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Kiggundu R, Soh QR, Tieosapjaroen W, Fairley CK, Tucker JD, Tang W, Zhang L, Ong JJ. Restarting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 72:102647. [PMID: 38800799 PMCID: PMC11127197 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background High coverage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will reduce HIV transmission and help end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. However, PrEP users face challenges, including long-term adherence. The study aimed to document the proportions of individuals who restart HIV PrEP after they stop and the reasons for restarting PrEP. Methods This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Global Health, Medline, Scopus, and PsychINFO for peer-reviewed with no date restrictions. A grey literature search was conducted through Google search, a search of abstract books of AIDS conferences and the websites of WHO and UNAIDS. The data search was conducted in April 2023 and updated in February 2024. Two authors extracted data on the proportion of people who stopped and then restarted PrEP, reasons for restarting, and strategies to support people restarting PrEP. Two authors appraised the data using the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Tools. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to pool estimates of restarting. We conducted meta-regression to determine potential sources of heterogeneity. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023416777. However, we deviated from our original plan as we did not identify enough studies for strategies to support restarting PrEP (primary objective). Subsequently, we revised our plan to strengthen our secondary objective to quantify the proportion of people who stopped and restarted PrEP, and explore possible reasons for its heterogeneity. Findings Of 988 studies, 30 unique studieswere included: 27 reported the proportion restarting PrEP, and of these, 7 also reported reasons for restarting PrEP, and 3 studies reported only on the reasons for restarting PrEP. No study evaluated interventions for restarting PrEP. For the meta-analysis, we included 27 studies. Most studies were from high-income countries (17/27, 63%) or the USA (15/27, 56%). Overall, 23.8% (95% CI: 15.9-32.7, I2 = 99.8%, N = 85,683) of people who stopped PrEP restarted PrEP. There was a lower proportion of restarting in studies from middle-income countries compared to high-income countries (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.6, 95% CI: 0.50-0.73, p < 0.001). There was higher restarting in studies from Africa compared to the USA (aOR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30-1.86), heterosexual populations compared to men who have sex with men or transgender women (aOR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.25-1.81, p < 0.001) and in studies defining restarting as those who had stopped PrEP for >1 month compared to those who stopped <1 month (aOR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06-1.36, p < 0.001). Reasons for restarting PrEP included perceived higher risk for HIV acquisition and removal of barriers to access PrEP. In terms of quality assessment, overall, both randomised controlled trials had a low risk of bias, while the observational studies used in the meta-analysis had some potential risk of bias related to not explicitly addressing potential confounders (15/25, 60%) or not describing strategies to address incomplete follow-up (24/25, 96%). Interpretation About a quarter of people who stopped PrEP would restart, with substantial variation across countries and populations. It is important to understand the motivations and contextual factors influencing restarting PrEP and the support systems to enable restarting PrEP for those at ongoing risk. Funding Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Kiggundu
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Qi Rui Soh
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Warittha Tieosapjaroen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Ortblad KF, Kuo AP, Mogere P, Roche SD, Kiptinness C, Wairimu N, Gakuo S, Baeten JM, Ngure K. Low selection of HIV PrEP refills at private pharmacies among clients who initiated PrEP at public clinics: findings from a mixed-methods study in Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:618. [PMID: 38730398 PMCID: PMC11088131 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10995-0] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Africa, the delivery of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at public healthcare clinics is challenged by understaffing, overcrowding, and HIV-associated stigma, often resulting in low PrEP uptake and continuation among clients. Giving clients the option to refill PrEP at nearby private pharmacies, which are often more convenient and have shorter wait times, may address these challenges and improve PrEP continuation. METHODS This mixed methods study used an explanatory sequential design. At two public clinics in Kiambu County, Kenya, clients ≥ 18 years initiating PrEP were given the option to refill PrEP at the clinic where they initiated for free or at one of three nearby private pharmacies for 300 Kenyan Shillings (~ $3 US Dollars). The providers at these pharmacies (pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists) were trained in PrEP service delivery using a prescribing checklist and provider-assisted HIV self-testing, both with remote clinician oversight. Clients were followed up to seven months, with scheduled refill visits at one, four, and seven months. The primary outcomes were selection of pharmacy-based PrEP refills and PrEP continuation. Following pilot completion, 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with clients who refilled PrEP were completed. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to assess study outcomes. RESULTS From November 2020 to November 2021, 125 PrEP clients were screened and 106 enrolled. The majority (59%, 63/106) of clients were women and the median age was 31 years (IQR 26-38 years). Over 292 client-months of follow-up, 41 clients (39%) refilled PrEP; only three (3%) at a participating pharmacy. All clients who completed IDIs refilled PrEP at clinics. The reasons why clients did not refill PrEP at pharmacies included: a preference for clinic-delivered PrEP services (i.e., pre-existing relationships, access to other services), concerns about pharmacy-delivered PrEP services (i.e., mistrust, lower quality care, costs), and lack of knowledge of this refill location. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that clients who initiate PrEP at public clinics in Kenya may have already overcome barriers to clinic-delivered PrEP services and prefer PrEP access there. To reach new populations that could benefit from PrEP, a stand-alone model of pharmacy-delivered PrEP services may be needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04558554 [registered: June 5, 2020].
