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Larson BA, Tsikhutsu I, Bii M, Halim N, Agaba P, Sugut W, Muli J, Sawe F. The effects of revised peer-counselor support on the PMTCT cascade of care: results from a cluster-randomized trial in Kenya (the EMMA study). BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:257. [PMID: 37098468 PMCID: PMC10127503 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08246-4] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the effect of revisions to existing peer-counselor services, called Mentor Mothers (MM), at maternal and child health clinics on medication adherence for women living with HIV (WLWH) in Kenya and on early infant HIV testing. METHODS The Enhanced Mentor Mother Program study was a 12-site, two-arm cluster-randomized trial enrolling pregnant WLWH from March 2017 to June 2018 (with data collection through September 2020). Six clinics were randomized to continued MM-supported standard care (SC). Six clinics were randomized to the intervention arm (INT = SC plus revised MM services to include more one-on-one interactions). Primary outcomes for mothers were defined as: (PO1) the proportion of days covered (PDC) with antiretroviral therapy (ART) ≥ 0.90 during the last 24-weeks of pregnancy; and (PO2) ≥ 0.90 PDC during the first 24-weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes were infant HIV testing according to national guidelines (at 6, 24, and 48 weeks). Crude and adjusted risk differences between study arms are reported. RESULTS We enrolled 363 pregnant WLHV. After excluding known transfers and subjects with incomplete data extraction, data were analyzed for 309 WLWH (151 SC, 158 INT). A small share achieved high PDC during the prenatal and postnatal periods (0.33 SC/0.24 INT achieved PO1; 0.30 SC/0.31 INT achieved PO2; crude or adjusted risk differences were not statistically significant). In addition, ~ 75% in both study arms completed viral load testing during year two after enrollment, with > 90% suppressed in both arms. For infants, ≥ 90% in both arms had at least one HIV test through study follow up (76 weeks) but testing on schedule according to PMTCT guidelines was uncommon. CONCLUSIONS While national guidelines in Kenya recommended that all HIV-infected pregnant women take a daily antiretroviral regimen for life following a HIV diagnosis, results presented here indicate that a minor share achieved high medication coverage during the prenatal and postnatal periods analyzed. In addition, adjustments to Mentor-Mother services showed no improvement in study outcomes. The lack of effect for this behavioral intervention is relatively consistent with the existing literature to improve mother-infant outcomes along the PMTCT care cascade. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT02848235. Date of first trial registration 28/07/2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Larson
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kericho, Kenya/U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Margaret Bii
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kericho, Kenya/U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Nafisa Halim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Patricia Agaba
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William Sugut
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kericho, Kenya/U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Jane Muli
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kericho, Kenya/U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Sawe
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kericho, Kenya/U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
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Tsikhutsu I, Bii M, Dear N, Ganesan K, Kasembeli A, Sing’oei V, Rombosia K, Ochieng C, Desai P, Wolfman V, Coakley P, Lee EH, Hickey PW, Livezey J, Agaba P. Prevalence and Correlates of Viral Load Suppression and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Drug Resistance Among Children and Adolescents in South Rift Valley and Kisumu, Kenya. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:936-944. [PMID: 35092424 PMCID: PMC9522406 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) face unique challenges, including poorer treatment outcomes, risk for drug-resistance mutations (HIVDRMs), and limited drug formulations. We estimated viral suppression (VS) prevalence and evaluated predictors of VS and HIVDRMs in Kenya. METHODS From 2018-2020, CALHIV 1-19 years on antiretroviral therapy (ART) >6 months were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent viral load (VL) testing; those with VL ≥1000 copies/mL had HIVDRM testing. Sociodemographic questionnaires and medical record abstraction were completed. VS prevalence (VL <1000 copies/mL) was estimated; robust Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs for associations between potential predictors of VS. RESULTS Nine hundred and sixty-nine participants were enrolled. VS prevalence was .80 (95% CI: .78-.83). Being on ART >24 months (adjusted PR [aPR]: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.41), an integrase strand transfer inhibitor-containing regimen (1.13; 1.02-1.26), and attending a level 3 health facility (1.23; 1.11-1.36) were associated with VS. Missing ≥3 doses of ART in the past month (aPR: .73; 95% CI: .58-.92), having a viremic mother with HIV (.72; .53-.98), and having 3-7 (.90; .83-.97), 8-13 (.89; .82-.97), or ≥14 (.84; .77-.92) compared with <2 adherence counseling referrals were inversely associated with VS. A high proportion (n = 119, 81.5%) of unsuppressed participants had evidence of any major HIVDRM. CONCLUSIONS HIV treatment programs should target interventions for pediatric patients at risk for treatment failure-namely, those with a caregiver with failed VS and those struggling with adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicole Dear
