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Comfort AB, Asiimwe S, Amaniyre G, Orrell C, Moody J, Musinguzi N, Bwana MB, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE, Tsai AC. Social networks and HIV treatment adherence among people with HIV initiating treatment in rural Uganda and peri-urban South Africa. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101593. [PMID: 38292051 PMCID: PMC10825562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101593] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Timely initiation of and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for improving HIV outcomes and reducing HIV transmissibility. Social networks, or the social relationships individuals have with each other, have been linked with positive health outcomes, but less is known about the extent to which social network composition and structure are associated with improved ART adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted an ego-centric network study among 828 previously ART-naïve PLWH presenting for ART initiation at 11 clinics in Mbarara, Uganda (rural population) and Gugulethu, South Africa (peri-urban population). We collected social network data using name generator and name interpreter questions. ART adherence was monitored over 12 months using wireless monitors (Wisepill). Our primary outcome of interest was ART adherence during the 12-month follow-up period. We used generalized linear models to estimate the associations between network measures and ART adherence. PLWH at the Uganda site (compared with the South Africa site) were less isolated, had larger social networks, and had more social ties providing sufficient social support; they were also more likely to bridge different social groups whereby not all social ties were connected to each other. In Uganda, social isolation was associated with a 5.5 percentage point reduction in ART adherence (95% confidence interval [CI] -9.95 to -1.13; p = 0.014), while having more same gender social ties was associated with higher ART adherence (b = 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.25, p = 0.025). In South Africa, there was no association between social isolation and ART adherence, and having more friendship ties (vs. family ties) was associated with lower ART adherence (b = -2.20, 95% CI -3.56 to -0.84; p = 0.002). Identifying and supporting PLWH who are isolated may facilitate optimal adherence, but understanding how networks differentially affect ART adherence by country context is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison B. Comfort
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143-1224, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Gideon Amaniyre
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Plot 4B P.O.Box 7072 Kololo Hill Dr, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, 3 Woodlands Rd, Woodstock, 7915, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James Moody
- Department of Sociology, 268 Soc/Psych Building, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708-0088, USA
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mwebesa Bosco Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 722, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 722, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Quach LT, Ritchie CS, Reynolds Z, Paul R, Seeley J, Tong Y, Hoeppner S, Okello S, Nakasujja N, Olivieri-Mui B, Saylor D, Greene M, Asiimwe S, Tindimwebwa E, Atwiine F, Sentongo R, Siedner MJ, Tsai AC. HIV, Social Networks, and Loneliness among Older Adults in Uganda. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:695-704. [PMID: 38281251 PMCID: PMC10947585 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04258-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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness among older adults has been identified as a major public health problem. Yet little is known about loneliness, or the potential role of social networks in explaining loneliness, among older people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of PWH reside. To explore this issue, we analyzed data from 599 participants enrolled in the Quality of Life and Ageing with HIV in Rural Uganda study, including older adults with HIV in ambulatory care and a comparator group of people without HIV of similar age and gender. The 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale was used to measure loneliness, and HIV status was the primary explanatory variable. The study found no statistically significant correlation between loneliness and HIV status. However, individuals with HIV had smaller households, less physical and financial support, and were less socially integrated compared to those without HIV. In multivariable logistic regressions, loneliness was more likely among individuals who lived alone (aOR:3.38, 95% CI:1.47-7.76) and less likely among those who were married (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.22-0.53) and had a higher level of social integration (aOR:0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92). Despite having smaller social networks and less support, older adults with HIV had similar levels of loneliness as those without HIV, which may be attributed to resiliency and access to HIV-related health services among individuals with HIV. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien T Quach
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- The Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, USA.
| | - Christine S Ritchie
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zahra Reynolds
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Paul
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri at St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yao Tong
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susanne Hoeppner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samson Okello
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brianne Olivieri-Mui
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deanna Saylor
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Greene
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Regenstreif Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | | | - Flavia Atwiine
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ruth Sentongo
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Adong J, Asiimwe S, Nansera D, Muyindike W, Tumuhairwe JB, Baijuka R, Tindimwebwa E, Garrison LE, Haberer JE. Electronic Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Monitors and Associated Interventions Improve Adolescent-Caregiver Relationships and Self-Efficacy Among Adolescents and Young Adults with HIV in Uganda. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:489-494. [PMID: 37862075 PMCID: PMC10771872 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Many adolescents and young adults with HIV (AYWH) struggle with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and experience poorer outcomes than adults. Relevant factors include forgetfulness and poor self-efficacy related to their evolving neurobiology. We qualitatively explored experiences of AYWH-caregivers dyads using real-time ART adherence monitors and associated reminder functions in the home setting. As part of an implementation science-oriented study, AYWH used the Wisepill adherence monitor for 3 months. AYWH could also opt for short message service (SMS) self-reminders, a self-selected social supporter for delayed or missed doses, or an alarm reminder. We conducted in-depth interviews with randomly selected AYWH-caregiver dyads regarding their experience using the monitor. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. We completed 15 AYWH-caregiver dyad interviews. Of the AYWH, 67% were female, mean age was 16 years, 56% lived with their biological mother, and 86% were virologically suppressed. AYWH and their caregivers generally found the adherence monitors acceptable, though some had privacy concerns. AYWH felt the monitors helped them take charge of their medication, largely through the real-time alarm and SMS reminders; this took the burden of adherence reminders away from the caregivers, improving strained AYWH-caregiver relationships. Two adolescents reported rebound poor adherence after monitor withdrawal. ART adherence monitors and associated tools were largely acceptable to AYWH and their caregivers in home settings. The intervention helped improve AYWH self-efficacy and alleviated burden from some AYWH-caregiver relationships. Rebound poor adherence suggests the need for on-going support and/or other means to achieve intrinsic mechanisms for sustained adherence. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03825952.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Adong
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Denis Nansera
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Lindsey E. Garrison
- Department of Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Department of Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Chitneni P, Owembabazi M, Muyindike W, Asiimwe S, Masete G, Mbalibulha Y, Nakku-Joloba E, Manabe YC, Haberer J, Matthews L, Van Der Pol B. Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing in Resource-Limited Settings: A Narrative Review Guided by an Implementation Framework. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:e11-e16. [PMID: 37433000 PMCID: PMC10527944 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired in resource-limited settings (RLSs) where laboratory diagnostic access is limited. Advancements in point-of-care testing (POC) technology have the potential to bring STI testing to many RLSs. We define POC as performed near the patient and with results readily available to inform clinical practice. The World Health Organization Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases further outlines desirable POC characteristics with the REASSURED criteria.Despite advantages related to immediate test-and-treat care, integrating POC into RLS health care systems can present challenges that preclude reliance on these tests. In 2018, we incorporated molecular near-POC for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis and SDBioline treponemal immunochromatographic testing confirmed by rapid plasma reagin for syphilis diagnosis at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Laboratory in rural southwestern Uganda. We describe our experiences with STI POC as a case example to guide a narrative review of the field using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as a conceptual framework.Although POC and near-POC are described as easy to use, the challenges of limited person-power, health care processes, limited infrastructure/resources, high costs, and quality control obstacles can impede the impact of these tests. Increased investment in operators, training, and infrastructure, restructuring health care systems to accommodate increased POC access, and optimizing costs are all crucial to the successful implementation of STI POC in RLS. Expanded STI POC in RLS will increase access to accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment, and engagement in partner notification, treatment, and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Chitneni
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Division of General Internal Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Moran Owembabazi
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Masete
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Yona Mbalibulha
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Yukari C. Manabe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynn Matthews
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Sahu M, Bayer CJ, Roberts DA, van Rooyen H, van Heerden A, Shahmanesh M, Asiimwe S, Sausi K, Sithole N, Ying R, Rao DW, Krows ML, Shapiro AE, Baeten JM, Celum C, Revill P, Barnabas RV. Population health impact, cost-effectiveness, and affordability of community-based HIV treatment and monitoring in South Africa: A health economics modelling study. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0000610. [PMID: 37669249 PMCID: PMC10479912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Community-based delivery and monitoring of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV has the potential to increase viral suppression for individual- and population-level health benefits. However, the cost-effectiveness and budget impact are needed for public health policy. We used a mathematical model of HIV transmission in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to estimate population prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 2020 to 2060 for two scenarios: 1) standard clinic-based HIV care and 2) five-yearly home testing campaigns with community ART for people not reached by clinic-based care. We parameterised model scenarios using observed community-based ART efficacy. Using a health system perspective, we evaluated incremental cost-effectiveness and net health benefits using a threshold of $750/DALY averted. In a sensitivity analysis, we varied the discount rate; time horizon; costs for clinic and community ART, hospitalisation, and testing; and the proportion of the population receiving community ART. Uncertainty ranges (URs) were estimated across 25 best-fitting parameter sets. By 2060, community ART following home testing averted 27.9% (UR: 24.3-31.5) of incident HIV infections, 27.8% (26.8-28.8) of HIV-related deaths, and 18.7% (17.9-19.7) of DALYs compared to standard of care. Adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years experienced the greatest reduction in incident HIV (30.7%, 27.1-34.7). In the first five years (2020-2024), community ART required an additional $44.9 million (35.8-50.1) annually, representing 14.3% (11.4-16.0) of the annual HIV budget. The cost per DALY averted was $102 (85-117) for community ART compared with standard of care. Providing six-monthly refills instead of quarterly refills further increased cost-effectiveness to $78.5 per DALY averted (62.9-92.8). Cost-effectiveness was robust to sensitivity analyses. In a high-prevalence setting, scale-up of decentralised ART dispensing and monitoring can provide large population health benefits and is cost-effective in preventing death and disability due to HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitreyi Sahu
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Cara J. Bayer
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - D. Allen Roberts
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Alastair van Heerden
- SAMRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Center for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | | | - Kombi Sausi
- Human Sciences Research Council, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Nsika Sithole
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Roger Ying
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Darcy W. Rao
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Meighan L. Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Adrienne E. Shapiro
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States of America
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Quach LT, Ritchie CS, Tsai AC, Reynolds Z, Paul R, Seeley J, Tong Y, Hoeppner S, Okello S, Nakasujja N, Olivieri-Mui B, Saylor D, Greene M, Asiimwe S, Siedner MJ. The benefits of care: treated HIV infection and health-related quality of life among older-aged people in Uganda. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:1853-1859. [PMID: 36503332 PMCID: PMC10258228 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2150143] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to explore how HIV care affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older people in Uganda. METHODS We enrolled older-aged (≥49 years) people with HIV receiving HIV care and treatment, along with age- and sex-similar people without HIV. We measured health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D-3L scale. RESULTS People with HIV (n = 298) and people without HIV (n = 302) were similar in median age (58.4 vs. 58.5 years), gender, and number of comorbidities. People with HIV had higher self-reported health status (b = 7.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2-9.7), higher EQ-5D utility index (b = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02-0.07), and were more likely to report no problems with self-care (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.3) or pain/discomfort (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI, 1.3-2.8). Relationships between HIV serostatus and health-related quality of life differed by gender, but not age. CONCLUSIONS Older people with HIV receiving care and treatment reported higher health-related quality of life than people without HIV in Uganda. Access to primary care through HIV programs and/or social network mobilization may explain this difference, but further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien T Quach
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine S Ritchie
- Centre for Aging and Serious Illness, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Zahra Reynolds
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Robert Paul
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health University of Missouri - St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yao Tong
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Susanne Hoeppner
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Samson Okello
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, NC, USA
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
| | | | - Deanna Saylor
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Meredith Greene
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Kabwohe, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Mbarara, Uganda
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7
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Hossain AD, Nakalule M, Venkataraman S, Guillaume Y, Mohareb AM, Wandera DN, Joan KE, Hasunira R, Abenaitwe C, Stuart S, Mwehonge K, Asiimwe S, Ivers LC. Revisiting the role of civil society in responses to infectious disease outbreaks: a proposed framework and lessons from a COVID-19 vaccine equity coalition in Uganda. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012510. [PMID: 37399366 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Azfar D Hossain
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mastulah Nakalule
