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Brazier E, Tymejczyk O, Wools-Kaloustian K, Jiamsakul A, Torres MTL, Lee JS, Abuogi L, Khol V, Mejía Cordero F, Althoff KN, Law MG, Nash D. Long-term HIV care outcomes under universal HIV treatment guidelines: A retrospective cohort study in 25 countries. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004367. [PMID: 38498589 PMCID: PMC10962811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While national adoption of universal HIV treatment guidelines has led to improved, timely uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART), longer-term care outcomes are understudied. There is little data from real-world service delivery settings on patient attrition, viral load (VL) monitoring, and viral suppression (VS) at 24 and 36 months after HIV treatment initiation. METHODS AND FINDINGS For this retrospective cohort analysis, we used observational data from 25 countries in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium's Asia-Pacific, Central Africa, East Africa, Central/South America, and North America regions for patients who were ART naïve and aged ≥15 years at care enrollment between 24 months before and 12 months after national adoption of universal treatment guidelines, occurring 2012 to 2018. We estimated crude cumulative incidence of loss-to-clinic (CI-LTC) at 12, 24, and 36 months after enrollment among patients enrolling in care before and after guideline adoption using competing risks regression. Guideline change-associated hazard ratios of LTC at each time point after enrollment were estimated via cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression models. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate relative risks of retention, VL monitoring, and VS at 12, 24, and 36 months after ART initiation. There were 66,963 patients enrolling in HIV care at 109 clinics with ≥12 months of follow-up time after enrollment (46,484 [69.4%] enrolling before guideline adoption and 20,479 [30.6%] enrolling afterwards). More than half (54.9%) were females, and median age was 34 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27 to 43). Mean follow-up time was 51 months (standard deviation: 17 months; range: 12, 110 months). Among patients enrolling before guideline adoption, crude CI-LTC was 23.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 23.4, 24.2) at 12 months, 31.0% (95% CI [30.6, 31.5]) at 24 months, and 37.2% (95% [CI 36.8, 37.7]) at 36 months after enrollment. Adjusting for sex, age group, enrollment CD4, clinic location and type, and country income level, enrolling in care and initiating ART after guideline adoption was associated with increased hazard of LTC at 12 months (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.25 [95% CI 1.08, 1.44]; p = 0.003); 24 months (aHR 1.38 [95% CI 1.19, 1.59]; p < .001); and 36 months (aHR 1.34 [95% CI 1.18, 1.53], p < .001) compared with enrollment before guideline adoption, with no before-after differences among patients with no record of ART initiation by end of follow-up. Among patients retained after ART initiation, VL monitoring was low, with marginal improvements associated with guideline adoption only at 12 months after ART initiation. Among those with VL monitoring, VS was high at each time point among patients enrolling before guideline adoption (86.0% to 88.8%) and afterwards (86.2% to 90.3%), with no substantive difference associated with guideline adoption. Study limitations include lags in and potential underascertainment of care outcomes in real-world service delivery data and potential lack of generalizability beyond IeDEA sites and regions included in this analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this study, adoption of universal HIV treatment guidelines was associated with lower retention after ART initiation out to 36 months of follow-up, with little change in VL monitoring or VS among retained patients. Monitoring long-term HIV care outcomes remains critical to identify and address causes of attrition and gaps in HIV care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Brazier
- City University of New York, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, New York, United States of America
- City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Olga Tymejczyk
- City University of New York, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kara Wools-Kaloustian
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | - Marco Tulio Luque Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social and Hospital Escuela Universitario, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Jennifer S. Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lisa Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Vohith Khol
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STDs, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Fernando Mejía Cordero
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Keri N. Althoff
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Matthew G. Law
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Denis Nash
- City University of New York, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, New York, United States of America
- City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
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Suffrin JCD, Rosenthal A, Kamtsendero L, Kachimanga C, Munyaneza F, Kalua J, Ndarama E, Trapence C, Aron MB, Connolly E, Dullie LW. Re-engagement and retention in HIV care after preventive default tracking in a cohort of HIV-infected patients in rural Malawi: A mixed-methods study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002437. [PMID: 38381760 PMCID: PMC10880992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) in the era of test-and-treat remains a universal challenge, especially in rural areas. To mitigate LTFU, the HIV program in Neno District, Malawi, utilizes a preventive default tracking strategy named Tracking for Retention and Client Enrollment (TRACE). We utilized a mixed-methods descriptive study of the TRACE program on patient's re-engagement and retention in care (RiC). In the quantitative arm, we utilized secondary data of HIV-infected patients in the TRACE program from January 2018 to June 2019 and analyzed patients' outcomes at 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-tracking. In the qualitative arm, we analyzed primary data from 25 semi-structured interviews. For the study period, 1028 patients were eligible with median age was 30 years, and 52% were women. We found that after tracking, 982 (96%) of patients with a 6-week missed appointment returned to care. After returning to care, 906 (88%), 864 (84%), and 839 (82%) were retained in care respectively at 6-,12-, and 24-months. In the multivariate analysis, which included all the covariates from the univariate analysis (including gender, BMI, age, and the timing of ART initiation), the results showed that RiC at 6 months was linked to WHO stage IV at the start of treatment (with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.06-0.54) and commencing ART after the test-and-treat recommendation (aOR of 0.08; 95% CI: 0.06-0.18). RiC after 12 months was associated with age between 15 and 29 years (aOR = 0.18; 95%CI: 0.03-0.88), WHO stage IV (aOR = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.04-0.16) and initiating ART after test-and-treat recommendations (aOR = 0.08; 95%CI: 0.04-0.16). RiC at 24 months post-tracking was associated with being male (aOR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.40-0.92) and initiating ART after test-and-treat recommendations (aOR = 0.16; 95%CI:0.10-0.25). The qualitative analysis revealed that clarity of the visit's purpose, TRACE's caring approach changed patient's mindset, enhanced sense of responsibility and motivated patients to resume care. We recommend integrating tracking programs in HIV care as it led to increase patient follow up and patient behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anat Rosenthal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan Kalua
- Ministry of Health, Neno District Hospital, Donda, Malawi
| | - Enoch Ndarama
- Ministry of Health, Neno District Hospital, Donda, Malawi
| | | | - Moses Banda Aron
- Partners In Health, Neno, Malawi
- Research Group Snake Bite Envenoming, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emilia Connolly
- Partners In Health, Neno, Malawi
- Division of Pediatrics, College of Medicine University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Luckson W. Dullie
- Partners In Health, Neno, Malawi
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine and Oral Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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Hamooya BM, Mutembo S, Muyunda B, Mweebo K, Kancheya N, Sikazwe L, Sakala M, Mvula J, Kunda S, Kabesha S, Cheelo C, Fwemba I, Banda C, Masenga SK. HIV test-and-treat policy improves clinical outcomes in Zambian adults from Southern Province: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1244125. [PMID: 37900026 PMCID: PMC10600392 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1244125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, most countries have implemented a test-and-treat policy to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. However, the impact of this strategy has not been critically appraised in many settings, including Zambia. We evaluated the retention and clinical outcomes of adults enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and assessed the impact of the test-and-treat policy. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among 6,640 individuals who initiated ART between January 1, 2014 and July 31, 2016 [before test-and-treat cohort (BTT), n = 2,991] and between August 1, 2016 and October 1, 2020 [after test-and-treat cohort (ATT), n = 3,649] in 12 districts of the Southern province. To assess factors associated with retention, we used logistic regression (xtlogit model). Results The median age [interquartile range (IQR)] was 34.8 years (28.0, 42.1), and 60.2% (n = 3,995) were women. The overall retention was 83.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 82.6, 84.4], and it was significantly higher among the ATT cohort, 90.6 vs. 74.8%, p < 0.001. The reasons for attrition were higher in the BTT compared to the ATT cohorts: stopped treatment (0.3 vs. 0.1%), transferred out (9.3 vs. 3.2%), lost to follow-up (13.5 vs. 5.9%), and death (1.4 vs. 0.2%). Retention in care was significantly associated with the ATT cohort, increasing age and baseline body mass index (BMI), rural residence, and WHO stage 2, while non-retention was associated with never being married, divorced, and being in WHO stage 3. Conclusion The retention rate and attrition factors improved in the ATT compared to the BTT cohorts. Drivers of retention were test-and-treat policy, older age, high BMI, rural residence, marital status, and WHO stage 1. Therefore, there is need for interventions targeting young people, urban residents, non-married people, and those in the symptomatic WHO stages and with low BMI. Our findings highlight improved ART retention after the implementation of the test-and-treat policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson M. Hamooya
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Simon Mutembo
- International Vaccine Access Center, Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Brian Muyunda
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Keith Mweebo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nzali Kancheya
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Lyapa Sikazwe
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Morgan Sakala
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Johanzi Mvula
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Salazeh Kunda
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Shem Kabesha
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Chilala Cheelo
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Isaac Fwemba
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Clive Banda
- Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Sepiso K. Masenga
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
