Racial and socioeconomic disparities in the symptom reporting of persons living with HIV

Self-reporting of psychoneurophysical (PNP) symptoms in adults with four chronic diseases: a protocol for a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Patient self-reporting of health-specific information, including symptoms, allows healthcare providers to provide more timely, personalized, and patient-centered care to meet their needs. It is critical to acknowledge that symptom reporting draws from the individual's unique sociocultural background influencing how one perceives health and illness. This scoping review will explore whether racial groups with 4 chronic diseases (cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, and diabetes) differ in self-reporting of psychoneurophysical (PNP) symptoms. The PNP symptoms of interest include depressive symptoms, fatigue, anxiety, pain, cognitive impairment, sleep impairment, mood impairment, irritability, and shortness of breath.

METHODS

Four databases will be searched by a biomedical librarian: CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost), Embase (Elsevier), PubMed (NLM), Web of Science: Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics), and limited to publications written in the English language. Two independent reviewers will screen the records' title, abstract, and then full text and extract the data from included articles using Covidence. A third reviewer will be used for resolving disagreements. Included articles must comprise adult patients with at least one of the specified chronic diseases who self-report at least one of the specified PNP symptoms. Studies that used clinician-administered questionnaires or obtained symptom responses from primary caregiver or patient designee will be excluded. Articles on patient-reported functionality or perceived quality of life will also be excluded from the review. Two reviewers will independently extract data (e.g., demographics, study design, racial group, chronic disease, measure/scale used for self-report) from each included article using Covidence and Microsoft Excel for data cleaning and analyses.

DISCUSSION

This scoping review may potentially identify the relevant and practical implications related to clinical decision-making and health outcomes for patients experiencing the psychoneurophysical symptoms included in this study. The authors will present how the results can be utilized in clinical practice, health policy, and research planning.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) at: https://osf.io/ps7aw.

Self-reported pain severity and use of cannabis and opioids in persons with HIV in an urban primary care setting in Northern California: A cross-sectional study

Persons with HIV (PWH) experience high levels of pain. We examined the relationship of pain severity with use of cannabis and prescription opioids among PWH. This cross-sectional study evaluated associations between self-reported pain (moderate/severe vs mild/none) and cannabis and prescription opioid use in a primary care sample of PWH enrolled in an alcohol use treatment study at Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco. Prevalence ratios (PR) for moderate/severe pain associated with cannabis, opioid use, or both in the prior 30 days were obtained from Poisson regression models. Adjusted models included race/ethnicity, education, employment, HIV ribonucleic acid levels, depression, and anxiety. Overall, 614 PWH completed baseline questionnaires from May 2013 to May 2015, among whom 182/614 (29.6%) reported moderate/severe pain. The prevalence of moderate/severe pain varied by substances: 19.1% moderate/severe pain among study participants who reported neither cannabis or opioids, 30.2% for cannabis alone, 41.2% for opioids alone, and 60.9% for those reporting both substances. In adjusted models, compared with PWH who reported neither substance (reference), prevalence of moderate/severe pain was higher for those using cannabis alone (PR 1.54; 95% CI 1.13-2.09), opioids alone (PR 1.96; 95% CI 1.31-2.94), and those reporting both (PR 2.66; 95% CI 1.91-3.70). PWH who reported opioid and/or cannabis use were more likely to report moderate/severe pain compared with PWH who did not report use of these substances. To improve patient care, it is vital to assess patients' approaches to pain management including substance use and target appropriate interventions to reduce pain in PWH.

Gender differences in symptom burden among people living with HIV/AIDS receiving antiretroviral therapy in Yunnan, China

ABSTRACTLittle is known about gender differences in the symptom burden of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) on antiretroviral therapy in China. This study was conducted based on a biopsychosocial-medical model to describe gender differences in symptom burden among 1035 PLWHA in Yunnan Province, China. After propensity score matching, 798 PLWHA were included in this analysis. Feeling stressed, poor sleep, and memory loss were the most burdensome symptoms among men, while feeling stressed, memory loss, and dizziness were the most burdensome symptoms among women. Among men PLWHA, factors associated with symptom burden were being of the ethnic minority, CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/mm3, physical functioning, and social support. Among women PLWHA, factors associated with symptom burden were being an inpatient, physical functioning, psychological functioning, and social support. Our findings suggest that healthcare providers need to take into account gender differences when developing optimal prevention, treatment, and care programs that provide individualized care to reduce patients' symptom burden.