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Shreenithi Venkataraman
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yodeline Guillaume
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amir M Mohareb
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dennis Nelson Wandera
- Special Pathogens Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Kilande Esther Joan
- Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Hasunira
- Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cliff Abenaitwe
- Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ssebibubbu Stuart
- Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kenneth Mwehonge
- Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-Uganda), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Louise C Ivers
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Olivieri-Mui B, Hoeppner SS, Tong Y, Kohrt E, Quach LT, Saylor D, Seeley J, Tsai AC, Reynolds Z, Okello S, Asiimwe S, Flavia A, Sentongo R, Tindimwebwa E, Meyer AC, Nakasujja N, Paul R, Ritchie C, Greene M, Siedner MJ. Associations of the COVID-19 pandemic with quality of life: A cross-sectional study of older-age people with and without HIV in rural Uganda. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06003. [PMID: 36655920 PMCID: PMC9850875 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19-related lockdowns and other public health measures may have differentially affected the quality of life (QOL) of older people with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in rural Uganda. Methods The Quality of Life and Aging with HIV in Rural Uganda study enrolled people with and without HIV aged over 49 from October 2020 to October 2021. We collected data on COVID-19-related stressors (behavior changes, concerns, interruptions in health care, income, and food) and the participants' QOL. We used linear regression to estimate the associations between COVID-19-related stressors and QOL, adjusting for demographic characteristics, mental and physical health, and time before vs after the lockdown during the second COVID-19 wave in Uganda. Interaction between HIV and COVID-19-related stressors evaluated effect modification. Results We analyzed complete data from 562 participants. Mean age was 58 (standard deviation (SD) = 7); 265 (47%) participants were female, 386 (69%) were married, 279 (50%) had HIV, and 400 (71%) were farmers. Those making ≥5 COVID-19-related behavior changes compared to those making ≤2 had worse general QOL (estimated linear regression coefficient (b) = - 4.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.61, -2.94) and health-related QOL (b = -4.60; 95% CI = -8.69, -0.51). Having access to sufficient food after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (b = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.54, 4.66) and being interviewed after the start of the second lockdown (b = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.30, 4.28) were associated with better general QOL. Having HIV was associated with better health-related QOL (b = 5.67, 95% CI = 2.91,8.42). HIV was not associated with, nor did it modify the association of COVID-19-related stressors with general QOL. Conclusions In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in an HIV-endemic, low-resource setting, there was reduced QOL among older Ugandans making multiple COVID-19 related behavioral changes. Nonetheless, good QOL during the second COVID-19 wave may suggest resilience among older Ugandans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Olivieri-Mui
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Susanne S Hoeppner
- College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts, General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Yao Tong
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Emma Kohrt
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Lien T Quach
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Deanna Saylor
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts, General Hospital, Boston, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Zahra Reynolds
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Samson Okello
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA,Mbarara University of Science and Technology
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA,Mbarara University of Science and Technology,Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Kabwohe Town, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Paul
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Christine Ritchie
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA,Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA,Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Meredith Greene
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA,Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA,Mbarara University of Science and Technology
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9
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Stanton AM, Hornstein BD, Musinguzi N, Dolotina B, Orrell C, Amanyire G, Asiimwe S, Cross A, Psaros C, Bangsberg D, Hahn JA, Haberer JE, Matthews LT. Factors Associated With Changes in Alcohol Use During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Transition Among People With HIV in South Africa and Uganda. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2023; 22:23259582231161029. [PMID: 36945860 PMCID: PMC10034296 DOI: 10.1177/23259582231161029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying factors associated with alcohol use changes during pregnancy is important for developing interventions for people with HIV (PWH). Pregnant PWH (n = 202) initiating antiretroviral therapy in Uganda and South Africa completed two assessments, 6 months apart (T1, T2). Categories were derived based on AUDIT-C scores: "no use" (AUDIT-C = 0 at T1 and T2), "new use" (AUDIT-C = 0 at T1, >0 at T2), "quit" (AUDIT-C > 0 at T1, =0 at T2), and "continued use" (AUDIT-C > 0, T1 and T2). Factors associated with these categories were assessed. Most participants had "no use" (68%), followed by "continued use" (12%), "quit" (11%), and "new use" (9%). Cohabitating with a partner was associated with lower relative risk of "continued use." Borderline significant associations between food insecurity and higher risk of "new use" and between stigma and reduced likelihood of "quitting" also emerged. Alcohol use interventions that address partnership, food security, and stigma could benefit pregnant and postpartum PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia M Stanton
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 1846Boston University, Boston, USA
- 446213The Fenway Institute, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, 2348Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Benjamin D Hornstein
- Department of Medicine, 9967University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Makerere-Mbarara Universities Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), Mbarara, Uganda
- 108123Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Brett Dolotina
- Department of Epidemiology, 33638Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Makerere-Mbarara Universities Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), Mbarara, Uganda
- 560159Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, 2348Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- 1811Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - David Bangsberg
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University/Portland State, Portland, USA
| | - Judith A Hahn
- Department of Medicine, 8785University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- 1811Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Center for Global Health, 2348Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Department of Medicine, 9967University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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10
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Mutekanga A, Nuwagira E, Kumbakumba E, Nyaiteera V, Asiimwe S, Gasumuni M, Wandera N, Natumanya R, Akena D, Senoga S, Kyobe Kiwanuka J, Kateregga G, Munyarugero E, Abeya FC, Obwoya PS, Ttendo S, Muhindo R. Factors Associated with 30-Day in-Hospital Mortality Among Patients Admitted with Severe Covid-19 in Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:7157-7164. [PMID: 36510588 PMCID: PMC9738092 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s379443] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has created a burden on the healthcare system globally. Severe COVID-19 is linked with high hospital mortality. Data regarding 30-day in-hospital mortality and its factors has not been explored in southwestern Uganda. Methods We carried out a retrospective, single-center cohort study, and included all in-patients with laboratory-confirmed, radiological, or clinical severe COVID-19 admitted between April 2020 and September 2021 at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Demographic, laboratory, treatment, and clinical outcome data were extracted from patients' files. These data were described comparing survivors and non-survivors. We used logistic regression to explore the factors associated with 30-day in-hospital mortality. Results Of the 283 patients with severe COVID-19 admitted at MRRH COVID-19 unit, 58.1% were male. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 61±17.4 years; there were no differences in mean age between survivors and non-survivors (59 ± 17.2 versus 64.4 ±17.3, respectively, p=0.24) The median length of hospital stay was 7 (IQR 3-10) days (non-survivors had a shorter median length of stay 5 (IQR 2-9) days compared to the survivors; 8 (IQR 5-11) days, p<0.001. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (30.5%) and diabetes mellitus (30%). The overall 30-day in-hospital mortality was 134 of 279 (48%) mortality rate of 47,350×105 with a standard error of 2.99%. The factors associated with 30-day in-hospital mortality were age: 65 years and above (aOR, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.24-11.70; P =0.020) a neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio above 5 (aOR, 4.83; 95% CI, 1.53-15.28; P =0.007) and oxygen requirement ≥15L/min (aOR, 15.80; 95% CI, 5.17-48.25; P <0.001). Conclusion We found a high 30-day in-hospital mortality among patients with severe forms of COVID-19. The identified factors could help clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis at an early stage of admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mutekanga
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Elias Kumbakumba
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Victoria Nyaiteera
- Department of ENT, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Medal Gasumuni
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Nelson Wandera
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Robert Natumanya
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Denis Akena
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Siraje Senoga
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joseph Kyobe Kiwanuka
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - George Kateregga
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Munyarugero
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Fardous Charles Abeya
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Paul Stephen Obwoya
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Ttendo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Rose Muhindo
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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11
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Tyagi A, Tong Y, Rabideau DJ, Reynolds Z, De Oliveira T, Lessells R, Amanyire G, Orrell C, Asiimwe S, Chimukangara B, Giandhari J, Pillay S, Haberer JE, Siedner MJ. Antiretroviral therapy adherence patterns, virological suppression, and emergence of drug resistance: A nested case–control study from Uganda and South Africa. Antivir Ther 2022; 27:13596535221114822. [DOI: 10.1177/13596535221114822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Relationships between distinct antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence patterns and risk of drug resistance are not well understood. Methods We conducted a nested case–control analysis within a longitudinal cohort study of individuals initiating efavirenz-based ART. Primary outcomes of interest, measured at 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation, were: 1) virologic suppression, 2) virologic failure with resistance, and 3) virologic failure without resistance. Our primary exposure of interest was ART adherence, measured over the 6 months before each visit with electronic pill monitors, and categorized in three ways: 1) 6 months average adherence; 2) running adherence, defined as the proportion of days with average adherence over 9 days of less than or equal to 10%, 20%, and 30%; and 3) number of 3-, 7-, and 28-day treatment gaps in the prior 6 months Results We analyzed data from 166 individuals (107 had virologic failure during observation and 59 had virologic suppression at 6 and 12 months). Average adherence was higher among those with virologic suppression (median 83%, IQR 58–96%) versus those with virologic failure with resistance (median 35%, IQR 20–77%, pairwise P < 0.01) and those with virologic failure without resistance (median 21%, IQR 2–54%, pairwise P < 0.01). Although treatment gaps generally predicted virologic failure ( P < 0.01), they did not differentiate failure with and without drug resistance ( P > 0.6). Conclusions Average adherence patterns, but not the assessed frequency of treatment gaps, differentiated failure with versus without drug resistance among individuals initiating efavirenz-based ART. Future work should explore adherence-resistance relationships for integrase inhibitor-based regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Tyagi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yao Tong
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dustin J Rabideau
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Biostatistics, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zahra Reynolds
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tulio De Oliveira
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard Lessells
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Benjamin Chimukangara
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sureshnee Pillay
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Reynolds Z, Gilbert R, Sentongo R, Meyer AC, Saylor D, Okello S, Nakasujja N, Greene M, Seeley J, Tsai AC, Asiimwe S, Quach L, Olivieri-Mui B, Siedner MJ. Priorities for health and wellbeing for older people with and without HIV in Uganda: a qualitative methods study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 4:e26000. [PMID: 36176017 PMCID: PMC9523001 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction With improved HIV treatment availability in sub‐Saharan Africa, the population of older people with HIV (PWH) is growing. In this qualitative study, we intended to understand (1) the lived experiences of ageing people in rural Uganda, with and without HIV, (2) their fears and health priorities as they grow older. Methods We conducted 36 semi‐structured interviews with individuals with and without HIV in Mbarara, Uganda from October 2019 to February 2020. Interview guide topics included priorities in older age, physical functioning in daily activities, social functioning, HIV‐related stigma and the impact of multimorbidity on health and independence. Interviews were conducted in Runyankole, transcribed, translated and inductively coded thematically by two researchers with tests for inter‐coder reliability. Results The respondents were purposively sampled to be evenly divided by sex and HIV serostatus. The median age of respondents was 57 (49–73). Two‐thirds were married or cohabitating, 94% had biological children and 75% cited farming as their primary livelihood. Overall, PWH considered themselves as healthy or healthier than people without HIV (PWOH). PWH rarely considered their HIV status a barrier to a healthy life, but some reported a constant sense of anxiety as it relates to their long‐term health. Irrespective of HIV status, nearly all respondents noted concerns about memory loss, physical pain, reductions in energy and the effect of these changes on their ability to complete physical tasks like small‐scale farming, and activities of daily living important to the quality of life, such as participating in community groups. Increasing reliance on others for social, physical and financial support was also a common theme. The most prevalent health concern among participants involved the threat of non‐communicable diseases and perceptions that physical functioning may diminish. Conclusions In rural Uganda, we found that PWH consider themselves to be healthy and do not anticipate a different ageing experience from PWOH. Common priorities shared by both groups included the desire for physical and financial independence, health maintenance and social support for daily functioning and social needs. Entities supporting geriatric care in Uganda would benefit from attention to concerns about functional limitations and reported needs as people age with and without HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Reynolds
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca Gilbert
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ruth Sentongo
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ana-Claire Meyer
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deanna Saylor
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Samson Okello
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Janet Seeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Lien Quach
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Mark J Siedner
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Haberer JE, Baijuka R, Tumuhairwe JB, Tindimwebwa EB, Tinkamanyire J, Tuhanamagyezi E, Musoke L, Garrison LE, DelSignore M, Musinguzi N, Asiimwe S. Implementation of Electronic Adherence Monitors and Associated Interventions for Routine HIV Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda: Promising Findings. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:899643. [PMID: 35937420 PMCID: PMC9354256 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.899643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High, sustained adherence is critical for achieving the individual and public health benefits of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). Electronic monitors provide detailed adherence information and can enable real-time interventions; however, their use to date has largely been confined to research. This pilot study (NCT03825952) sought to understand feasibility and acceptability a relatively low-cost version of this technology and associated interventions for routine ART delivery in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We provided two ART clinics in rural, southwestern Uganda with electronic adherence monitors for data-informed counseling as well as optional SMS messages to clients and/or social supporters (daily or triggered by missed or delayed doses) and/or an alarm. Clinic and ART client experiences were observed for 3 months per client, including time and motion studies. Qualitative interviews among clients, clinicians, and healthcare administrators were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results Fifty-one ART clients were enrolled; 57% were male and the median age was 34 years. Choice of associated intervention varied among participants. The median number of visits during follow-up was two per client. Counselors reviewed the adherence data with 90% of clients at least once; 67% reviewed data at all visits. Average adherence was 94%; four clients had adherence gaps >1 week. Acceptability was high; all but one client found the monitor "very useful” and all found SMS “very useful.” Clinic visits among clients with the intervention lasted 4 min longer on average than those in standard care. The monitors and daily SMS generally functioned well, although excess SMS were triggered, primarily due to cellular network delays. Overall, participants felt the technology improved adherence, clinic experiences, and clinician-client relationships. Few worried about stigma and privacy. Cost was a concern for implementation, particularly at scale. Conclusion We successfully implemented a relatively low-cost electronic ART adherence monitor and associated interventions for routine care in rural Uganda. Feasibility and acceptability were generally high, and individuals were identified who could benefit from adherence support. Future work should involve longitudinal follow-up of diverse populations, clinical outcomes, and detailed cost-effectiveness analysis to help drive policy decisions around the uptake of this technology for routine clinical care. Clinical Trial Registration identifier: NCT03825952.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jessica E. Haberer
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lindsey E. Garrison
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marisa DelSignore
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Kabwohe, Uganda
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14
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Ndayisaba G, Yeka A, Asante KP, Grobusch MP, Karita E, Mugerwa H, Asiimwe S, Oduro A, Fofana B, Doumbia S, Jain JP, Barsainya S, Kullak-Ublick GA, Su G, Schmitt EK, Csermak K, Gandhi P, Hughes D. Hepatic safety and tolerability of cipargamin (KAE609), in adult patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a randomized, phase II, controlled, dose-escalation trial in sub-Saharan Africa. Malar J 2021; 20:478. [PMID: 34930267 PMCID: PMC8686384 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04009-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel anti-malarial cipargamin (KAE609) has potent, rapid activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Transient asymptomatic liver function test elevations were previously observed in cipargamin-treated subjects in two trials: one in malaria patients in Asia and one in volunteers with experimentally induced malaria. In this study, the hepatic safety of cipargamin given as single doses of 10 to 150 mg and 10 to 50 mg once daily for 3 days was assessed. Efficacy results, frequency of treatment-emerging mutations in the atp4 gene and pharmacokinetics have been published elsewhere. Further, the R561H mutation in the k13 gene, which confers artemisinin-resistance, was associated with delayed parasite clearance following treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in Rwanda in this study. This was also the first study with cipargamin to be conducted in patients in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS This was a Phase II, multicentre, randomized, open-label, dose-escalation trial in adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in five sub-Saharan countries, using artemether-lumefantrine as control. The primary endpoint was ≥ 2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade increase from baseline in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) during the 4-week trial. RESULTS Overall, 2/135 patients treated with cipargamin had ≥ 2 CTCAE Grade increases from baseline in ALT or AST compared to 2/51 artemether-lumefantrine patients, with no significant difference between any cipargamin treatment group and the control group. Cipargamin exposure was comparable to or higher than those in previous studies. Hepatic adverse events and general safety and tolerability were similar for all cipargamin doses and artemether-lumefantrine. Cipargamin was well tolerated with no safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS This active-controlled, dose escalation study was a detailed assessment of the hepatic safety of cipargamin, across a wide range of doses, in patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Comparison with previous cipargamin trials requires caution as no clear conclusion can be drawn as to whether hepatic safety and potential immunity to malaria would differ with ethnicity, patient age and or geography. Previous concerns regarding hepatic safety may have been confounded by factors including malaria itself, whether natural or experimental infection, and should not limit the further development of cipargamin. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03334747 (7 Nov 2017), other study ID CKAE609A2202.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adoke Yeka
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Masafu, Uganda
| | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo North Municipality, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Centre de Recherches Médicales en Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Jay Prakash Jain
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | | | - Gerd A Kullak-Ublick
- Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Campus, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Guoqin Su
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | | | - Katalin Csermak
- Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Campus, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Preetam Gandhi
- Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Campus, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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15
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Castillo-Mancilla JR, Musinguzi N, Asiimwe S, Siedner MJ, Orrell C, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. High residual inflammation despite HIV viral suppression: Lessons learned from real-time adherence monitoring among people with HIV in Africa. HIV Med 2021; 23:465-473. [PMID: 34704355 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13200] [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] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is associated with higher systemic inflammation in virally suppressed people with HIV (PWH); however, previous studies have mostly relied on subjective adherence measures and have not assessed this association by disease stage upon ART initiation. METHODS In the Monitoring Early Treatment Adherence study, adherence was monitored electronically in real time among adult, treatment-naïve PWH in Uganda and South Africa who initiated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/efavirenz during early-stage (CD4 > 350 cells/µL) or late-stage (CD4 < 200 cells/µL) disease. Participants who achieved viral suppression (< 400 copies/mL) at 6 months and remained suppressed after 12 months were analysed. The association between average ART adherence and plasma concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and D-dimer was evaluated using adjusted multivariable linear regression, stratified by disease stage. RESULTS In all, 488 PWH (61% women, mean age 35 years) were included in the analysis. Median ART adherence overall was 87%. In adjusted models, every 10% increase in average adherence was associated with a 3.0% decrease in IL-6 [95% confidence interval (CI): -5.9 to -0.01, p = 0.05] at 12 months. This relationship was observed in PWH with both early-stage (5.9%, 95% CI: -10.1 to -1.6, p = 0.009) and late-stage disease (3.7%, 95% CI: -7.2 to -0.2, p = 0.039). No significant associations were found with sCD14 or D-dimer. CONCLUSIONS Objective ART adherence measurement was inversely associated with systemic inflammation in PWH who achieved viral suppression after ART initiation in sub-Saharan Africa, with a greater association in those with early-stage HIV. This finding underscores the importance of ART adherence beyond establishing viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology-Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology-Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine & Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Gilbert HN, Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Asiimwe S, van Rooyen H, Seeley J, Shahmanesh M, Turyamureeba B, van Heerden A, Adeagbo O, Celum CL, Barnabas RV, Ware NC. How community ART delivery may improve HIV treatment outcomes: Qualitative inquiry into mechanisms of effect in a randomized trial of community-based ART initiation, monitoring and re-supply (DO ART) in South Africa and Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25821. [PMID: 34624173 PMCID: PMC8500674 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25821] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction UNAIDS fast track targets for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 call for viral suppression in 95% of people using antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV infection. Difficulties in linking to care following a positive HIV test have impeded progress towards meeting treatment targets. Community‐based HIV services may reduce linkage barriers and have been associated with high retention and favourable clinical outcomes. We use qualitative data from The Delivery Optimization of Antiretroviral Therapy (DO ART) Study, a three‐arm randomized trial of community ART initiation, monitoring and re‐supply conducted in western Uganda and KwaZulu‐Natal South Africa, to identify mechanisms through which community ART delivery may improve treatment outcomes, defined as viral suppression in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods We conducted open‐ended interviews with a purposeful sample of 150 DO ART participants across study arms and study sites, from October 2016 to November 2019. Interviews covered experiences of: (1) HIV testing; (2) initiating and refilling ART; and (3) participating in the DO ART Study. A combined inductive content analytic and thematic approach was used to characterize mechanisms through which community delivery of ART may have contributed to viral suppression in the DO ART trial. Results The analysis yielded four potential mechanisms drawn from qualitative data representing the perspectives and priorities of DO ART participants. Empowering participants to schedule, re‐schedule and select the locations of community‐based visits via easy phone contact with clinical staff is characterized as flexibility. Integration refers to combining the components of clinic‐based visits into single interaction with a healthcare provider. Providers” willingness to talk at length with participants during visits, addressing non‐HIV as well as HIV‐related concerns, is termed “a slower pace”. Finally, increased efficiency denotes the time savings and increased income‐generating opportunities for participants brought about by delivering services in the community. Conclusions Understanding the mechanisms through which HIV service delivery innovations produce an effect is key to transferability and potential scale‐up. The perspectives and priorities of PLHIV can indicate actionable changes for HIV care programs that may increase engagement in care and improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N Gilbert
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Global, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily E Pisarski
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Integrated Community-based Initiatives, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alastair van Heerden
- Human Sciences Research Council, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Connie L Celum
- Departments of Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Departments of Global Health and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Norma C Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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17
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Schmitt EK, Ndayisaba G, Yeka A, Asante KP, Grobusch MP, Karita E, Mugerwa H, Asiimwe S, Oduro A, Fofana B, Doumbia S, Su G, Csermak Renner K, Venishetty VK, Sayyed S, Straimer J, Demin I, Barsainya S, Boulton C, Gandhi P. Efficacy of cipargamin (KAE609) in a randomized, Phase II dose-escalation study in adults in sub-Saharan Africa with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1831-1839. [PMID: 34410358 PMCID: PMC9155642 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab716] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cipargamin (KAE609) is a potent antimalarial in a phase II trial. Here we report efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and resistance marker analysis across a range of cipargamin doses. These were secondary endpoints from a study primarily conducted to assess the hepatic safety of cipargamin (hepatic safety data are reported elsewhere). Methods This phase II, multicenter, randomized, open-label, dose-escalation trial was conducted in sub-Saharan Africa in adults with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Cipargamin monotherapy was given as single doses up to 150 mg or up to 50 mg once daily for 3 days, with artemether-lumefantrine as control. Key efficacy endpoints were parasite clearance time (PCT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–corrected and uncorrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at 14 and 28 days. Pharmacokinetics and molecular markers of drug resistance were also assessed. Results All single or multiple cipargamin doses ≥50 mg were associated with rapid parasite clearance, with median PCT of 8 hours versus 24 hours for artemether-lumefantrine. PCR-corrected ACPR at 14 and 28 days was >75% and 65%, respectively, for each cipargamin dose. A treatment-emerging mutation in the Pfatp4 gene, G358S, was detected in 65% of treatment failures. Pharmacokinetic parameters were consistent with previous data, and approximately dose proportional. Conclusions Cipargamin, at single doses of 50 to 150 mg, was associated with very rapid parasite clearance, PCR-corrected ACPR at 28 days of >65% in adults with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, and recrudescent parasites frequently harbored a treatment-emerging mutation. Cipargamin will be further developed with a suitable combination partner. Clinical Trials Registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03334747).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adoke Yeka
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Busia, Uganda
| | | | - Martin P Grobusch
- Centre de Recherches Médicales en Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Guoqin Su
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | - Judith Straimer
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, California, USA
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18
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Musinguzi N, Stanford FC, Boatin AA, Orrell C, Asiimwe S, Siedner M, Haberer JE. Association between obesity and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) adherence among persons with early-stage HIV infection initiating cART. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 45:1855-1859. [PMID: 34007011 PMCID: PMC8316269 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00837-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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is common among people living with HIV (PLWH) and early-stage infection, yet associations with combination antiretroviral (cART) adherence are unclear. METHODS Among PLWH initiating cART in Uganda and South Africa, body mass index (BMI) was assessed at cART initiation, and cART adherence was monitored in real-time over 12 months. The association of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with adherence was assessed among nonpregnant participants with CD4 > 350 cells/mm3 using fractional regression modeling. RESULTS Among 322 participants, median age was 32 years, 70% were female, and 54% were from Uganda. Prevalence of obesity was 12% in Uganda and 28% in South Africa. Mean overall cART adherence was 83% in Uganda and 66% in South Africa. Participants with obesity had higher adherence than those without obesity: +3.6% (p = 0.44) in Uganda and +11.4% (p = 0.02) in South Africa. CONCLUSION Obesity at cART initiation was common and associated with higher adherence, although only significantly in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Musinguzi
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Fatima Cody Stanford
- Department of Medicine- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Pediatrics- Endocrine, Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard (NORCH) Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adeline A Boatin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine & Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Mark Siedner