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Masuke R, Kihaga Y, Mashala M, Ndalio S, Sukari O, Panga O. Twelve months antiretroviral therapy retention among clients newly enrolled to care and treatment services in Geita Regin, Tanzania: does universal test and treat matter? Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:20. [PMID: 38035160 PMCID: PMC10683168 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.20.40772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction sustaining high rates of retention is critical for management of HIV clients, newly initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). In low resource settings including Tanzania, retention among clients on ART was challenging due to inaccessible infrastructure, gender-based violence, inadequate skilled staff and socio-economic disparities. Low retention leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Tanzania adopted universal test and treat (UTT) strategy in mid of 2016 as recommended by Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAID) that set goals for HIV epidemic control globally. Studies demonstrated controversial findings on whether UTT strategy improves retention, until now there is limited information on the effect of UTT on retaining HIV patients in our settings. Methods a retrospective cohort study was conducted between July 2014 to June 2015 and July 2017 to June 2018 to determine 12 months ART retention among clients newly initiated ART prior and during universal test and treat (UTT) strategy in Geita Region, Tanzania. A total of 13,649 newly clients-initiated ART were extracted from the National AIDS control care and treatment database (CTC2 database). Among these clients 4,624 initiated ART prior the UTT strategy and clients 9,025 start ART after the rollout of UTT strategy. Chi-square test was deployed to determine the significant difference of proportion within categories for each UTT group. Kaplan-Meier curve and long rank test were used to determine significant differences of retention rate prior and during UTT program. Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between exposure variables and ART retention with 95% confidence intervals and p-value of p<0.05. Results the overall mean age at ART initiation was 38 years (SD=11.6) with observed significant mean difference between two cohorts (prior UTT, mean=41, SD=11.7 Vs during UTT, mean=37, SD=11.3). The cumulative retention was 83.1% among newly initiated ART clients in both cohorts with significant difference observed between two cohorts (69.7% for prior UTT and 89.9% during UTT, p-value<0.001). The overall person year of follow up was 127,209.3 with an incidence rate of ART retention of 86 per 1000 person-year. It was significantly higher among clients enrolled during UTT strategy than clients enrolled prior UTT strategy (95.1 per 1000 PY Vs 69.6 per 1000 PY, p-value<0.001). The log rank test and Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated clients enrolled in the UTT program had greater probability of retention than clients enrolled prior UTT treatment program (log rank X2 test = 599.2, p value < 0.001). Newly HIV clients who initiated ART after the rollout of UTT strategy had 27% higher likelihood to be retained in care and treatment as compared to clients who were enrolled prior UTT strategy, (HR=1.27; 95% CI [1.21 -1.33], p value < 0.001). Sex, District councils, World health Organisation (WHO) stage and client's visit type were significant factors associated with retention among clients newly initiated to care for both arms. Conclusion this results, showed that probability of ART retention increased after the rollout of UTT strategy. There is a need to promote universal test and treat strategy in line with other intervention to control HIV epidemic in Geita, Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Masuke
- Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Section, Geita Regional Secretariat, Geita Region, Tanzania
| | - Yohane Kihaga
- Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Section, Geita Regional Secretariat, Geita Region, Tanzania
| | - Michael Mashala
- Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Section, Geita Regional Secretariat, Geita Region, Tanzania
| | - Saimon Ndalio
- Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Section, Geita Regional Secretariat, Geita Region, Tanzania
| | - Omari Sukari
- Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Section, Geita Regional Secretariat, Geita Region, Tanzania
| | - Onna Panga
- Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Section, Geita Regional Secretariat, Geita Region, Tanzania
- Management and Development for Health (MDH), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
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Bekolo CE, Ndeso SA, Moifo LL, Mangala N, Yimdjo TD, Ateudjieu J, Kouanfack C, Djam A, Tabah EN, Whegang S, Mapa-Tassou C, Tendongfor N, Nsagha DS, Choukem SP. Universal test and treat in Cameroon: a comparative retrospective analysis of mortality and loss to follow-up before and after a strategic change in approach to HIV care. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:191. [PMID: 38020352 PMCID: PMC10656581 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.191.40448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction an increasing number of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) since the adoption of the universal test and treat (UTT) policy by Cameroon in 2016. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the UTT approach to keep this growing number of PLHIV on a lifelong treatment. Methods a retrospective cohort analysis was conducted at the Nkongsamba Regional Hospital between 2002 and 2020, using routine data to compare the cumulative incidence of loss to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality between PLHIV initiated on ART under UTT guidelines and those initiated under the standard deferred approach. Chi-squared test was used to compare the risk of attrition between the guideline periods while multiple logistic regression modelling was used to adjust for confounders. Results of 1627 PLHIV included for analysis, 756 (46.47%) were enrolled during the era of UTT with 545 (33.54%) initiated on ART on the same day of HIV diagnosis. The transition to the UTT era was associated with an overall reduction in the risk of LTFU by 73% (aOR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.17 - 0.45). There was modest evidence that the odds of mortality had increased under the UTT policy by about 3-fold (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI: 0.91-8.94). Same-day initiation had no overall effect on LTFU or mortality. LTFU was lower among the same-day initiators in the first 24 months but increased thereafter above the rate among late initiators. Conclusion overall ART programme implementation under the UTT has led to a significant decline in LTFU though mortality appeared to have increased. Ongoing efforts to keep patients on long-term treatment should be sustained while other innovative schemes are sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cavin Epie Bekolo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Sylvester Atanga Ndeso
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Linda Lucienne Moifo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Nkwele Mangala
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Jerome Ateudjieu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Charles Kouanfack
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Alain Djam
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Earnest Njih Tabah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Solange Whegang
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Clarisse Mapa-Tassou
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Nicolas Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Dickson Shey Nsagha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Siméon-Pierre Choukem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Makurumidze R, Decroo T, Jacobs BKM, Rusakaniko S, Van Damme W, Lynen L, Gils T. Attrition one year after starting antiretroviral therapy before and after the programmatic implementation of HIV "Treat All" in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:558. [PMID: 37641003 PMCID: PMC10463759 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08551-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence on the real-world effects of "Treat All" on attrition has not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to review existing literature to compare attrition 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, before and after "Treat All" was implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa and describe predictors of attrition. METHODS We searched Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science in July 2020 and created alerts up to the end of June 2023. We also searched for preprints and conference abstracts. Two co-authors screened and selected the articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We extracted and tabulated data on study characteristics, attrition 12 months after ART initiation, and predictors of attrition. We calculated a pooled risk ratio for attrition using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Eight articles and one conference abstract (nine studies) out of 8179 screened records were included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects adjusted pooled risk ratio (RR) comparing attrition before and after "Treat All" 12 months after ART initiation was not significant [RR = 1.07 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.91-1.24)], with 92% heterogeneity (I2). Being a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, starting ART with advanced HIV, and starting ART within the same week were reported as risk factors for attrition both before and after "Treat All". CONCLUSIONS We found no significant difference in attrition before and after "Treat All" one year after ART initiation. While "Treat All" is being implemented widely, differentiated approaches to enhance retention should be prioritised for those subgroups at risk of attrition. PROSPERO NUMBER CRD42020191582 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart K M Jacobs
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Gerontology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tinne Gils
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Clinical Sciences Department, Antwerp, Belgium
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Lavoie MCC, Ehoche A, Blanco N, Ahmed El-Imam I, Oladipo A, Dalhatu I, Odafe S, Adebajo S, Ng AH, Rapoport L, Lawton JG, Obanubi C, Onotu D, Patel S, Ikpeazu A, Ashefor G, Adebobola B, Adetinuke Boyd M, Aliyu G, Stafford KA. Effect of Test and Treat on clinical outcomes in Nigeria: A national retrospective study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284847. [PMID: 37607206 PMCID: PMC10443836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Nigeria, results from the pilot of the Test and Treat strategy showed higher loss to follow up (LTFU) among people living with HIV compared to before its implementation. The aim of this evaluation was to assess the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation within 14 days on LTFU at 12 months and viral suppression. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected de-identified patient-level data hosted on the Nigeria National Data Repository from 1,007 facilities. The study population included people living with HIV age ≥15. We used multivariable Cox proportional frailty hazard models to assess time to LTFU comparing ART initiation strategy and multivariable log-binomial regression for viral suppression. RESULTS Overall, 26,937 (38.13%) were LTFU at 12 months. Among individuals initiated within 14 days, 38.4% were LTFU by 12 months compared to 35.4% for individuals initiated >14 days (p<0.001). In the adjusted analysis, individuals who were initiated ≤14 days after HIV diagnosis had a higher hazard of being LTFU (aHR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.20) than individuals initiated after 14 days of HIV diagnosis. Among individuals with viral load results, 86.2% were virally suppressed. The adjusted risk ratio for viral suppression among individuals who were initiated ≤14 days compared to >14 days was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION LTFU was higher among individuals who were initiated within 14 days compared to greater than 14 days after HIV diagnosis. There was no difference for viral suppression. The provision of early tailored interventions to support newly diagnosed people living may contribute to reducing LTFU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude C Lavoie
