156. Evaluating Antibiotic Use and Developing a Tool to Optimize Prescribing in a Pediatric HIV Clinic in Eswatini

Background

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging global health issue, fueled by inadequate surveillance systems and the absence of antimicrobial stewardship. In resource-limited settings, antimicrobial use is often based on clinical evaluation rather than microbiologic evidence, making treatment guidelines and the education of healthcare providers paramount to ensuring appropriate antimicrobial prescribing. In a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic for children and their families in Eswatini, we sought to understand the use of antibiotics and identify specific areas for improvement.

Methods

We performed a retrospective patient chart review as part of a quality improvement (QI) initiative to assess antimicrobial use before and after implementation of a standardized antimicrobial guide. For each prescribing period, 100 random patient encounters were selected for review to observe if the indication for antibiotics, duration, and dose were consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Two physicians reviewed each encounter to determine the appropriateness of antibiotic use using a structured abstraction tool, with a third resolving discrepancies. Results were analyzed using a chi-square test of proportions and a structured survey was performed to assess perceptions of the guide.

Results

After the implementation of an antimicrobial guide, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of clinic visits with an antibiotic prescribed (p < 0.001). Incorrect indication for antimicrobial use decreased from 20.4% in the initial period, to 10.31% and 10.2% but did not reach significance (p=.0621) in the subsequent periods after implementation. Incorrect dose/duration decreased from 10.47% in the initial period to 7.37% and 3.1% in the subsequent periods, but this was also was not significant (p = 0.139). All prescribers who completed the survey used the antimicrobial guide and felt that it positively impacted their prescribing patterns.

Conclusion

Our study found that an antibiotic guide reduced and improved the prescription of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial stewardship is a global problem and this data demonstrates that practical solutions can have a lasting impact on antimicrobial prescribing in low resource settings.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures

940. Impact of Using Arts Programming to Support Treatment in Adolescents Living with HIV in Eswatini

Background

Adolescents and young adults with HIV are a unique population given the distinct psychosocial challenges of their age-group coupled with having a stigmatizing disease. In 2018, approximately 1.6 million adolescents were living with HIV worldwide, with the highest HIV prevalence found in Eswatini. As this group struggles more than any other age-group with medication adherence, novel interventions that are peer-inclusive and empowering should be explored to support their treatment.

Methods

We piloted a theater camp to determine the impact of fostering creative expression amongst adolescents and young adults enrolled at our HIV clinic in Mbabane, Eswatini. A two-week camp was conducted in collaboration with a non-profit organization of professional teachers, actors, and musicians. We emphasized enrollment of patients struggling with medication adherence, teen mothers, and those on second-line antiretroviral treatment. Twenty individuals (ages 12-23) participated in self-expression activities, story development, and a final play performed for the community. To assess impact, we compared viral loads pre- and post- camp as well as surveyed participants on effect of participation on areas such as personal stigma, sense of community, and confidence.

Results

Of those who participated, 25% showed a substantial decrease and 10% a substantial increase in viral load after the camp (>0.1 log10 change). Those who completed the survey (n=18) felt the camp helped them with confidence (13/18), teamwork (13/18), and friendships (11/18). Quotes from participants reinforced this growing sense of community, confidence, and decreased personal stigma. One wrote “theater camp helped me know that I can do a lot of things in life to achieve my future goals although I am HIV positive” and another stated “it made me not feel sorry for being an HIV positive person.”

Conclusion

Our pilot program demonstrates creative arts programming has beneficial psychosocial effects, aids in community building, and potentially enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment. Further programs and studies should continue to investigate creative arts as an avenue for treatment support, self-expression, and community building among vulnerable populations such as adolescents and young adults with HIV.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures