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Bekolo CE, Ndeso SA, Moifo LL, Mangala N, Ateudjieu J, Kouanfack C, Dzudie A, Thienemann F, Tendongfor N, Nsagha DS, Choukem SP. Changes in access to viral load testing, incidence rates of viral load suppression and rebound following the introduction of the 'universal test and treat' guidelines in Cameroon: A retrospective follow-up analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003042. [PMID: 38626049 PMCID: PMC11020606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Cameroon adopted and started implementing in 2016, the 'universal test and treat' (UTT) guidelines to fast-track progress towards the 95-95-95 ambitious targets to end the HIV epidemic. Achieving the third 95 (viral load suppression) is the most desirable target in HIV care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel approach on access to viral load testing (VLT), viral suppression (VLS), and viral load rebound (VLR). A retrospective cohort study was conducted at The Nkongsamba Regional Hospital to compare VLT outcomes between the pre-UTT (2002 to 2015) and the post-UTT (2016 to 2020) periods. We used a data extraction form to collect routine data on adult patients living with HIV. We measured uptake levels of the first and serial VLT and compared the incidence rates of VLS (VL<1000 copies/ml) and viral load rebound (VLR) before and after introducing the UTT approach using Kaplan Meier plots and log-rank tests. Cox regression was used to screen for factors independently associated with VLS and VLR events between the guideline periods. Access to initial VLT increased significantly from 6.11% to 25.56% at 6 months and from 12.00% to 73.75% at 12 months before and after introducing the UTT guidelines respectively. After a total observation time at risk of 17001.63 person-months, the UTT group achieved an incidence rate of 90.36 VLS per 1000 person-months, four-fold higher than the 21.71 VLS per 1000 person-months observed in the pre-UTT group (p<0.0001). After adjusting for confounding, the VLS rate was about 6-fold higher in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (adjusted Hazard Rate (aHR) = 5.81 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 4.43-7.60). The incidence of VLR increased from 12.60 (95%CI: 9.50-16.72) to 19.11 (95%CI: 14.22-25.67) per 1000 person-months before and after the introduction of UTT guidelines respectively. After adjusting, VLR was more than twice as high in the UTT group than in the pre-UTT group (aHR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.30-4.13). Increased access to initial VLT and higher rates of VLS have been observed but there are concerns that the suppressed viral load may not be durable since the introduction of the UTT policy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Bekolo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S. A. Ndeso
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - L. L. Moifo
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - N. Mangala
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - J. Ateudjieu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - C. Kouanfack
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - A. Dzudie
- Department of Internal Medicine and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - F. Thienemann
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N. Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - D. S. Nsagha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - S. P. Choukem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Schomaker M, Kerschberger B, Boulle A. Is Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Beneficial? Methodological Aspects when Comparing Observational and Randomized Studies. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:800-801. [PMID: 37542467 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schomaker
- Department of Statistics, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Centre Geneva, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Brazier E, Tymejczyk O, Wools-Kaloustian K, Jiamsakul A, Torres MTL, Lee JS, Abuogi L, Khol V, Mejía Cordero F, Althoff KN, Law MG, Nash D. Long-term HIV care outcomes under universal HIV treatment guidelines: A retrospective cohort study in 25 countries. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004367. [PMID: 38498589 PMCID: PMC10962811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While national adoption of universal HIV treatment guidelines has led to improved, timely uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART), longer-term care outcomes are understudied. There is little data from real-world service delivery settings on patient attrition, viral load (VL) monitoring, and viral suppression (VS) at 24 and 36 months after HIV treatment initiation. METHODS AND FINDINGS For this retrospective cohort analysis, we used observational data from 25 countries in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium's Asia-Pacific, Central Africa, East Africa, Central/South America, and North America regions for patients who were ART naïve and aged ≥15 years at care enrollment between 24 months before and 12 months after national adoption of universal treatment guidelines, occurring 2012 to 2018. We estimated crude cumulative incidence of loss-to-clinic (CI-LTC) at 12, 24, and 36 months after enrollment among patients enrolling in care before and after guideline adoption using competing risks regression. Guideline change-associated hazard ratios of LTC at each time point after enrollment were estimated via cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression models. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate relative risks of retention, VL monitoring, and VS at 12, 24, and 36 months after ART initiation. There were 66,963 patients enrolling in HIV care at 109 clinics with ≥12 months of follow-up time after enrollment (46,484 [69.4%] enrolling before guideline adoption and 20,479 [30.6%] enrolling afterwards). More than half (54.9%) were females, and median age was 34 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27 to 43). Mean follow-up time was 51 months (standard deviation: 17 months; range: 12, 110 months). Among patients enrolling before guideline adoption, crude CI-LTC was 23.