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
| | - Alexandra P Kuo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephanie D Roche
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Njeri Wairimu
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen Gakuo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Gelderblom HC, Corey L, Barouch DH. The potential of broadly neutralizing antibodies for HIV prevention. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26257. [PMID: 38757844 PMCID: PMC11100278 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Huub C. Gelderblom
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Lawrence Corey
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Dan H. Barouch
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Wyatt MA, Pisarski EE, Nalumansi A, Kasiita V, Kamusiime B, Nalukwago GK, Thomas D, Muwonge TR, Mujugira A, Heffron R, Ware NC. How PrEP delivery was integrated into public ART clinics in central Uganda: A qualitative analysis of implementation processes. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002916. [PMID: 38452111 PMCID: PMC10919847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Tailored delivery strategies are important for optimizing the benefit and overall reach of PrEP in sub-Saharan Africa. An integrated approach of delivering time-limited PrEP in combination with ART to serodifferent couples encourages PrEP use in the HIV-negative partner as a bridge to sustained ART use. Although PrEP has been delivered in ART clinics for many years, the processes involved in integrating PrEP into ART services are not well understood. The Partners PrEP Program was a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial of integrated PrEP and ART delivery for HIV serodifferent couples in 12 public health facilities in central Uganda (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03586128). Using qualitative data, we identified and characterized key implementation processes that explain how PrEP delivery was integrated into existing ART services in the Partners PrEP Program. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposefully-selected sub-sample of 83 members of 42 participating serodifferent couples, and with 36 health care providers implementing integrated delivery. High quality training, technical supervision, and teamwork were identified as key processes supporting providers to implement PrEP delivery. Interest in the PrEP program was promoted through the numerous ways health care providers made integrated ART and PrEP meaningful for serodifferent couples, including tailored counseling messages, efforts to build confidence in integrated delivery, and strategies to create demand for PrEP. Couples in the qualitative sample responded positively to providers' efforts to promote the integrated strategy. HIV-negative partners initiated PrEP to preserve their relationships, which inspired their partners living with HIV to recommit to ART adherence. Lack of disclosure among couples and poor retention on PrEP were identified as barriers to implementation of the PrEP program. A greater emphasis on understanding the meaning of PrEP for users and its contribution to implementation promises to strengthen future research on PrEP scale up in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique A. Wyatt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Global, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily E. Pisarski
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Vicent Kasiita
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Kamusiime
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Dorothy Thomas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Norma C. Ware
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Zewdie KB, Ngure K, Mwangi M, Mwangi D, Maina S, Etyang L, Maina G, Ogello V, Owidi E, Mugo NR, Baeten JM, Mugwanya KK. Effect of differentiated direct-to-pharmacy PrEP refill visits supported with client HIV self-testing on clinic visit time and early PrEP continuation. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26222. [PMID: 38446643 PMCID: PMC10935714 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26222] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delivery of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being scaled up in Africa, but clinic-level barriers including lengthy clinic visits may threaten client continuation on PrEP. METHODS Between January 2020 and January 2022, we conducted a quasi-experimental evaluation of differentiated direct-to-pharmacy PrEP refill visits at four public health HIV clinics in Kenya. Two clinics implemented the intervention package, which included direct-to-pharmacy for PrEP refill, client HIV self-testing (HIVST), client navigator, and pharmacist-led rapid risk assessment and dispensing. Two other clinics with comparable size and client volume served as contemporaneous controls with the usual clinic flow. PrEP continuation was evaluated by visit attendance and pharmacy refill records, and time and motion studies were conducted to determine time spent in the clinics. Dried blood spots were collected to test for tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) at random visits. We used logistic regression to assess the intervention effect on PrEP continuation and the Wilcoxon rank sum test to assess the effect on clinic time. RESULTS Overall, 746 clients were enrolled, 366 at control clinics (76 during pre-implementation and 290 during implementation phase), and 380 at direct-to-pharmacy clinics (116 during pre-implementation and 264 during implementation phase). Prior to implementation, the intervention and control clinics were comparable on client characteristics (female: 51% vs. 47%; median age: 33 vs. 33 years) and PrEP continuation (35% vs. 37% at 1 month, and 37% vs. 39% at 3 months). The intervention reduced total time spent at the clinic by 35% (median of 51 minutes at control vs. 33 minutes at intervention clinics; p<0.001), while time spent on HIV testing (20 vs. 20 minutes; p = 0.50) and pharmacy (8 vs. 8 minutes; p = 0.8) was unchanged. PrEP continuation was higher at intervention versus the control clinics: 45% versus 33% at month 1, 34% versus 25% at month 3 and 23% versus 16% at month 6. TFV-DP was detected in 85% (61/72) of samples, similar by the study group (83% vs. 85%). CONCLUSIONS A client-centred PrEP delivery approach with direct-to-pharmacy PrEP refill visits plus client HIVST significantly reduced clinic visit time by more than one-third and improved PrEP continuation in public health HIV clinics in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kidist Belay Zewdie
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Community HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Margaret Mwangi
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Dominic Mwangi
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Simon Maina
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Lydia Etyang
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Gakuo Maina
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Vallery Ogello
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Emmah Owidi
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Partners in Health Research and DevelopmentCenter for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobiKenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth K. Mugwanya
