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Hampanda K, Grubbs H, Castillo-Mancilla J, Anderson PL, Thorne J, Helova A, Turan JM, Onono M, Abuogi LL. Antiretroviral therapy adherence among peripartum women with HIV in Kenya: an explanatory mixed methods study using dry blood spot measures and narrative interviews. AIDS Care 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39106970 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2383885] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACTAdherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains sub-optimal among pregnant and postpartum women with HIV (PPWH) in high HIV prevalence low resource settings with few effective behavioral interventions. A large body of qualitative literature has established general barriers and facilitators to ART adherence in PPWH at various levels (individual, interpersonal, structural). However, research exploring the underlying behavioral mechanisms of ART adherence in PPWH with objectively verified adherence biomarkers is extremely limited. We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with postpartum women in western Kenya who had linked ART drug concentrations obtained from three dried blood spot samples across the peripartum period. Among PPWH with a low drug concentration (n = 13) compared to those with continuously high drug concentrations (n = 11), distinct themes emerged related to HIV status disclosure, social support, interactions with the health system, and health beliefs. By combining ART biomarkers with patient reported challenges, there is the potential for real-time interventions to support sustained ART adherence among PPWH and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hampanda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - H Grubbs
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - J Castillo-Mancilla
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - P L Anderson
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J Thorne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - A Helova
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Sparkman Center for Global Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J M Turan
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Sparkman Center for Global Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M Onono
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - L L Abuogi
- Center for Global Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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Jopling R, Mutsvuke W, Fertig M, O'Cleirigh C, Mangezi W, Abas M. "What if I got rejected by the girl? I would rather stop the pills": barriers and facilitators of adherence to antiretroviral therapy for emerging adults aged 18-29 living with HIV in Zimbabwe. AIDS Care 2024; 36:168-178. [PMID: 38537178 PMCID: PMC11283961 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2332462] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Emerging adults aged 18-29 have high rates of viral non-suppression, and poorer adherence to ART when compared to older adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 emerging adults in Zimbabwe who had a recent history of viral non-suppression, to explore barriers and facilitators of adherence to ART. Interviews were coded using inductive thematic analysis. The mean age of participants was 23, 65% were male, and 79% reported acquiring HIV at birth. Twelve barriers to adherence were identified. Hiding HIV status due to the possible negative consequences of disclosure had a significant impact on adherence to ART. This was particularly important for emerging adults navigating starting intimate relationships. Being away from home, poverty, poor mental health, isolation, significant life events, alcohol, health systems barriers, and stigma were reported as barriers to adherence. Support from peers and family after disclosure of HIV status, phone-based reminders, problem-solving strategies to adhere, knowing others living with HIV, acted as facilitators to adherence to ART. Beliefs about medicines and relationships with health care providers acted as both barriers and facilitators to adherence. Interventions to reduce stigma, foster peer support, and therapy for common mental disorders could facilitate emerging adults aged 18-29 to adhere to ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Jopling
- Health Services and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Madison Fertig
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walter Mangezi
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Unit of Mental Health, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Melanie Abas
- Health Services and Population Research Department, King's College London, London, UK
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Comfort AB, Asiimwe S, Amaniyre G, Orrell C, Moody J, Musinguzi N, Bwana MB, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE, Tsai AC. Social networks and HIV treatment adherence among people with HIV initiating treatment in rural Uganda and peri-urban South Africa. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101593. [PMID: 38292051 PMCID: PMC10825562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Timely initiation of and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for improving HIV outcomes and reducing HIV transmissibility. Social networks, or the social relationships individuals have with each other, have been linked with positive health outcomes, but less is known about the extent to which social network composition and structure are associated with improved ART adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted an ego-centric network study among 828 previously ART-naïve PLWH presenting for ART initiation at 11 clinics in Mbarara, Uganda (rural population) and Gugulethu, South Africa (peri-urban population). We collected social network data using name generator and name interpreter questions. ART adherence was monitored over 12 months using wireless monitors (Wisepill). Our primary outcome of interest was ART adherence during the 12-month follow-up period. We used generalized linear models to estimate the associations between network measures