1
|
Rosen JG, Ndyanabo A, Nakawooya H, Galiwango RM, Ssekubugu R, Ssekasanvu J, Kim S, Rucinski KB, Nakigozi G, Nalugoda F, Kigozi G, Quinn TC, Chang LW, Kennedy CE, Reynolds SJ, Kagaayi J, Grabowski MK. Incidence of Health Facility Switching and Associations With HIV Viral Rebound Among Persons on Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda: A Population-based Study. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:1591-1600. [PMID: 38114162 PMCID: PMC11175689 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad773] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial proportion of persons on antiretroviral therapy (ART) considered lost to follow-up have actually transferred their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care to other facilities. However, the relationship between facility switching and virologic outcomes, including viral rebound, is poorly understood. METHODS We used data from 40 communities (2015-2020) in the Rakai Community Cohort Study to estimate incidence of facility switching and viral rebound. Persons aged 15-49 years with serologically confirmed HIV who self-reported ART use and contributed ≥1 follow-up visit were included. Facility switching and virologic outcomes were assessed between 2 consecutive study visits (ie, index and follow-up visits, interval of approximately 18 months). Those who reported different HIV treatment facilities between index and follow-up study visits were classified as having switched facilities. Virologic outcomes included viral rebound among individuals initially suppressed (<200 copies/mL). Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate associations between facility switching and viral rebound. RESULTS Overall, 2257 persons who self-reported ART use (median age, 35 years; 65% female, 92% initially suppressed) contributed 3335 visit-pairs and 5959 person-years to the analysis. Facility switching was common (4.8 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2-5.5) and most pronounced in persons aged <30 years and fishing community residents. Among persons suppressed at their index visit (n = 2076), incidence of viral rebound was more than twice as high in persons who switched facilities (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.16-4.45). CONCLUSIONS Facility switching was common and associated with viral rebound among persons initially suppressed. Investments in more agile, person-centered models for mobile clients are needed to address system inefficiencies and bottlenecks that can disrupt HIV care continuity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine B Rucinski
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Thomas C Quinn
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Larry W Chang
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Steven J Reynolds
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - M Kate Grabowski
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Odayar J, Myer L, Kabanda S, Knight L. Experiences of transfer of care among postpartum women living with HIV attending primary healthcare services in South Africa. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2356624. [PMID: 38820565 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2356624] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Transfers between health facilities for postpartum women living with HIV are associated with disengagement from care. In South Africa, women must transfer from integrated antenatal/HIV care to general HIV services post-delivery. Thereafter, women transfer frequently e.g. due to geographic mobility. To explore barriers to transfer, we conducted in-depth interviews >2 years post-delivery in 28 participants in a trial comparing postpartum HIV care at primary health care (PHC) antiretroviral therapy (ART) facilities versus a differentiated service delivery model, the adherence clubs, which are the predominant model implemented in South Africa. Data were thematically analysed using inductive and deductive approaches. Women lacked information including where they could transfer to and transfer processes. Continuity mechanisms were affected when women transferred silently i.e. without informing facilities or obtaining referral letters. Silent transfers often occurred due to poor relationships with healthcare workers and were managed inconsistently. Fear of disclosure to family and community stigma led to transfers from local PHC ART facilities to facilities further away affecting accessibility. Mobility and the postpartum period presented unique challenges requiring specific attention. Information regarding long-term care options and transfer processes, ongoing counselling regarding disclosure and social support, and increased health system flexibility are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasantha Odayar
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Siti Kabanda