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Sila J, Wagner AD, Abuna F, Dettinger JC, Odhiambo B, Ngumbau N, Oketch G, Sifuna E, Gómez L, Hicks S, John-Stewart G, Kinuthia J. An implementation strategy package (video education, HIV self-testing, and co-location) improves PrEP implementation for pregnant women in antenatal care clinics in western Kenya. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1205503. [PMID: 38045529 PMCID: PMC10690761 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1205503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended by the World Health Organization and the Kenyan Ministry of Health for HIV prevention in pregnancy and postpartum for women at risk for HIV. Integration of PrEP into antenatal care is promising, but delivery gaps exist in the face of healthcare provider shortages in resource-limited settings. Methods Between May and November 2021, we conducted a difference-in-differences study (3 months pre-intervention data collection and 3 months post-intervention data collection) analyzing four intervention facilities, where the strategies were implemented, and four comparison facilities, where no strategies were implemented. We tested a combination of three implementation strategies-video-based PrEP information in the waiting bay, HIV self-testing, and dispensing of PrEP in the antenatal care rooms-to improve PrEP delivery. We compared absolute changes in the proportion of antenatal attendees screened for PrEP (PrEP penetration), the proportion receiving all PrEP-specific steps in a visit (HIV testing, risk screening, and PrEP counseling) (PrEP fidelity), and client PrEP knowledge, client satisfaction, and waiting time and service time (a priori outcomes); post hoc, we compared the proportion offered PrEP (PrEP offer) and completing HIV testing. We measured provider perceptions of the acceptability and appropriateness of the implementation strategies. Results We observed significant improvements in PrEP penetration, PrEP offer, satisfaction, and knowledge (p < 0.05) and improvements in fidelity that trended towards significance (p = 0.057). PrEP penetration increased 5 percentage points (p = 0.008), PrEP fidelity increased 8 percentage points (p = 0.057), and PrEP offer increased 4 percentage points (p = 0.003) in intervention vs. comparison facilities. Client PrEP knowledge increased by 1.7 out of 6 total points (p < 0.001) and client satisfaction increased by 0.7 out of 24 total points (p = 0.003) in intervention vs. comparison facilities. We observed no changes in service time (0.09-min decrease; p = 0.435) and a small increase in waiting time (0.33-min increase; p = 0.005). HIV testing among those eligible did not change (1.5 percentage point decrease, p = 0.800). Providers felt the implementation strategies were acceptable and appropriate (median acceptability: 20/20; median appropriateness: 19.5/20). However, absolute levels of each step of the PrEP cascade remained suboptimal. Conclusions An implementation strategy package with video information, HIV self-testing, and co-location of medication dispensing enhanced PrEP delivery across several implementation outcomes and client satisfaction, while not substantially increasing wait time or decreasing provider-client contact time. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier, NCT04712994.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sila
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anjuli D. Wagner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Felix Abuna
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Julia C. Dettinger
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ben Odhiambo
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Ngumbau
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George Oketch
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Enock Sifuna
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laurén Gómez
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sarah Hicks
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Departments of Pediatrics & Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - John Kinuthia
- Research & Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
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Wairimu N, Malen RC, Reedy AM, Mogere P, Njeru I, Culquichicón C, McGowan M, Gao F, Baeten JM, Ngure K, Ortblad KF. Peer PrEP referral + HIV self-test delivery for PrEP initiation among young Kenyan women: study protocol for a hybrid cluster-randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:705. [PMID: 37925450 PMCID: PMC10625301 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07734-x] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is highly effective, but uptake remains low in Africa, especially among young women who are a priority population for HIV prevention services. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been proven to increase HIV testing in diverse populations but has been underutilized to support linkage to HIV prevention services. Most young women who initiate PrEP in Africa do so through informal peer referral. We wanted to test a model of formalized peer referral enhanced with HIVST delivery among young Kenyan women. METHODS The Peer PrEP Trial is a two-arm hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized controlled trial being conducted in central Kenya. Eligible participants (i.e., peer providers, n = 80) are women (≥ 16-24 years) refilling or initiating PrEP at public healthcare clinics who can identify at least four peers who could benefit from PrEP and not enrolled in another HIV study. Peer providers will be 1:1 randomized to (1) formal peer PrEP referral + HIVST delivery, where they will be encouraged to refer four peers (i.e., peer clients, ≥ 16-24 years) using educational materials and HIVST kits (two per peer client), or (2) informal peer PrEP referral, where they are encouraged to refer four peer clients using informal word-of-mouth referral. In both arms, peer providers will deliver a standard PrEP referral card with information on nearby public clinics delivering PrEP services. Peer providers will complete surveys at baseline and 3 months; peer clients will complete surveys at 3 months. Our primary outcome is PrEP initiation among peer clients, as reported by peer providers at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include PrEP continuation (any refilling), HIV testing (past 3 months), sexual behaviors (past month), and PrEP adherence (past month) among peer clients, as reported by both peer providers and clients at 3 months. Implementation outcomes will include participants' perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the intervention as well assessments of the intervention's fidelity and cost. DISCUSSION Evidence from this trial will help us understand how HIVST could support health systems by facilitating linkage to PrEP services among young women who could benefit in Kenya and similar settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04982250. Registered on July 29, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njeri Wairimu
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel C Malen
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Adriana M Reedy
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Irene Njeru
- Partners in Health and Research Development, Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carlos Culquichicón
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Maureen McGowan
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fei Gao
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, USA.