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Katz IT, Musinguzi N, Bell K, Cross A, Bwana MB, Amanyire G, Asiimwe S, Orrell C, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Brief Report: The Impact of Disease Stage on Early Gaps in ART in the "Treatment for All" Era-A Multisite Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:562-567. [PMID: 33351529 PMCID: PMC7938906 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002605] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoption of "Treat All" policies has increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in sub-Saharan Africa; however, unexplained early losses continue to occur. More information is needed to understand why treatment discontinuation continues at this vulnerable stage in care. METHODS The Monitoring Early Treatment Adherence Study involved a prospective observational cohort of individuals initiating ART at early-stage versus late-stage disease in South Africa and Uganda. Surveys and HIV-1 RNA levels were performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months, with adherence monitored electronically. This analysis included nonpregnant participants in the first 6 months of follow-up; demographic and clinical factors were compared across groups with χ2, univariable, and multivariable models. RESULTS Of 669 eligible participants, 91 (14%) showed early gaps of ≥30 days in ART use (22% in South Africa and 6% in Uganda) with the median time to gap of 77 days (interquartile range: 43-101) and 87 days (74, 105), respectively. Although 71 (78%) ultimately resumed care, having an early gap was still significantly associated with detectable viremia at 6 months (P ≤ 0.01). Multivariable modeling, restricted to South Africa, found secondary education and higher physical health score protected against early gaps [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2 to 0.8 and (aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.0), respectively]. Participants reporting clinics as "too far" had double the odds of early gaps (aOR 2.2: 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.1). DISCUSSION Early gaps in ART persist, resulting in higher odds of detectable viremia, particularly in South Africa. Interventions targeting health management and access to care are critical to reducing early gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T. Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Kathleen Bell
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
| | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Gideon Amanyire
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda; and
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
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20
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Barnabas RV, Szpiro AA, van Rooyen H, Asiimwe S, Pillay D, Ware NC, Schaafsma TT, Krows ML, van Heerden A, Joseph P, Shahmanesh M, Wyatt MA, Sausi K, Turyamureeba B, Sithole N, Morrison S, Shapiro AE, Roberts DA, Thomas KK, Koole O, Bershteyn A, Ehrenkranz P, Baeten JM, Celum C. Community-based antiretroviral therapy versus standard clinic-based services for HIV in South Africa and Uganda (DO ART): a randomised trial. Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8:e1305-e1315. [PMID: 32971053 PMCID: PMC7527697 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV, including ART initiation, clinical and laboratory monitoring, and refills, could reduce barriers to treatment and improve viral suppression, reducing the gap in access to care for individuals who have detectable HIV viral load, including men who are less likely than women to be virally suppressed. We aimed to test the effect of community-based ART delivery on viral suppression among people living with HIV not on ART. METHODS We did a household-randomised, unblinded trial (DO ART) of delivery of ART in the community compared with the clinic in rural and peri-urban settings in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and the Sheema District, Uganda. After community-based HIV testing, people living with HIV were randomly assigned (1:1:1) with mobile phone software to community-based ART initiation with quarterly monitoring and ART refills through mobile vans; ART initiation at the clinic followed by mobile van monitoring and refills (hybrid approach); or standard clinic ART initiation and refills. The primary outcome was HIV viral suppression at 12 months. If the difference in viral suppression was not superior between study groups, an a-priori test for non-inferiority was done to test for a relative risk (RR) of more than 0·95. The cost per person virally suppressed was a co-primary outcome of the study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02929992. FINDINGS Between May 26, 2016, and March 28, 2019, of 2479 assessed for eligibility, 1315 people living with HIV and not on ART with detectable viral load at baseline were randomly assigned; 666 (51%) were men. Retention at the month 12 visit was 95% (n=1253). At 12 months, community-based ART increased viral suppression compared with the clinic group (306 [74%] vs 269 [63%], RR 1·18, 95% CI 1·07-1·29; psuperiority=0·0005) and the hybrid approach was non-inferior (282 [68%] vs 269 [63%], RR 1·08, 0·98-1·19; pnon-inferiority=0·0049). Community-based ART increased viral suppression among men (73%, RR 1·34, 95% CI 1·16-1·55; psuperiority<0·0001) as did the hybrid approach (66%, RR 1·19, 1·02-1·40; psuperiority=0·026), compared with clinic-based ART (54%). Viral suppression was similar for men (n=156 [73%]) and women (n=150 [75%]) in the community-based ART group. With efficient scale-up, community-based ART could cost US$275-452 per person reaching viral suppression. Community-based ART was considered safe, with few adverse events. INTERPRETATION In high and medium HIV prevalence settings in South Africa and Uganda, community-based delivery of ART significantly increased viral suppression compared with clinic-based ART, particularly among men, eliminating disparities in viral suppression by gender. Community-based ART should be implemented and evaluated in different contexts for people with detectable viral load. FUNDING The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; the University of Washington and Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research; the Wellcome Trust; the University of Washington Royalty Research Fund; and the University of Washington King K Holmes Endowed Professorship in STDs and AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Adam A Szpiro
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Torin T Schaafsma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Meighan L Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Philip Joseph
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | | | - Kombi Sausi
- Human Sciences Research Council, Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Nsika Sithole
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Susan Morrison
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adrienne E Shapiro
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - D Allen Roberts
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Olivier Koole
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna Bershteyn
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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21
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Haberer JE, Garrison L, Tumuhairwe JB, Baijuka R, Tindimwebwa E, Tinkamanyire J, Burns BF, Asiimwe S. Factors Affecting the Implementation of Electronic Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Monitoring and Associated Interventions for Routine HIV Care in Uganda: Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18038. [PMID: 32687473 PMCID: PMC7516683 DOI: 10.2196/18038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High, sustained adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for achieving viral suppression, which in turn leads to important individual health benefits and reduced secondary viral transmission. Electronic adherence monitors record a date-and-time stamp with each opening as a proxy for pill-taking behavior. These monitors can be combined with interventions (eg, data-informed adherence counseling, SMS-based adherence support, and/or alarms) and have been shown to improve adherence in multiple settings. Their use, however, has largely been limited to the research context. Objective The goal of the research was to use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to understand factors relevant for implementing a low-cost electronic adherence monitor and associated interventions for routine HIV clinical care in Uganda. Methods We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with health care administrators, clinicians, and ART clients about likes and dislikes of the features and functions of electronic adherence monitors and associated interventions, their potential to influence HIV care, suggestions on how to measure their value, and recommendations for their use in routine care. We used an inductive, content analysis approach to understand participant perspectives, identifying aspects of CFIR most relevant to technology implementation in this setting. Results We interviewed 34 health care administrators/clinicians and 15 ART clients. Participants largely saw the monitors and associated interventions as favorable and beneficial for supporting adherence and improving clinical outcomes through efficient, differentiated care. Relevant outside factors included structural determinants of health, international norms around supporting adherence, and limited funding that necessitates careful assessment of costs and benefits. Within the clinic, the adherence data were felt likely to improve the quality of counseling and thereby morale, as well as increase the efficiency of care delivery. Existing infrastructure and care expenditures and the need for proper training were other noted considerations. At the individual level, the desire for good health and a welcomed pressure to adhere favored uptake of the monitors, although some participants were concerned with clients not using the monitors as planned and the influence of poverty, stigma, and need for privacy. Finally, participants felt that decisions around the implementation process would have to come from the Ministry of Health and other funders and would be influenced by sustainability of the technology and the target population for its use. Coordination across the health care system would be important for implementation. Conclusions Low-cost electronic adherence monitoring combined with data-informed counseling, SMS-based support, and/or alarms have potential for use in routine HIV care in Uganda. Key metrics of successful implementation will include their impact on efficiency of care delivery and clinical outcomes with careful attention paid to factors such as stigma and cost. Further theory-driven implementation science efforts will be needed to move promising technology from research into clinical care. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03825952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03825952
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lindsey Garrison
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Bridget F Burns
- Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States
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22
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Ware NC, Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Bwana BM, Orrell C, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Influences on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Early-Stage HIV Disease: Qualitative Study from Uganda and South Africa. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2624-2636. [PMID: 32140877 PMCID: PMC11091710 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02819-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Realization of optimal treatment and prevention benefits in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and "U=U" (undetectable = untransmittable) requires high adherence at all stages of HIV disease. This article draws upon qualitative interview data to characterize two types of influences on ART adherence for 100 Ugandans and South Africans initiating ART during early-stage HIV infection. Positive influences are: (a) behavioral strategies supporting adherence; (b) preserving health through adherence; (c) support from others; and (d) motivating effect of adherence monitoring. "De-stabilizing experiences" (mobility, loss, pregnancy) as barriers are posited to impact adherence indirectly through intervening consequences (e.g. exacerbation of poverty). Positive influences overlap substantially with adherence facilitators described for later-stage adherers in previous research. Adherence support strategies and interventions effective for persons initiating ART later in HIV disease are likely also to be helpful to individuals beginning treatment immediately upon confirmation of infection. De-stabilizing experiences merit additional investigation across varying populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma C Ware
- Deparment of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Global, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily E Pisarski
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Bosco M Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Matthews LT, Orrell C, Bwana MB, Tsai AC, Psaros C, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Bell K, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and postpartum women during the Option B+ era: 12-month cohort study in urban South Africa and rural Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25586. [PMID: 32820622 PMCID: PMC7441010 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We conducted a cohort study to understand patterns of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence during pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy follow-up among women initiating ART in public clinics offering Option B+ in rural Uganda and urban South Africa. METHODS We collected survey data, continuously monitored ART adherence (Wisepill), HIV-RNA and pregnancy tests at zero, six and twelve months from women initiating ART in Uganda and South Africa, 2015 to 2017. The primary predictor of interest was follow-up time categorized as pregnant (pregnancy diagnosis to pregnancy end), postpartum (pregnancy end to study exit) or non-pregnancy-related (neither pregnant nor postpartum). Fractional regression models included demographics and socio-behavioural factors informed by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. We evaluated HIV-RNA at 12 months by ever- versus never-pregnant status. RESULTS In Uganda, 247 women contributed 676, 900 and 1274 months of pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy-related follow-up. Median ART adherence was consistently ≥90%: pregnancy, 94% (interquartile range [IQR] 78,98); postpartum, 90% (IQR 70,97) and non-pregnancy, 90% (IQR 80,98). Poorer adherence was associated with younger age (0.98% [95% CI 0.33%, 1.62%] average increase per year of age) and higher CD4 cell count (1.01% [0.08%, 1.94%] average decrease per 50 cells/mm3 ). HIV-RNA was suppressed among 91% (N = 135) ever-pregnant and 86% (N = 85) never-pregnant women. In South Africa, 190 women contributed 259, 624 and 1247 months of pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy-related follow-up. Median adherence was low during pregnancy, 74% (IQR 31,96); postpartum, 40% (IQR 4,65) and non-pregnancy, 77% (IQR 47,92). Poorer adherence was associated with postpartum status (22.3% [95%CI 8.6%, 35.4%] average decrease compared to non-pregnancy-related follow-up) and less emotional support (1.4% [0.22%, 2.58%] average increase per unit increase). HIV-RNA was suppressed among 57% (N = 47) ever-pregnant and 86% (N = 93) never-pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS Women in rural Uganda maintained high adherence with 91% of ever-pregnant and 86% of never-pregnant women suppressing HIV-RNA at 12 months. Women in urban South Africa struggled with adherence, particularly during postpartum follow-up with median adherence of 40% and 57% of women with HIV-RNA suppression at one year, suggesting a crisis for postpartum women with HIV in South Africa. Findings suggest that effective interventions should promote emotional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T Matthews
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Center for Population and Development StudiesBostonMAUSA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC)KabwoheUganda
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Makerere‐Mbarara Universities Joint AIDS Program (MJAP)MbararaUganda
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- School of Public HealthOregon Health and Science University/Portland State UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
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24
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Wanga V, Baeten JM, Bukusi EA, Mugo NR, Asiimwe S, Ngure K, Mujugira A, Muwonge T, Odoyo JB, Haberer JE, Celum C, Heffron R. Sexual Behavior and Perceived HIV Risk Among HIV-Negative Members of Serodiscordant Couples in East Africa. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2082-2090. [PMID: 31925607 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02773-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
HIV risk perception may influence the use of HIV prevention interventions. Using data from HIV-negative adults enrolled in a study of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy for HIV-serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda, we examined associations between: (1) condom use and risk perception and (2) risk perception and PrEP adherence. Two-thirds of HIV-negative partners reported condomless sex with their HIV-positive partner or another partner in the month prior to study enrollment. Compared to those who reported no condomless sex, participants who reported condomless sex during the month prior to study visit had fivefold higher odds of reporting "high risk" vs "no risk" perception (36.3 versus 10.9%: aOR 4.9, 95% CI 3.4-6.9). Reporting condomless sex in the most recent sex act was associated with increased odds of perceiving some HIV risk (aOR for high risk = 7.3, 95% CI 4.9-10.8; aOR for moderate risk = 4.8, 95% CI 3.5-6.7; aOR for low risk = 3.5, 95% CI 2.7-4.6). We found no significant association between risk perception and PrEP adherence. Sexual behavior aligned with perceived HIV risk, which can facilitate an HIV-negative individual's decisions about PrEP use.