Factors Associated with Bothersome Symptoms in Individuals With and Without HIV Who Report Alcohol Use

Bothersome symptoms potentially related to drinking are commonly reported by people with and without HIV (PWH/PWoH). However, the relationship between bothersome symptoms and level of alcohol use is often not appreciated by patients or providers. Therefore, among persons reporting prior-year alcohol use, we assessed whether alcohol use level (AUDIT-C score), HIV status, and demographic covariates influenced the likelihood of the patient reporting a bothersome symptom. We used the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) surveys (2002-2018), including a validated symptoms index. Among 3679 PWH and 3830 PWoH currently drinking alcohol, the most commonly reported symptoms were muscle/joint pain (52%), sleep disturbance (51%), and fatigue (50%). Level of alcohol use was independently associated with 18 of 20 bothersome symptoms, including seven symptoms more common among PWH. Results can help inform PWH/PWoH who drink alcohol about the strong relationship between level of alcohol use and bothersome symptoms, potentially motivating reduced use.

Post-COVID symptom profiles and duration in a global convalescent COVID-19 observational cohort: Correlations with demographics, medical history, acute COVID-19 severity and global region

Background

Post-COVID conditions are characterised by persistent symptoms that negatively impact quality of life after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. While post-COVID risk factors and symptoms have been extensively described in localised regions, especially in the global north, post-COVID conditions remain poorly understood globally. The global, observational cohort study HVTN 405/HPTN 1901 characterises the convalescent course of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults in North and South America and Africa.

Methods

We categorised the cohort by infection severity (asymptomatic, symptomatic, no oxygen requirement (NOR), non-invasive oxygen requirement (NIOR), invasive oxygen requirement (IOR)). We applied a regression model to assess correlations of demographics, co-morbidities, disease severity, and concomitant medications with COVID-19 symptom persistence and duration across global regions.

Results

We enrolled 759 participants from Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Peru, and the USA a median of 51 (interquartile range (IQR) = 35-66) days post-diagnosis, from May 2020 to March 2021. 53.8% were female, 69.8% were 18-55 years old (median (md) = 44 years old, IQR = 33-58). Comorbidities included obesity (42.8%), hypertension (24%), diabetes (14%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (11.6%) and lung disease (7.5%). 76.2% were symptomatic (NOR = 47.4%; NIOR = 22.9%; IOR = 5.8%). Median COVID-19 duration among symptomatic participants was 20 days (IQR = 11-35); 43.4% reported symptoms after COVID-19 resolution, 33.6% reported symptoms ≥30 days, 9.9% reported symptoms ≥60 days. Symptom duration correlated with disease severity (P < 0.001, NIOR vs NOR; P = 0.003, IOR vs NOR), lung disease (P = 0.001), race (P < 0.05, non-Hispanic Black vs White), and global region (P < 0.001). Prolonged viral shedding correlated with persistent abdominal pain (odds ratio (OR) = 5.51, P < 0.05) and persistent diarrhoea (OR = 6.64, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Post-COVID duration varied with infection severity, race, lung disease, and region. Better understanding post-COVID conditions, including regionally-diverse symptom profiles, may improve clinical assessment and management globally.

Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT04403880).

A Systematic Review of Self-Management Interventions Conducted Across Global Settings for Depressive Symptoms in Persons with HIV

Depressive symptoms can affect health outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWH) including adherence to treatment and disease prognosis. Self-management interventions targeting depressive symptoms have been effective in preventing these negative sequelae of depressive symptoms. The processes of self-management include learning skills related to living with the illness needs, accessing resources to manage the illness, and coping with the illness. A systematic literature review was conducted to appraise and synthesize the current evidence of self-management interventions targeting depressive symptoms in PLWH. Following the PRISMA guidelines, an electronic search of 4 databases was conducted. Original studies written in English that used a randomized controlled trial design to test the effect of self-management intervention on depressive symptoms were included. Studies were selected that were published on/before April 19, 2022, thus yielding 13 relevant articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Controlled Intervention Studies and narrative synthesis was used to synthesize the results. 40 to 755 participants were included in the studies, with each using various measures to assess depressive symptoms pre-and post-intervention, and timepoints for assessing depressive symptoms post-intervention varied. While 12 studies showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms post-intervention, only 4 studies that used individual coaching or technology showed lower depressive symptoms in intervention groups in comparison to the control groups. This review can be used to inform scale-up and dissemination of these interventions to improve depressive symptoms in PLWH.