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Chebet JJ, McMahon SA, Chase RP, Tarumbiswa T, Maponga C, Mandara E, Bärnighausen T, Geldsetzer P. Stakeholder perspectives on interventions to improve HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and continuation in Lesotho: A participant-ranked preferences study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001423. [PMID: 37756319 PMCID: PMC10529554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Low uptake and high discontinuation remain major obstacles to realizing the potential of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in changing the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. We conducted a card sorting and ranking exercise with 155 local stakeholders to determine their views on the most important barriers and most promising interventions to achieving high PrEP coverage. Stakeholders were a purposive sample of PrEP policymakers and implementing partners (n = 7), healthcare providers (n = 51), and end-users (n = 97). End-users included adults who were currently using PrEP (n = 55), formerly using PrEP (n = 36), and those who were offered PrEP but declined (n = 6). Participants sorted pre-selected interventions and barriers to PrEP coverage into three piles-most, somewhat, and least important. Participants then ranked interventions and barriers in the "most important" piles in ascending order of significance. Ranked preferences were analyzed as voting data to identify the smallest set of candidates for which each candidate in the set would win in a two-candidate election against any candidate outside the set. Participants viewed a lack of PrEP awareness as the most important barrier to PrEP uptake for women, and a fear of HIV testing for men. Community-based HIV testing was ranked as the most promising intervention to improve PrEP uptake for both men and women. Perceived or experienced stigma was seen as an important barrier for PrEP continuation for both men and women, with an additional important barrier for men being daily activities that compete with the time needed to take a daily pill. Adherence counseling and multi-month PrEP prescriptions were seen as the most promising interventions to improve PrEP continuation. Our findings suggest community-based activities that generate PrEP demand (community-based HIV testing and mass media campaigns), reinforced with facility-based follow-up (counseling and multi-month prescription) could be promising interventions for PrEP programs that are aimed at the general adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy J. Chebet
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Shannon A. McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Germany
- Social and Behavioral Interventions, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Rachel P. Chase
- Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Tapiwa Tarumbiswa
- Disease Control Department, Ministry of Health Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Chivimbiso Maponga
- Clinton Health Access Initiative–Lesotho Country Office, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Esther Mandara
- Clinton Health Access Initiative–Lesotho Country Office, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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9
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Rugira E, Biracyaza E, Umubyeyi A. Uptake and Persistence on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Female Sex Workers and Men Having Sex with Men in Kigali, Rwanda: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study Design. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:2353-2364. [PMID: 37790862 PMCID: PMC10542111 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s427021] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is known for its effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission; there is a global rise in HIV infection rates, particularly prominent in sub-Saharan Africa. This health concern is mostly evident among high-risk groups, namely Female Sex Workers (FSWs) and Men who have Sex with Men (MSMs), both of whom are more susceptible to sexually transmissible infections. This research examined the persistence, uptake, and associated predictors of PrEP utilization within the FSW and MSM populations. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted involving 4872 individuals from the FSW and MSM groups who were enrolled in a PrEP program across 10 health centers participating in a pilot initiative. The study population was subject to a year-long follow-up period commencing on March 1st, 2019. To evaluate the determinants of PrEP utilization within FSW and MSM groups, bivariate logistic analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were employed. Results The findings revealed that the occurrence of PrEP uptake was 45.55% (n=2219) among FSWs and 35.42% (n=17 participants) among MSM. Regarding PrEP persistence, MSM (88.24%, n=15 participants) presented higher PrEP proportion than FSWs (78.5%, n=1742 women). Our findings disclosed that individuals aged 25-34 years (aOR=0.82; 95% CI=0.72-0.93, p=0.002), 35-44 years (aOR=0.83; 95% CI=0.71-0.97, p=0.017), and 55 years and older (OR=0.14; 95% CI=0.04-0.48, p=0.002) exhibited lower likelihoods of having low PrEP uptake than those aged 15-19 years. Moreover, individuals residing with their families (aOR=0.71; 95% CI=0.58-0.87, p<0.001), living with roommates (aOR=0.7; 95% CI=0.5-0.97, p=0.032) displayed lower odds for experiencing low PrEP uptake than their counterparts living alone. Conclusion This study highlighted the low uptake of PrEP among participants when compared to previous studies. These results revealed significant influences of age and living conditions on PrEP usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Rugira
- Department of Epidemiologuy and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanuel Biracyaza
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Institut Universitaire sur la Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Montréal (IURDPM), Montreal, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aline Umubyeyi
- Department of Epidemiologuy and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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10