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Espinosa Dice AL, Bengtson AM, Mwenda KM, Colvin CJ, Lurie MN. Quantifying clinic transfers among people living with HIV in the Western Cape, South Africa: a retrospective spatial analysis. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e055712. [PMID: 34857581 PMCID: PMC8640660 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For persons living with HIV (PLWH) in long-term care, clinic transfers are common and influence sustained engagement in HIV care, as they are associated with significant time out-of-care, low CD4 count, and unsuppressed viral load on re-entry. Despite the geospatial nature of clinic transfers, there exist limited data on the geospatial trends of clinic transfers to guide intervention development. In this study, we investigate the geospatial characteristics and trends of clinic transfers among PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. DESIGN Retrospective spatial analysis. SETTING PLWH who initiated ART treatment between 2012 and 2016 in South Africa's Western Cape Province were followed from ART initiation to their last visit prior to 2017. Deidentified electronic medical records from all public clinical, pharmacy, and laboratory visits in the Western Cape were linked across space and time using a unique patient identifier number. PARTICIPANTS 4176 ART initiators in South Africa (68% women). METHODS We defined a clinic transfer as any switch between health facilities that occurred on different days and measured the distance between facilities using geodesic distance. We constructed network flow maps to evaluate geospatial trends in clinic transfers over time, both for individuals' first transfer and overall. RESULTS Two-thirds of ART initiators transferred health facilities at least once during follow-up. Median distance between all clinic transfer origins and destinations among participants was 8.6 km. Participant transfers were heavily clustered around Cape Town. There was a positive association between time on ART and clinic transfer distance, both among participants' first transfers and overall. CONCLUSION This study is among the first to examine geospatial trends in clinic transfers over time among PLWH. Our results make clear that clinic transfers are common and can cluster in urban areas, necessitating better integrated health information systems and HIV care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lucia Espinosa Dice
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Angela M Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kevin M Mwenda
- Spatial Structures in the Social Sciences (S4), Population Studies and Training Center (PSTC), Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Christopher J Colvin
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark N Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bengtson AM, Espinosa Dice AL, Kirwa K, Cornell M, Colvin CJ, Lurie MN. Patient Transfers and Their Impact on Gaps in Clinical Care: Differences by Gender in a Large Cohort of Adults Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3337-3346. [PMID: 33609203 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
For people living with HIV (PLWH), patient transfers may affect engagement in care. We followed a cohort of PLWH in Cape Town, South Africa who tested positive for HIV in 2012-2013 from ART initiation in 2012-2016 through December 2016. Patient transfers were defined as moving from one healthcare facility to another on a different day, considering all healthcare visits and recorded HIV-visits only. We estimated incidence rates (IR) for transfers by time since ART initiation, overall and by gender, and associations between transfers and gaps of > 180 days in clinical care. Overall, 4,176 PLWH were followed for a median of 32 months, and 8% (HIV visits)-17% (all healthcare visits) of visits were patient transfers. Including all healthcare visits, transfers were highest through 3 months on ART (IR 20.2 transfers per 100 visits, 95% CI 19.2-21.2), but increased through 36 months on ART when only HIV visits were included (IR 9.7, 95% CI 8.8-10.8). Overall, women were more likely to transfer than men, and transfers were associated with gaps in care (IR ratio [IRR] 3.06 95% CI 2.83-3.32; HIV visits only). In this cohort, patient transfers were frequent, more common among women, and associated with gaps in care.
Collapse
|
5
|
Long-Distance Travel for HIV-Related Care-Burden or Choice?: A Mixed Methods Study in Tanzania. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2071-2083. [PMID: 33415657 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03136-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Decentralization of HIV care across sub-Saharan Africa has increased access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Although traveling for care has traditionally been viewed as a barrier, some individuals may choose to travel for care due to stigma and fear of HIV status disclosure. We sought to understand the prevalence of traveling long distances for HIV care, as well as reasons for engaging in such travel. Using a concurrent embedded mixed-methods study design, individuals receiving care at two HIV care and treatment clinics in Tanzania completed a quantitative survey (n = 196), and a sub-set of participants reporting long-distance travel for care were interviewed (n = 31). Overall 58.2% of participants (n = 114/196) reported knowing of a closer clinic than the one they chose to attend. Having experienced enacted stigma was significantly associated with traveling for care (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.12, 4.75, p = 0.02). Reasons for clinic choice centered on three main themes: clinic familiarity, quality of care, and stigma. Traveling for care was often viewed as an enabling strategy for remaining engaged in care by helping overcome other barriers, including stigma and suboptimal quality of care.