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25
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Bajunirwe F, Izudi J, Asiimwe S. Long-distance truck drivers and the increasing risk of COVID-19 spread in Uganda. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 98:191-193. [PMID: 32615323 PMCID: PMC7323644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.06.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 was first detected in Uganda in the third week of March 2020. Although the number of COVID-19 cases has grown steadily, data have not been analyzed to determine whether a pattern in the nature of cases has emerged. The first cases were detected among international arrivals and after that among their local contacts. However, in mid-April, a number of cases were detected among long-distance truck drivers arriving from the neighboring countries. Among the 442 cases that have tested positive, a majority, 317 (71.8%) were truck drivers, 75 (16.9%) were community cases, and 50 (11.3%) were international arrivals. A majority of the community cases have been linked to contact with long-distance truck drivers; interventions are urgently needed to protect long-distance truck drivers.
Objective To examine the patterns of COVID-19 transmission in Uganda. Methods We reviewed ten weeks of press releases from the Uganda Ministry of Health from the day when the first case was announced, March 22, through May 29, 2020. We obtained the press releases from the MoH website and the Twitter handle (@MinofHealthUG). Data include the number of persons tested and the categories were classified as international arrivals, community members, and long-distance truck drivers. Results The first cases were international arrivals from Asia and Europe, and after that, community cases emerged. However, in the middle of April 2020, COVID-19 cases were detected among long-distance truck drivers. By May 29, 2020, 89, 224 persons had been tested; overall, 442 tested positive. Of those that tested positive, the majority, or 317 (71.8%) were truck drivers, 75 (16.9%) were community cases, and 50 (11.3%) were international arrivals. The majority of community cases have been linked to contact with truck drivers. Conclusions Truck drivers were the most frequently diagnosed category, and have become a core group for COVID-19 in Uganda. They have generated significant local transmission, which now threatens a full-blown epidemic unless strict controls are put in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Bajunirwe
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda.
| | - Jonathan Izudi
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda.
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Uganda; Global Health Collaborative (GHC) at MUST, Uganda.
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26
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Wandwalo E, Kamara V, Yassin MA, Morrison L, Nwaneri NB, Asiimwe S, Matiku S, Mutayoba B. Enhancing tuberculosis case finding in Tanzania: implementation of a quality improvement initiative. Public Health Action 2020; 10:57-59. [PMID: 32640006 DOI: 10.5588/pha.19.0065] [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] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Tanzania. A quality improvement (QI) initiative was implemented by the National Tuberculosis Programme with support from The Global Fund to enhance TB case finding. The initiative involved identifying gaps in the quality of services, introducing tools, building capacity of health workers, and strengthening laboratory and referral services. The initiative was piloted at sub-national level and subsequently scaled-up nationally. Overall, 1280 health workers were trained, leading to an 81% cumulative increase in notified TB cases in the pilot region and 4000 additional TB cases notified nationally. The QI initiative could serve as a model for the improvement of TB case notification in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Wandwalo
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - V Kamara
- National TB and Leprosy Programme, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - M A Yassin
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Morrison
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - N B Nwaneri
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Asiimwe
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Matiku
- New Dimension Consulting, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - B Mutayoba
- National TB and Leprosy Programme, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
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27
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Siedner MJ, Bwana MB, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Castillo-Mancilla J, Tracy RP, Katz IT, Bangsberg DR, Hunt PW, Orrell C, Haberer JE. Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy and Systemic Inflammation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results From the META Longitudinal Cohort Study. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1172-1177. [PMID: 31188451 PMCID: PMC6736121 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation predicts complications in persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection. We compared D-dimer, soluble CD14, and interleukin 6 levels before and 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, among individuals starting ART during earlier-stage (CD4 T-cell count >350/µL) or late-stage disease (CD4 T-cell count <200/µL). Female sex, older age, viral load, and late-stage disease were associated with pre-ART biomarkers (n = 661; P < .05). However, there were no differences in biomarkers by disease stage after 12 months of ART (n = 438; P > .05), owing to loss from observation and greater declines in biomarkers in late-stage initiators (P < .001). Earlier initiation of ART is associated with decreased inflammation, but levels seem to converge between earlier and later initiators surviving to 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Siedner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda.,Africa Health Research Institute, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda.,Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Ingrid T Katz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston.,Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland
| | | | | | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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28
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Raggio GA, Psaros C, Fatch R, Goodman G, Matthews LT, Magidson JF, Amanyire G, Cross A, Asiimwe S, Hahn JA, Haberer JE. High Rates of Biomarker-Confirmed Alcohol Use Among Pregnant Women Living With HIV in South Africa and Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 82:443-451. [PMID: 31567551 PMCID: PMC6857734 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use is common among people living with HIV and particularly harmful during pregnancy. However, objective data on alcohol use in pregnant women living with HIV (WLWH) are lacking. In areas with high levels of alcohol use generally, such as South Africa and Uganda, these data are needed to inform interventions. METHODS Pregnant and nonpregnant, antiretroviral therapy-naive WLWH were recruited from outpatient clinics in South Africa and Uganda. Women provided self-report data on previous three-month alcohol use and potential mental health correlates of alcohol use (depression and stigma). Blood samples were used to measure phosphatidylethanol (PEth), an objective biomarker of recent alcohol intake. We analyzed any alcohol use (ie, any self-reported use or PEth-positive [≥8 ng/mL]) and under-reporting of alcohol use (ie, no self-reported use with concurrent PEth-positive). RESULTS Among pregnant WLWH (n = 163, median age was 26 [interquartile range: 23-29], median gestational age was 20 weeks [interquartile range: 16-26]), 40% were using alcohol and 16% under-reported alcohol use. Neither any alcohol use nor under-reporting of alcohol use differed significantly between pregnant and nonpregnant women or by country (P > 0.05). Greater depression (but not greater stigma) was significantly associated with any alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval: [1.01 to 1.99]; P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use was prevalent and under-reported among pregnant WLWH in South Africa and Uganda, similar to nonpregnant participants, and associated with depression. General health care and antenatal clinic settings present opportunities to provide integrated alcohol-based counseling and depression treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greer A. Raggio
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- National Center for Weight and Wellness, Washington, DC
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Robin Fatch
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Georgia Goodman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lynn T. Matthews
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | | | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa;
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; and
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda.