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Hamilton DT, Agutu C, Sirengo M, Chege W, Goodreau SM, Elder A, Sanders EJ, Graham SM. Modeling the impact of different PrEP targeting strategies combined with a clinic-based HIV-1 nucleic acid testing intervention in Kenya. Epidemics 2023; 44:100696. [PMID: 37390706 PMCID: PMC10529734 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 69% of adults who acquire HIV in Kenya seek care for acute retroviral symptoms, providing an important opportunity for early diagnosis and HIV care engagement. The Tambua Mapema Plus (TMP) trial tested a combined HIV-1 nucleic acid testing, linkage, treatment, and partner notification intervention for adults with symptoms of acute HIV infection presenting to health facilities in coastal Kenya. We estimated the potential impact on the Kenyan HIV epidemic of providing PrEP to individuals testing negative in TMP, if scaled up. METHODS We developed an agent-based simulation of HIV-1 transmission using TMP data and current Kenyan statistics. PrEP interventions were layered onto a model of TMP as standard of care, to estimate additional potential population-level impact of enrolling HIV-negative individuals identified through TMP on PrEP over 10 years. Four scenarios were modeled: PrEP for uninfected individuals in disclosed serodiscordant couples; PrEP for individuals with concurrent partnerships; PrEP for all uninfected individuals identified through TMP; and PrEP integrated into the enhanced partner services component of TMP. FINDINGS Providing PrEP to both individuals with concurrent partnerships and uninfected partners identified through enhanced partner services reduced new HIV infections and was efficient based on numbers needed to treat (NNT). The mean percent of infections averted was 2.79 (95%SI:-10.83, 15.24) and 4.62 (95%SI:-9.5, 16.82) when PrEP uptake was 50% and 100%, respectively, and median NNT was 22.54 (95%SI:not defined, 6.45) and 27.55 (95%SI:not defined, 11.0), respectively. Providing PrEP for all uninfected individuals identified through TMP averted up to 12.68% (95%SI:0.17, 25.19) of new infections but was not efficient based on the NNT: 200.24 (95%SI:523.81, 123.23). CONCLUSIONS Providing PrEP to individuals testing negative for HIV-1 nucleic acid after presenting to a health facility with symptoms compatible with acute HIV adds value to the TMP intervention, provided PrEP is targeted effectively and efficiently. FUNDING National Institutes of Health, Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deven T Hamilton
- Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - Clara Agutu
- KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Wairimu Chege
- National Institutes of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Steven M Goodreau
- Departments of Anthropology and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adam Elder
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; University of Oxford, Headington, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Graham
- Departments of Medicine, Global Health, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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11
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Zhang L, Song Y, Zheng X, Liu Y, Chen H. The experience of healthcare workers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1224461. [PMID: 37693715 PMCID: PMC10484594 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1224461] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis has been extensively documented. However, there are substantial gaps between the actual implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis and the ideal goal, especially in low-and middle-income countries. Healthcare workers play critical roles in the pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation, and they have more multi-level experiences about the barriers of pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation and how to facilitate it. However, the evidence aiming to synthesize their experiences is limited. Objective This study aims to aggregate the healthcare workers' experiences of providing pre-exposure prophylaxis in low-and middle-income countries, and find the barriers, facilitators, and recommendations of pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation. Methods The ENTREQ (Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research) statement was used to guide the design and reporting of this qualitative meta-synthesis. A comprehensive search was conducted from inception of databases to 16th March 2023 in four databases: PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Embase, Web of Science. The quality appraisal was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. JBI's meta-aggregation approach was used to guide the data extraction and synthesis, and the JBI ConQual approach was used to evaluate the evidence level of the synthesized findings. Results Fourteen articles with good methodological quality were included in this review. A total of 122 findings were extracted and 117 findings with credibility ratings of "unequivocal" or "equivocal" were included in this meta-synthesis. The eligible findings were aggregated into 13 new categories and subsequently developed into 3 synthesized findings: the barriers, facilitators, and recommendations of pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation in low-and middle-income countries. The overall ConQual score of all three synthesized findings was rated as "low." Conclusion This review aggregated the experience of health care workers implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis in low-and middle-income countries and we could focus on the following key points to promote the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis: improve knowledge about pre-exposure prophylaxis, create a supportive environment, address medication-related barriers, increase the human resources and financial investments, and diversify the providing models. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. The protocol of this review has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42023411604).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liao Zhang
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Song
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xutong Zheng
- School of Nursing, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Chen
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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12