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 23.4, 24.2) at 12 months, 31.0% (95% CI [30.6, 31.5]) at 24 months, and 37.2% (95% [CI 36.8, 37.7]) at 36 months after enrollment. Adjusting for sex, age group, enrollment CD4, clinic location and type, and country income level, enrolling in care and initiating ART after guideline adoption was associated with increased hazard of LTC at 12 months (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.25 [95% CI 1.08, 1.44]; p = 0.003); 24 months (aHR 1.38 [95% CI 1.19, 1.59]; p < .001); and 36 months (aHR 1.34 [95% CI 1.18, 1.53], p < .001) compared with enrollment before guideline adoption, with no before-after differences among patients with no record of ART initiation by end of follow-up. Among patients retained after ART initiation, VL monitoring was low, with marginal improvements associated with guideline adoption only at 12 months after ART initiation. Among those with VL monitoring, VS was high at each time point among patients enrolling before guideline adoption (86.0% to 88.8%) and afterwards (86.2% to 90.3%), with no substantive difference associated with guideline adoption. Study limitations include lags in and potential underascertainment of care outcomes in real-world service delivery data and potential lack of generalizability beyond IeDEA sites and regions included in this analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this study, adoption of universal HIV treatment guidelines was associated with lower retention after ART initiation out to 36 months of follow-up, with little change in VL monitoring or VS among retained patients. Monitoring long-term HIV care outcomes remains critical to identify and address causes of attrition and gaps in HIV care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Brazier
- City University of New York, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, New York, United States of America
- City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Olga Tymejczyk
- City University of New York, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kara Wools-Kaloustian
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | - Marco Tulio Luque Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social and Hospital Escuela Universitario, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Jennifer S. Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lisa Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Vohith Khol
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STDs, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Fernando Mejía Cordero
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Keri N. Althoff
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Matthew G. Law
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Denis Nash
- City University of New York, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, New York, United States of America
- City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
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Huang YC, Yang CJ, Sun HY, Lee CH, Lu PL, Tang HJ, Liu CE, Lee YT, Tsai CS, Lee NY, Liou BH, Hung TC, Lee MH, Huang MH, Wang NC, Lin CY, Lee YC, Cheng SH, Hung CC. Comparable clinical outcomes with same-day versus rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Taiwan. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 140:1-8. [PMID: 38163618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.12.012] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES WHO has recommended same-day antiretroviral therapy (SDART) initiation since 2017; however, higher attrition rates were noted in developing countries. METHODS We included newly diagnosed people with HIV (PWH) from 2018 to 2022 at 18 hospitals around Taiwan. SDART initiation was defined as starting ART on the same day of HIV diagnosis and rapid initiation as starting ART within 14 days of diagnosis. A composite unfavorable outcome was defined as death after 30 days of diagnosis, loss to follow-up (LTFU), or virologic failure or rebound at 12 months. RESULTS At 12 months, PWH on SDART initiation and those on rapid ART initiation showed similar rates of engagement in care with plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL (87.5% vs 87.7%) and composite unfavorable outcome (7.7% vs 7.7%). PWH aged >30 years were less likely to have LTFU (aHR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.70). PWH aged >30 years (aHR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.85) and gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) (aHR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32-0.79) were less likely to have composite unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS SDART and rapid ART initiation resulted in comparable clinical outcomes and viral suppression rates. PWH aged >30 years and GBMSM were less likely to have unfavorable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsiang Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Eng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Huang Liou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Che Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hui Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang-Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Hui Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ying Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan; Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Bakari HM, Alo O, Mbwana MS, Salim SM, Ludeman E, Lascko T, Ramadhani HO. Same-day ART initiation, loss to follow-up and viral load suppression among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:92. [PMID: 38405092 PMCID: PMC10891376 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.92.40848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction in 2015, the World Health Organization recommended early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation after HIV diagnosis. Mixed results on the effect of same-day ART initiation (SDI) over non-same-day ART initiation (NSDI) on loss to follow-up (LTFU) and viral load suppression (VLS) necessitate further evaluation. Methods this was a systematic review and meta-analysis of people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Multiple databases were searched from January 2016 to December 2022. VLS was defined as HIV RNA <1,000 or <400 cells/ml, depending on the study. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was tested by an I2 statistic and a p-value of <0.05 indicated its presence. Analyses were performed in STATA. Results sixteen studies (5 clinical trials, 10 cohorts, and 1 cross-sectional) were included in the final analysis. Nine studies with 157,633 people living with HIV were analyzed for LTFU and the pooled prevalence of LTFU was 22.0% (95%CI; 18.5-25.7). The pooled prevalence of VLS was 72.7% (95%CI; 65.4-79.5%). The I2 statistic had a Q value of 200.62 (p<0.001) and 44.63 (p<0.001) for pooled prevalence of LTFU and VLS, respectively. Overall, compared to those who received NSDI, SDI had a significantly increased risk of LTFU (risk difference (RD)=0.04; 95%CI: 0.01-0.07). Although observational studies showed an increased risk of LTFU among SDI compared to NSDI (RD=0.05, 95%CI: 0.02-0.08), clinical trials did not. There was no statistically significant difference in VLS comparing those who received SDI vs NSDI (RD= 0.02, 95%CI: -0.03 - 0.07). Conclusion nearly two in ten people living with HIV in LMICs who initiated ART were LTFU. SDI was associated with increased risk of LTFU. Efforts to prevent LTFU among those who receive SDI are critical to maximize its potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafidha Mhando Bakari
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, Ajira Yako, Tanzania
| | - Oluwafemi Alo
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity, Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation affiliate of the University of Maryland Baltimore, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Emilie Ludeman
- Health Services and Human Services Library, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, United States
| | - Taylor Lascko
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Habib Omari Ramadhani
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Mbatia RJ, Mtisi EL, Ismail A, Henjewele CV, Moshi SJ, Christopher AK, Nsanzugwanko NW, Bukuku AG, Msimbe RA, Kirato AR, Nyabukene FS, Mmari EJ, Rwebembera AA, Masanja BN, Kailembo A, Matiko EJ. Interruptions in treatment among adults on anti-retroviral therapy before and after test-and-treat policy in Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292740. [PMID: 37967039 PMCID: PMC10651022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization recommended the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV (PLHIV) regardless of CD4 cell counts. Tanzania adopted this recommendation known as test-and-treat policy in 2016. However, programmatic implementation of this policy has not been assessed since its initiation. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of this policy in Tanzania. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 15 years and older using routinely collected program data. The dependent variable was interruption in treatment (IIT), defined as no clinical contact for at least 90 days after the last clinical appointment. The main independent variable was test-and-treat policy status which categorized PLHIV into the before and after groups. Co-variates were age, sex, facility type, clinical stage, CD4 count, ART duration, and body mass index. The associations were assessed using the generalized estimating equation with inverse probability weighting. RESULTS The study involved 33,979 PLHIV-14,442 (42.5%) and 19,537 (57.5%) were in the before and after the policy groups, respectively. Among those who experienced IIT, 4,219 (29%) and 7,322 (38%) were in the before and after the policy groups respectively. Multivariable analysis showed PLHIV after the policy was instated had twice [AOR 2.03; 95%CI 1.74-2.38] the odds of experiencing IIT than those before the policy was adopted. Additionally, higher odds of experiencing IIT were observed among younger adults, males, and those with advanced HIV disease. CONCLUSION Demographic and clinical status variables were associated with IIT, as well as the test-and-treat policy. To achieve epidemic control, programmatic adjustments on continuity of treatment may are needed to complement the programmatic implementation of the policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Expeditho L. Mtisi
- Department of General Studies, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Abbas Ismail
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Sisty J. Moshi
- Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Rehema A. Msimbe
- Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Agnes R. Kirato
- Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Eunice J. Mmari
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anath A. Rwebembera
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Alexander Kailembo
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eva J. Matiko
- US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Tao Y, Xiao X, Zhang C, Xie Y, Wang H. Prevalence of delayed antiretroviral therapy initiation among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286476. [PMID: 37874794 PMCID: PMC10597480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV continues to be a global challenge. Key recommendations for HIV prevention and treatment are presented on rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. However, several studies showed a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of delayed ART initiation among HIV-infected patients globally. METHODS This review summarised eligible studies conducted between January 2015 and August 2022 on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation in HIV-infected adults (age ≥ 15). Relevant studies were systematic searched through PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. The heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Moreover, potential sources of heterogeneity were explored using univariate subgroup analysis. RESULTS Data on the prevalence of delayed ART initiation was pooled across 29 studies involving 34,937 participants from 15 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of delayed ART initiation was 36.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 29.7-42.5%]. In subgroup analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence decreased with age. By sex, the prevalence was higher among male patients (39.3%, 95% CI: 32.2-46.4%) than female (36.5%, 95% CI: 26.9-50.7%). Patients with high CD4 cell count were more likely to delay ART initiation than those with low CD4 cell count (>500cells/mm3: 40.3%; 201-500cells/mm3: 33.4%; and ≤200cells/mm3: 25.3%). CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review and meta-analysis identified a high prevalence of delayed ART initiation. The prolonged time interval between diagnosis and treatment is a prevalent and unaddressed problem that should spur initiatives from countries globally. Further research is urgently needed to identify effective strategies for promoting the early ART initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Xiao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ci Zhang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xie