- Division of Global Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Akipu Ehoche
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Natalia Blanco
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ibrahim Ahmed El-Imam
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, MGIC-an Affiliate of the University of Maryland Baltimore, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ademola Oladipo
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CGH/DGHT, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Dalhatu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CGH/DGHT, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Solomon Odafe
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CGH/DGHT, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sylvia Adebajo
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, MGIC-an Affiliate of the University of Maryland Baltimore, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Alexia H Ng
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CGH/DGHT, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Laura Rapoport
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jonathan G Lawton
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Denis Onotu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CGH/DGHT, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sadhna Patel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CGH/DGHT, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Akudo Ikpeazu
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme-Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Greg Ashefor
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Bashorun Adebobola
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme-Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | | | - Gambo Aliyu
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Kristen A Stafford
- Division of Global Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Wu X, Wu G, Ma P, Wang R, Li L, Sun Y, Xu J, Li Y, Zhang T, Li Q, Yang Y, Wang L, Xin X, Qiao Y, Fang B, Lu Z, Zhou X, Chen Y, Liu Q, Fu G, Wei H, Huang X, Su B, Wang H, Zou H. Immediate and long-term outcomes after treat-all among people living with HIV in China: an interrupted time series analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:73. [PMID: 37580822 PMCID: PMC10424386 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01119-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2003, China implemented free antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV (PLHIV), establishing an eligibility threshold of CD4 < 200 cells/μl. Subsequently, the entry criteria were revised in 2012 (eligibility threshold: CD4 ≤ 350 cells/μl), 2014 (CD4 ≤ 500 cells/μl), and 2016 (treat-all). However, the impact of treat-all policy on HIV care and treatment indicators in China is unknown. We aimed to elucidate the immediate and long-term impact of the implementation of treat-all policy in China. METHODS Anonymized programmatic data on ART initiation and collection in PLHIV who newly started ART were retrieved between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019, from two provincial and municipal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and ten major infectious disease hospitals specialized in HIV care in China. We used Poisson and quasi-Poisson segmented regression models to estimate the immediate and long-term impact of treat-all on three key indicators: monthly proportion of 30-day ART initiation, mean CD4 counts (cells/μl) at ART initiation, and mean estimated time from infection to diagnosis (year). We built separate models according to gender, age, route of transmission and region. RESULTS Monthly data on ART initiation and collection were available for 75,516 individuals [gender: 83.8% males; age: median 39 years, interquartile range (IQR): 28-53; region: 18.5% Northern China, 10.9% Northeastern China, 17.5% Southern China, 49.2% Southwestern China]. In the first month of treat-all, compared with the contemporaneous counterfactual, there was a significant increase in proportion of 30-day ART initiation [+ 12.6%, incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.126, 95% CI: 1.033-1.229; P = 0.007] and mean estimated time from infection to diagnosis (+ 7.0%, IRR = 1.070, 95% CI: 1.021-1.120; P = 0.004), while there was no significant change in mean CD4 at ART initiation (IRR = 0.990, 95% CI: 0.956-1.026; P = 0.585). By December 2019, the three outcomes were not significantly different from expected levels. In the stratified analysis, compared with the contemporaneous counterfactual, mean CD4 at ART initiation showed significant increases in Northern China (+ 3.3%, IRR = 1.033, 95% CI: 1.001-1.065; P = 0.041) and Northeastern China (+ 8.0%, IRR = 1.080, 95% CI: 1.003-1.164; P = 0.042) in the first month of treat-all; mean estimated time from infection to diagnosis showed significant increases in male (+ 5.6%, IRR = 1.056, 95% CI: 1.010-1.104; P = 0.016), female (+ 14.8%, IRR = 1.148, 95% CI: 1.062-1.240; P < 0.001), aged 26-35 (+ 5.3%, IRR = 1.053, 95% CI: 1.001-1.109; P = 0.048) and > 50 (+ 7.8%, IRR = 1.078, 95% CI: 1.000-1.161; P = 0.046), heterosexual transmission (+ 12.4%, IRR = 1.124, 95% CI: 1.042-1.213; P = 0.002) and Southwestern China (+ 12.9%, IRR = 1.129, 95% CI: 1.055-1.208; P < 0.001) in the first month of treat-all. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of treat-all policy in China was associated with a positive effect on HIV care and treatment outcomes. To advance the work of rapid ART, efforts should be made to streamline the testing and ART initiation process, provide comprehensive support services, and address the issue of uneven distribution of medical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinsheng Wu
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Institute for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Association of STD/AIDS Prevention and Control, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Rugang Wang
- Dalian Public Health Clinical Center, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Linghua Li
- Infectious Disease Center, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghui Sun
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Clinical Research Academy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai, Feng Tai District, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanmin Li
- Infectious Disease Center, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuecheng Yang
- Dehong Prefecture Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dehong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijing Wang
- Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Xin
- No.6 People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Qiao
- No.2 Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingxue Fang
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Lu
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyi Chen
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Liu
- Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Gengfeng Fu
- Department of STD/AIDS Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxia Wei
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 1-1 Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210036, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai, Feng Tai District, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Su
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai, Feng Tai District, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Wang
- National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern, University of Science and Technology, Bulan Road 29#, Longgang District, Shenzhen, 518112, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Kassa S, Dingeta T, Gobana T, Dufera T. Incidence and predictors of attrition among adults receiving first line anti-retroviral therapy at public health facility in Adea Berga district, Oromia, Ethiopia. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036231197194. [PMID: 37693738 PMCID: PMC10492486 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231197194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background According to current estimates, there are 665,723 people in Ethiopia who have human immunodeficiency syndrome. As Ethiopia inches closer to attaining the 95/95/95 targets for treatment coverage and reaching epidemic control, however, attrition from anti-retroviral treatment is still one of the key programmatic challenges. Objective To assess the incidence of attrition rate and its predictors among adult HIV patients receiving anti retro viral treatment at Public Health Facility in Adea Berga/Enchini District. Method A 6-year (June 28, 2015 to June 27, 2021) institution-based retrospective cohort study was used to recruit 540 study participants by using simple random sampling. Data were obtained from chart review, coded, entered into Epi Data, and exported to Stata 14.2 software for analysis. At least 1 month missed appointment is considered as attrition and the predictors of attrition were identified using bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to find predictors of attrition, p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results From the total 540 study participant, 158 (29.26%) patients were discontinuing from follow up making the incidence rate of attrition 9.50 per 100 person years .Being WHO clinical stage III or IV (AHR = 1.96,), non-practice of Appointment spacing model (AHR = 3.98), poor or fair ART adherence level (AHR = 6.47), age groups (15-24) years (AHR = 1.73) and Others ART linkage points[index case testing, tuberculosis clinic and referral from private/public health institutions] (AHR = 1.76) were significantly associated. Conclusions The study showed that the incidence of attrition among adults receiving antiretroviral therapy was high. Patient sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors were significantly associated with patients on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seifu Kassa
- Boloso Bombe District Health Office, South Ethiopia Regional State, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tariku Dingeta
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Gobana
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Dufera
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Nicol E, Basera W, Mukumbang FC, Cheyip M, Mthethwa S, Lombard C, Jama N, Pass D, Laubscher R, Bradshaw D. Linkage to HIV Care and Early Retention in Care Rates in the Universal Test-and-Treat Era: A Population-based Prospective Study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1068-1081. [PMID: 36098845 PMCID: PMC10020822 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03844-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
HIV linkage, and retention are key weaknesses in South Africa's national antiretroviral therapy (ART) program, with the greatest loss of patients in the HIV treatment pathway occurring before ART initiation. This study investigated linkage-to and early-retention-in-care (LTRIC) rates among adults newly diagnosed with HIV in a high-HIV prevalent rural district. We conducted an observational prospective cohort study to investigate LTRIC rates for adults with a new HIV diagnosis in South Africa. Patient-level survey and clinical data were collected using a one-stage-cluster design from 18 healthcare facilities and triangulated between HIV and laboratory databases and registered deaths from Department of Home Affairs. We used Chi-square tests to assess associations between categorical variables, and results were stratified by HIV status, sex, and age. Of the 5,637 participants recruited, 21.2% had confirmed HIV, of which 70.9% were women, and 46.5% were aged 25-34 years. Although 82.7% of participants were linked-to-care within 3 months, only 46.1% remained-in-care 12 months after initiating ART and 5.2% were deceased. While a significantly higher proportion of men were linked-to-care at 3 months compared to women, a significant proportion of women (49.5%) remained-in-care at 12 months than men (38.0%). Post-secondary education and child support grants were significantly associated with retention. We found high linkage-to-care rates, but less than 50% of participants remained-in-care at 12 months. Significant effort is required to retain people living with HIV in care, especially during the first year after ART initiation. Our findings suggest that interventions could target men to encourage HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa.