Collapse
|
6
|
Williams SM, Renjua J, Moshabela M, Wringe A. Understanding the influence of health systems on women's experiences of Option B+: A meta-ethnography of qualitative research from sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Public Health 2021; 16:167-185. [PMID: 33284727 PMCID: PMC7612946 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1851385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We explored women's experiences of Option B+ in sub-Saharan African health facility settings through a meta-ethnography of 32 qualitative studies published between 2010 and 2019. First and second-order constructs were identified from the data and authors' interpretations respectively. Using a health systems lens, third-order constructs explored how the health systems shaped women's experiences of Option B+ and their subsequent engagement in care. Women's experiences of Option B+ services were influenced by their interactions with health workers, which were often reported to be inadequate and rushed, reflecting insufficient staffing or training to address pregnant women's needs. Women's experiences were also undermined by various manifestations of stigma which persisted in the absence of resources for social or mental health support, and were exacerbated by space constraints in health facilities that infringed on patient confidentiality. Sub-optimal service accessibility, drug stock-outs and inadequate tracing systems also shaped women's experiences of care. Strengthening health systems by improving health worker capacity to provide respectful and high-quality clinical and support services, improving supply chains and improving the privacy of consultation spaces would improve women's experiences of Option B+ services, thereby contributing to improved care retention. These lessons should be considered as universal test and treat programmes expand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M. Williams
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jenny Renjua
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alison Wringe
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bengtson AM, Kumwenda W, Lurie M, Kutengule A, Go V, Miller WC, Cui E, Owino M, Hosseinipour M. Beyond mobile phones: exploring using technology to support sustained engagement in care for HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy. AIDS Care 2020; 32:959-964. [PMID: 32138524 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1737639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Disengagement from HIV care has emerged as a challenge to the success of universal test and treat strategies for HIV-infected women. Technology may enhance efforts to monitor and support engagement in HIV care, but implementation barriers and facilitators need to be evaluated. We conducted a mixed-method study among HIV-infected, pregnant women and healthcare workers (HCWs) in Malawi to evaluate barriers and facilitators to three technologies to support monitoring HIV care: (1) text messaging, (2) SIM card scanning and (3) biometric fingerprint scanning. We included 123 HIV-infected, pregnant women and 85 HCWs in a survey, 8 focus group discussions and 5 in-depth interviews. Biometric fingerprint scanning emerged as the preferred strategy to monitor engagement in HIV care. Among HCWs, 70% felt biometrics were very feasible, while 48% thought text messaging and SIM card scanning were feasible. Nearly three quarters (72%) of surveyed women reported they would be very comfortable using biometrics to monitor HIV appointments. Barriers to using text messaging and SIM card scanning included low phone ownership (35%), illiteracy concerns, and frequent selling or changing of mobile phones. Future work is needed to explore the feasibly of implementing biometric fingerprint scanning or other technologies to monitor engagement in HIV care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Mark Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Vivian Go
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Eric Cui
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Owino
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mina Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bengtson AM, Kumwenda W, Lurie M, Klyn B, Owino M, Miller WC, Go V, Hosseinipour MC. Improving Monitoring of Engagement in HIV Care for Women in Option B+: A Pilot Test of Biometric Fingerprint Scanning in Lilongwe, Malawi. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:551-559. [PMID: 31773445 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Sustained engagement in HIV care is critical to the success of Option B+ for HIV-infected pregnant women. However, monitoring women's engagement in care across clinics and over time is challenging due to migration and clinic transfers. Improved strategies to identify and monitor women's engagement in HIV care across a network of clinics are needed, but have not been pilot tested. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of biometric fingerprint scanning to identify women and monitor HIV visit attendance among women in Option B+. Over a 3-month period, we enrolled HIV-infected pregnant women receiving care at two antenatal clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi and monitored their engagement in care using biometric fingerprint scanning and the standard-of-care electronic medical record (EMR) monitoring system. Biometric data was collected by trained research assistants, who uploaded and synced data across study sites daily using wireless internet. We collected data weekly on the biometric scanner performance, reliability, and usability. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using biometric fingerprint scanning to record HIV visits during exit interviews with a sample of participants and healthcare workers and by comparing visit concordance between the biometric fingerprint scanning and EMR systems. We enrolled 314 HIV-infected pregnant women and 51 HCWs (n = 365 total participants). The majority of participants felt the biometric fingerprint scanning system was easy to use (64%), required no additional assistance (69%) and met their expectations (76%). No major issues with data security, privacy, or scanner functionality were reported by HIV-infected women or healthcare workers. Of the 542 HIV visits captured during the study period among women in Option B+, 80% were recorded in the biometric fingerprint system versus 51% in the EMR system (PR 1.57, 95% CI 1.43, 1.72, p-value < 0.05). Among HIV-infected pregnant women engaged in HIV care, biometric fingerprint scanning is a feasible and acceptable way to monitor HIV visits and may improve the ability to monitor women's engagement in HIV care over time and across clinics. Biometric fingerprint scanning should be scaled-up and evaluated as an implementation strategy to support sustained engagement in HIV care for women during the perinatal period.
Collapse
|