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
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Labhardt ND, Brown JA, Sass N, Ford N, Rosen S. Treatment Outcomes After Offering Same-Day Initiation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment-How to Interpret Discrepancies Between Different Studies. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:1176-1184. [PMID: 37229594 PMCID: PMC10573746 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization recommends same-day initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all persons diagnosed with HIV and ready to start treatment. Evidence, mainly from randomized trials, indicates offering same-day ART increases engagement in care and viral suppression during the first year. In contrast, most observational studies using routine data find same-day ART to be associated with lower engagement in care. We argue that this discrepancy is mainly driven by different time points of enrollment, leading to different denominators. While randomized trials enroll individuals when tested positive, most observational studies start at the time point when ART is initiated. Thus, most observational studies omit those who are lost between diagnosis and treatment, thereby introducing a selection bias in the group with delayed ART. This viewpoint article summarizes the available evidence and argues that the benefits of same-day ART outweigh a potential higher risk of attrition from care after ART initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Anne Brown
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikita Sass
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Ford
- Department of HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Smith MJ, Phillips RV, Luque-Fernandez MA, Maringe C. Application of targeted maximum likelihood estimation in public health and epidemiological studies: a systematic review. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 86:34-48.e28. [PMID: 37343734 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) statistical data analysis framework integrates machine learning, statistical theory, and statistical inference to provide a least biased, efficient, and robust strategy for estimation and inference of a variety of statistical and causal parameters. We describe and evaluate the epidemiological applications that have benefited from recent methodological developments. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed for articles that applied any form of TMLE in observational studies. We summarized the epidemiological discipline, geographical location, expertize of the authors, and TMLE methods over time. We used the Roadmap of Targeted Learning and Causal Inference to extract key methodological aspects of the publications. We showcase the contributions to the literature of these TMLE results. RESULTS Of the 89 publications included, 33% originated from the University of California at Berkeley, where the framework was first developed by Professor Mark van der Laan. By 2022, 59% of the publications originated from outside the United States and explored up to seven different epidemiological disciplines in 2021-2022. Double-robustness, bias reduction, and model misspecification were the main motivations that drew researchers toward the TMLE framework. Through time, a wide variety of methodological, tutorial, and software-specific articles were cited, owing to the constant growth of methodological developments around TMLE. CONCLUSIONS There is a clear dissemination trend of the TMLE framework to various epidemiological disciplines and to increasing numbers of geographical areas. The availability of R packages, publication of tutorial papers, and involvement of methodological experts in applied publications have contributed to an exponential increase in the number of studies that understood the benefits and adoption of TMLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Smith
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Rachael V Phillips
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Miguel Angel Luque-Fernandez
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Camille Maringe
- Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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10
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Huber A, Hirasen K, Brennan AT, Phiri B, Tcherini T, Mulenga L, Haimbe P, Shakwelele H, Nyirenda R, Wilson Matola B, Gunda A, Rosen S. Uptake of same-day initiation of HIV treatment in Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia as reported in routinely collected data: the SPRINT retrospective cohort study. Gates Open Res 2023; 7:42. [PMID: 37153118 PMCID: PMC10160348 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.14424.