Racial disparities in the association between resilience and ART adherence among people living with HIV: the mediating role of depression

Research examining the mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between resilience and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to examine the mediating role of depression between resilience and ART adherence, as well as to explore whether this relationship varies across racial background. A total of 327 people living with HIV and on ART in South Carolina were surveyed about their ART adherence and mental health, including resilience and depressive symptoms. Path analyses were conducted to determine the direct and indirect effects between resilience, depressive symptoms, and ART adherence. After adjusting for age, gender, income, education, employment and time since diagnosis, among Black individuals, resilience was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = --0.248, p < 0.001); depressive symptoms were negatively associated with ART adherence (β = -0.166, p = 0.020); however, resilience was not significantly associated with ART adherence. Among White individuals, there was no statistically significant association. The indirect effect between resilience and ART adherence through depressive symptoms was statistically significant (β = 0.041, p = 0.040) for Black individuals, while not statistically significant for White individuals (β = 0.024, p = 0.578). Interventions aimed at improving ART adherence, which attenuate depressive symptoms through accentuating resilience may be especially beneficial for Black populations living with HIV.

Identifying subtypes of HIV/AIDS-related symptoms in China using latent profile analysis and symptom networks

The identification of subgroups of people living with HIV in China based on the severity of symptom clusters and individual symptoms is crucial to determine group-specific symptom management strategies. Participants reported 27 highly prevalent HIV/AIDS-related symptoms. Latent profile analysis based on symptom severity was used to identify person-centered subtypes of HIV/AIDS-related symptoms. Symptom networks were compared among subgroups identified by latent profile analysis. A total of 2927 eligible people living with HIV (PWH) were included in the analysis. Five profiles were identified: "Profile 1: all low symptom severity" (n₂ = 2094, 71.54%), "Profile 2: medium symptom severity with syndemic conditions" (n₃ = 109, 3.72%), "Profile 3: medium symptom severity with low functional status" (n₁ = 165, 5.64%), "Profile 4: medium symptom severity in transitional period" (n₄ = 448, 15.31%), and "Profile 5: all high symptom severity" (n₅ = 111, 3.79%). Except for Profile 1 and Profile 5, the symptom severity was similar among the other three profiles. Profiles 1 (2.09 ± 0.52) and 4 (2.44 ± 0.66) had the smallest ∑s values, and Profiles 2 (4.38 ± 1.40) and 5 (4.39 ± 1.22) had the largest ∑s values. Our study demonstrates the need for health care professionals to provide PWH with group-specific symptom management interventions based on five profiles to improve their physical and psychological well-being. Future studies should be conducted in different contexts using different symptom checklists to further validate our results.

HIV Symptom Clusters are Similar Using the Dimensions of Symptom Occurrence and Distress

CONTEXT

People living with HIV infection (PLWH) in the United States continue to experience a high symptom burden despite improvements in antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine if the number and types of symptom clusters differed based on whether symptom occurrence rates or distress ratings were used to create the clusters.

METHODS

Data from 2,000 patients with complete symptom occurrence rates and distress scores on the 20-item HIV Symptom Index from their first ambulatory clinic visit at one of six national HIV centers of excellence in the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems were used in these analyses. Exploratory factor analysis was used to create the symptom clusters.

RESULTS

The same four symptom clusters (i.e., gastrointestinal, psychological, pain, body image) were identified using occurrence rates and distress ratings. For both dimensions of the symptom experience, the psychological, pain, and body image clusters each had the same symptoms. For the gastrointestinal cluster, four symptoms loaded on the occurrence dimension and six symptoms loaded on the distress dimension.

CONCLUSION

The number and types of symptom clusters were relatively similar across the occurrence and distress dimensions of the symptom experience. Symptom clusters in PLWH may provide insights into the development of targeted interventions for multiple co-occurring symptoms.

Problems undermining the health-related quality of life of people living with HIV in Spain: a qualitative study to inform the development of a novel clinic screening tool

Background

In settings with high antiretroviral therapy coverage, numerous health-related issues continue to undermine the health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV). As part of a larger study to develop and validate a new patient-reported outcome measure for use in HIV clinical care in Spain, we sought to identify the most burdensome health-related issues experienced by PLHIV in order to determine which issues should be addressed in the new instrument.