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Mireille Cheyip
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ngcwalisa Jama
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Desiree Pass
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
| | - Ria Laubscher
- Biostatistics, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, Cape Town, P.O. Box 19070, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Teeraananchai S, Kerr SJ, Ruxrungtham K, Khananuraksa P, Puthanakit T. Long-term outcomes of rapid antiretroviral NNRTI-based initiation among Thai youth living with HIV: a national registry database study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26071. [PMID: 36943729 PMCID: PMC10029993 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Thai National AIDS programme (NAP) treatment guidelines have recommended rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, regardless of CD4 count since 2014. We assessed treatment outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLHIV), initiating first-line ART and assessed the association between virological failure (VF) and timing of ART initiation. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data for YLHIV aged 15-24 years, initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART from 2014 to 2019, through the NAP database. We classified the timing of ART into three groups based on duration from HIV-positive diagnosis or system registration to ART initiation: (1) <1 month (rapid ART); (2) 1-3 months (intermediate ART); and (3) >3 months (delayed ART). VF was defined as viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml after at least 6 months of first-line ART. Factors associated with VF were analysed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Of 19,825 YLHIV who started ART, 78% were male. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 21 (20-23) years and CD4 count was 338 (187-498) cells/mm3 . After registration, 12,216 (62%) started rapid ART, 4272 (22%) intermediate ART and 3337 (17%) delayed ART. The proportion of YLHIV starting ART <30 days significantly increased from 43% to 57% from 2014-2016 to 2017-2019 (p < 0.001). The median duration of first-line therapy was 2 (IQR 1-3) years and 89% started with efavirenz-based regimens. Attrition outcomes showed that 325 (2%) died (0.73 [95% CI 0.65-0.81] per 100 person-years [PY]) and 1762 (9%) were loss to follow-up (3.96 [95% CI 3.78-4.15] per 100 PY). Of 17,512 (88%) who had VL checked from 6 to 12 months after starting treatment, 80% achieved VL <200 copies/ml. Overall, 2512 experienced VF 5.87 (95% CI 5.65-6.11) per 100 PY). In a multivariate model, the adjusted incidence rate ratio for VF was 1.47 (95% CI 1.33-1.63, p < 0.001) in the delayed ART group and 1.14 (95% CI 1.03-1.25, p< 0.001) in the intermediate ART group, compared to YLHIV in the rapid ART group. CONCLUSIONS Rapid ART initiation after diagnosis was associated with significantly reduced risks of VF and death in YLHIV, supporting the implementation of rapid ART for optimizing health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinya Teeraananchai
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stephen J Kerr
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biostatistics Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (ChulaVRC), School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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12
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Wroe EB, Mailosi B, Price N, Kachimanga C, Shah A, Kalanga N, Dunbar EL, Nazimera L, Gizaw M, Boudreaux C, Dullie L, Neba L, McBain RK. Economic evaluation of integrated services for non-communicable diseases and HIV: costs and client outcomes in rural Malawi. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063701. [PMID: 36442898 PMCID: PMC9710473 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the costs and client outcomes associated with integrating screening and treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) into HIV services in a rural and remote part in southeastern Africa. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Primary and secondary level health facilities in Neno District, Malawi. PARTICIPANTS New adult enrollees in Integrated Chronic Care Clinics (IC3) between July 2016 and June 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We quantified the annualised total and per capita economic cost (US$2017) of integrated chronic care, using activity-based costing from a health system perspective. We also measured enrolment, retention and mortality over the same period. Furthermore, we measured clinical outcomes for HIV (viral load), hypertension (controlled blood pressure), diabetes (average blood glucose), asthma (asthma severity) and epilepsy (seizure frequency). RESULTS The annualised total cost of providing integrated HIV and NCD care was $2 461 901 to provide care to 9471 enrollees, or $260 per capita. This compared with $2 138 907 for standalone HIV services received by 6541 individuals, or $327 per capita. Over the 12-month period, 1970 new clients were enrolled in IC3, with a retention rate of 80%. Among clients with HIV, 81% achieved an undetectable viral load within their first year of enrolment. Significant improvements were observed among clinical outcomes for clients enrolled with hypertension, asthma and epilepsy (p<0.05, in all instances), but not for diabetes (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS IC3 is one of the largest examples of fully integrated HIV and NCD care. Integrating screening and treatment for chronic health conditions into Malawi's HIV platform appears to be a financially feasible approach associated with several positive clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Wroe
- Program in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social Change, Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Natalie Price
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Adarsh Shah
- Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Noel Kalanga
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Elizabeth L Dunbar
- Department of Human Centered Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Chantelle Boudreaux
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Liberty Neba
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ryan K McBain
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
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Uptake and effect of universal test-and-treat on twelve months retention and initial virologic suppression in routine HIV program in Kenya. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277675. [PMID: 36413522 PMCID: PMC9681077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), as recommended in WHO's universal test-and-treat (UTT) policy, is associated with improved linkage to care, retention, and virologic suppression in controlled studies. We aimed to describe UTT uptake and effect on twelve-month non-retention and initial virologic non-suppression (VnS) among HIV infected adults starting cART in routine HIV program in Kenya. Individual-level HIV service delivery data from 38 health facilities, each representing 38 of the 47 counties in Kenya were analysed. Adults (>15 years) initiating cART between the second-half of 2015 (2015HY2) and the first-half of 2018 (2018HY1) were followed up for twelve months. UTT was defined based on time from an HIV diagnosis to cART initiation and was categorized as same-day, 1-14 days, 15-90 days, and 91+ days. Non-retention was defined as individuals lost-to-follow-up or reported dead by the end of the follow up period. Initial VnS was defined based on the first available viral load test with >400 copies/ml. Hierarchical mixed-effects survival and generalised linear regression models were used to assess the effect of UTT on non-retention and VnS, respectively. Of 8592 individuals analysed, majority (n = 5864 [68.2%]) were female. Same-day HIV diagnosis and cART initiation increased from 15.3% (2015HY2) to 52.2% (2018HY1). The overall non-retention rate was 2.8 (95% CI: 2.6-2.9) per 100 person-months. When compared to individuals initiated cART 91+ days after a HIV diagnosis, those initiated cART on the same day of a HIV diagnosis had the highest rate of non-retention (same-day vs. 91+ days; aHR, 1.7 [95% CI: 1.5-2.0], p<0.001). Of those included in the analysis, 5986 (69.6%) had a first viral load test done at a median of 6.3 (IQR, 5.6-7.6) months after cART initiation. Of these, 835 (13.9%) had VnS. There was no association between UTT and VnS (same-day vs. 91+ days; aRR, 1.0 [95% CI: 0.9-1.2], p = 0.664). Our findings demonstrate substantial uptake of the UTT policy but poor twelve-month retention and lack of an association with initial VnS from routine HIV settings in Kenya. These findings warrant consideration for multi-pronged program interventions alongside UTT policy for maximum intended benefits in Kenya.
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Bantie B, Abate MW, Nigat AB, Birlie TA, Dires T, Minuye T, Kerebeh G, Tiruneh CM, Misganaw NM, Chanie ES, Feleke DG, Mulu AT, Demssie B, Fentie TA, Abate MD, Abate M, Ali AS, Dessie G. Attrition rate and its predictors among adults receiving anti-retroviral therapy following the implementation of the “Universal Test and Treat strategy” at public health institutions in Northern Ethiopia. A retrospective follow-up study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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15
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Farley SM, Wang C, Bray RM, Low AJ, Delgado S, Hoos D, Kakishozi AN, Harris TG, Nyirenda R, Wadonda N, Li M, Amuri M, Juma J, Kancheya N, Pietersen I, Mutenda N, Natanael S, Aoko A, Ngugi EW, Asiimwe F, Lecher S, Ward J, Chikwanda P, Mugurungi O, Moyo B, Nkurunziza P, Aibo D, Kabala A, Biraro S, Ndagije F, Musuka G, Ndongmo C, Shang J, Dokubo EK, Dimite LE, McCullough-Sanden R, Bissek AC, Getaneh Y, Eshetu F, Nkumbula T, Tenthani L, Kayigamba FR, Kirungi W, Musinguzi J, Balachandra S, Kayirangwa E, Ayite A, West CA, Bodika S, Sleeman K, Patel HK, Brown K, Voetsch AC, El-Sadr WM, Justman JJ. Progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets among persons aged 50 and older living with HIV in 13 African countries. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25 Suppl 4:e26005. [PMID: 36176030 PMCID: PMC9522983 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Achieving optimal HIV outcomes, as measured by global 90‐90‐90 targets, that is awareness of HIV‐positive status, receipt of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy among aware and viral load (VL) suppression among those on ARVs, respectively, is critical. However, few data from sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) are available on older people (50+) living with HIV (OPLWH). We examined 90‐90‐90 progress by age, 15–49 (as a comparison) and 50+ years, with further analyses among 50+ (55–59, 60–64, 65+ vs. 50–54), in 13 countries (Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Methods Using data from nationally representative Population‐based HIV Impact Assessments, conducted between 2015and 2019, participants from randomly selected households provided demographic and clinical information and whole blood specimens for HIV serology, VL and ARV testing. Survey weighted outcomes were estimated for 90‐90‐90 targets. Country‐specific Poisson regression models examined 90‐90‐90 variation among OPLWH age strata. Results Analyses included 24,826 HIV‐positive individuals (15–49 years: 20,170; 50+ years: 4656). The first, second and third 90 outcomes were achieved in 1, 10 and 5 countries, respectively, by those aged 15–49, while OPLWH achieved outcomes in 3, 13 and 12 countries, respectively. Among those aged 15–49, women were more likely to achieve 90‐90‐90 targets than men; however, among OPLWH, men were more likely to achieve first and third 90 targets than women, with second 90 achievement being equivalent. Country‐specific 90‐90‐90 regression models among OPLWH demonstrated minimal variation by age stratum across 13 countries. Among OLPWH, no first 90 target differences were noted by age strata; three countries varied in the second 90 by older age strata but not in a consistent direction; one country showed higher achievement of the third 90 in an older age stratum. Conclusions While OPLWH in these 13 countries were slightly more likely than younger people to be aware of their HIV‐positive status (first 90), this target was not achieved in most countries. However, OPLWH achieved treatment (second 90) and VL suppression (third 90) targets in more countries than PLWH <50. Findings support expanded HIV testing, prevention and treatment services to meet ongoing OPLWH health needs in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chunhui Wang
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Rachel M Bray
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Jane Low
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - David Hoos
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Angela N Kakishozi
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Tiffany G Harris