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since 2017 global guidelines have recommended "same-day initiation" (SDI) of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for patients considered ready for treatment on the day of HIV diagnosis. Many countries have incorporated a SDI option into national guidelines, but SDI uptake is not well documented. We estimated average time to ART initiation at 12 public healthcare facilities in Malawi, five in South Africa, and 12 in Zambia. Methods: We identified patients eligible to start ART between January 2018 and June 2019 from facility testing registers and reviewed their medical records from HIV diagnosis to the earlier date of treatment initiation or 6 months. We estimated the proportion of patients initiating ART on the same day or within 7, 14, 30, or 180 days of baseline. Results: We enrolled 825 patients in Malawi, 534 in South Africa, and 1,984 in Zambia. Overall, 88% of patients in Malawi, 57% in South Africa, and 91% in Zambia received SDI. In Malawi, most who did not receive SDI had not initiated ART ≤6 months. In South Africa, an additional 13% initiated ≤1 week, but 21% had no record of initiation ≤6 months. Among those who did initiate within 6 months in Zambia, most started ≤1 week. There were no major differences by sex. WHO Stage III/IV and tuberculosis symptoms were associated with delays in ART initiation; clinic size and having a CD4 count done were associated with an increased likelihood of SDI. Conclusions: As of 2020, SDI of ART was widespread, if not nearly universal, in Malawi and Zambia but considerably less common in South Africa. Limitations of the study include pre-COVID-19 data that do not reflect pandemic adaptations and potentially missing data for Zambia. South Africa may be able to increase overall ART coverage by reducing numbers of patients who do not initiate ≤6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Huber
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Kamban Hirasen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Alana T. Brennan
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
- Department Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Bevis Phiri
- Clinton Health Access Institute-Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrews Gunda
- Clinton Health Access Institute-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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11
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Mgbako O, Mathu R, Davila MG, Mehta M, Cabrera J, Carnevale C, Zucker J, Gordon P, Olender S. Immediate ART and clinical outcomes in New York City among patients newly diagnosed with HIV. AIDS Care 2023; 35:545-554. [PMID: 35895602 PMCID: PMC9880246 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2104799] [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: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Immediate antiretroviral therapy (iART) has been shown to decrease time to viral suppression. Our center underwent significant practice transformation to support iART, including a same-day Open Access (OA) model and enhanced care coordination. We examined whether same-day ART at linkage was associated with favorable proximate and long-term HIV care outcomes. From 2018 to 2019, patients newly diagnosed with HIV, linked to care at our institution, and iART eligible were included. We evaluated the association between iART and time to viral suppression, and between iART and initial/sustained viral suppression and retention in care. We also evaluated the association between use of OA and frequency of care coordination with the same outcomes. Of the 107 patients included, 72 initiated same-day ART at linkage and 35 did not. There was no statistically significant differences in whether patients were ever suppressed, had sustained viral suppression, or were retained in care between those who received same-day ART and those who did not. More care coordination was associated with retention in care (RR 1.21 [1.01-1.5]; p = 0.05). Organizing vital services and ensuring implementation strategies that facilitate iART, while tailoring the approach to the patient's comfort level, is likely optimal for longitudinal HIV care engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofole Mgbako
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia, University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Mathu
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mila Gonzalez Davila
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica Mehta
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joselyn Cabrera
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Carnevale
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Peter Gordon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Susan Olender
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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12
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Murenzi G, Kim HY, Shi Q, Muhoza B, Munyaneza A, Kubwimana G, Remera E, Nsanzimana S, Yotebieng M, Nash D, Anastos K, Ross J. Association Between Time to Antiretroviral Therapy and Loss to Care Among Newly Diagnosed Rwandan People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2023; 39:253-261. [PMID: 36800896 PMCID: PMC10171964 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2022.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite improved clinical outcomes of initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after diagnosis, conflicting evidence exists regarding the impact of same-day ART initiation on subsequent clinical outcomes. We aimed to characterize the associations of time to ART initiation with loss to care and viral suppression in a cohort of newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV) entering care after Rwanda implemented a national "Treat All" policy. We conducted a secondary analysis of routinely collected data of adult PLHIV enrolling in HIV care at 10 health facilities in Kigali, Rwanda. Time from enrollment to ART initiation was categorized as same day, 1-7 days, or >7 days. We examined associations between time to ART and loss to care (>120 days since last health facility visit) using Cox proportional hazards models, and between time to ART and viral suppression using logistic regression. Of 2,524 patients included in this analysis, 1,452 (57.5%) were women and the median age was 32 (interquartile range: 26-39). Loss to care was more frequent among patients who initiated ART on the same day (15.9%), compared with those initiating ART 1-7 days (12.3%) or >7 days (10.1%), p < .001. In multivariable analyses, same-day ART initiation was associated with a greater hazard of loss to care compared with initiating >7 days after enrollment (adjusted hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.85). A total of 1,698 (67.3%) had available data on viral load measured within 455 days after enrollment. Of these, 1,476 (87%) were virally suppressed. A higher proportion of patients initiating ART on the same day were virally suppressed (89%) compared with those initiating 1-7 days (84%) or >7 days (88%) after enrollment. This association was not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that ensuring adequate, early support for PLHIV initiating ART rapidly may be important to improve retention in care for newly diagnosed PLHIV in the era of Treat All.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad Murenzi