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Nagai H, Adiibokah E, Tagoe H, Tun W, Pilgrim NA, Ankomah A, Rahman YAA, Addo SA, Atuahene SK, Essandoh E, Maher S, Kowalski M. Policymakers' and healthcare providers' perspectives on the introduction of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for key populations in Ghana. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1065. [PMID: 37277772 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15871-w] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Key populations (KPs) such as female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and their partners contribute more than a quarter (27.5%) of new HIV infection in Ghana. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can substantially reduce HIV acquisition among this group. While the available research indicates KPs willingness to take PrEP in Ghana, little is known about the position of policymakers and healthcare providers on the introduction of PrEP for KPs. METHODS Qualitative data were collected from September to October 2017 in the Greater Accra (GA) and Brong-Ahafo (BA) regions of Ghana. Key informant interviews were conducted with 20 regional and national policymakers and supplemented with In-depth Interviews with 23 healthcare providers to explore their level of support for PrEP and their perspectives on challenges and issues to consider for oral PrEP implementation in Ghana. Thematic content analysis was used to unearth the issues emerging from the interviews. RESULTS Policymakers and healthcare providers in both regions expressed strong support for introducing PrEP for KPs. Key concerns regarding oral PrEP introduction included potential for behavioral disinhibition, non-adherence and side effects of medication, cost and long-term financial implications, and stigma related to HIV and key populations. Participants stressed the need to integrate PrEP into existing services and the provision of PrEP should start with high risk groups like sero-discordant couples, FSWs and MSM. CONCLUSIONS Policymakers and providers recognize the value of PrEP in cubing new HIV infections but have concerns about disinhibition, non-adherence, and cost. Therefore, the Ghana health service should roll-out a range of strategies to address their concerns including: sensitization with providers to mitigate underlying stigma towards KPs, particularly MSM, integration of PrEP into existing services, and innovative strategies to improve continued use of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Nagai
- JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Henry Tagoe
- JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc, Accra, Ghana.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sean Maher
- JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc, Boston, USA
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13
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Ortblad KF, Mogere P, Omollo V, Kuo AP, Asewe M, Gakuo S, Roche S, Mugambi M, Mugambi ML, Stergachis A, Odoyo J, Bukusi EA, Ngure K, Baeten JM. Stand-alone model for delivery of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Kenya: a single-arm, prospective pilot evaluation. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26131. [PMID: 37306128 PMCID: PMC10258863 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The delivery of daily, oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at private pharmacies may overcome barriers to PrEP delivery at public healthcare facilities, including HIV-associated stigma, long wait times and overcrowding. METHODS At five private, community-based pharmacies in Kenya, a care pathway for PrEP delivery (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04558554) was piloted-the first of its kind in Africa. Pharmacy providers screened clients interested in PrEP for HIV risk, then used a prescribing checklist to identify clients without medical conditions that might contraindicate PrEP safety, counsel them on PrEP use and safety, conduct provider-assisted HIV self-testing and dispense PrEP. For complex clinical cases, a remote clinician was available for consultation. Clients who did not meet the checklist criteria were referred to public facilities for free services delivered by clinicians. Pharmacy providers dispensed a 1-month PrEP supply at initiation and a 3-month supply thereafter at a client fee of 300 KES (∼$3 USD) per visit. RESULTS From November 2020 to October 2021, pharmacy providers screened 575 clients, identified 476 who met the prescribing checklist criteria and initiated 287 (60%) on PrEP. Among pharmacy PrEP clients, the median age was 26 years (IQR 22-33) and 57% (163/287) were male. The prevalence of behaviours associated with HIV risk among clients was high; 84% (240/287) reported sexual partners with unknown HIV status and 53% (151/287) reported multiple sexual partners (past 6 months). PrEP continuation among clients was 53% (153/287) at 1 month, 36% (103/287) at 4 months and 21% (51/242) at 7 months. During the pilot observation period, 21% (61/287) of clients stopped and restarted PrEP and overall pill coverage was 40% (IQR 10%-70%). Nearly, all pharmacy PrEP clients (≥96%) agreed or strongly agreed with statements regarding the acceptability and appropriateness of pharmacy-delivered PrEP services. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this pilot suggest that populations at HIV risk frequently visit private pharmacies and PrEP initiation and continuation at pharmacies is similar to or exceeds that at public healthcare facilities. Private pharmacy-based PrEP delivery, conducted entirely by private-sector pharmacy staff, is a promising new delivery model that has the potential to expand PrEP reach in Kenya and similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F. Ortblad
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Peter Mogere
- Centre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Victor Omollo
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Alexandra P. Kuo
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Magdaline Asewe
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Stephen Gakuo
- Centre for Clinical ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Stephanie Roche
- Public Health Sciences DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Mary Mugambi
- National AIDS and STI Control ProgrammeKenya Ministry of HealthNairobiKenya
| | | | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centre for Microbiology ResearchKenya Medical Research InsitituteNairobiKenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- School of Public HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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14