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Nellie Wadonda
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | - James Juma
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children through The National AIDS Control Program (NACP), Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, Hararre, Zimbabwe
| | - Brian Moyo
- Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, Hararre, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Dorothy Aibo
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Kabala
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Sam Biraro
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Felix Ndagije
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Godfrey Musuka
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yimam Getaneh
- Ethiopia Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tepa Nkumbula
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lyson Tenthani
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jessica J Justman
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
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16
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Nshimirimana C, Ndayizeye A, Smekens T, Vuylsteke B. Loss to follow-up of patients in HIV care in Burundi: A retrospective cohort study. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:574-582. [PMID: 35411666 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates and associated factors amongst patients in HIV care in Burundi. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study in HIV-positive patients aged ≥15 years who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) between January 2015 and July 2020, with 31 December 2020 as the end point. The outcome of LTFU was defined as failure of a patient to report for drug refill within 90 days from the last appointment. Study data were extracted from the national AIDS Info database. The LTFU proportion was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test, whereas LTFU risk factors were explored using the Cox regression model. RESULTS A total of 29,829 patients on ART were included in the analysis. Cumulative incidence of LTFU was 2.3% at 12 months, 6.5% at 24 months, 12.7% at 36 months, 19.0% at 48 months, 24.1% at 60 months and 25.3% at 72 months. The overall LTFU incidence rate was 11.2 per 100 person-years of observation. The risk of LTFU was higher amongst patients who started ART after 2016 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-1.85) or within 7 days after diagnosis (aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.21-1.35). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the relatively high incidence of LTFU in the Burundi HIV programme. Interventions targeting patients with risk factors for LTFU are particularly necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aimé Ndayizeye
- HIV/STIs Burundi National Program, Ministry of Public Health, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Tom Smekens
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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17
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HIV misconceptions among married women in Malawi: the role of household decision-making autonomy. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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18
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Mayasi N, Situakibanza H, Mbula M, Longokolo M, Maes N, Bepouka B, Ossam JO, Moutschen M, Darcis G. Retention in care and predictors of attrition among HIV-infected patients who started antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DRC, before and after the implementation of the 'treat-all' strategy. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000259. [PMID: 36962315 PMCID: PMC10022330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The retention of patients in care is a key pillar of the continuum of HIV care. It has been suggested that the implementation of a "treat-all" strategy may favor attrition (death or lost to follow-up, as opposed to retention), specifically in the subgroup of asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLWH) with high CD4 counts. Attrition in HIV care could mitigate the success of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. We performed a retrospective study of PLWH at least 15 years old initiating ART in 85 HIV care centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between 2010 and 2019, with the objective of measuring attrition and to define factors associated with it. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics recorded at ART initiation included sex, age, weight, height, WHO HIV stage, pregnancy, baseline CD4 cell count, start date of ART, and baseline and last ART regimen. Attrition was defined as death or loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU was defined as "not presenting to an HIV care center for at least 180 days after the date of a last missed visit, without a notification of death or transfer". Kaplan-Meier curves were used to present attrition data, and mixed effects Cox regression models determined factors associated with attrition. The results compared were before and after the implementation of the "treat-all" strategy. A total of 15,762 PLWH were included in the study. Overall, retention in HIV care was 83% at twelve months and 77% after two years of follow-up. The risk of attrition increased with advanced HIV disease and the size of the HIV care center. Time to ART initiation greater than seven days after diagnosis and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk of attrition. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy modified the clinical characteristics of PLWH toward higher CD4 cell counts and a greater proportion of patients at WHO stages I and II at treatment initiation. Initiation of ART after the implementation of the 'treat all" strategy was associated with higher attrition (p<0.0001) and higher LTFU (p<0.0001). Attrition has remained high in recent years. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy was associated with higher attrition and LTFU in our study. Interventions to improve early and ongoing commitment to care are needed, with specific attention to high-risk groups to improve ART coverage and limit HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mayasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Hippolyte Situakibanza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Marcel Mbula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Murielle Longokolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ben Bepouka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Jérôme Odio Ossam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Michel Moutschen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
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19
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Limbada M, Macleod D, Situmbeko V, Muhau E, Shibwela O, Chiti B, Floyd S, Schaap AJ, Hayes R, Fidler S, Ayles H. Rates of viral suppression in a cohort of people with stable HIV from two community models of ART delivery versus facility-based HIV care in Lusaka, Zambia: a cluster-randomised, non-inferiority trial nested in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e13-e23. [PMID: 34843674 PMCID: PMC8716341 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00242-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-facility-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery for people with stable HIV might increase sustainable ART coverage in low-income and middle-income countries. Within the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial, two interventions, home-based delivery (HBD) and adherence clubs (AC), which included groups of 15-30 participants who met at a communal venue, were compared with standard of care (SoC). In this trial we looked at the effectiveness and feasibility of these alternative models of care. Specifically, this trial aimed to assess whether these models of care had similar virological suppression to that of SoC 12 months after enrolment. METHODS This was a three-arm, cluster-randomised, non-inferiority trial, done in two urban communities in Lusaka, Zambia included in the HPTN 071 trial. The two communities were split into zones, which were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to the three treatment strategies: 35 zones to the SoC group, 35 zones to the HBD group, and 34 zones to the AC group. ART and adherence support were delivered once every 3 months at home for the HBD group, in groups of 15-30 people in the AC group, or in the clinic for the SoC group. Adults with HIV who were receiving first-line ART for at least 6 months, virally suppressed using national HIV guidelines in the last 12 months, had no other health conditions requiring the clinicians attention, live in the study catchment area, and provided written informed consent, were eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint was viral suppression at 12 months (with a 6 month final measurement window [ie, 9-15 months]), defined as less than 1000 HIV RNA copies per mL, with a non-inferiority margin of 5%. FINDINGS Between May 5 and Dec 19, 2017, 9900 individuals were screened for inclusion, of whom 2489 (25·1%) participants were enrolled into the trial: 781 (31%) in the SoC group, 852 (34%) in the HBD group, and 856 (34%) in the AC group. A higher proportion of participants had viral load measurements in the primary outcome window in the HBD (581 [61%]of 852 participants) and AC (485 [57%] of 856 participants) groups than in the SoC (390 [50%] of 781 patients) group (p=0·0021). Of the 1096 missing observations, 152 (13·8%) were attributable to either deaths (25 [16%] participants), relocations (37 [24%] participants), or lost to follow-up (90 [59%]); 690 (63·0%) participants had viral load results outside the window period; and 254 (23·2%) did not have a viral load result. The prevalence of viral suppression was estimated to be 98·3% (95% CI 96·6 to 99·7) in the SoC group, 98·7% (97·5 to 99·6) in the HBD group, and 99·2% (98·4 to 99·8) in the AC group. This gave an estimated risk difference of 0·3% (95% CI -1·5 to 2·4) for the HBD group compared with the SoC group and 0·9% (-0·8 to 2·8) for the AC group compared with the SoC group. There was strong evidence (p<0·0001) that both community ART models were non-inferior to the SoC group (p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Community models of ART delivery were as effective as facility-based care in terms of viral suppression. FUNDING National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Mental Health, and President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Macleod
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Albertus J Schaap
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College and Imperial college National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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20
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Suryana K. The Impact of Universal Test and Treat Program on Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy Outcomes (Coverage, Adherence and Lost to Follow Up) at Wangaya Hospital in Denpasar, Bali-Indonesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Open AIDS J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874613602115010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
World Health Organization (WHO) (2015) recommended that all people diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive initiate Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) immediately (less than a week), irrespective of CD4 count (Universal Test and Treat / UTT) Program.
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of UTT as a current therapeutic program on HIV treatment outcomes, coverage, adherence, and lost to follow-up (LTFU) at Wangaya Hospital in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.
Methods:
A Retrospective cohort study was conducted during July 2017 - June 2018 (Pre-UTT) and September 2018 – August 2019 (Post-UTT). Around 402 medical records were selected, reviewed, and enrolled. Data were analyzed using SPSS software for windows version 24.0. Bivariate analysis (Chi-square test) was performed on all variables with a statistically significant t level of 0.05.
Results:
Among 4,322 new visitors; 3,585 (82.95%) agreed to take HIV test and 402(11.21%) were confirmed HIV reactive. Most participants confirmed HIV reactive occured at age 25-34 years old and 230 (57.21%) were male. The majority education level were primary (Junior high school) 302(75.12%), 379(94.28%) were employed and 281 (69.90%) stayed in Denpasar. About 350 (87.06%) received HAART, 298 (85.14%) with high adherence and 52 (14.86%) LTFU. Pre-UTT, HAART coverage; 83.03% (181), were statistically significant increased to 91.85% (169) post UTT (p=0.000). High adherence pre-UTT; 79.56% (144) was significantly increased to 91.12% (154) post UTT (p=0.006) and LTFU were significantly decreased; 20.44% (37) to 8.87% (15) (p=0.006).
Conclusion:
UTT program significantly improve the HIV treatment outcome (increased coverage, adherence, and decreased LTFU).
