goal of reducing HIV-related kidney complications. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03201939. Registered on 26 August 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3436-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Usman J Wudil
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Donna J Ingles
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bryan E Shepherd
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wu Gong
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Baba M Musa
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Hamza Muhammad
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Mahmoud U Sani
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Abdu
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Aisha M Nalado
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Akinfenwa Atanda
- Department of Pathology, Bayero University, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Aima A Ahonkhai
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Talat A Ikizler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cheryl A Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, Molecular Genetic Epidemiology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Kopp
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul L Kimmel
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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26
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Ahonkhai AA, Onwuatuelo I, Regan S, Adegoke A, Losina E, Banigbe B, Adeola J, Ferris TG, Okonkwo P, Freedberg KA. The patient-centered medical home: a reality for HIV care in Nigeria. Int J Qual Health Care 2018; 29:654-661. [PMID: 28992154 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzx083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective HIV care delivery in resource-limited settings (RLS) may serve as a paradigm for chronic disease care, but comprehensive measurement frameworks are lacking. Our objective was to adapt the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) framework for use in RLS, and evaluate the performance of HIV treatment programs within this framework. Design and setting Cross-sectional survey administered within the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) network. Participants Medical directors at APIN clinics. Main outcome measures We adapted the 2011 US National Committee on Quality Assurance's PCMH standard to develop a survey measuring five domains of HIV care: (i) enhancing access and continuity, (ii) identifying and managing patient populations, (iii) planning and managing care, (iv) promoting self-care and support and (v) measuring and improving performance. Results Thirty-three of 36 clinics completed the survey. Most were public (73%) and urban/semi-urban (64%); 52% had >500 patients in care. On a 0-100 scale, clinics scored highest in self-care and support, 91% (63-100%); managing patient populations, 80% (72-81%) and improving performance, 72% (44-78%). Clinics scored lowest with the most variability in planning/managing care, 65% (22-89%), and access and continuity, 61% (33-80%). Average score across all domains was 72% (58-81%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the modified PCMH tool is feasible, and likely has sufficient performance variation to discriminate among clinics. Consistent with extant literature, clinics showed greatest room for improvement on access and continuity, supporting the tool's face validity. The modified PCMH tool may provide a powerful framework for evaluating chronic HIV care in RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A Ahonkhai
- Division of infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Susan Regan
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abdulkabir Adegoke
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Losina
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bolanle Banigbe
- AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Juliet Adeola
- AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Timothy G Ferris
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prosper Okonkwo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Division of infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Ahonkhai AA, Bassett IV, Ferris TG, Freedberg KA. Improving HIV outcomes in resource-limited countries: the importance of quality indicators. BMC Health Serv Res 2012; 12:427. [PMID: 23176556 PMCID: PMC3536601 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resource-limited countries increasingly depend on quality indicators to improve outcomes within HIV treatment programs, but indicators of program performance suitable for use at the local program level remain underdeveloped. METHODS Using the existing literature as a guide, we applied standard quality improvement (QI) concepts to the continuum of HIV care from HIV diagnosis, to enrollment and retention in care, and highlighted critical service delivery process steps to identify opportunities for performance indicator development. We then identified existing indicators to measure program performance, citing examples used by pivotal donor agencies, and assessed their feasibility for use in surveying local program performance. Clinical delivery steps without existing performance measures were identified as opportunities for measure development. Using National Quality Forum (NQF) criteria as a guide, we developed measurement concepts suitable for use at the local program level that address existing gaps in program performance assessment. RESULTS This analysis of the HIV continuum of care identified seven critical process steps providing numerous opportunities for performance measurement. Analysis of care delivery process steps and the application of NQF criteria identified 24 new measure concepts that are potentially useful for improving operational performance in HIV care at the local level. CONCLUSION An evidence-based set of program-level quality indicators is critical for the improvement of HIV care in resource-limited settings. These performance indicators should be utilized as treatment programs continue to grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A Ahonkhai
- Divisions of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Divisions of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Timothy G Ferris
- Partners Healthcare, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kenneth A Freedberg
- Divisions of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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Ahonkhai AA, Noubary F, Munro A, Stark R, Wilke M, Freedberg KA, Wood R, Losina E. Not all are lost: interrupted laboratory monitoring, early death, and loss to follow-up (LTFU) in a large South African treatment program. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32993. [PMID: 22427925 PMCID: PMC3299719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many HIV treatment programs in resource-limited settings are plagued by high rates of loss to follow-up (LTFU). Most studies have not distinguished between those who briefly interrupt, but return to care, and those more chronically lost to follow-up. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 11,397 adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 71 Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference/Catholic Relief Services HIV treatment clinics between January 2004 and December 2008. We distinguished among patients with early death, within the first 7 months on ART; patients with interruptions in laboratory monitoring (ILM), defined as missing visits in the first 7 months on ART, but returning to care by 12 months; and those LTFU, defined as missing all follow-up visits in the first 12 months on ART. We used multilevel logistic regression models to determine patient and clinic-level characteristics associated with these outcomes. Results In the first year on ART, 60% of patients remained in care, 30% missed laboratory visits, and 10% suffered early death. Of the 3,194 patients who missed laboratory visits, 40% had ILM, resuming care by 12 months. After 12 months on ART, patients with ILM had a 30% increase in detectable viremia compared to those who remained in care. Risk of LTFU decreased with increasing enrollment year, and was lowest for patients who enrolled in 2008 compared to 2004 [OR 0.49, 95%CI 0.39–0.62]. Conclusions In a large community-based cohort in South Africa, nearly 30% of patients miss follow-up visits for CD4 monitoring in the first year after starting ART. Of those, 40% have ILM but return to clinic with worse virologic outcomes than those who remain in care. The risk of chronic LTFU decreased with enrollment year. As ART availability increases, interruptions in care may become more common, and should be accounted for in addressing program LTFU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aima A Ahonkhai
- Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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