Methods

We conducted a literature review and a qualitative study based on four focus group discussions (FGDs) with key informants in Spain. Participants were selected via purposive sampling. Two FGDs convened 16 expert HIV service providers, and two convened 15 PLHIV with diverse epidemiological profiles. FGDs followed semi-structured interview scripts and incorporated an exercise to prioritise the most critical health-related issues among those named in the discussions. Content analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 12.

Results

The analysis of FGD data identified several broad categories of issues that were perceived to negatively affect PLHIV. The most frequently named issues fell within the categories of social problems; physical symptoms; psychological problems; and sexuality-related problems. Regarding social problems, stigma/discrimination was by far the issue raised the most frequently. In the prioritisation exercise, stigma/discrimination was also ranked as the most burdensome issue by both service providers and PLHIV. Within the physical symptoms category, the issues named most frequently were sleep-related problems, fatigue, physical pain and body fat changes. Regarding psychological problems, FGD participants most commonly spoke of emotional distress in general terms, and also called attention to depression and anxiety. In the prioritisation exercise, both service providers and PLHIV ranked psychological well-being as the second-most important issue following stigma. Sexuality-related problems that were reported included sexually transmitted infections, hormonal problems, lack of libido, and general sexual dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

PLHIV are negatively affected by a wide range of health-related issues. HIV-related stigma and psychological well-being remain major challenges. Identifying and addressing these and other issues in routine clinical care supports healthy aging and may ultimately contribute to better health and HRQoL outcomes in this population.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19-Like Illness and Impacts of Social Distancing and Working from Home

Objectives

To examine racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19-like illness (CLI) during March - August 2020 in New York City, and to test effect modification by age, nativity, and working from home vs outside the home, and mediation via social distancing behavior.

Design

Analysis of the monthly Community Health Survey datasets.

Setting

New York City.

Participants

5,305 adults living in New York City.

Main Outcome Measures

A binary indicator of having new onset of CLI in the past 30 days.

Methods

Prevalence of having CLI was compared among racial and ethnic groups using multivariable log-linear regression. Stratified and causal mediation analyses were conducted to test effect modification and mediation, respectively.

Results

Overall percentage of CLI decreased from 25% during March-May to 14% during June-August. In both periods, there was no increased prevalence of CLI among Black or Latino New Yorkers compared with White New Yorkers. However, in stratified analyses, Latino vs White New Yorkers had 2.05 times (95%CI=1.09, 3.83) higher prevalence of CLI among adults working outside the home. Mediation via social distancing was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Excess burden of CLI among Latino adults working outside the home underscores inequitable impacts of COVID-19 in New York City.

Promoting Equity When Using the SNOT-22 Score: A Scoping Review and Literature Review

It is established that non-white people experience worse health outcomes than white people within the same population. Equity addresses differences between patient subgroups, allowing needs-based distribution of resources. The use of quality-of-life (QoL) tools to assist clinical decision making such as the SNOT-22 for chronic rhinosinusitis promotes equality, not equity, as quality-of-life (QoL) tools provide the same criteria of symptom scoring across diverse populations. We considered the effects of ethnicity and race on SNOT-22 scores and whether these scores should be adjusted to improve equity. PubMed and MEDLINE provided papers for a scoping review. A combination of the following search terms was used: patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) (OR) quality of life; (AND) race (OR) ethnicity (OR) disparities; (AND) otolaryngology (OR) SNOT-22 (OR) sinusitis. The first study identified no evidence of ethnic variability in SNOT-22 scores. However, the study did not represent the local population, including 86% white people. Other studies identified baseline SNOT-22 disparities with respect to population demographics, gender, and age. Ethnic differences appear to exist in acute sinusitis symptomatology. In other fields both within and outside of otorhinolaryngology, ethnic differences exist with regard to QoL tools. This scoping review identified a paucity of data in rhinology. However, evidence implies some form of correction to QoL scores could help promote equity for non-white patients.

A Critical Review of Symptom Management Nursing Science on HIV-Related Fatigue and Sleep Disturbance

Despite improved antiretroviral treatments, people living with HIV (PLWH) continue to suffer from HIV-related fatigue and sleep disturbances. We first reviewed the definition, etiology, and research breakthroughs of HIV-related fatigue and sleep disturbances, then analyzed nurse-led symptom management studies to describe their efficacy and make recommendations for future symptom research. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Psych and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Scopus to identify nurse-led studies on symptom management for PLWH in the past 20 years. A total of 13 experimental or quasi-experimental studies were identified. The types of interventions included exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, coaching, and symptom management manualized self-care activities. Currently, we cannot recommend with certainty any of the tested symptom management strategies to reduce fatigue or sleep disturbances. The current findings need to be confirmed and expanded to understand optimal dosing and sustainability.