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21
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Phiri K, McBride K, Moucheraud C, Mphande M, Balakasi K, Lungu E, Kalande P, Hoffman RM, Dovel K. Community and health system factors associated with antiretroviral therapy initiation among men and women in Malawi: a mixed methods study exploring gender-specific barriers to care. Int Health 2021; 13:253-261. [PMID: 32844205 PMCID: PMC8079311 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although community and health system factors are known to be critical to timely antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, little is known about how they affect men and women. METHODS We examined community- and health system-level factors associated with ART initiation in Malawi and whether associations differ by gender; 312 ART initiates and 108 non-initiates completed a survey; a subset of 30 individuals completed an indepth interview. Quantitative data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions, with separate models by gender. Qualitative data were analyzed through constant comparison methods. RESULTS Among women, no community-level characteristics were associated with ART initiation in multivariable models; among men, receiving social support for HIV services (adjusted OR [AOR]=4.61; p<0.05) was associated with ART initiation. Two health system factors were associated with ART initiation among men and one for women: trust that accessing ART services would not lead to unwanted disclosure (women: AOR=4.51, p<0.01; men: AOR=1.71, p<0.01) and trust that clients were not turned away from ART services (men: 12.36, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Qualitative data indicate that men were concerned about unwanted disclosure due to engaging in ART services and long waiting times for services. Interventions to remove health system barriers to ART services should be explored to promote social support among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khumbo Phiri
- Partners in Hope, P.O. Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Kaitlyn McBride
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Corrina Moucheraud
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | | | - Eric Lungu
- Partners in Hope, P.O. Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Risa M Hoffman
- Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Partners in Hope, P.O. Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
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Dejen D, Jara D, Yeshanew F, Fentaw Z, Mengie Feleke T, Girmaw F, Wagaye B. Attrition and Its Predictors Among Adults Receiving First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Woldia Town Public Health Facilities, Northeast Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 13:445-454. [PMID: 33907472 PMCID: PMC8068483 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s304657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction There is an expansion and advancement of antiretroviral therapy. However, attrition of patients from HIV care is one of the major drivers of poor performance of HIV/AIDS programs, which leads to drug resistance, morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to assess the incidence of attrition and its predictors among adults receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy. Methods An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 634 adults receiving antiretroviral therapy, and study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to STATA 14.1 for further analysis. The predictors of attrition were identified using bivariable and multivariable Cox Proportional hazard models; then, variables at a p-value of less than 0.25 and 0.05 were included in the multivariable analysis and statistically significant, respectively. Results The total time observed was found to be 1807.08 person-years of observation with a median follow-up time of 2.67 years (IQR 1.25−4.67). The incidence rate of attrition was 8.36 (95% CI: 7.12−9.80) per 100 person-years. Significant predictors of attrition were being young age [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) =2.0, 95% CI, (1.11−3.58)], nearest calendar year of ART initiation [AHR =2.32, 95% CI, (1.08–5.01)], bedridden functional status [AHR=3.25, 95% CI, (1.33−7.96)], WHO stage III [AHR=3.57, 95% CI, (1.58−8.06)] and stage IV [AHR=5.46, 95% CI, (1.97−15.13)], viral load result of ≤1000 [AHR=0.11, 95% CI, (0.06−0.23)], disclosure status [AHR=2.03, 95% CI, (1.22−3.37)] and adherence level of poor [AHR=3.19, 95 CI, (1.67−6.09)]. Conclusion The result of this study showed that the incidence of attrition among adults receiving antiretroviral therapy was high. However, as a standard, every client who started antiretroviral therapy should be retained. Positive predictors of attrition were young age (15–24), recent year of ART initiation, baseline functional status, advanced WHO stage III and IV, no disclosure status, fair/poor adherence whereas, viral load result of ≤1000 copies/mL had a preventive effect on attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demeke Dejen
- Care and Treatment, Amhara Regional Health Bureau CDC Project Cluster Health Facilities HIV Case Detection Linkage, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Dube Jara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fanos Yeshanew
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Zinabu Fentaw
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfa Mengie Feleke
- Amhara Regional Health Bureau CDC Project Zonal Monitoring and Evaluation, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Fentaw Girmaw
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Wagaye
- Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Benzekri NA, Sambou JF, Ndong S, Diallo MB, Tamba IT, Faye D, Diatta JP, Faye K, Sall I, Sall F, Cisse O, Malomar JJ, Ndour CT, Sow PS, Hawes SE, Seydi M, Gottlieb GS. Food insecurity predicts loss to follow-up among people living with HIV in Senegal, West Africa. AIDS Care 2021; 34:878-886. [PMID: 33682545 PMCID: PMC8937041 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1894316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The goals of this study were to assess retention on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to identify predictors of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Senegal. HIV-positive individuals presenting for initiation of ART in Dakar and Ziguinchor were enrolled and followed for 12 months. Data were collected using interviews, clinical evaluations, laboratory analyses, chart review, and active patient tracing. Of the 207 individuals enrolled, 70% were female, 32% had no formal education, and 28% were severely food insecure. At the end of the follow-up period, 58% were retained on ART, 15% were deceased, 4% had transferred care, 5% had migrated, and 16% were lost to follow-up. Enrollment in Ziguinchor (OR 2.71 [1.01–7.22]) and severe food insecurity (OR 2.55 [1.09–5.96]) were predictive of LTFU. Sex, age, CD4 count, BMI <18.5, country of birth, marital status, number of children, household size, education, consultation with traditional healers, transportation time, and transportation cost were not associated with LTFU. The strongest predictor of severe food insecurity was lack of formal education (OR 2.75 [1.30–5.80]). Addressing the upstream drivers of food insecurity and implementing strategies to enhance food security for PLHIV may be effective approaches to reduce LTFU and strengthen the HIV care cascade in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sanou Ndong
- Services des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mouhamadou Baïla Diallo
- Services des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | | | - Khadim Faye
- Services des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Fatima Sall
- Services des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Cheikh T Ndour
- Division de Lutte contre le Sida et les IST, Ministère de la Santé et de l'Action Sociale, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Papa Salif Sow
- Services des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Stephen E Hawes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Services des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Geoffrey S Gottlieb
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Kerwin JT, Reynoso NO. You Know What I Know: Interviewer Knowledge Effects in Subjective Expectation Elicitation. Demography 2021; 58:1-29. [PMID: 33834250 PMCID: PMC8041053 DOI: 10.1215/00703370-8932274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Directly eliciting individuals' subjective beliefs via surveys is increasingly popular in social science research, but doing so via face-to-face surveys has an important downside: the interviewer's knowledge of the topic may spill over onto the respondent's recorded beliefs. Using a randomized experiment that used interviewers to implement an information treatment, we show that reported beliefs are significantly shifted by interviewer knowledge. Trained interviewers primed respondents to use the exact numbers used in the training, nudging them away from higher answers; recorded responses decreased by about 0.3 standard deviations of the initial belief distribution. Furthermore, respondents with stronger prior beliefs were less affected by interviewer knowledge. We suggest corrections for this issue from the perspectives of interviewer recruitment, survey design, and experiment setup.
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Tlhajoane M, Dzamatira F, Kadzura N, Nyamukapa C, Eaton JW, Gregson S. Incidence and predictors of attrition among patients receiving ART in eastern Zimbabwe before, and after the introduction of universal 'treat-all' policies: A competing risk analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 1:e0000006. [PMID: 36962073 PMCID: PMC10021537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
As HIV treatment is expanded, attention is focused on minimizing attrition from care. We evaluated the impact of treat-all policies on the incidence and determinants of attrition amongst clients receiving ART in eastern Zimbabwe. Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of adult patients (aged≥18 years) enrolled into care from July 2015 to June 2016-pre-treat-all era, and July 2016 to June 2017-treat-all era, selected from 12 purposively sampled health facilities. Attrition was defined as an absence from care >90 days following ART initiation. Survival-time methods were used to derive incidence rates (IRs), and competing risk regression used in bivariate and multivariable modelling. In total, 829 patients had newly initiated ART and were included in the analysis (pre-treat-all 30.6%; treat-all 69.4%). Incidence of attrition (per 1000 person-days) increased between the two time periods (pre-treat-all IR = 1.18 (95%CI: 0.90-1.56) versus treat-all period IR = 1.62 (95%CI: 1.37-1.91)). In crude analysis, patients at increased risk of attrition were those enrolled into care during the treat-all period, <34 years of age, WHO stage I at enrolment, and had initiated ART on the same day as HIV diagnosis. After accounting for mediating clinical characteristics, the difference in attrition between the pre-treat-all, and treat-all periods ceased to be statistically significant. In a full multivariable model, attrition was significantly higher amongst same-day ART initiates (aSHR = 1.47, 95%CI:1.05-2.06). Implementation of treat-all policies was associated with an increased incidence of ART attrition, driven largely by ART initiation on the same day as HIV diagnosis which increased significantly in the treat all period. Differentiated adherence counselling for patients at increased risk of attrition, and improved access to clinical monitoring may improve retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malebogo Tlhajoane
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Noah Kadzura
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Constance Nyamukapa
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jeffrey W Eaton
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Gregson
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
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26
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Factors affecting institutional delivery in Ethiopia: A multi-level analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AFRICA NURSING SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijans.2021.100331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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27
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Chauke P, Huma M, Madiba S. Lost to follow up rate in the first year of ART in adults initiated in a universal test and treat programme: a retrospective cohort study in Ekurhuleni District, South Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 37:198. [PMID: 33505567 PMCID: PMC7813655 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.198.25294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Africa adopted and implemented the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) strategy for HIV since 2016. However, the care outcomes for patients initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) through the UTT strategy have not been established. We determined the rate of lost to follow up (LTFU) and associated factors in patients who were initiated on ART through the UTT and the pre-ART strategy at 12 months post ART initiation. Methods this retrospective study analyzed the records of a cohort of patients at 12 months post the initiation of ART. We extracted data from the TIER.Net electronic database of selected facilities in a sub-district in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Factors associated with LFTU at 12 months of ART were assessed and logistic regression performed to identify predictors of LFTU. Results records of 367 patients were evaluated, and 54% were initiated ART through the UTT strategy. The mean age was 36.3 years, mean CD4 cell count at ART initiation was 341 cells/mm3, and 25% were initiated at CD4 cell count above 500 cells/mm3. LTFU at 12 months was 28%, 50% were LFTU within six months, and 28% within three months of ART. LFTU in the UTT cohort was higher than in the pre-ART cohort, patients initiated through UTT were twice more likely to be LTFU (AOR = 1.84, CI: 1.13-3.00) than pre-ART patients. Conclusion the rate of LTFU at 12 months of ART was 28%, which indicate that the retention in care rate (60%) falls far short of the triple 90 targets required for viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Chauke