| | - Judith A. Hahn
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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29
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Pyra M, Anderson P, Haberer JE, Heffron R, Celum C, Asiimwe S, Katabira E, Mugo NR, Bukusi EA, Baeten JM. Tenofovir-Diphosphate as a Marker of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among East African Men and Women. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:401. [PMID: 31057407 PMCID: PMC6478885 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00401] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Controlled pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in United States populations have defined categories of tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) for various pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence targets. It is unknown how these categories perform in other populations. Therefore, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of these PK-derived categories compared to daily medication electronic adherence monitoring (MEMS) data among East African men and women using daily PrEP. Methods: Participants were enrolled as members of HIV serodiscordant couples as part of an open-label PrEP study in Kenya and Uganda. Blood samples were taken at quarterly visits and stored as DBS, which were analyzed for TFV-DP concentrations. Results: Among 150 samples from 103 participants, MEMs data indicated that 87 (58%) took ≥4 doses and 62 (41%) took ≥6 per week consistently over the 4 weeks prior to sample collection. Sensitivities of DBS TFV-DP levels were 62% for the ≥4 doses/week category (≥700 fmol/punch TFV-DP) and 44% for the ≥6 doses/week category (≥1050 fmol/punch TFV-DP); specificities were 86 and 94%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in these sensitivities and specificities by gender. Conclusion: In this sample of East African PrEP users, categories of TFV-DP concentrations developed from directly observed PrEP use among United States populations had high specificity but lower than expected sensitivity. Sensitivity was lowest when MEMS data indicated high adherence (i.e., ≥6 doses/week). PrEP studies and implementation programs should carefully consider the sensitivity and specificity of the TFV-DP levels used for adherence feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pyra
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Pete Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Makerere, Uganda
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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30
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Haberer JE, Bwana BM, Orrell C, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Siedner MJ, Matthews LT, Tsai AC, Katz IT, Bell K, Kembabazi A, Mugisha S, Kibirige V, Cross A, Kelly N, Hedt‐Gauthier B, Bangsberg DR. ART adherence and viral suppression are high among most non-pregnant individuals with early-stage, asymptomatic HIV infection: an observational study from Uganda and South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25232. [PMID: 30746898 PMCID: PMC6371013 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The success of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and aspirations for an AIDS-free generation depend on high adherence in individuals initiating ART during early-stage HIV infection; however, adherence may be difficult in the absence of illness and associated support. METHODS From March 2015 to October 2017, we prospectively observed three groups initiating ART in routine care in Uganda and South Africa: men and non-pregnant women with early-stage HIV infection (CD4 > 350 cells/μL), pregnant women with early-stage HIV infection and men and non-pregnant women with late-stage HIV infection (CD4 < 200 cells/μL). Socio-behavioural questionnaires were administered and viral loads were performed at 0, 6 and 12 months. Adherence was monitored electronically. RESULTS Adherence data were available for 869 participants: 322 (37%) early/non-pregnant, 199 (23%) early/pregnant and 348 (40%) late/non-pregnant participants. In Uganda, median adherence was 89% (interquartile range 74 to 96) and viral suppression was 90% at 12 months; neither differed among groups (p > 0.72). In South Africa, median adherence was higher in early/non-pregnant versus early/pregnant or late/non-pregnant participants (76%, 37%, 52%; p < 0.001), with similar trends in viral suppression (86%, 51%, 79%; p < 0.001). Among early/non-pregnant individuals in Uganda, adherence was higher with increasing age and lower with structural barriers; whereas in South Africa, adherence was higher with regular income, higher perceived stigma and use of other medications, but lower with maladaptive coping and cigarette smoking. DISCUSSION ART adherence among non-pregnant individuals with early-stage infection is as high or higher than with late-stage initiation, supporting universal access to ART. Challenges remain for some pregnant women and individuals with late-stage infection in South Africa and highlight the need for differentiated care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Bosco M Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Global Health CollaborativeMbararaUganda
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV FoundationCape TownSouth Africa
- University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Global Health CollaborativeMbararaUganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research CentreKabwoheUganda
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Global Health CollaborativeMbararaUganda
- Makerere University Joint AIDS ProgramKampalaUganda
- Africa Health Research InstituteDurbanSouth Africa
| | | | - Mark J Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Africa Health Research InstituteDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Ingrid T Katz
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu HIV FoundationCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Nicola Kelly
- Desmond Tutu HIV FoundationCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Bethany Hedt‐Gauthier
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global HealthBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- Oregon Health & Science University‐Portland State University School of Public HealthPortlandORUSA
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Nakku‐Joloba E, Pisarski EE, Wyatt MA, Muwonge TR, Asiimwe S, Celum CL, Baeten JM, Katabira ET, Ware NC. Beyond HIV prevention: everyday life priorities and demand for PrEP among Ugandan HIV serodiscordant couples. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25225. [PMID: 30657642 PMCID: PMC6338102 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [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: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection is being rolled out in Africa. The uptake of PrEP to date has varied across populations and locations. We seek to understand the drivers of demand for PrEP through analysis of qualitative data collected in conjunction with a PrEP demonstration project involving East African HIV serodiscordant couples. Our goal was to inform demand creation by understanding what PrEP means - beyond HIV prevention - for the lives of users. METHODS The Partners Demonstration Project evaluated an integrated strategy of PrEP and antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery in which time-limited PrEP served as a "bridge" to long-term ART. Uninfected partners in HIV serodiscordant couples were offered PrEP at baseline and encouraged to discontinue once infected partners had taken ART for six months. We conducted 274 open-ended interviews with 93 couples at two Ugandan research sites. Interviews took place one month after enrolment and at later points in the follow-up period. Topics included are as follows: (1) discovery of serodiscordance; (2) decisions to accept/decline PrEP and/or ART; (3) PrEP and ART initiation; (4) experiences of using PrEP and ART; (5) PrEP discontinuation; (6) impact of PrEP and ART on the partnered relationship. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. We used an inductive, content analytic approach to characterize meanings of PrEP stemming from its effectiveness for HIV prevention. Relevant content was represented as descriptive categories. RESULTS Discovery of HIV serodiscordance resulted in fear of HIV transmission for couples, which led to loss of sexual intimacy in committed relationships, and to abandonment of plans for children. As a result, partners became alienated from each other. PrEP countered the threat to the relationship by reducing fear and reinstating hopes of having children together. Condom use worked against the re-establishment of intimacy and closeness. By increasing couples' sense of protection against HIV infection and raising the prospect of a return to "live sex" (sex without condoms), PrEP was perceived by couples as solving the problem of serodiscordance and preserving committed relationships. CONCLUSIONS The most effective demand creation strategies for PrEP may be those that address the everyday life priorities of potential users in addition to HIV prevention. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT02775929.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Nakku‐Joloba
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
- STD Clinic/Ward 12Mulago HospitalKampalaUganda
| | - Emily E Pisarski
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Harvard GlobalCambridgeMAUSA
| | | | | | - Connie L Celum
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and EpidemiologySchool of Medicine and School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and EpidemiologySchool of Medicine and School of Public HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | | | - Norma C Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Department of MedicineBrigham & Women's HospitalBostonMAUSA
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Kiwanuka N, Mpendo J, Asiimwe S, Ssempiira J, Nalutaaya A, Nambuusi B, Wambuzi M, Kabuubi B, Namuniina A, Oporia F, Nanvubya A, Ssetaala A. A randomized trial to assess retention rates using mobile phone reminders versus physical contact tracing in a potential HIV vaccine efficacy population of fishing communities around Lake Victoria, Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:591. [PMID: 30463524 PMCID: PMC6249980 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High retention (follow-up) rates improve the validity and statistical power of outcomes in longitudinal studies and the effectiveness of programs with prolonged administration of interventions. We assessed participant retention in a potential HIV vaccine trials population of fishing communities along Lake Victoria, Uganda. Methods In a community-based individual randomized trial, 662 participants aged 15–49 years were randomized to either mobile phone or physical contact tracing reminders and followed up at months 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 18 post-enrolment. The visit schedules aimed at mimicking a vaccine efficacy trial representing an early interval (months 1–6) where most vaccinations would be administered and a later period of post-vaccination follow-up. The primary outcome was retention measured as the proportion of post-baseline follow up visits completed by a participant. Retention was estimated in early and later follow-up intervals, and overall for all the six follow-up visits. Adjusted differences in retention between the study arms were determined by multivariable logistic regression using Stata® 14. One participant was later dropped from the analysis because of age ineligibility discovered after enrolment. Results Of the expected total follow up visits of 3966 among 661 participants, 84.1% (3334) were attained; 82.1% (1626/1980) in the phone arm and 86% (1708/1986) in the physical tracing arm (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences in retention were observed between the study arms in the first 6 months but thereafter, retention was significantly higher for physical contact reminders than mobile phones; 91.5% versus 82.1% (p < 0.0001) at month 12 and 82.8% versus 75.4%, (p = 0.021) at month 18. Controlling for sex, age, education, occupation, community location, length of stay and marital status, the odds of good retention (completing 5 out of 6 follow-up visits) were 1.56 (95% CI;1.08–2.26, p = 0.018) for physical contact tracing compared to mobile phone tracing. Other statistically significant predictors of good retention were residing on islands and having stayed in the fishing communities for 5 or more years. Conclusions Among fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda, 84% of follow-up visits can be attained and participant retention is higher using physical contact reminders than mobile phones. Trial registration number PACTR201311000696101 (http://www.pactr.org/). retrospectively registered on 05 November, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Kiwanuka
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. .,Clinical Trials Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | | | - Julius Ssempiira
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Betty Nambuusi
- Clinical Trials Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Frederick Oporia
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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Pyra M, Brown ER, Haberer JE, Heffron R, Celum C, Bukusi EA, Asiimwe S, Katabira E, Mugo NR, Baeten JM. Patterns of Oral PrEP Adherence and HIV Risk Among Eastern African Women in HIV Serodiscordant Partnerships. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:3718-3725. [PMID: 30006791 PMCID: PMC6330257 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how women use PrEP is important for developing successful implementation programs. We hypothesized there are distinct patterns of adherence, related to HIV risk and other factors. We identified patterns of PrEP adherence and HIV risk behavior over the first 6 months of PrEP use, using data from 233 HIV-uninfected women in high-risk serodiscordant couples in a demonstration project in Kenya & Uganda. We modeled PrEP adherence, assessed by daily electronic monitoring, and HIV risk behavior using group-based trajectory models. We tested baseline covariates and risk behavior group as predictors of adherence patterns. There were four distinct adherence patterns: high steady adherence (55% of population), moderate steady (29%), late declining (8%), and early declining (9%). No baseline characteristics significantly differed between adherence patterns. Adherence patterns differed in average weekly doses (6.7 vs 5.4 vs 4.1 vs 1.5, respectively). Two risk behavior groups were identified: steady HIV risk (78% of population) and declining (22%). Compared to women with declining HIV risk behavior, women with steady risk behavior were more likely to have high steady adherence (61% vs 35%) and less likely to have early (6% vs 17%) or late (4% vs 19%) declining adherence. Women's use of PrEP was associated with concurrent HIV risk behavior; higher risk was associated with higher, sustained adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pyra
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Vaccine and Infection Diseases and Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health, Boston, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Heffron R, Mugo N, Hong T, Celum C, Marzinke MA, Ngure K, Asiimwe S, Katabira E, Bukusi EA, Odoyo J, Tindimwebwa E, Bulya N, Baeten JM. Pregnancy outcomes and infant growth among babies with in-utero exposure to tenofovir-based preexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. AIDS 2018; 32:1707-1713. [PMID: 30001244 PMCID: PMC6086376 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global guidelines recommend preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use by women at risk for HIV, including during pregnancy, a period with heightened HIV risk. However, data to support safety of PrEP use during pregnancy are limited, particularly from women using PrEP throughout pregnancy. METHODS In an open-label delivery study of PrEP integrated with ART for high-risk HIV serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda (the Partners Demonstration Project), women who became pregnant while using PrEP were offered the option to continue PrEP throughout pregnancy. We compared pregnancy outcomes and 1-year infant growth from pregnancies with exposure to PrEP throughout pregnancy to those without any exposure, with data from the placebo arm of a prior efficacy trial of PrEP conducted in the same setting. RESULTS Outcomes from 30 women who elected to continue PrEP throughout pregnancy were compared with those from 96 pregnancies among PrEP-unexposed women. There were small nonsignificant decreases in the frequency of pregnancy loss [16.7% PrEP-exposed versus 23.5% PrEP-unexposed, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.59, P = 0.4] and preterm delivery [0 versus 7.7%, (aOR) = 0.54, exact P = 0.6]. No congenital anomalies occurred among PrEP-exposed infants. PrEP-exposed infants had slightly lower adjusted mean z-scores for length (-1.73 versus -0.79, P = 0.05) and head circumference (0.24 versus 1.07, P = 0.04) 1 month after birth but were comparable to PrEP-unexposed infants in these measurements 1 year after birth. CONCLUSION This first evaluation among women using PrEP throughout pregnancy indicates no greater frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes or restricted infant growth; these findings support recommendations permitting PrEP use during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Epidemiology