HIV Neuropathy-a Review of Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Pain

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article is a systematic review of data from 2018 to 2020 regarding information from publications on epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic advancements in human immunodeficiency virus-associated peripheral neuropathy.

RECENT FINDINGS

The epidemiology/pathology of HIV neuropathy is discussed. Diagnostics includes skin wrinkling-eutectic mixture of local anesthetic test and neurologic examinations. Therapeutic interventions include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management as well as self-management strategies. Peripheral neuropathy continues to affect the lives of persons living with HIV. First-line treatment with pregabalin or gabapentin for HIV neuropathic pain has limited data on adequate response. Exercise and self-management strategies may provide benefit in pain reduction. Continuing research on risk factors and biomarkers for HIV-related peripheral neuropathy will be critical for future diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

Development of a Clinic Screening Tool to Identify Burdensome Health-Related Issues Affecting People Living With HIV in Spain

BACKGROUND

Numerous health-related issues continue to undermine the health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We developed a clinic screening tool (CST-HIV) for the purpose of identifying these issues in routine specialist clinical care in Spain.

METHODS

We used the following established instrument development procedures: (1) a literature review; (2) four focus group discussions (FGDs), two that convened 16 expert HIV care providers, and two that convened 15 PLHIV; (3) prioritisation, selection and definition of constructs (health-related issues) to include in the CST-HIV and drafting of initial item pool; and (4) a pilot study to analyse psychometric properties and validity of items and to determine which to retain in the final CST-HIV. The FGD interview scripts incorporated an exercise to prioritise the health-related issues perceived to have the greatest negative effect on HRQoL. The online questionnaire used for the pilot study included the pool of CST-HIV items and validated measures of each construct.

RESULTS

We identified 68 articles that reported on factors associated with the HRQoL of PLHIV. The most burdensome health-related issues identified in the FGDs related to stigma, socioeconomic vulnerability, sleep/fatigue, pain, body changes, emotional distress, and sexuality. Based on the literature review and FGD findings, we selected and defined the following constructs to include in the initial CST-HIV: anticipated stigma, emotional distress, sexuality, social support, material deprivation, sleep/fatigue, cognitive problems, and physical symptoms. Two researchers wrote six to eight items for each construct. Next, 18 experts rated 47 items based on their clarity, relevance, and representativeness. Pilot testing was carried out with 226 PLHIV in Spain. We retained 24 items based on empirical criteria that showed adequate psychometric properties. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the eight-factor structure with a good fit to the data (RMSEA = 0.035, AGFI = 0.97, CFI = 0.99). We found strong positive correlations between the instrument's eight dimensions and validated measures of the same constructs. Likewise, we found negative associations between the dimensions of the CST-HIV and HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

The CST-HIV is a promising tool for use in routine clinical care to efficiently identify and address health-related issues undermining the HRQoL of PLHIV.

Race and satisfaction with pain management among patients with HIV receiving long-term opioid therapy

INTRODUCTION

Management of chronic pain is an essential aspect of HIV primary care. Previous literature in the general population has elucidated racial disparities in the evaluation and treatment of pain. This study examined racial/ethnic differences in patient satisfaction and barriers to pain management among a cohort of PWH receiving LTOT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patient-reported survey and EMR data were compared between non-white (n = 135; 81.3 %) and white (n = 31; 18.7 %) patients in a cohort of 166 PWH receiving LTOT in two clinics in Atlanta and Boston. Quantile and linear regression were used to evaluate the association between race and pain management outcomes: 1) satisfaction with pain management (0-10) and 2) patient-related barriers to pain management, including patient perceptions of pain medications, fatalism, and communication about pain. Models were adjusted for sex, age, clinical site, and baseline general health.

RESULTS

Non-white participants were noted to receive chronic opioids for a shorter mean duration of time than white participants (6.0 versus 11.0 years, p < 0.001) and lower mean morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) than white participants (28.1 versus 66.9 mg, p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, there was no significant difference in satisfaction with pain management among non-white and white participants (p = 0.101). There was no significant difference in barriers to pain management in unadjusted (p = 0.335) nor adjusted models (p = 0.397).