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kavitha Ganesan
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alex Kasembeli
- US Army Medical Research Directorate–Africa, Nairobi, Kenya,HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Valentine Sing’oei
- US Army Medical Research Directorate–Africa, Nairobi, Kenya,HJF Medical Research International, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Christopher Ochieng
- US Army Medical Research Directorate–Africa, Nairobi, Kenya,HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Priyanka Desai
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vanessa Wolfman
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter Coakley
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Lee
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA,The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick W Hickey
- The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Patricia Agaba
- Correspondence: Patricia Agaba, 6720A Rockledge Dr, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA ()
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Brennan A, Maskew M, Larson BA, Tsikhutsu I, Bii M, Vezi L, Fox M, Venter WDF, Ehrenkranz PD, Rosen S. Prevalence of TB symptoms, diagnosis and treatment among people living with HIV (PLHIV) not on ART presenting at outpatient clinics in South Africa and Kenya: baseline results from a clinical trial. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035794. [PMID: 32895266 PMCID: PMC7476481 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We used screening data and routine clinic records for intervention arm patients in the Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility (SLATE) trials to describe the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) symptoms, diagnosis and treatment among people living with HIV (PLHIV), not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and presenting at outpatient clinics in South Africa and Kenya. We compared the performance of the WHO four-symptom TB screening tool with a baseline Xpert test. SETTING Outpatient HIV clinics in South Africa and Kenya. PARTICIPANTS Eligible patients were non-pregnant, PLHIV, >18 years of age, not on ART, willing to provide written informed consent. A total of 594 patients in South Africa and 240 in Kenya were eligible. RESULTS Prevalence of any TB symptom was 38% in Kenya, 35% (SLATE I) and 47% (SLATE II) in South Africa. During SLATE I, 70% of patients in Kenya and 57% in South Africa with ≥1 TB symptom were tested for TB. In SLATE II, 79% of patients with ≥1 TB symptom were tested. Of those, 19% tested positive for TB in Kenya, 15% (SLATE I) and 5% (SLATE II) tested positive in South Africa. Of the 28 patients who tested positive in both trials, 20 initiated TB treatment. The lowest median CD4 counts were among those with active TB (Kenya 124 cells/mm3; South Africa 193 cells/mm3). When comparing the WHO four-symptom screening tool to the Xpert test (SLATE II), we found that increasing the number of symptoms required for a positive screen from one to three or four decreased sensitivity but increased the positive predictive value to >30%. CONCLUSIONS 80% of patients assessed for ART initiation presented with ≥1 TB symptoms. Reconsideration of the 'any symptom' rule may be appropriate, with ART initiation among patients with fewer/milder symptoms commencing while TB test results are pending. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02891135 and NCT03315013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Brennan
- Departments of Epidemiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bruce A Larson
- Department of Global Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Inc, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Margaret Bii
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Inc, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lungisile Vezi
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew Fox
- Departments of Epidemiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Larson BA, Halim N, Tsikhutsu I, Bii M, Coakley P, Rockers PC. A tool for estimating antiretroviral medication coverage for HIV-infected women during pregnancy (PMTCT-ACT). Glob Health Res Policy 2019; 4:29. [PMID: 31637308 PMCID: PMC6794749 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-019-0121-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the typical prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV cascade of care discussion or analysis, the period of analysis begins at the first visit for antenatal care (ANC) for that pregnancy. This starting point is problematic for two reasons: (1) a large number of HIV-infected women are already on life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART) when presenting for ANC; and (2) women present to ANC at different gestational ages. The PMTCT ART Coverage Tool (PMTCT-ACT), which estimates the proportion of days covered (PDC) with ART, was developed to address each of these problems. Methods