and ART adherence. PLWH at the Uganda site (compared with the South Africa site) were less isolated, had larger social networks, and had more social ties providing sufficient social support; they were also more likely to bridge different social groups whereby not all social ties were connected to each other. In Uganda, social isolation was associated with a 5.5 percentage point reduction in ART adherence (95% confidence interval [CI] -9.95 to -1.13; p = 0.014), while having more same gender social ties was associated with higher ART adherence (b = 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.25, p = 0.025). In South Africa, there was no association between social isolation and ART adherence, and having more friendship ties (vs. family ties) was associated with lower ART adherence (b = -2.20, 95% CI -3.56 to -0.84; p = 0.002). Identifying and supporting PLWH who are isolated may facilitate optimal adherence, but understanding how networks differentially affect ART adherence by country context is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison B. Comfort
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143-1224, USA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Gideon Amaniyre
- Makerere University Joint AIDS Program, Plot 4B P.O.Box 7072 Kololo Hill Dr, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, 3 Woodlands Rd, Woodstock, 7915, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James Moody
- Department of Sociology, 268 Soc/Psych Building, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708-0088, USA
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mwebesa Bosco Bwana
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 722, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 722, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Ma H, Hu Z, Wang Z, Ma Y, Zhai H, Li J. Development and Validation of a New Comprehensive Assessment Scale of HIV-Related Psychological Distress in China: A Methodological Study. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2023; 34:292-306. [PMID: 37067998 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Instruments evaluating HIV-related psychological distress (HRPD) in people living with HIV may lack sensitivity to capture patients' psychological burden. We developed a comprehensive scale measuring HRPD and evaluated its psychometric properties. A mixed-method study was conducted from July 2021 to April 2022; it involved a literature review, semistructured interviews (n = 15), three rounds of panel discussions, two rounds of Delphi studies (n = 20), a pilot test (n = 20) to generate new scale items, and a cross-sectional survey (n = 659) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the HIV-related psychological distress scale. The scale contains 22 items across 4 subscales (i.e., disease-related distress, treatment adherence distress, identity distress, and disclosure distress). The confirmatory factor analysis revealed high goodness of fit (χ2/df = 2.412, comparative fit index = 0.916, incremental fit index = 0.917, and Tucker‒Lewis index = 0.902), showing that the HIV-related psychological distress scale is a reliable (Cronbach's α = 0.871 overall) and valid scale for evaluating HRPD in China and can be used to dynamically evaluate and monitor HRPD levels during patient follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqi Ma
- Haiqi Ma, MSN, RN, is a Graduate Student, School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Zhiguang Hu, BA, is a General Practitioner, Hongshan Street Community Health Service Center, Huangpu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Zhongqing Wang, MSN, is a Social Worker, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Education Foundation, Beijing, China. Yue Ma, MSN, RN, is a Lecturer, School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Huimin Zhai, MSN, RN, is a Professor, School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Juan Li, MSN, RN, is a Lecturer, School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Bhutada K, Chakrapani V, Gulfam FR, Ross J, Golub SA, Safren SA, Prasad R, Patel VV. Pathways Between Intersectional Stigma and HIV Treatment Engagement Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in India. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2023; 22:23259582231199398. [PMID: 37701971 PMCID: PMC10501078 DOI: 10.1177/23259582231199398] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In India and other low-and-middle-income countries, little is known about how intersectional stigma affects MSM engagement in ART. Informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework, we qualitatively examined how multiple stigmas influence ART engagement among Indian MSM. We conducted 3 focus groups (N = 22) with MSM living with HIV, aged 21-58 years, in Delhi and Hyderabad to identify potential intervention targets and solutions to improve treatment outcomes. Framework analysis and techniques were used to code and analyze translated audio-recordings. Findings revealed enacted stigma, associated with HIV and MSM identity, manifested as familial shame and healthcare discrimination, inhibiting access to support, and decreasing HIV care engagement. Anticipated stigma led to worry about disclosure and societal repercussions. Community-Based-Organizations, ART centers, and family members were primary sources of support, leading to increased ART initiation and retention. Potential solutions included using MSM peer-counselors, increasing social support, and providing HIV education to the general community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Bhutada
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), C-ShaRP, Chennai, India Chennai, India
| | | | - Jonathan Ross
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Viraj V Patel
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System Bronx, NY, USA