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,Research for Development (RD Rwanda), Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Qiuhu Shi
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Gallican Kubwimana
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.,Research for Development (RD Rwanda), Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA.,School of Public Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Ross
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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13
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Huber A, Hirasen K, Brennan AT, Phiri B, Tcherini T, Mulenga L, Haimbe P, Shakwelele H, Nyirenda R, Wilson Matola B, Gunda A, Rosen S. Uptake of same-day initiation of HIV treatment among adult men and women in Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia: the SPRINT retrospective cohort study. Gates Open Res 2023; 7:42. [PMID: 37153118 PMCID: PMC10160348 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.14424.1] [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: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since 2017 global guidelines have recommended "same-day initiation" (SDI) of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for patients considered ready for treatment on the day of HIV diagnosis. Many countries have incorporated a SDI option into national guidelines, but SDI uptake is not well documented. We estimated average time to ART initiation at 12 public healthcare facilities in Malawi, five in South Africa, and 12 in Zambia. Methods: We sequentially enrolled patients eligible to start ART between January 2018 and June 2019 and reviewed their medical records from the point of HIV diagnosis or first HIV-related interaction with the clinic to the earlier date of treatment initiation or 6 months. We estimated the proportion of patients initiating ART on the same day or within 7, 14, 30, or 180 days of baseline. Results: We enrolled 826 patients in Malawi, 534 in South Africa, and 1,984 in Zambia. Overall, 88% of patients in Malawi, 57% in South Africa, and 91% in Zambia were offered and accepted SDI. In Malawi, most who did not receive SDI had not initiated ART ≤6 months. In South Africa, an additional 13% initiated ≤1 week, but 21% had no record of initiation ≤6 months. Among those who did initiate within 6 months in Zambia, most started ≤1 week. There were no major differences by sex. WHO Stage III/IV and tuberculosis symptoms were associated with delays in ART initiation. Conclusions: As of 2020, SDI of ART was widespread, if not nearly universal, in Malawi and Zambia but considerably less common in South Africa. Limitations of the study include pre-COVID-19 data that do not reflect pandemic adaptations and potentially missing data for Zambia. South Africa may be able to increase overall ART coverage by reducing numbers of patients who do not initiate ≤6 months. Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT04468399; NCT04170374; NCT04470011).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Huber
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Kamban Hirasen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Alana T. Brennan
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
- Department Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Bevis Phiri
- Clinton Health Access Institute-Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrews Gunda
- Clinton Health Access Institute-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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14
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Bayisa L, Bayisa D, Turi E, Mulisa D, Tolossa T, Akuma AO, Bokora MC, Rundasa DT. Same-Day ART Initiation and Associated Factors Among People Living with HIV on Lifelong Therapy at Nekemte Specialized Hospital, Western Ethiopia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2023; 15:11-22. [PMID: 36718213 PMCID: PMC9884049 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s395238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The test-and-treat approach recommends early ART initiation (same day). Early ART start has double the benefits as treatment and as prevention. However, there is limited information regarding same-day ART initiation in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors of same-day ART initiation among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART at Nekemte specialized hospital, in Western Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 PLHIV from January 10 to February 15, 2021. Data were collected using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Epi Data 3.1 and STATA 14.0 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Variables with P-value <0.25 from bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable analysis. AOR with 95% CI and P-value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results A total of 483 study subjects participated and gave a 100% response rate. Two thirds (65%) of them started ART on the same day with a 95% CI [60.2-68.8]. Urban dwellers (AOR = 3.93 (95% 1.96-7.87)), with no OIs (AOR = 4.02 (95% CI: 1.54-10.47)), not screened for TB (AOR = 6.02 (95% CI: 1.71-21.15)), tested via VCT (AOR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.37-3.26)), who have not used CPT (AOR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.10-3.23)), who have not used IPT (AOR = 2.36 (95% CI: 1.0-5.57)), who were tested in 2019/20 (AOR = 2.37 (95% CI: 1.08-5.518)), and with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (AOR = 2.18 (95% CI: 1.05-4.52)) were significantly associated with same-day ART initiation. Conclusion Two thirds of study subjects initiated ART on the same day as HIV diagnosis. Voluntary testing and immediate referral to HIV care, advocating test-and-treat, and intensive counseling should be strengthened and reinforced for newly diagnosed HIV-positive people. Given that, high attention should be paid to individuals from urban residence, not screened for TB, who have not used CPT and IPT prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lami Bayisa