CONCLUSION

While non-white PWH were noted to have received lower doses of chronic opioids and for shorter duration than white PWH, satisfaction with pain management was similar. Patient-related barriers to pain management were similar among non-white and white PWH.

WHO'S IN AND WHO'S OUT UNDER WORKPLACE COVID SYMPTOM SCREENING?

COVID symptom screening, a new workplace practice, is already affecting many millions of American workers. As of this writing, 34 states already require, and federal guidance recommends, frequent screening of at least some employees for fever or other symptoms. This paper provides the first empirical work identifying major features of symptom screening in a broad population and exploring the trade-offs employers face in using daily symptom screening. First, we find that common symptom checkers could screen out up to 7 percent of workers each day, depending on the measure used. Second, we find that the measures used will matter for three reasons: Many respondents report any given symptom, survey design affects responses, and demographic groups report symptoms at different rates, even absent fluctuations in likely COVID exposure. This last pattern can potentially lead to disparate impacts and is important from an equity standpoint.

Associations Between Influencing Factors, Perceived Symptom Burden, and Perceived Overall Function Among Adults Living With HIV

With adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection is now a chronic, but manageable, disease with associated symptoms and complications. However, there is limited evidence on how symptom burden affects perceived overall function among people living with HIV (PLWH). Furthermore, there is no consensus on the factors that affect symptom burden in PLWH. We examined relationships between factors that may influence symptom burden and perceived overall function, and the association between symptom burden and overall function in 179 adult PLWH. This study was a cross-sectional, secondary analysis using the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (Lenz, Pugh, Milligan, Gift, & Suppe, 1997). We found strong evidence that symptoms, especially pain, tiredness, and depression, are prevalent in PLWH, and that symptoms were predicted by perceived social support and the number of comorbidities. Increased symptom burden predicts reduced overall function. Interventions are needed to reduce symptoms and strengthen social support in PLWH. Initiating symptom assessment and management strategies early is paramount.

Symptom Profile and Technology Use of Persons Living With HIV Who Access Services at a Community-Based Organization in the Deep South

Currently, the Southern United States has the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses with the largest percentage of people living with HIV (PLWH), and the most Americans dying from the disease. Given the increase of the HIV epidemic in the Deep South and the availability of evidence-based self-management tools for PLWH, we conducted an in-person survey in Birmingham, Alabama, to understand the symptom profile and the use of technology by PLWH. Muscle aches or joint pain was the most frequently (67%) reported symptom followed by fatigue, sleep difficulties, neuropathy, and depressive symptoms. We also assessed mobile technology use and ownership and found that 83.7% of persons own a smartphone, with most of these (79.9%) being Android users. Given these findings, there is strong scientific premise to support the feasibility of a mobile-delivered symptom self-management tool in the Deep South for improving health outcomes for PLWH.

A Feasibility Study to Develop and Test a Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Mobile Health Application for HIV-Related Fatigue

CONTEXT

Exacerbated by life stressors, fatigue is the most common symptom for people living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE

To adapt, develop, and assess the feasibility of a Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management Mobile Health (CBSM mHealth) application (app) for HIV-related fatigue.

METHODS

This study had two phases: app development with key informants (N = 5) and a randomized controlled trial (N = 30). Patients randomized to the intervention group completed 10 weekly CBSM modules; those in the control group received a generic healthy lifestyle app. Measures included HIV-related fatigue, depression, anxiety, stressful life events, CD4 count, HIV viral load, credibility and acceptability of the intervention, and barriers to treatment participation.

RESULTS

We were able to recruit participants for this study, and they were able to complete the required measures. They found the intervention to be credible and acceptable and reported few barriers to treatment participation. The direction of change in the primary outcome, a decrease in fatigue, is in the expected direction and provides evidence of the promise of the intervention, which still needs to be tested in an adequately powered trial. For completers (randomized to the intervention group and completed at least 80% of the modules), there were significant changes (95% CI; lower scores indicate improvement) in fatigue intensity (from 64.2 to 59.7) and overall fatigue-related functioning (from 6.6 to 4.2).

CONCLUSION

We have proof of concept as to the feasibility, acceptability, and initial signals of efficacy for an mHealth intervention to help people with HIV-related fatigue better cope with stress and reduce their fatigue.