PDC is a preferred method to measure adherence to chronic medications, such as ART. For evaluating the PMTCT cascade of care, as indicated by PDC with ART over various time periods, a “starting point” based on a specific day before delivery must be defined that applies to all women (treatment experienced or naïve at the first ANC visit at any gestational age). Using the example of 168 days prior to delivery (24 weeks), PMTCT-ACT measures PDC with ART during that period. PMTCT-ACT is provided as a STATA do-file. Using an example dataset for two women (ID1 is treatment experienced; ID2 is treatment naïve), the details of each major portion of the tool (Parts 1–5) are presented. PMTCT-ACT along with the intermediate datasets created during the analysis are provided as supplemental files. Conclusions Evaluating the PMTCT cascade of care requires a standard definition of the follow-up period during pregnancy that applies to all HIV-infected pregnant women and a standard measure of adherence. PMTCT-ACT is a new tool that fits this purpose. PMTCT-ACT can also be easily adjusted to evaluate other ante- and post-natal periods (e.g., final 4 weeks, final 8 weeks, complete pregnancy period, initial 24 weeks postpartum, time periods consistent with infant HIV testing guidelines).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Larson
- 1Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Nafisa Halim
- 1Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate, Africa, Kenya.,3U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD USA.,Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Margaret Bii
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate, Africa, Kenya.,3U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD USA.,Henry Jackson Foundation MRI, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Peter Coakley
- 3U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD USA
| | - Peter C Rockers
- 1Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 USA
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Barnhart DA, Tsikhutsu I, Kirui D, Sawe F, Muli J, Sugut W, Abboud N, Birx D, Hamm T, Coakley P, Hickey PW, Wolfman V, Lee E, Spiegelman D. Association of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief's Funding With Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Kenya. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1911318. [PMID: 31517966 PMCID: PMC6745052 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.11318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE From 2004 to 2014, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) invested more than $248 000 000 in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Kenya. Concurrently, child mortality in Kenya decreased by half. OBJECTIVE To identify the extent to which the decrease in child mortality in Kenya is associated with PEPFAR funding for PMTCT of HIV. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based survey study conducted in Kenya estimated the association between annual per capita PEPFAR funding for PMTCT (annual PCF) and cumulative per capita PEPFAR funding for PMTCT (cumulative PCF), extracted using 2004-2014 country operational reports as well as individual-level health outcomes, extracted from the 2003, 2008-2009, and 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys and the 2007 and 2012 Kenya AIDS Indicator Surveys. The study included children of female respondents to the 2003, 2008-2009, and 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys who were born 1 to 60 months (for neonatal mortality) or 12 to 60 months (for infant mortality) before the survey, as well as female respondents who had recently given birth and reported on HIV testing during antenatal care (ANC) during the 2007-2014 surveys. Results were adjusted for year, province, and survey respondent characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed from July 8, 2016, to December 10, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Neonatal mortality was defined as death within the first month of life and infant mortality was defined as death within the first year of life. HIV testing during ANC was defined as receiving counseling on PMTCT, undergoing an HIV test, and receiving test results during ANC. RESULTS The analysis included 33 181 neonates (16 870 boys), 26 876 infants (13 679 boys), and 20 775 mothers (mean [SD] age, 28.0 [6.7] years). PEPFAR funding was not associated with neonatal mortality. A $0.33 increase in annual PCF, corresponding to the difference between the 75th and 25th (interquartile range) percentiles of funding, was significantly associated with a 16% (95% CI, 4%-27%) reduction in infant mortality after a 1-year lag. A 14% to 16% reduction persisted after 2- and 3-year lags, and comparable reductions were observed for unlagged and 1-year lagged cumulative PCF. An increase of 1 interquartile range in cumulative PCF was associated with a 7% (95% CI, 3%-11%) increase in HIV testing during ANC, which intensified with subsequent lags. Between 2004 and 2014, sustained funding levels of $0.33 annual PCF could have averted 118 039 to 273 924 infant deaths. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Evidence from publicly available data suggests that PEPFAR's PMTCT funding was associated with a reduction in infant mortality and an increase in HIV testing during ANC in Kenya. The full outcome of funding may not be realized until several years after allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale A. Barnhart