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Velloza J, Roche SD, Owidi EJ, Irungu EM, Dollah A, Kwach B, Thuo NB, Morton JF, Mugo N, Bukusi EA, O'Malley G, Ngure K, Baeten JM, Mugwanya KK. Provider perspectives on service delivery modifications to maintain access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative results from a PrEP implementation project in Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26055. [PMID: 36739603 PMCID: PMC9899492 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26055] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an essential prevention strategy being scaled up for priority populations in Kenya, including for HIV serodiscordant couples. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to PrEP rollout. We conducted a qualitative study of PrEP providers to understand how clinics adjusted PrEP delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Since 2017, the Partners Scale-Up Project has integrated PrEP into 25 HIV clinics in Central and Western Kenya. We conducted qualitative interviews with 40 purposively sampled clinic personnel. We interviewed personnel once during the first pandemic wave (May-Aug 2020) and again after some decline in COVID-19 rates (Nov-Jan 2021). We analysed data using inductive memo-writing and summarized data by themes along the PrEP delivery cascade, guided by the Framework for Reporting Adaptation and Modifications (FRAME). RESULTS We interviewed 27 clinical officers, five nurses, four health records and information officers, and four counsellors from Central (n = 20) and Western (n = 20) Kenya. About half (n = 19) were female, with a median age of 32 (IQR: 29-34) and 2.3 years of experience delivering PrEP (IQR: 2-3). All participants reported clinic changes in PrEP demand creation and service delivery during the pandemic. Modifications occurred during PrEP implementation and sustainment phases, were partly reactive to the pandemic and also facilitated by interim Ministry of Health guidance on PrEP delivery during COVID, and were made by PrEP delivery teams, clients and clinic managers. Commonly reported modifications included dispensing multiple-month PrEP refills, intensifying phone-based client engagement and collaborating with other HIV clinics to ensure that clients with prolonged stays in other regions could continue to access PrEP. Some clinics also adopted practices to streamline visits, such as within clinical-room PrEP dispensing, pre-packing PrEP and task-shifting. Most providers liked these changes and hoped they would continue after the pandemic subsides. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 served as a catalyst for PrEP delivery innovations in Kenya. HIV clinics successfully and rapidly adapted their PrEP demand creation, refill and retention strategies to promote PrEP uptake and effective use. These modified implementation strategies highlight opportunities to streamline the delivery of PrEP, as well as other HIV and chronic care services, and strengthen engagement with populations post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stephanie D. Roche
- Public Health DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | | | - Annabell Dollah
- Washington State University – Global Health KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Benn Kwach
- Kenya Medical Research InstituteKisumuKenya
| | | | | | - Nelly Mugo
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentThikaKenya,Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Kenya Medical Research InstituteKisumuKenya,Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of Community HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Gilead SciencesFoster CityCaliforniaUSA,Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth K. Mugwanya
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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15
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Heilmann E, Okuku J, Itoh M, Hines JZ, Prieto JT, Phiri M, Watala K, Nsofu C, Luhana-Phiri M, Vlahakis N, Kabongo M, Kaliki B, Minchella PA, Musonda B. Measuring Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Continuation Through Electronic Health Records During Program Scale-Up Among the General Population in Zambia. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:2390-2396. [PMID: 36586011 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03966-1] [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: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being scaled-up in Zambia, but PrEP continuation data are limited by paper-based registers and aggregate reports. Utilization of Zambia's electronic health record (EHR) system, SmartCare, may address this gap. We analyzed individuals aged ≥ 15 years who initiated PrEP between October 2020 and September 2021 in four provinces in Zambia in SmartCare versus aggregate reports. We measured PrEP continuation using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. SmartCare captured 29% (16,791/58,010) of new PrEP clients; 49% of clients continued at one month, and 89% discontinued PrEP by February 2022. Women were less likely than men to discontinue PrEP (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.89, 95% CI 0.86-0.92, z = - 6.99, p < 0.001), and PrEP clients aged ≥ 50 years were less likely to discontinue PrEP compared to clients 15-19 years (aHR: 0.53, 95% CI 0.48-0.58, z = - 13.04, p < 0.001). Zambia's EHR is a valuable resource for measuring individual-level PrEP continuation over time and can be used to inform HIV prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Heilmann
- PHI/CDC Global Health Fellowship Program, Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, USA. .,Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Jackson Okuku
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Megumi Itoh
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jonas Z Hines
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Mutinta Phiri
- Lusaka Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kelvin Watala
- Southern Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | - Chilufya Nsofu
- Western Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Health, Mongu, Zambia
| | | | - Natalie Vlahakis
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Michael Kabongo
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Boyd Kaliki
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Peter A Minchella
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka, Zambia
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16
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Self-reported and pill count measures of adherence to oral HIV PrEP among female sex workers living in South-Western Uganda. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277226. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Female sex workers (FSWs) in Uganda are at high risk of HIV infection. Scaling up oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will reduce HIV incidence if high levels of adherence are maintained. This study evaluates PrEP adherence using clinic-based pill counts and self-reported measures, and factors associated with protective levels of adherence.