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Department of Global Health
- Centres for Clinical Research
| | | | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of Medicine
| | - Mark A Marzinke
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health
- College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Nulu Bulya
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of Medicine
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35
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Gilbert HN, Wyatt MA, Asiimwe S, Turyamureeba B, Tumwesigye E, Van Rooyen H, Barnabas RV, Celum CL, Ware NC. Messaging Circumstances and Economic Pressures as Influences on Linkage to Medical Male Circumcision following Community-Based HIV Testing for Men in Rural Southwest Uganda: A Qualitative Study. AIDS Res Treat 2018; 2018:8387436. [PMID: 29854445 PMCID: PMC5960566 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8387436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Voluntary medical male circumcision (MMC) reduces risk of HIV infection, but uptake remains suboptimal among certain age groups and locations in sub-Saharan Africa. We analysed qualitative data as part of the Linkages Study, a randomized controlled trial to evaluate community-based HIV testing and follow-up as interventions promoting linkage to HIV treatment and prevention in Uganda and South Africa. Fifty-two HIV-negative uncircumcised men participated in the qualitative study. They participated in semistructured individual interviews exploring (a) home HTC experience; (b) responses to test results; (c) efforts to access circumcision services; (d) outcomes of efforts; (e) experiences of follow-up support; and (f) local HIV education and support. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed, and summarized into "linkage summaries." Summaries were analysed inductively to identify the following three thematic experiences shaping men's circumcision choices: (1) intense relief upon receipt of an unanticipated seronegative diagnosis, (2) the role of peer support in overcoming fear, and (3) anticipation of missed economic productivity. Increased attention to the timing of demand creation activities, to who delivers information about the HIV prevention benefits of MMC, and to the importance of missed income during recovery as a barrier to uptake promises to strengthen and sharpen future MMC demand creation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N. Gilbert
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monique A. Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Global, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Heidi Van Rooyen
- Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connie L. Celum
- Department of Global Health, School of Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Norma C. Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Mujugira A, Baeten J, Kidoguchi L, Haberer J, Celum C, Donnell D, Ngure K, Bukusi E, Mugo N, Asiimwe S, Odoyo J, Tindimwebwa E, Bulya N, Katabira E, Heffron R. High levels of viral suppression among East African HIV-infected women and men in serodiscordant partnerships initiating antiretroviral therapy with high CD4 counts and during pregnancy. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2018; 34:140-147. [PMID: 28899162 PMCID: PMC5806074] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who are asymptomatic and feel healthy, including pregnant women, may be less motivated to initiate ART or achieve high adherence. We assessed whether ART initiation, and viral suppression 6, 12 and 24-months after ART initiation, were lower in HIV-infected members of serodiscordant couples who initiated during pregnancy or with higher CD4 counts. METHODS We used data from the Partners Demonstration Project, an open-label study of the delivery of integrated PrEP and ART (at any CD4 count) for HIV prevention among high-risk HIV serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda. Differences in viral suppression (HIV RNA <400 copies/ml) among people initiating ART at different CD4 count levels (≤350, 351-500, and >500 cells/mm3) and during pregnancy were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS Of 865 HIV-infected participants retained after becoming eligible for ART during study follow-up, 95% initiated ART. Viral suppression 24-months after ART initiation was high overall (97%), and comparable among those initiating ART at CD4 counts >500, 351-500 and ≤350 cells/mm3 (96% vs 97% vs 97%; relative risk [RR] 0.98; 95% CI: 0.93-1.03 for CD4 >500 vs <350 and RR 0.99; 95% CI: (0.93-1.06) for CD4 351-500 vs ≤350). Viral suppression was as likely among women initiating ART primarily to prevent perinatal transmission as ART initiation for other reasons (p=0.9 at 6 months and p=0.5 at 12 months). CONCLUSIONS Nearly all HIV-infected partners initiating ART were virally suppressed by 24 months, irrespective of CD4 count or pregnancy status. These findings suggest that people initiating ART at high CD4 counts or due to pregnancy can adhere to ART as well as those starting treatment with symptomatic HIV disease or low CD4 counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mujugira
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health , 901 Boren Ave , Suite 1300 , Seattle, Washington, United States , 98104 ;
| | | | | | | | | | - Deborah Donnell
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, SCHARP/VIDI/PHS , 1100 Fairview Ave N , Seattle, Washington, United States , 98109 ;
| | | | | | - Nelly Mugo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya ;
| | | | | | | | | | - Elly Katabira
- Makerere University, Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda ;
| | - Renee Heffron
- University of Washington, Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, United States ;
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37
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Heffron R, Ngure K, Odoyo J, Bulya N, Tindimwebwa E, Hong T, Kidoguchi L, Donnell D, Mugo NR, Bukusi EA, Katabira E, Asiimwe S, Morton J, Morrison S, Haugen H, Mujugira A, Haberer JE, Ware NC, Wyatt MA, Marzinke MA, Frenkel LM, Celum C, Baeten JM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-negative persons with partners living with HIV: uptake, use, and effectiveness in an open-label demonstration project in East Africa. Gates Open Res 2018; 1:3. [PMID: 29355231 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12752.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can provide high protection against HIV infection and is a recommended intervention for HIV-negative persons with substantial HIV risk. Demonstration projects conducted in diverse settings worldwide illustrate practical examples of how PrEP can be delivered. This manuscript presents estimates of effectiveness and patterns of PrEP use within a two-year demonstration project of PrEP for HIV-negative members of heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples in East Africa. Methods: The PrEP delivery model integrated PrEP into HIV treatment services, prioritizing PrEP use for HIV-negative partners within serodiscordant couples before and during the first 6 months after the partner living with HIV initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). We measured PrEP uptake through pharmacy records and adherence to PrEP through medication event monitoring system (MEMS) bottle caps and quantification of tenofovir in plasma among a random sample of participants. We estimated HIV infections prevented using a counterfactual cohort simulated from the placebo arm of a previous PrEP clinical trial. Results: We enrolled 1,010 HIV serodiscordant couples that were naïve to ART and PrEP. Ninety-seven percent of HIV-negative partners initiated PrEP. Objective measures suggest high adherence: 71% of HIV-negative participants took ≥80% of expected doses, as recorded via MEMS, and 81% of plasma samples had tenofovir detected. Four incident HIV infections were observed (incidence rate=0.24 per 100 person-years), a 95% reduction (95% CI 86-98%, p<0.0001) in HIV incidence, relative to estimated HIV incidence for the population in the absence of PrEP integrated into HIV treatment services. Conclusions: PrEP uptake and adherence were high and incident HIV was rare in this PrEP demonstration project for African HIV-negative individuals whose partners were known to be living with HIV. Delivery of PrEP to HIV-negative partners within HIV serodiscordant couples was feasible and should be prioritized for wide-scale implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Heffron
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centres for Microbiology Research , Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nulu Bulya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Ting Hong
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Lara Kidoguchi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Centres for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Centres for Microbiology Research , Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jennifer Morton
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Susan Morrison
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Harald Haugen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Norma C Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Harvard Global, Cambridge, USA
| | - Mark A Marzinke
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lisa M Frenkel
- Seattle Children's Research Center, Seattle, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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38
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Heffron R, Ngure K, Odoyo J, Bulya N, Tindimwebwa E, Hong T, Kidoguchi L, Donnell D, Mugo NR, Bukusi EA, Katabira E, Asiimwe S, Morton J, Morrison S, Haugen H, Mujugira A, Haberer JE, Ware NC, Wyatt MA, Marzinke MA, Frenkel LM, Celum C, Baeten JM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-negative persons with partners living with HIV: uptake, use, and effectiveness in an open-label demonstration project in East Africa. Gates Open Res 2018; 1:3. [PMID: 29355231 PMCID: PMC5757790 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12752.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can provide high protection against HIV infection and is a recommended intervention for HIV-negative persons with substantial HIV risk. Demonstration projects conducted in diverse settings worldwide illustrate practical examples of how PrEP can be delivered. This manuscript presents estimates of effectiveness and patterns of PrEP use within a two-year demonstration project of PrEP for HIV-negative members of heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples in East Africa. Methods: The PrEP delivery model integrated PrEP into HIV treatment services, prioritizing PrEP use for HIV-negative partners within serodiscordant couples before and during the first 6 months after the partner living with HIV initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). We measured PrEP uptake through pharmacy records and adherence to PrEP through medication event monitoring system (MEMS) bottle caps and quantification of tenofovir in plasma among a random sample of participants. We estimated HIV infections prevented using a counterfactual cohort simulated from the placebo arm of a previous PrEP clinical trial. Results: We enrolled 1,010 HIV serodiscordant couples that were naïve to ART and PrEP. Ninety-seven percent of HIV-negative partners initiated PrEP. Objective measures suggest high adherence: 71% of HIV-negative participants took ≥80% of expected doses, as recorded via MEMS, and 81% of plasma samples had tenofovir detected. Four incident HIV infections were observed (incidence rate=0.24 per 100 person-years), a 95% reduction (95% CI 86-98%, p<0.0001) in HIV incidence, relative to estimated HIV incidence for the population in the absence of PrEP integrated into HIV treatment services. Conclusions: PrEP uptake and adherence were high and incident HIV was rare in this PrEP demonstration project for African HIV-negative individuals whose partners were known to be living with HIV. Delivery of PrEP to HIV-negative partners within HIV serodiscordant couples was feasible and should be prioritized for wide-scale implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Heffron
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centres for Microbiology Research , Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nulu Bulya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Ting Hong
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Lara Kidoguchi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Nelly R Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Centres for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Centres for Microbiology Research , Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jennifer Morton
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Susan Morrison
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Harald Haugen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Norma C Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Monique A Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Harvard Global, Cambridge, USA
| | - Mark A Marzinke
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lisa M Frenkel
- Seattle Children's Research Center, Seattle, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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39
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Roberts DA, Asiimwe S, Turyamureeba B, Barnabas R. The Costs of Home-Based ART Initiation and Mobile Refill in Uganda. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017. [PMCID: PMC5630794 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx163.1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective at reducing HIV-associated morbidity, mortality, and transmission, but 20 million people who meet WHO eligibility criteria for ART are not in care. While decentralized care is a promising strategy to expand ART access, the costs of implementing a community-based model on a large scale remain unknown. Methods The DO-ART study is a randomized trial of community- vs. clinic-centered ART delivery in South Africa and Uganda using 12-month viral suppression as the primary outcome. We evaluated the costs of home-based ART initiation and refill in southwest Uganda using time-and-motion studies, staff interviews, and budgetary analysis. Costs categories included medications, supplies, personnel, building and utilities, start-up, vehicles, and community mobilization. We used a programmatic perspective with a 3% discount rate and removed research-associated costs. Results The largest cost categories included medications, supplies, and salaries, constituting 41%, 27%, and 17% of the total cost, respectively. Time-and-motion studies revealed that each outreach worker could serve an average of three patients per day in a fully decentralized model. In a scenario of providing home-based ART to 1400 patients aross seven sub-counties, the yearly per-patient cost was estimated to be $304 (2016 USD), which is similar to literature reports of the costs of facility-based ART provision. Conclusion These estimates suggest that home-based ART may be a realistic delivery option, especially if it is found to be effective at improving viral suppression. Further research is needed to evaluate how this intervention can most efficiently scale to provide widespread ART access over a large geographic area. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ruanne Barnabas
- Medicine, Global Health, Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Mujugira A, Baeten JM, Kidoguchi L, Haberer J, Celum C, Donnell D, Ngure K, Bukusi EA, Mugo N, Asiimwe S, Odoyo J, Tindimwebwa E, Bulya N, Katabira E, Heffron R, for the Partners Demonstration Proj. High levels of viral suppression among East African HIV-infected women and men in serodiscordant partnerships initiating antiretroviral therapy with high CD4 counts and during pregnancy. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2017. [PMID: 28899162 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2017.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who are asymptomatic and feel healthy, including pregnant women, may be less motivated to initiate ART or achieve high adherence. We assessed whether ART initiation, and viral suppression 6, 12 and 24-months after ART initiation, were lower in HIV-infected members of serodiscordant couples who initiated during pregnancy or with higher CD4 counts. METHODS We used data from the Partners Demonstration Project, an open-label study of the delivery of integrated PrEP and ART (at any CD4 count) for HIV prevention among high-risk HIV serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda. Differences in viral suppression (HIV RNA <400 copies/ml) among people initiating ART at different CD4 count levels (≤350, 351-500, and >500 cells/mm3) and during pregnancy were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS Of 865 HIV-infected participants retained after becoming eligible for ART during study follow-up, 95% initiated ART. Viral suppression 24-months after ART initiation was high overall (97%), and comparable among those initiating ART at CD4 counts >500, 351-500 and ≤350 cells/mm3 (96% vs 97% vs 97%; relative risk [RR] 0.98; 95% CI: 0.93-1.03 for CD4 >500 vs <350 and RR 0.99; 95% CI: (0.93-1.06) for CD4 351-500 vs ≤350). Viral suppression was as likely among women initiating ART primarily to prevent perinatal transmission as ART initiation for other reasons (p=0.9 at 6 months and p=0.5 at 12 months). CONCLUSIONS Nearly all HIV-infected partners initiating ART were virally suppressed by 24 months, irrespective of CD4 count or pregnancy status. These findings suggest that people initiating ART at high CD4 counts or due to pregnancy can adhere to ART as well as those starting treatment with symptomatic HIV disease or low CD4 counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mujugira