Patient preferences for visualization of longitudinal patient-reported outcomes data

OBJECTIVE

The study sought to design symptom reports of longitudinal patient-reported outcomes data that are understandable and meaningful to end users.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We completed a 2-phase iterative design and evaluation process. In phase I, we developed symptom reports and refined them according to expert input. End users then completed a survey containing demographics, a measure of health literacy, and items to assess visualization preferences and comprehension of reports. We then collected participants' perspectives on reports through semistructured interviews and modified them accordingly. In phase II, refined reports were evaluated in a survey that included demographics, validated measures of health and graph literacy, and items to assess preferences and comprehension of reports. Surveys were administered using a think-aloud protocol.

RESULTS

Fifty-five English- and Spanish-speaking end users, 89.1% of whom had limited health literacy, participated. In phase I, experts recommended improvements and 20 end users evaluated reports. From the feedback received, we added emojis, changed date and font formats, and simplified the y-axis scale of reports. In phase II, 35 end users evaluated refined designs, of whom 94.3% preferred reports with emojis, the favorite being a bar graph combined with emojis, which also promoted comprehension. In both phases, participants literally interpreted reports and provided suggestions for future visualizations.

CONCLUSIONS

A bar graph combined with emojis was participants' preferred format and the one that promoted comprehension. Target end users must be included in visualization design to identify literal interpretations of images and ensure final products are meaningful.

Ecological momentary assessment of HIV versus reproductive health symptoms in women of differing reproductive stages living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

To what extent menopause is related to symptom burden in women living with HIV (WLWH) is unclear, as a specific reproductive health analysis has seldom been undertaken, in part due to an inadequate assessment of reproductive status. The purpose of this study was to document and compare symptom frequency and attribution over 46 days and examine differences by reproductive status with a sample of 75 WLWH.

METHODS

We conducted an ecological momentary assessment using text messaging to follow 75 women confirmed for menopause stage with hormone profiles for 46 days. Participants were asked to respond to the following open-ended questions via a text message 3× weekly: (1) Did you have your period today? (Yes/No) (2) What were your top three menstrual/menopausal symptoms today? (3) What were your top three HIV-related symptoms today?

RESULTS

A total of 73 women (mean± SD age = 51 ± 8 y, range= 24-67 y) completed the study (10 pre-, 20 peri-, and 43 postmenopause). The majority of volunteers were black non-Hispanic (74%), nonsmokers (61%), with some high school (68%) and reporting <$20,000 annual income. After controlling for cofactors, HIV symptom profiles differed by menopause stage: postmenopause predicted more fatigue, muscle aches and pains, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea (vs peri- or premenopause). HIV-related depression was predicted by the peristage. For reproductive symptoms, women endorsed fatigue (58%), hot flashes (52%), depression (49%), and muscle aches and pains (44%) as most common, but of these, only muscle aches and pains demonstrated group differences in period prevalence (post = 35%; peri = 45%; pre = 80%, P= 0.03) Surprisingly, hot flash frequency was similar, but fever/chills/sweats varied across menopause stage (period prevalence: post=42%; peri=15%; pre=0%, P=0.01). Reporting "a period today" predicted the profile of reproductive symptoms, but was not related to HIV symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Although fatigue, muscle aches/pains and depression are perceived as common attributes of both HIV infection and reproductive status in WLWH, they distinguish condition-specific symptom profiles that are dependent on menopause stage.

In people living with HIV (PLWH), menopause (natural or surgical) contributes to the greater symptom burden in women: results from an online US survey

OBJECTIVE

The majority of people living with HIV in the United States are now over the age of 50, but symptom burden research has seldom included older women or the potential role of menopause. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of menopause as part of sex differences in HIV symptom burden.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted that included both a sex-based analysis of previously reported HIV symptom characteristics of 1,342 respondents to an online survey (males, n = 957; female, n = 385) and a follow-up online survey of menstrual bleeding patterns (inferred menopause) in eligible females (n = 242) from the respondent pool. Using linear mixed models, we identified predictors of symptom burden scores in female respondents.

RESULTS

For the most troublesome symptoms assessed in the sex-based analysis, depression scores were similar (P > 0.05), but higher (worse) burden scores for fatigue (P = 0.013) and muscle aches/pains (P = 0.004) were exclusively observed in females after adjusting for covariates. Respondents to the female survey (n = 222) were predominantly Black, heterosexual, nonsmokers, and obese, with an HIV diagnosis of approximately 16 years and at least one comorbid condition. Burden scores were higher in women reporting amenorrhea due to natural menopause or hysterectomy (n = 104) versus the menstruating group (n = 118) for muscle aches/pains (P = 0.05), fatigue (P = 0.03), and difficulty falling asleep (P = 0.04), independent of age, HIV duration, and number of HIV-associated non-AIDS conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Two of the most common symptoms in people living with HIV-fatigue and muscle aches/joint pains-invoke additional burden in women. Independent of aging, symptom burden may be exacerbated after menopause, supporting a shifting paradigm for HIV care management.