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Lami Bayisa, Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wollega University, P.O.Box: 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia, Tel +251 924318135, Email
| | - Diriba Bayisa
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Ebisa Turi
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Diriba Mulisa
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Tolossa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna Olani Akuma
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Merga Chala Bokora
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Tesfaye Rundasa
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
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15
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Ross J, Brazier E, Fatti G, Jaquet A, Tanon A, Haas AD, Diero L, Castelnuovo B, Yiannoutsos CT, Nash D, Anastos KM, Yotebieng M. Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation as a Predictor of Loss to Follow-up and Viral Suppression Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:39-47. [PMID: 36097726 PMCID: PMC10202422 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac759] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treat-All guidelines recommend initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all people with HIV (PWH) on the day of diagnosis when possible, yet uncertainty exists about the impact of same-day ART initiation on subsequent care engagement. We examined the association of same-day ART initiation with loss to follow-up and viral suppression among patients in 11 sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS We included ART-naive adult PWH from sites participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium who enrolled in care after Treat-All implementation and prior to January 2019. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate the association between same-day ART initiation and loss to follow-up and Poisson regression to estimate the association between same-day ART initiation and 6-month viral suppression. RESULTS Among 29 017 patients from 63 sites, 18 584 (64.0%) initiated ART on the day of enrollment. Same-day ART initiation was less likely among those with advanced HIV disease versus early-stage disease. Loss to follow-up was significantly lower among those initiating ART ≥1 day of enrollment, compared with same-day ART initiators (20.6% vs 27.7%; adjusted hazard ratio: .66; 95% CI .57-.76). No difference in viral suppression was observed by time to ART initiation (adjusted rate ratio: 1.00; 95% CI: .98-1.02). CONCLUSIONS Patients initiating ART on the day of enrollment were more frequently lost to follow-up than those initiating later but were equally likely to be virally suppressed. Our findings support recent World Health Organization recommendations for providing tailored counseling and support to patients who accept an offer of same-day ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Ross
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Geoffrey Fatti
- Kheth’Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Antoine Jaquet
- University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aristophane Tanon
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales (SMIT), Treichville Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Andreas D Haas
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lameck Diero
- Department of Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Department of Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn M Anastos
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York, USA
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16
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Same‐day
and rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy in people living with
HIV
in Asia. How far have we come? HIV Med 2022; 23 Suppl 4:3-14. [DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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17
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Dah TTE, Yaya I, Mensah E, Coulibaly A, Kouamé JBM, Traoré I, Mora M, Palvadeau P, Anoma C, Keita BD, Spire B, Laurent C. Rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation and its effect on treatment response in MSM in West Africa. AIDS 2021; 35:2201-2210. [PMID: 34352834 PMCID: PMC8505135 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the time from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation and the effect of rapid ART initiation (i.e. within 7 days of HIV diagnosis) on attrition and virologic and immunologic responses among MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. DESIGN Prospective cohort study between 2015 and 2019. METHODS MSM aged 18 years or older newly diagnosed with HIV infection were eligible to participate. ART was proposed to participants upon HIV diagnosis, irrespective of clinical stage and CD4+ cell count, and was initiated as soon as possible, with no specific time frame. Determinants of rapid ART initiation and its effect on treatment outcomes were assessed using multivariate analyses. RESULTS Of 350 MSM, 335 (95.7%) initiated ART after a median time of 5 days. Of the latter, 216 (64.5%) had rapid ART initiation. The 335 participants were followed up for a median time of 24.1 months. One hundred and eleven (33.1%) were not retained in care. Rapid ART initiation was less likely in participants with a CD4+ cell count at least 200 cells/μl [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15-0.88]. It improved viral load suppression (aOR 6.96, 95% CI 1.98-24.46) but had no effect on attrition (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.57-1.33) or CD4+ cell count increase (adjusted coefficient 28.23, 95% CI -17.00 to 73.45). CONCLUSION These results in MSM in West Africa support the WHO recommendation for rapid ART initiation. Clinics need to develop context-specific strategies for rapid ART initiation and for retaining MSM in HIV care.ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02626286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, Inserm, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, Inserm, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Issa Traoré