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Duncan Kirui
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Sawe
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Jane Muli
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - William Sugut
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Nareen Abboud
- Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy Department of State, Washington, DC
| | - Deborah Birx
- Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy Department of State, Washington, DC
| | - Tiffany Hamm
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Peter Coakley
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Patrick W. Hickey
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vanessa Wolfman
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth Lee
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Methods in Implementation and Prevention Science, Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Global Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Brennan AT, Maskew M, Larson BA, Tsikhutsu I, Bii M, Vezi L, Fox MP, Venter WDF, Ehrenkranz P, Rosen S. Who is seeking antiretroviral treatment for HIV now? Characteristics of patients presenting in Kenya and South Africa in 2017-2018. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25358. [PMID: 31518058 PMCID: PMC6743421 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many African countries have had at least two years' experience with universal treatment eligibility for HIV. The literature contains few descriptions, though, of populations starting treatment since adoption of universal eligibility. Using baseline data from a clinical trial of same-day ART initiation, we describe the populations presenting for HIV testing or care at study clinics in Kenya and South Africa in 2017-18, during the era of same-day initiation. METHODS The Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility (SLATE) trials in Kenya (SLATE I) and South Africa (SLATE II) were multicenter, non-blinded, individually randomized, pragmatic trials evaluating simple, standardized algorithms to determine eligibility for same-day initiation of ART without relying on laboratory results, point of care tests or multiple clinic visits. In Kenya, enrolment occurred during July 2017 to April 2018. In South Africa, enrolment occurred during March to September 2018. We describe demographic, socioeconomic and clinical characteristics of patients randomized to the same-day initiation arm for both studies. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 240 and 296 participants were enrolled in Kenya and South Africa. The majority were female (59% and 64% respectively), with a median age of 35 years. In both countries, most subjects were newly diagnosed with HIV on the day of enrolment (62%, 55%), believed they already had adequate knowledge to begin ART (78%, 68%), and preferred to start ART immediately (same-day) (98% in both countries). About 40% of all patients had at least one symptom related to tuberculosis (cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss) and/or cryptococcal meningitis (continuous headache). More than a third of patients (37%, 36%) presented with advanced disease (CD4 <200 cells/mm3 ), a fifth presented with very advanced disease (CD4 < 100), and approximately 1 in 20 presented with very advanced disease and were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS Despite >2 years of universal eligibility for ART in Kenya and South Africa, in 2017-2018 more than half of HIV-positive patients presenting at public sector clinics were not yet aware of their status, and more than a third presented for care with advanced HIV disease. These proportions remain similar to those observed before the introduction of universal eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana T Brennan
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Bruce A Larson
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate‐AfricaNairobiKenya
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRIKerichoKenya
| | - Margaret Bii
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate‐AfricaNairobiKenya
- Henry Jackson Foundation MRIKerichoKenya
| | - Lungisile Vezi
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Willem DF Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV InstituteDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
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Rosen S, Maskew M, Larson BA, Brennan AT, Tsikhutsu I, Fox MP, Vezi L, Bii M, Venter WDF. Simplified clinical algorithm for identifying patients eligible for same-day HIV treatment initiation (SLATE): Results from an individually randomized trial in South Africa and Kenya. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002912. [PMID: 31525187 PMCID: PMC6746347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends "same-day" initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV patients who are eligible and ready. Identifying efficient, safe, and feasible procedures for determining same-day eligibility and readiness is now a priority. The Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility (SLATE) study evaluated a clinical algorithm that allows healthcare workers to determine eligibility for same-day treatment and to initiate ART at the patient's first clinic visit. METHODS AND FINDINGS SLATE was an individually randomized trial at three outpatient clinics in urban settlements in Johannesburg, South Africa and three hospital clinics in western Kenya. Adult, nonpregnant, HIV-positive, ambulatory patients presenting for any HIV care, including HIV testing, but not yet on ART were enrolled and randomized to the SLATE algorithm arm or standard care. The SLATE algorithm used four screening tools-a symptom self-report, medical history questionnaire, physical examination, and readiness assessment-to ascertain eligibility for same-day initiation or refer for further care. Follow-up was by record review, and analysis was conducted by country. We report primary outcomes of 1) ART initiation ≤28 days and 2) initiation ≤28 days and retention in care ≤8 months of enrollment. From March 7, 2017 to April 17, 2018, we enrolled 600 patients (median [IQR] age 34 [29-40] and CD4 count 286 [128-490]; 63% female) in South Africa and 477 patients in Kenya (median [IQR] age 35 [29-43] and CD4 count 283 [117-541]; 58% female). In the intervention arm, 78% of patients initiated ≤28 days in South Africa, compared to 68% in the standard arm (risk difference [RD] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 10% [3%-17%]); in Kenya, 94% of intervention-arm patients initiated ≤28 days compared to 89% in the standard arm (6% [0.5%-11%]). By 8 months in South Africa, 161/298 (54%) intervention-arm patients had initiated and were retained, compared to 146/302 (48%) in the standard arm (6% [(2% to 14%]). By 8 months in Kenya, the corresponding retention outcomes were identical in both arms (137/240 [57%] of intervention-arm patients and 136/237 [57%] of standard-arm patients). Limitations of the trial included limited geographic representativeness, exclusion of patients too ill to participate, missing viral load data, greater study fidelity to the algorithm than might be achieved in standard care, and secular changes in standard care over the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS In South Africa, the SLATE algorithm increased uptake of ART within 28 days by 10% and showed a numerical increase (6%) in retention at 8 months. In Kenya, the algorithm increased uptake of ART within 28 days by 6% but found no difference in retention at 8 months. Eight-month retention was poor in both arms and both countries. These results suggest that a simple structured algorithm for same-day treatment initiation procedures is feasible and can increase and accelerate ART uptake but that early retention on treatment remains problematic. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02891135, registered September 1, 2016. First participant enrolled March 6, 2017 in South Africa and July 13, 2017 in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bruce A. Larson
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alana T. Brennan
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kericho, Kenya
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Inc., Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lungisile Vezi
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Margaret Bii
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kericho, Kenya
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Inc., Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Willem D. F. Venter
- Ezintsha, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Larson BA, Bii M, Tsikhutsu I, Halim N, Wolfman V, Coakley P, Sugut W, Sawe F. The Enhanced Mentor Mother ProgrAm (EMMA) for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Kenya: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2018; 19:594. [PMID: 30376872 PMCID: PMC6208066 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As of September 2014, Kenya implemented the WHO recommended Option B+ guidelines in which all newly diagnosed HIV-infected pregnant women are immediately eligible for triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) for life regardless of CD4 count. In addition, Kenya previously established the Kenya Mentor Mother Program (KMMP) in 2012 to improve peer education and psychosocial support services within the national prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program. The primary objectives of the study described in the current protocol are: (1) to evaluate implementation of these new guidelines (Option B+ with Mentor Mothers) as part of routine service delivery; and (2) to evaluate potential benefits of a package of services within the KMMP (called EMMA) to improve PMTCT service delivery. Methods We will conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial in western Kenya. We will allocate 12 clinics providing PMTCT services including ART to two study arms using pair matching: the standard of care (SOC) arm, which includes the KMMP as implemented by the clinics; and the intervention arm, which is the SOC (including KMMP) with the EMMA package of services (a targeted exit interview, visit reminders, and targeted follow-up). At the intervention clinics, the EMMA package of services is implemented as part of routine service delivery. A total of 360 (180 in each arm) pregnant women will be enrolled in the study at or near their first visit for antenatal care for prospective records review through 72 weeks post-partum. The primary and secondary outcomes are uninterrupted supplies of ART medications throughout the PMTCT cascade of care as well as infants completing HIV testing on schedule. Discussion The EMMA package of services provides specific structure to the use of Mentor Mothers within PMTCT programs. This strategy was developed in collaboration with local health facility and PMTCT program staff based on their experience providing PMTCT services within the integrated ART-MCH facilities. If successful, this approach has the potential to improve dramatically PMTCT service delivery with minor additional costs beyond the basic mother–mentor program and support global goals to eliminate mother-to-child transmission. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02848235. Registered on 19 July 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2975-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce A Larson