Methods
Participants were sex workers who had been taking PrEP for at least 5 months and were attending routine follow-up visits for PrEP care in fishing communities and along the Trans-African Highway. Participants who had a pill count showing at least 85% use since their last clinic visit and those who reported taking their PrEP every day in the last 5 months were categorised as having ‘protective adherence’. Spearman’s correlation and weighted kappa assessed the relationship between pill count and self-reported measures. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with protective adherence as measured by pill count.
Results
We recruited 524 FSWs, with a median age of 29 years (IQR 23–35). Participants were recruited from fishing communities and Trans-African Highway towns (n = 297, 56.7%, and n = 227, 43.0%). Nearly three quarters (n = 372, 71.0%) of women were estimated to have protective adherence based on pill count (i.e., a pill count of >85%) and 50.4% by self-report in last 3 months. There was a strong positive association between self-reported measures and pill count measures (rest = 0.6453, 95% CI = 0.5924–0.6927) and a moderate agreement between self-reported measures and pill count measures, κ = 0.544 (95%CI = 0.4869–0.6011, p < 0.001).
Factors associated with protective adherence included being aged 35 years or older (aOR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.17–4.86), living in a fishing community (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.62–3.38), and having an STI in last 3 months (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.07–2.49).
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that PrEP-experienced FSWs attending clinical follow-up visits reported high protective levels of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, as measured by both pill count and self-reported measures, and a moderate agreement between pill count and self-reported measures.
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17
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Heffron R, Muwonge TR, Thomas KK, Nambi F, Nakabugo L, Kibuuka J, Thomas D, Feutz E, Meisner A, Ware NC, Wyatt MA, Simoni JM, Katz IT, Kadama H, Baeten JM, Mujugira A. PrEP uptake and HIV viral suppression when PrEP is integrated into Ugandan ART clinics for HIV-negative members of HIV-serodifferent couples: A stepped wedge cluster randomized trial. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 52:101611. [PMID: 35990584 PMCID: PMC9386395 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Global scale-up of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) includes services to HIV-negative people in partnerships with people living with HIV (serodifferent couples). Data are needed on HIV outcomes, including uptake and adherence to PrEP and antiretroviral treatment (ART), to describe the impact of integrating PrEP into an existing HIV program. Methods Using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial design, we launched PrEP delivery for HIV-negative members of serodifferent couples in Uganda by integrating PrEP into existing ART programs for people living with HIV. The program provided PrEP training for ART providers, ongoing technical assistance, and a provisional supply chain mechanism for PrEP medication. Primary data on PrEP initiation, PrEP refills, ART initiation, and HIV viremia at 6 months (measured at 42-270 days) were collected through data abstraction of medical records from HIV-serodifferent couples sequentially enrolling at the ART clinics. Modified Poisson regression models, controlling for time and cluster, compared viral suppression (<1000 copies/ml) before and after launch of the PrEP program. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03586128. Findings From June 1, 2018-December 15, 2020, 1,381 HIV-serodifferent couples were enrolled across 12 ART clinics in Kampala and Wakiso, Uganda, including 730 enrolled before and 651 after the launch of PrEP delivery. During the baseline period, 99.4% of partners living with HIV initiated ART and 85.0% were virally suppressed at 6 months. Among HIV-negative partners enrolled after PrEP launched, 81.0% (527/651) initiated PrEP within 90 days of enrolling; among these 527, 11.2% sought a refill 6 months later. In our powered intent-to-treat analysis, 82.1% and 76.7% of partners living with HIV were virally suppressed, respectively, which was not a statistically significant difference (RR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.82-1.07) and was stable across sensitivity analyses. Interpretation Integration of PrEP into ART clinics reached a high proportion of people in HIV-serodifferent relationships and did not improve the already high frequency of HIV viral suppression among partners living with HIV. Funding National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH110296).
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Heffron
- University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927 Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Katherine K. Thomas
- University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927 Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Florence Nambi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joseph Kibuuka
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dorothy Thomas
- University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927 Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Erika Feutz
- University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927 Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Allison Meisner
- University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927 Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutch, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Norma C. Ware
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monique A. Wyatt
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Global, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane M. Simoni
- University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927 Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ingrid T. Katz
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jared M. Baeten
- University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359927 Seattle, Washington, USA
- Gilead Sciences LLC, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation in Africa: some early lessons. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1634-e1635. [DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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