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Marion Mora
- SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, Marseille
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Spire
- SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, Marseille
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18
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Maskew M, Brennan AT, Venter WDF, Fox MP, Vezi L, Rosen S. Retention in care and viral suppression after same-day ART initiation: One-year outcomes of the SLATE I and II individually randomized clinical trials in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25825. [PMID: 34612601 PMCID: PMC8694178 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Same‐day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV consistently increases ART uptake, but concerns remain about higher attrition from care after initiation. We analysed 12‐month retention in the SLATE SDI trials. Methods SLATE I (Simplified Algorithms for Treatment Eligibility I, enrolment 06 March–28 July 2017) and SLATE II (enrolment 14 March–18 September 2018) were individually randomized trials at public outpatient clinics in Johannesburg that enrolled patients not yet on ART and administered the SLATE I or II algorithm. This included a symptom self‐report, medical history, brief physical examination and readiness questionnaire to assess the eligibility for SDI. The studies compared the offer of SDI using the SLATE algorithms to standard of care initiation procedures. ART uptake and early retention were previously reported. Using routine clinic records, we conducted a pooled analysis of retention in care and HIV viral suppression 14 months after study enrolment, a time point equivalent to 12 months potential on ART, with an additional month allowed on either end to initiate ART and to return for the 12‐month visit. Results and discussion We enrolled 1193 study participants (standard arms, n = 599, 50%; intervention arms, n = 594, 50%) and analysed by originally assigned groups. By 14 months after enrolment, 50% of intervention arm patients and 46% of standard arm patients remained in care at the initiating site (crude risk difference 4% (95% confidence interval −1%‐10%); crude relative risk 1.10 (0.97–1.23), with similar viral suppression between arms. Observed attrition from care at site by 14 months was high in both study arms, but we found no evidence that the offer of SDI led to greater overall attrition or lower rates of viral suppression 1 year after starting ART and may have generated small improvements. SDI may have shifted some attrition from before to after dispensing of the first dose of medication. Conclusions An offer of SDI of ART, following a carefully designed protocol to identify patients who are eligible and ready to start treatment, is not inherently associated with an overall increase in patient attrition from care and leads to similar rates of viral suppression. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02891135, registered 01 September 2016. First participant enrolled 06 March 2017 in South Africa. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03315013, registered 19 October 2017. First participant enrolled 14 March 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alana T Brennan
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Willem D F Venter
- Ezintsha, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lungisile Vezi
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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How early is too early? Challenges in ART initiation and engaging in HIV care under Treat All in Rwanda-A qualitative study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251645. [PMID: 33984044 PMCID: PMC8118273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV treatment guidelines recommend that all people living with HIV (PLWH) initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible after diagnosis (Treat All). As Treat All is more widely implemented, an increasing proportion of PLWH are likely to initiate ART when they are asymptomatic, and they may view the relative benefits and risks of ART differently than those initiating at more advanced disease stages. To date, patient perspectives of initiating care under Treat All in sub-Saharan Africa have not been well described. Methods From September 2018 to March 2019, we conducted individual, semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 37 patients receiving HIV care in two health centers in Kigali, Rwanda. Data were analyzed using a mixed deductive and inductive thematic analysis approach to describe perceived barriers to, facilitators of and acceptability of initiating and adhering to ART rapidly under Treat All. Results Of 37 participants, 27 were women and the median age was 31 years. Participants described feeling traumatized and overwhelmed by their HIV diagnosis, resulting in difficulty accepting their HIV status. Most were prescribed ART soon after diagnosis, yet fear of lifelong medication and severe side effects in the immediate period after initiating ART led to challenges adhering to therapy. Moreover, because many PLWH initiated ART while healthy, taking medications and attending appointments were visible signals of HIV status and highly stigmatizing. Nonetheless, many participants expressed enthusiasm for Treat All as a program that improved health as well as health equity. Conclusion For newly-diagnosed PLWH in Rwanda, initiating ART rapidly under Treat All presents logistical and emotional challenges despite the perceived benefits. Our findings suggest that optimizing early engagement in HIV care under Treat All requires early and ongoing intervention to reduce trauma and stigma, and promote both individual and community benefits of ART.
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