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Margaret Bii
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project, Kericho, Kenya.,HJF Medical Research International, Inc., Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project, Kericho, Kenya.,HJF Medical Research International, Inc., Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nafisa Halim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vanessa Wolfman
- US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter Coakley
- US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William Sugut
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project, Kericho, Kenya.,HJF Medical Research International, Inc., Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Sawe
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project, Kericho, Kenya.,HJF Medical Research International, Inc., Nairobi, Kenya
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Rosen S, Fox MP, Larson BA, Brennan AT, Maskew M, Tsikhutsu I, Bii M, Ehrenkranz PD, Venter WDF. Simplified clinical algorithm for identifying patients eligible for immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV (SLATE): protocol for a randomised evaluation. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016340. [PMID: 28554939 PMCID: PMC5726128 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION African countries are rapidly adopting guidelines to offer antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all HIV-infected individuals, regardless of CD4 count. For this policy of 'treat all' to succeed, millions of new patients must be initiated on ART as efficiently as possible. Studies have documented high losses of treatment-eligible patients from care before they receive their first dose of antiretrovirals (ARVs), due in part to a cumbersome, resource-intensive process for treatment initiation, requiring multiple clinic visits over a several-week period. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility (SLATE) study is an individually randomised evaluation of a simplified clinical algorithm for clinicians to reliably determine a patient's eligibility for immediate ART initiation without waiting for laboratory results or additional clinic visits. SLATE will enrol and randomise (1:1) 960 adult, HIV-positive patients who present for HIV testing or care and are not yet on ART in South Africa and Kenya. Patients randomised to the standard arm will receive routine, standard of care ART initiation from clinic staff. Patients randomised to the intervention arm will be administered a symptom report, medical history, brief physical exam and readiness assessment. Patients who have positive (satisfactory) results for all four components of SLATE will be dispensed ARVs immediately, at the same clinic visit. Patients who have any negative results will be referred for further clinical investigation, counselling, tests or other services prior to being dispensed ARVs. After the initial visit, follow-up will be by passive medical record review. The primary outcomes will be ART initiation ≤28 days and retention in care 8 months after study enrolment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been provided by the Boston University Institutional Review Board, the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) and the KEMRI Scientific and Ethics Review Unit. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and made widely available through presentations and briefing documents. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02891135.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce A Larson
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alana T Brennan
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Isaac Tsikhutsu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project HIV Program, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Margaret Bii
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Walter Reed Project HIV Program, Kericho, Kenya
| | | | - WD Francois Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Murila F, Obimbo MM, Musoke R, Tsikhutsu I, Migiro S, Ogeng'o J. Breast-feeding and human immunodeficiency virus infection: Assessment of knowledge among clinicians in Kenya. Int J Nurs Pract 2013; 21:37-42. [DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Murila
- Department of Pediatrics; School of Medicine; University of Nairobi; Nairobi Kenya
| | - Moses M Obimbo
- Department of Human Anatomy; School of Medicine; University of Nairobi; Nairobi Kenya
| | - Rachel Musoke
- Department of Pediatrics; School of Medicine; University of Nairobi; Nairobi Kenya
| | | | - Santau Migiro
- Division of Child Health; Ministry of Health; Nairobi Kenya
| | - Julius Ogeng'o
- Department of Human Anatomy; School of Medicine; University of Nairobi; Nairobi Kenya
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