Association Between HIV Symptom Burden and Inflammatory Cytokines: An Analysis by Sex and Menopause Stage

Introduction: There is a growing body of knowledge characterizing the menopause experience in those with HIV. The primary goal of this study was to assess inflammatory cytokine associations with symptoms and sex-specific differences, and the secondary focus was to assess differences among women by menopause status. Materials and Methods: One hundred persons living with HIV (PLWH) (25 men and 75 women recruited by menopause stage) completed a blood draw for hormones and cytokines and study questions on demographics, height and weight, reproductive health status, HIV symptoms, PROMIS-29 measures, and most recent viral load; study visits were synchronized to the early follicular phase in women with regular cycles. Results: In both sexes, the most burdensome HIV symptoms were muscle aches/joint pain, difficulty falling asleep, fatigue, and neuropathy. Three of the five symptoms where burden scores differed by menopause stage were related to pain with highest scores in the premenopause group; the postmenopause group also demonstrated a similar burden for muscle aches/joint pain while scores for men and perimenopause women were lowest. Pain intensity scores on the PROMIS-29 also varied significantly by groups. After controlling for sex, menopause stage and body mass index, significant differences were noted in C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 for PLWH who reported muscle aches/joint pain. Conclusions: Our findings suggest enhanced burden for HIV-related symptoms in women in the early follicular phase, possibly owing to menstruation. This supports the need for more targeted investigations in younger cycling women with HIV at multiple phases across the menstrual cycle. Muscle aches/pain are strongly associated with decreased CRP and IL-8 levels and increased IL-6 levels suggesting the need for further investigation of the biological pathways contributing to pain in PLWH. Finally, there is evidence to support that in PLWH, systemic inflammation is heightened above recommended clinical guidelines even when viral load is undetectable supporting the need for further study of the effects of persistent elevated inflammation on health outcomes.

The effect of increased physical activity on symptom burden in older persons living with HIV

Advancements in antiretroviral therapy have extended the longevity of people living with HIV (PLWH). However, they often experience symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life, including fatigue, weight change, depression, pain, and memory loss. Although there is a dearth of data on the effect of physical activity (PA) for HIV-associated symptom management, increased PA has generally been associated with improvements in strength and overall quality of life. In this study, we enrolled 40 participants (mean age = 51.5; 40% female; 17.4 mean years living with HIV) and used Omron pedometers to measure daily step counts over 12 weeks. The 20-item HIV Symptom Index was administered at baseline and week 12. Increased PA was not associated with improvement in overall HIV symptom burden. However, bothersome symptoms were reduced, and total symptom burden was highly correlated with PA level at week 12 (r = -.48, p = .01), such that participants with  higher step counts reported lower symptom burden. Significant gender differences in symptom burden were noted: males on average reported lower symptom burden. Further research is needed to examine associations between PA and HIV symptom burden and to further explore gender differences in HIV symptom burden to improve overall quality of life for all older PLWH.

Information sources of self-care strategies for persons living with HIV

OBJECTIVES

A number of studies have been conducted to identify the self-care strategies that are used by persons living with chronic illnesses to manage their symptoms, but little work has been done to identify the primary information source for these self-care strategies.

METHODS

We conducted an anonymous online survey with 1373 persons living with HIV to identify the self-care strategies they use to manage 28 commonly experienced symptoms. Following their report of their symptoms and self-care strategies, we asked an open-ended question to identify where the participant obtained the information. We applied iterative content analysis of the narrative data and multi-nominal regression to identify which demographic factors were significantly related to each information source category.

RESULTS

Respondents reported a total of 8539 information sources for their self-care strategies categorized as follows: Common sense/Self-experience, Healthcare professional, Internet, Literature, Multiple Sources, Social Support, and TV ads.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that respondents with no college education were significantly more likely to report the use of the Internet as the information source for their self-care strategies. On the other hand, males as compared to females were significantly less likely to use the Internet and significantly more likely to use TV ads.