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mmampedi Huma
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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28
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Zgambo M, Arabiat D, Ireson D. Uptake of health services by youth living with HIV: a focused ethnography. Int Nurs Rev 2020; 68:299-307. [PMID: 33078432 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several programs have been initiated to increase the uptake of health services amongst youth living with human immunodeficiency virus in the world, disparities in access to these care services still exist. AIM This study aimed to explore the experiences of young people as they attend the human immunodeficiency virus clinic and to identify factors affecting their uptake of health services in southern Malawi. METHODS A focused ethnography was conducted to collect data from 20 youths living with human immunodeficiency virus and aged between 15 and 24 years through one-on-one in-depth interviews and casual observations. The interviews data were analysed thematically following transcriptions. FINDINGS Two themes emerged to describe the factors that facilitated or hindered the uptake of HIV-health services. The first theme: Facilitators to the accessibility and utilization of HIV services consisted subthemes of Health personnel-related factors and Innovative healthcare delivery approach. The second theme: Barriers to utilization and accessibility of HIV service comprised of the following subthemes: Ignorance of health services available, Clinic-related factors and Consumer-related factors. CONCLUSION Efforts to support health services that are youth-friendly and easily accessible are needed to increase uptake, decrease mortality, prevent disability and promote the wellbeing of youth living with human immunodeficiency virus. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY Approaches used with this population should be youth-centred and multifaceted, recognizing both the psychosocial challenges and the vulnerability that many youths in Malawi experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zgambo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - D Arabiat
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.,Maternal and Child Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - D Ireson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, East Bunbury, WA, Australia
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Makurumidze R, Buyze J, Decroo T, Lynen L, de Rooij M, Mataranyika T, Sithole N, Takarinda KC, Apollo T, Hakim J, Van Damme W, Rusakaniko S. Patient-mix, programmatic characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition among patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) before and after the implementation of HIV "Treat All" in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240865. [PMID: 33075094 PMCID: PMC7571688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the scale-up of the HIV “Treat All” recommendation, evidence on its real-world effect on predictors of attrition (either death or lost to follow-up) is lacking. We conducted a retrospective study using Zimbabwe ART program data to assess the association between “Treat All” and, patient-mix, programmatic characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition. Methods We used patient-level data from the electronic patient monitoring system (ePMS) from the nine districts, which piloted the “Treat All” recommendation. We compared patient-mix, programme characteristics, retention and predictors of attrition (lost to follow-up, death or stopping ART) in two cohorts; before (April/May 2016) and after (January/February 2017) “Treat All”. Retention was estimated using survival analysis. Predictors of attrition were determined using a multivariable Cox regression model. Interactions were used to assess the change in predictors of attrition before and after “Treat All”. Results We analysed 3787 patients, 1738 (45.9%) and 2049 (54.1%) started ART before and after “Treat All”, respectively. The proportion of men was higher after “Treat All” (39.4.% vs 36.2%, p = 0.044). Same-day ART initiation was more frequent after “Treat All” (43.2% vs 16.4%; p<0.001) than before. Retention on ART was higher before “Treat All” (p<0.001). Among non-pregnant women and men, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of attrition after compared to before “Treat All” was 1.73 (95%CI: 1.30–2.31). The observed hazard of attrition for women being pregnant at ART initiation decreased by 17% (aHR: 1.73*0.48 = 0.83) after “Treat All”. Being male (vs female; aHR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.12–1.87) and WHO Stage IV (vs WHO Stage I-III; aHR: 2.89; 95%CI: 1.16–7.11) predicted attrition both before and after “Treat All” implementation. Conclusion Attrition was higher after “Treat All”; being male, WHO Stage 4, and pregnancy predicted attrition in both before and after Treat All. However, pregnancy became a less strong risk factor for attrition after “Treat All” implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgiums
| | | | - Madelon de Rooij
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Ngwarai Sithole
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kudakwashe C. Takarinda
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - James Hakim
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Boeke CE, Khan S, Walsh F, Hettema A, Lejeune C, Spiegelman D, Okello V, Harwell J, Mazibuko S, Bärnighausen T. Universal test and treat in relation to HIV disease progression: results from a stepped-wedge trial in Eswatini. HIV Med 2020; 22:54-59. [PMID: 32876360 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Universal test and treat (UTT) is recommended for people living with HIV (PLHIV) to reduce morbidity/mortality and minimize transmission. However, concerns exist that this strategy may lead to more crowded hospitals, longer wait times and poorer service, adversely impacting health outcomes for clients with severe disease. We assessed how UTT was related to markers of disease progression in PLHIV overall and specifically among clients with low CD4 count/high World Health Organization (WHO) stage. METHODS The analysis was conducted using data from a stepped-wedge trial of UTT in 14 government-managed health facilities in Eswatini from 2014 to 2017. Disease progression was defined as CD4 count falling below 200 cells/µL or baseline value, > 10% weight loss, body mass index (BMI) dropping below 18.5, incident tuberculosis (TB) or HIV-related death; these outcomes also were assessed individually. We assessed multivariate Cox proportional hazard models overall and specifically among clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3-4 at enrolment. RESULTS Eight hundred and seven of 3176 clients demonstrated at least one marker of disease progression over 2339 person-years of follow-up. Overall, 62.4% of clients were female; 57.2% were < 35 years old. Compared to clients not exposed to UTT, those exposed to UTT had a lower rate of disease progression overall [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46-0.78] and a lower rate of CD4 decline (aHR 0.40; 95% CI 0.27-0.58). When the analysis was limited to clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3-4, UTT was not associated with disease progression (aHR 0.92; 95% CI 0.66-1.29). CONCLUSIONS UTT reduced HIV disease progression overall and was not detrimental for clients with more severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Boeke
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Khan
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - F Walsh
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Hettema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - C Lejeune
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - D Spiegelman
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - V Okello
- Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - J Harwell
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - T Bärnighausen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
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31
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Chasimpha SJ, Mclean EM, Dube A, McCormack V, dos-Santos-Silva I, Glynn JR. Assessing the validity of and factors that influence accurate self-reporting of HIV status after testing: a population-based study. AIDS 2020; 34:931-941. [PMID: 32073446 PMCID: PMC7553190 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the validity of self-reported HIV status, and investigate factors that influence accurate reporting of HIV-positive status, in a population tested and informed of their HIV test result. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS We compared self-reported HIV status with biomarker-confirmed HIV test status among participants of Karonga Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural northern Malawi. We linked information on HIV test results to subsequent self-reported HIV status, and calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for self-reported HIV status (considered as a diagnostic test). We used Poisson regression with robust variance estimators to examine predictors of accurate self-reporting of HIV-positive status. RESULTS Among 17 445 adults who tested for HIV, were recorded as having received their HIV test results, and had a subsequent self-reported HIV status between 2007 and 2018: positive predictive value of self-reported HIV status was 98.0% (95% confidence interval: 97.3-98.7); negative predictive value was 98.3 (98.1-98.5); sensitivity was 86.1% (84.5-87.7); and specificity was 99.8% (99.7-99.9). Among true HIV-positive people, those who were younger, interviewed in community settings, and had tested for HIV longer ago were more likely to misreport their HIV-positive status. CONCLUSION In this setting, self-report provides good estimates of test-detected HIV prevalence, suggesting that it can be used when HIV test results are not available. Despite frequent HIV testing, younger people and those interviewed in community settings were less likely to accurately report their HIV-positive status. More research on barriers to self-reporting of HIV status is needed in these subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steady J.D. Chasimpha
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Estelle M. Mclean
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Albert Dube
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Karonga, Malawi
| | - Valerie McCormack
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Isabel dos-Santos-Silva
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Judith R. Glynn
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Matare T, Shewade HD, Ncube RT, Masunda K, Mukeredzi I, Takarinda KC, Dzangare J, Gonese G, Khabo BB, Choto RC, Apollo T. Anti-retroviral therapy after "Treat All" in Harare, Zimbabwe: What are the changes in uptake, time to initiation and retention? F1000Res 2020; 9:287. [PMID: 32934801 PMCID: PMC7475956 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23417.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In Zimbabwe, Harare was the first province to implement "Treat All" for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Since its roll out in July 2016, no study has been conducted to assess the changes in key programme indicators. We compared antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake, time to ART initiation from diagnosis, and retention before and during "Treat All". Methods: We conducted an ecological study to assess ART uptake among all PLHIV newly diagnosed before and during "Treat All". We conducted a cohort study to assess time to ART initiation and retention in care among all PLHIV newly initiated on ART from all electronic patient management system-supported sites (n=50) before and during "Treat All". Results: ART uptake increased from 65% (n=4619) by the end of quarter one, 2014 to 85% (n=5152) by the end of quarter four, 2018. A cohort of 2289 PLHIV was newly initiated on ART before (April-June 2015) and 1682 during "Treat all" (April-June 2017). Their age and gender distribution was similar. The proportion of PLHIV in early stages of disease was significantly higher during "Treat all" (73.2% vs. 55.6%, p<0.001). The median time to ART initiation was significantly lower during "Treat All" (31 vs. 88 days, p<0.001). Cumulative retention at three, six and 12 months was consistently lower during "Treat all" and was significant at six months (74.9% vs.78.1% p=0.022). Conclusion: Although there were benefits of early ART initiation during "Treat All", the programme should consider strategies to improve retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takura Matare
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hemant Deepak Shewade
- The Union South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India.,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Kudakwashe C Takarinda
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Paris, France
| | - Janet Dzangare
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gloria Gonese
- International Training and Education Centre for Health (I-TECH), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bekezela B Khabo
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Regis C Choto