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Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Kriel Y, Smith PM, Mathenjwa M, Jaggernath M, Smit JA, Matthews LT, Ware NC. Influences on PrEP Uptake and Adherence Among South African Women During Periconception and Pregnancy: A Qualitative Analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:208-217. [PMID: 35771311 PMCID: PMC9245881 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, yet PrEP delivery to women in periconception and pregnancy has lagged. We report qualitative research from a study evaluating PrEP use as part of safer conception care for 330 South African women. Fifty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 study participants to identify influences on PrEP adherence. Influences were: (1) changing proximity to male partners; (2) COVID-19 lockdown; (3) mobile lifestyle; (4) PrEP-related stigma; (5) disclosure of PrEP use; and (6) pregnancy and motherhood. Data also revealed important contextual information shaping adherence influences for women, including: (a) not living with partners, (b) partners as drivers of pregnancy intention, and (c) feeling at high risk for HIV. Disclosure of PrEP use, addressing stigma, strategies for traveling with pills, and counseling on prevention effective adherence are promising components of PrEP-inclusive HIV prevention interventions for South African women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique A. Wyatt
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, USA ,Harvard Global, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Emily E. Pisarski
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, USA
| | - Yolandie Kriel
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Patricia M. Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Mxolisi Mathenjwa
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Jennifer A. Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health Research Unit (MRU), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, KZN South Africa
| | - Lynn T. Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Norma C. Ware
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 641 Huntington Ave, Boston, USA ,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
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Joseph Davey DL, Wall KM, Naidoo N, Naidoo D, Xaba G, Serao C, Malone T, Dovel K. HIV testing and linkage to ART following secondary distribution of HIV self-test kits to male partners of women living with HIV: a pilot randomized control trial in Mpumalanga, South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25937. [PMID: 35690880 PMCID: PMC9188623 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION South African men are underrepresented in HIV testing and treatment services. Secondary distribution of oral HIV self-test (HIVST) kits by women living with HIV (WLHIV) to their male partners (i.e. index partner HIVST) may increase men's testing and treatment but has been understudied. METHODS Between March and July 2021, we evaluated the effectiveness of index partner HIVST versus the standard of care (SOC) (invitations for men's facility-based testing) on men's testing in a 1:1 randomized control trial. Eligibility criteria included: WLHIV; ≥18 years of age; attending one of four high-density rural clinics; have a working cell phone; and self-reported having a primary male partner of unknown serostatus. The primary outcome was the proportion of WLHIV reporting that her partner tested for HIV within 3 months after enrolment. RESULTS We enrolled 180 WLHIV and 176 completed an endline survey (mean age = 35 years, 15% pregnant, 47% unmarried or non-cohabiting). In the HIVST arm, 78% of male partners were reported to have tested for HIV versus 55% in SOC (RR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.14-1.76). In the HIVST arm, nine men were reactive with HIVST (14% positivity), six were confirmed HIV positive with standard testing (67%) and all of those started antiretroviral therapy (ART), and four HIV-negative men started pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (5%). In SOC, six men were diagnosed with HIV (12% positivity), 100% started ART and seven HIV-negative men started PrEP (16%). One case of verbal intimate partner violence was reported in the HIVST arm. CONCLUSIONS Secondary distribution of HIVST to partners of WLHIV was acceptable and effective for improving HIV testing among men in rural South Africa in our pilot study. Interventions are needed to link reactive HIVST users to confirmatory testing and ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dvora L Joseph Davey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Gugu Xaba
- BroadReach Healthcare, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Claire Serao
- BroadReach Healthcare, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Todd Malone
- BroadReach Healthcare, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Murnane PM, Gandhi M, Bacchetti P, Getahun M, Gutin SA, Okochi H, Maeri I, Eyul P, Omoding D, Okiring J, Tallerico R, Louie A, Akullian A, Kamya MR, Bukusi EA, Charlebois ED, Camlin CS. Distinct forms of migration and mobility are differentially associated with HIV treatment adherence. AIDS 2022; 36:1021-1030. [PMID: 35652674 PMCID: PMC9178682 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined whether human mobility was associated with antiretroviral treatment adherence, measured via antiretroviral hair concentrations. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional analysis of adults on antiretroviral treatment in East Africa at baseline in an observational cohort study. METHODS Participants reported recent mobility (overnight travel) and histories of migration (changes of residence), including reasons, frequency/duration, and locations. Hair antiretroviral concentrations were analyzed using validated methods. We estimated associations between mobility and antiretroviral concentrations via linear regression adjusted for age, sex, region, years on treatment. RESULTS Among 383 participants, half were women and the median age was 40. Among men, 25% reported recent work-related mobility, 30% nonwork mobility, and 11% migrated in the past year (mostly across district boundaries); among women, 6 and 57% reported work-related and nonwork mobility, respectively, and 8% recently migrated (mostly within district). Those reporting work-related trips 2 nights or less had 72% higher hair antiretroviral levels (P = 0.02) than those who did not travel for work; in contrast, nonwork mobility (any duration, vs. none) was associated with 24% lower levels (P = 0.06). Intra-district migrations were associated with 59% lower antiretroviral levels than nonmigrants (P = 0.003) while inter-district migrations were not (27% higher, P = 0.40). CONCLUSION We found that localized/intra-district migration and nonwork travel-more common among women-were associated with lower adherence, potentially reflecting care interruptions or staying with family/friends unaware of the participants' status. In contrast, short work-related trips-more common among men-were associated with higher adherence, perhaps reflecting higher income. Adherence interventions may require tailoring by sex and forms of mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela M Murnane