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lara Kidoguchi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Josephine Odoyo
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Nulu Bulya
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elly Katabira
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Asiimwe S, Ross JM, Arinaitwe A, Tumusiime O, Turyamureeba B, Roberts DA, O’Malley G, Barnabas RV. Expanding HIV testing and linkage to care in southwestern Uganda with community health extension workers. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21633. [PMID: 28770598 PMCID: PMC5577731 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.5.21633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Achieving the UNAIDS goals of 90-90-90 will require more than doubling the number of people accessing HIV care in Uganda. Community-based programmes for entry into HIV care are effective strategies to expand access to HIV care, but few programmes have been evaluated with a particular focus on scale-up. METHODS Integrated Community Based Initiatives, a Uganda-based non-governmental organization, designed and implemented a programme of community-based HIV counselling and testing and facilitated linkage to care utilizing community health extension workers (CHEWs) in rural Sheema District, Uganda. CHEWs performed programme activities during 1 October 2015 through 31 March 2016. Outcomes for this evaluation were (1) the number of people tested for HIV, and (2) the proportion of those testing positive who were seen at an ART clinic within three months of their positive test, and (3) the cost of the programme per person newly diagnosed with HIV. Microcosting methods were used to calculate the programme costs. Program scalability factors were evaluated using a published framework. RESULTS Sixty-two CHEWs attended a five-day training that introduced the biology of HIV, the conduct of confidential HIV testing, HIV prevention messages, and linkage, referral, and reporting requirements. CHEWs received a $30 monthly stipend and a field testing kit that included a bicycle, field bag, umbrella, gumboots, reporting booklet, pens, and HIV testing materials. Trained CHEWs tested 43,696 persons for HIV infection during the six-month programme period. Nine-hundred seventy-four participants (2.2%) were identified as HIV positive, and 623 participants (64%) were linked to HIV care. An estimated 69% of adult residents received testing as part of this campaign. The programme cost $3.02 per person test, $135.70 per positive person identified, and $212.15 per HIV-positive person linked to care. CONCLUSIONS Lay community health extension workers (CHEWs) can be rapidly trained to scale-up home-based HIV testing and counselling (HTC) and linkage to care in a high-quality and low-cost manner to large numbers of people in a rural, high burden setting. A combination HIV testing approach, such as adding partner testing to community-based testing, could increase the proportion of HIV-positive persons identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer M. Ross
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ruanne V. Barnabas
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease), and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Irungu EM, Heffron R, Mugo N, Ngure K, Katabira E, Bulya N, Bukusi E, Odoyo J, Asiimwe S, Tindimwebwa E, Celum C, Baeten JM. Use of a risk scoring tool to identify higher-risk HIV-1 serodiscordant couples for an antiretroviral-based HIV-1 prevention intervention. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:571. [PMID: 27751179 PMCID: PMC5067880 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1899-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduce HIV-1 transmission within heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples. Prioritizing couples at highest HIV-1 transmission risk for ART and PrEP would maximize impact and minimize costs. METHODS The Partners Demonstration Project is an open-label, delivery study of integrated PrEP and ART for HIV-1 prevention among high risk HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda. We evaluated the feasibility of using a validated risk score that weighs a combination of easily measurable factors (age, children, marital status, male circumcision status, condom use, plasma HIV-1 levels) to identify couples at highest risk for HIV-1 transmission for enrollment. Couples scoring ≥5 met the risk score eligibility criteria. RESULTS We screened 1694 HIV-1 serodiscordant couples and enrolled 1013. Of the screened couples, 1331 (78.6 %) scored ≥5 (with an expected incidence >3 % per year) and 76 % of these entered the study. The median age of the HIV-1 uninfected partner was 29 years [IQR 26, 36] and 20 % were <25 years of age. The HIV-1 uninfected partner was male in 67 % of partnerships, 33 % of whom were uncircumcised, 57 % of couples had no children, and 65 % reported unprotected sex in the month prior to enrollment. Among HIV-1 infected partners, 41 % had plasma viral load >50,000 copies/ml. CONCLUSION A risk scoring tool identified HIV-1 serodiscordant couples for a demonstration project of PrEP and ART with high HIV-1 risk. The tool may be feasible for research and public health settings to maximize efficiency and minimize HIV-1 prevention costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Irungu
- College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Elly Katabira
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Disease Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University , Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nulu Bulya
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University , Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Nairobi, Uhuru Highway, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Off Kabwohe-Ishaka HWY next to ICOBI, Kabwohe-Itendero Town Council, Box 347, Bushenyi District Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Edna Tindimwebwa
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre, Off Kabwohe-Ishaka HWY next to ICOBI, Kabwohe-Itendero Town Council, Box 347, Bushenyi District Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
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Okello S, Asiimwe S, Kanyesigye M, Muyindike WR, Boum Y, Haberer J, Bangsberg D, Mocello AR, Martin JN, Hunt P, Siedner M. Immune Activation and Risk of Hypertension in HIV-Infected Adults Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda: A Nested Case-Control Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv131.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Nanvubya A, Ssempiira J, Mpendo J, Ssetaala A, Nalutaaya A, Wambuzi M, Kitandwe P, Bagaya BS, Welsh S, Asiimwe S, Nielsen L, Makumbi F, Kiwanuka N. Correction: Use of Modern Family Planning Methods in Fishing Communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143988. [PMID: 26599276 PMCID: PMC4657975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Nanvubya A, Ssempiira J, Mpendo J, Ssetaala A, Nalutaaya A, Wambuzi M, Kitandwe P, Bagaya BS, Welsh S, Asiimwe S, Nielsen L, Makumbi F, Kiwanuka N. Use of Modern Family Planning Methods in Fishing Communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141531. [PMID: 26512727 PMCID: PMC4626115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fishing communities (FCs) in Uganda have high HIV infection rates but poor access to health services including family planning (FP). Although FP is a cost-effective public health intervention, there is a paucity of data on knowledge and use of modern FP in FCs. This study determined knowledge and use of modern FP methods in FCs of Uganda. Methods Data were accrued from a 12-month follow up of 1,688 HIV-uninfected individuals, 18–49 years from 8 FCs along Lake Victoria, between September 2011 and March 2013. Data on knowledge and use of modern FP were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Prevalence Risk Ratios with corresponding 95% CIs were used to determine factors associated with Modern FP knowledge and use. Results The mean age was 31.4 years, with nearly half (48.8%) being females while more than half (58.6%) had attained up to primary education level. Knowledge of modern FP was high, 87.5% (1477/1688); significantly higher among females [adj. PRR = 4.84 (95% CI; 3.08, 7.61)], among older respondents (25–29 years) [adj. PRR = 1.83 (95% CI; 1.12, 2.99)] compared to younger ones (18–24 years) and among those conducting business [adj. PRR = 2.42(95% CI; 1.02, 5.74)] relative to those primarily in fishing. Just over a third (35.2%, 595/1688) reported use of at least one modern FP method. Use of modern FP methods was significantly higher among females [adj. PRR = 2.04 (95% CI; 1.56, 2.65, and among those reporting multiple sexual partnerships [adj. PRR = 2.12, 95% CI; 1.63, 2.76)]. Nonuse of modern methods was mostly due to desire for more children (30.6%), fear of side effects (12.2%) and partner refusal (5.2%). Conclusion Despite their high knowledge of FP, FCs have low use of modern FP methods. Key barriers to use of modern FP methods were high fertility desires, fear of perceived side effects and partner refusal of methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sabrina Welsh
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Kabwohe, Uganda
| | | | - Leslie Nielsen
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC), Kabwohe, Uganda
| | - Fredrick Makumbi
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- UVRI-IAVI HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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Ssetaala A, Nakiyingi-Miiro J, Asiimwe S, Nanvubya A, Mpendo J, Asiki G, Nielsen L, Kiwanuka N, Seeley J, Kamali A, Kaleebu P. Recruitment and retention of women in fishing communities in HIV prevention research. Pan Afr Med J 2015; 21:104. [PMID: 26379811 PMCID: PMC4554809 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2015.21.104.4962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Women in fishing communities in Uganda are more at risk and have higher rates of HIV infection. Socio-cultural gender norms, limited access to health information and services, economic disempowerment, sexual abuse and their biological susceptibility make women more at risk of infection. There is need to design interventions that cater for women's vulnerability. We explore factors affecting recruitment and retention of women from fishing communities in HIV prevention research. METHODS An HIV incidence cohort screened 2074 volunteers (1057 men and 1017 women) aged 13-49 years from 5 fishing communities along Lake Victoria using demographic, medical history, risk behaviour assessment questionnaires.1000 HIV negative high risk volunteers were enrolled and followed every 6 months for 18 months. Factors associated with completion of study visits among women were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Women constituted 1,017(49%) of those screened, and 449(45%) of those enrolled with a median (IQR) age of 27 (22-33) years. Main reasons for non-enrolment were HIV infection (33.9%) and reported low risk behaviour (37.5%). A total of 382 (74%) women and 332 (69%) men completed all follow up visits. Older women (>24 yrs) and those unemployed, who had lived in the community for 5 years or more, were more likely to complete all study visits. CONCLUSION Women had better retention rates than men at 18 months. Strategies for recruiting and retaining younger women and those who have stayed for less than 5 years need to be developed for improved retention of women in fishing communities in HIV prevention and research Programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen Asiimwe
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA ; Kabwohe Clinical Reserach Center(KCRC), Kabwohe, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Leslie Nielsen
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), New York, USA
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- UVRI-IAVI HIV Vaccine Program, Entebbe, Uganda ; Makerere College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere, Kampala, Uganda
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Asiimwe S, Oloya J, Song X, Whalen CC. Accuracy of un-supervised versus provider-supervised self-administered HIV testing in Uganda: A randomized implementation trial. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:2477-84. [PMID: 24691923 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0765-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Unsupervised HIV self-testing (HST) has potential to increase knowledge of HIV status; however, its accuracy is unknown. To estimate the accuracy of unsupervised HST in field settings in Uganda, we performed a non-blinded, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial of unsupervised compared with supervised HST among selected high HIV risk fisherfolk (22.1 % HIV Prevalence) in three fishing villages in Uganda between July and September 2013. The study enrolled 246 participants and randomized them in a 1:1 ratio to unsupervised HST or provider-supervised HST. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the HST sensitivity was 90 % in the unsupervised arm and 100 % among the provider-supervised, yielding a difference 0f -10 % (90 % CI -21, 1 %); non-inferiority was not shown. In a per protocol analysis, the difference in sensitivity was -5.6 % (90 % CI -14.4, 3.3 %) and did show non-inferiority. We conclude that unsupervised HST is feasible in rural Africa and may be non-inferior to provider-supervised HST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Asiimwe
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Health Sciences Campus, 101 Buck Road, Miller Hall, Athens, GA, 30602, USA,
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Samson O, Asiimwe S, Muyindike W, Annex B, Haneuse S, Siedner M. 1470Incidence and predictors of hypertension among adults with HIV initiating ART in southwestern Uganda. Open Forum Infect Dis 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofu052.1016] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Okello Samson
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Brian Annex
- Medicine, University of Virgnia, Charlottesville, VA
| | | | - Mark Siedner
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Heffron R, Celum C, Mugo N, Katabira E, Bukusi E, Asiimwe S, Ngure K, Bulya N, Odoyo J, Tindimwebwa E, Donnell D, Haberer JE, Kidoguchi L, Morton J, Baeten JM. High Initiation and Adherence among High Risk African HIV Discordant Couples in a Demonstration Project of PrEP and ART for HIV Prevention. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.5132.abstract] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renee Heffron
- University of Washington, Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Connie Celum
- University of Washington, Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth Ngure
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Deborah Donnell
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Lara Kidoguchi
- University of Washington, Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jennifer Morton
- University of Washington, Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- University of Washington, Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
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Irungu EM, Heffron R, Mugo N, Ngure K, Katabira E, Bulya N, Bukusi E, Odoyo J, Asiimwe S, Tindimwebwa E, Donnell D, Celum C, Baeten JM. Evaluation of a Risk Score Tool to Identify Higher-risk HIV-1 Serodiscordant Couples for Antiretroviral-based HIV-1 Prevention. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.5133.abstract] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Renee Heffron
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nelly Mugo
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Ruiru, Kenya
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Deborah Donnell
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Connie Celum
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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