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Matare T, Shewade HD, Ncube RT, Masunda K, Mukeredzi I, Takarinda KC, Dzangare J, Gonese G, Khabo BB, Choto RC, Apollo T. Anti-retroviral therapy after "Treat All" in Harare, Zimbabwe: What are the changes in uptake, time to initiation and retention? F1000Res 2020; 9:287. [PMID: 32934801 PMCID: PMC7475956 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23417.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In Zimbabwe, Harare was the first province to implement "Treat All" for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Since its roll out in July 2016, no study has been conducted to assess the changes in key programme indicators. We compared antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake, time to ART initiation from diagnosis, and retention before and during "Treat All". Methods: We conducted an ecological study to assess ART uptake among all PLHIV newly diagnosed before and during "Treat All". We conducted a cohort study to assess time to ART initiation and retention in care among all PLHIV newly initiated on ART from all electronic patient management system-supported sites (n=50) before and during "Treat All". Results: ART uptake increased from 65% (n=4619) by the end of quarter one, 2014 to 85% (n=5152) by the end of quarter four, 2018. A cohort of 2289 PLHIV was newly initiated on ART before (April-June 2015) and 1682 during "Treat all" (April-June 2017). Their age and gender distribution was similar. The proportion of PLHIV in early stages of disease was significantly higher during "Treat all" (73.2% vs. 55.6%, p<0.001). The median time to ART initiation was significantly lower during "Treat All" (31 vs. 88 days, p<0.001). Cumulative retention at three, six and 12 months was consistently lower during "Treat all" and was significant at six months (74.9% vs.78.1% p=0.022). Conclusion: Although there were benefits of early ART initiation during "Treat All", the programme should consider strategies to improve retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takura Matare
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hemant Deepak Shewade
- The Union South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Kudakwashe C. Takarinda
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Paris, France
| | - Janet Dzangare
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gloria Gonese
- International Training and Education Centre for Health (I-TECH), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bekezela B. Khabo
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Regis C. Choto
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- AIDS and TB Unit, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Determinants of loss to follow-up among HIV positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in a test and treat setting: A retrospective cohort study in Masaka, Uganda. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0217606. [PMID: 32255796 PMCID: PMC7138304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retaining patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) and ensuring good adherence remain cornerstone of long-term viral suppression. In this era of test and treat (T&T) policy, ensuring that patients starting ART remain connected to HIV clinics is key to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. Currently, limited studies have evaluated the effect of early ART initiation on loss to follow up in a routine health care delivery setting. We studied the cumulative incidence, incidence rate of loss to follow up (LTFU), and factors associated with LTFU in a primary healthcare clinic that has practiced T&T since 2012. Methods We retrospectively analyzed extracted routine program data on patients who started ART from January 2012 to 4th July 2016. We defined LTFU as failure of a patient to return to the HIV clinic for at least 90 days from the date of their last appointment. We calculated cumulative incidence, incidence rate and fitted a multivariable Cox proportion hazards regression model to determine factors associated with LTFU. Results Of the 7,553 patients included in our sample, 3,231 (42.8%) started ART within seven days following HIV diagnosis. There were 1,180 cases of LTFU observed over 15,807.7 person years at risk. The overall incidence rate (IR) of LTFU was 7.5 (95% CI, 7.1–7.9) per 100 person years of observation (pyo). Cumulative incidence of LTFU increased with duration of follow up from 8.9% (95% CI, 8.2–9.6%) at 6 months to 20.2% (95% CI, 19.0–21.4%) at 48 months. Predictors of elevated risk of LTFU were: starting ART within 7 days following HIV diagnosis ((aHR) = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.50–1.91), lack of a telephone set (aHR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.35–1.71), CD4 cell count of 200–350μ/ml (aHR = 1.21, 95% CI, 1.01–1.45) and baseline WHO clinical stage 3 or 4 (aHR = 1.35, 95% CI, 1.10–1.65). Factors associated with a reduced risk of LTFU were: baseline age ≥25 years (aHR ranging from 0.62, 95% CI, 0.47–0.81 for age group 25–29 years to 0.24, 95% CI, 0.13–0.44 for age group ≥50 years), at least primary education level (aHR ranging from aHR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.62–0.94 for primary education level to 0.50, 95% CI, 0.34–0.75 for post-secondary education level), and having a BMI ≥ 30 (aHR = 0.28, 95% CI, 0.15–0.51). Conclusion The risk of loss to follow up increased with time and was higher among patients who started ART within seven days following HIV diagnosis, higher among patients without a telephone set, lower among patients aged ≥ 25 years, lower among patients with at least primary education and lower among patients with BMI of ≥ 30. In this era of T&T, it will be important for HIV programs to initiate and continue enhanced therapeutic education programs that target high risk groups, as well as leveraging on mHealth to improve patients’ retention on ART throughout the cascade of care.
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Antabe R, Sano Y, Anfaara FW, Luginaah I. Reducing HIV misconceptions among females and males in Malawi: are we making progress? AIDS Care 2020; 33:408-412. [PMID: 32062982 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1728214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Policy response to endemic HIV prevalence rates in Malawi has prioritised reducing HIV misconceptions through dissemination of factual information about HIV transmission. Yet, over three decades after the implementation of these strategies, we know little about how effective they have been in dispelling misconceptions that may be associated with new HIV infections. Using the 2004, 2010 and 2015/16 Malawi Demographic and Health Surveys and applying multivariate logistic regression, this study examined how endorsement of HIV misconceptions among males and females have changed over time. For women, we found at the bivariate level that the odds of endorsing misconception about HIV transmission were higher in 2004 (OR = 1.38, p < 0.001) but lower in 2015-16 (OR = 0.92, p < 0.001) compared to 2010. We also observed that the difference between 2015-16 and 2010 in misconception endorsement was largely supressed by socioeconomic characteristics (OR = 1.06, p < 0.01). It is also found at the bivariate level that, compared to men in 2010, men in 2004 (OR = 1.23, p < 0.05) were more likely to endorse misconception about HIV transmission although those in 2015-16 (OR = 0.92, p < 0.05) were less likely to do so. Once we accounted for behavioural variables, the significant impact for 2015-16 (OR = 0.98, p > 0.05), compared to 2010, was fully attenuated. Based on our findings, we recommend increasing efforts at reaching women and men with HIV information. It is also crucial to improve women's socioeconomic status to ensure a substantial reduction in their endorsement of HIV misconceptions in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Antabe
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Yujiro Sano
- Department of Sociology, Western University, London, Canada
| | | | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, Canada
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Makurumidze R, Mutasa-Apollo T, Decroo T, Choto RC, Takarinda KC, Dzangare J, Lynen L, Van Damme W, Hakim J, Magure T, Mugurungi O, Rusakaniko S. Retention and predictors of attrition among patients who started antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe's national antiretroviral therapy programme between 2012 and 2015. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0222309. [PMID: 31910445 PMCID: PMC6946589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The last evaluation to assess outcomes for patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) through the Zimbabwe public sector was conducted in 2011, covering the 2007-2010 cohorts. The reported retention at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months were 90.7%, 78.1%, 68.8% and 64.4%, respectively. We report findings of a follow-up evaluation for the 2012-2015 cohorts to assess the implementation and impact of recommendations from this prior evaluation. METHODS A nationwide retrospective study was conducted in 2016. Multi-stage proportional sampling was used to select health facilities and study participants records. The data extracted from patient manual records included demographic, baseline clinical characteristics and patient outcomes (active on treatment, died, transferred out, stopped ART and lost to follow-up (LTFU)) at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. The data were analysed using Stata/IC 14.2. Retention was estimated using survival analysis. The predictors associated with attrition were determined using a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS A total of 3,810 participants were recruited in the study. The median age in years was 35 (IQR: 28-42). Overall, retention increased to 92.4% (p-value = 0.060), 86.5% (p-value<0.001), 79.2% (p-value<0.001) and 74.4% (p-value<0.001) at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months respectively. LTFU accounted for 98% of attrition. Being an adolescent or a young adult (15-24 years) (vs adult;1.41; 95% CI:1.14-1.74), children (<15years) (vs adults; aHR 0.64; 95% CI:0.46-0.91), receiving care at primary health care facility (vs central and provincial facility; aHR 1.23; 95% CI:1.01-1.49), having initiated ART between 2014-2015 (vs 2012-2013; aHR1.45; 95%CI:1.24-1.69), having WHO Stage IV (vs Stage I-III; aHR2.06; 95%CI:1.51-2.81) and impaired functional status (vs normal status; aHR1.25; 95%CI:1.04-1.49) predicted attrition. CONCLUSION The overall retention was higher in comparison to the previous 2007-2010 evaluation. Further studies to understand why attrition was found to be higher at primary health care facilities are warranted. Implementation of strategies for managing patients with advanced HIV disease, differentiated care for adolescents and young adults and tracking of LTFU clients should be prioritised to further improve retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Makurumidze
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Tom Decroo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Foundation of Flanders, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Regis C. Choto
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kudakwashe C. Takarinda
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | - Janet Dzangare
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Wim Van Damme
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - James Hakim
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Owen Mugurungi
- AIDS & TB Unit, Ministry of Health & Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Ross J, Sinayobye JD, Yotebieng M, Hoover DR, Shi Q, Ribakare M, Remera E, Bachhuber MA, Murenzi G, Sugira V, Nash D, Anastos K. Early outcomes after implementation of treat all in Rwanda: an interrupted time series study. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25279. [PMID: 30993854 PMCID: PMC6468264 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nearly all countries in sub-Saharan Africa have adopted policies to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all persons living with HIV (Treat All), though HIV care outcomes of these programmes are not well-described. We estimated changes in ART initiation and retention in care following Treat All implementation in Rwanda in July 2016. METHODS We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of adults enrolling in HIV care at ten Rwandan health centres from July 2014 to September 2017. Using segmented linear regression, we assessed changes in levels and trends of 30-day ART initiation and six-month retention in care before and after Treat All implementation. We compared modelled outcomes with counterfactual estimates calculated by extrapolating baseline trends. Modified Poisson regression models identified predictors of outcomes among patients enrolling after Treat All implementation. RESULTS Among 2885 patients, 1803 (62.5%) enrolled in care before and 1082 (37.5%) after Treat All implementation. Immediately after Treat All implementation, there was a 31.3 percentage point increase in the predicted probability of 30-day ART initiation (95% CI 15.5, 47.2), with a subsequent increase of 1.1 percentage points per month (95% CI 0.1, 2.1). At the end of the study period, 30-day ART initiation was 47.8 percentage points (95% CI 8.1, 87.8) above what would have been expected under the pre-Treat All trend. For six-month retention, neither the immediate change nor monthly trend after Treat All were statistically significant. While 30-day ART initiation and six-month retention were less likely among patients 15 to 24 versus >24 years, the predicted probability of both outcomes increased significantly for younger patients in each month after Treat All implementation. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of Treat All in Rwanda was associated with a substantial increase in timely ART initiation without negatively impacting care retention. These early findings support Treat All as a strategy to help achieve global HIV targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ross
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | | | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Division of EpidemiologyCollege of Public HealthOhio State UniversityColumbusOHUSA
| | - Donald R Hoover
- Department of Statistics and Biostatistics and Institute for HealthHealth Care Policy and Aging ResearchRutgers the State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNJUSA
| | - Qiuhu Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Community HealthNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
| | | | | | - Marcus A Bachhuber
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | - Gad Murenzi
- Research DivisionRwanda Military HospitalKigaliRwanda
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
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