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Institute for Global Health Sciences
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine
- UCSF-Hair Analytical Laboratory
| | | | - Monica Getahun
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
| | - Sarah A Gutin
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hideaki Okochi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine
- UCSF-Hair Analytical Laboratory
| | - Irene Maeri
- Centre For Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patrick Eyul
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University
| | - Daniel Omoding
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University
| | - Jaffer Okiring
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Regina Tallerico
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine
- UCSF-Hair Analytical Laboratory
| | - Alexander Louie
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine
- UCSF-Hair Analytical Laboratory
| | - Adam Akullian
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, Washington, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University
- School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth A Bukusi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
- Centre For Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin D Charlebois
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carol S Camlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Matthews LT, Orrell C, Bwana MB, Tsai AC, Psaros C, Asiimwe S, Amanyire G, Musinguzi N, Bell K, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and postpartum women during the Option B+ era: 12-month cohort study in urban South Africa and rural Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25586. [PMID: 32820622 PMCID: PMC7441010 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We conducted a cohort study to understand patterns of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence during pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy follow-up among women initiating ART in public clinics offering Option B+ in rural Uganda and urban South Africa. METHODS We collected survey data, continuously monitored ART adherence (Wisepill), HIV-RNA and pregnancy tests at zero, six and twelve months from women initiating ART in Uganda and South Africa, 2015 to 2017. The primary predictor of interest was follow-up time categorized as pregnant (pregnancy diagnosis to pregnancy end), postpartum (pregnancy end to study exit) or non-pregnancy-related (neither pregnant nor postpartum). Fractional regression models included demographics and socio-behavioural factors informed by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. We evaluated HIV-RNA at 12 months by ever- versus never-pregnant status. RESULTS In Uganda, 247 women contributed 676, 900 and 1274 months of pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy-related follow-up. Median ART adherence was consistently ≥90%: pregnancy, 94% (interquartile range [IQR] 78,98); postpartum, 90% (IQR 70,97) and non-pregnancy, 90% (IQR 80,98). Poorer adherence was associated with younger age (0.98% [95% CI 0.33%, 1.62%] average increase per year of age) and higher CD4 cell count (1.01% [0.08%, 1.94%] average decrease per 50 cells/mm3 ). HIV-RNA was suppressed among 91% (N = 135) ever-pregnant and 86% (N = 85) never-pregnant women. In South Africa, 190 women contributed 259, 624 and 1247 months of pregnancy, postpartum and non-pregnancy-related follow-up. Median adherence was low during pregnancy, 74% (IQR 31,96); postpartum, 40% (IQR 4,65) and non-pregnancy, 77% (IQR 47,92). Poorer adherence was associated with postpartum status (22.3% [95%CI 8.6%, 35.4%] average decrease compared to non-pregnancy-related follow-up) and less emotional support (1.4% [0.22%, 2.58%] average increase per unit increase). HIV-RNA was suppressed among 57% (N = 47) ever-pregnant and 86% (N = 93) never-pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS Women in rural Uganda maintained high adherence with 91% of ever-pregnant and 86% of never-pregnant women suppressing HIV-RNA at 12 months. Women in urban South Africa struggled with adherence, particularly during postpartum follow-up with median adherence of 40% and 57% of women with HIV-RNA suppression at one year, suggesting a crisis for postpartum women with HIV in South Africa. Findings suggest that effective interventions should promote emotional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn T Matthews
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
- Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Harvard Center for Population and Development StudiesBostonMAUSA
| | - Christina Psaros
- Department of PsychiatryMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center (KCRC)KabwoheUganda
| | - Gideon Amanyire
- Makerere‐Mbarara Universities Joint AIDS Program (MJAP)MbararaUganda
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- Mbarara University of Science and TechnologyMbararaUganda
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - Kathleen Bell
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | - David R Bangsberg
- School of Public HealthOregon Health and Science University/Portland State UniversityPortlandORUSA
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Center for Global HealthMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMAUSA
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