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Ostermann J, Njau B, van Zwetselaar M, Yamanis T, McClimans L, Mwangi R, Beti M, Hobbie A, Gass SJ, Mtuy T, Thielman N. Mobile Phone-Based Confidential Social Network Referrals for HIV Testing (CONSORT): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e55068. [PMID: 38814692 DOI: 10.2196/55068] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical to efforts to end the HIV epidemic is the identification of persons living with HIV who have yet to be diagnosed and engaged in care. Expanded HIV testing outreach efforts need to be both efficient and ambitious, targeting the social networks of persons living with HIV and those at above-average risk of undiagnosed HIV infection. The ubiquity of mobile phones across many high HIV prevalence settings has created opportunities to leverage mobile health (mHealth) technologies to engage social networks for HIV testing outreach, prevention, and treatment. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of a novel mHealth intervention, "Confidential Social Network Referrals for HIV Testing (CONSORT)," to nudge at-risk individuals to test for HIV using SMS text messages. METHODS We will conduct the CONSORT study in Moshi, Tanzania, the commercial center and administrative capital of the Kilimanjaro Region in northern Tanzania. After qualitative formative work and pilot testing, we will enroll 400 clients presenting for HIV counseling and testing and 200 persons living with HIV and receiving care at HIV care and treatment centers as "inviters" into a randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants will be aged 18 years or older and live, work, or regularly receive care in Moshi. We will randomize inviters into 1 of 2 study arms. All inviters will be asked to complete a survey of their HIV testing and risk behaviors and to think of social network contacts who would benefit from HIV testing. They will then be asked to whom they would prefer to extend an HIV testing invitation in the form of a physical invitation card. Arm 1 participants will also be given the opportunity to extend CONSORT invitations in the form of automated confidential SMS text messages to any of their social network contacts or "invitees." Arm 2 participants will be offered physical invitation cards alone. The primary outcome will be counselor-documented uptake of HIV testing by invitees within 30 days of inviter enrollment. Secondary outcomes will include the acceptability of CONSORT among inviters, the number of new HIV diagnoses, and the HIV risk of invitees who present for testing. RESULTS Enrollment in the randomized controlled trial is expected to start in September 2024. The findings will be disseminated to stakeholders and published in peer-reviewed journals. CONCLUSIONS If CONSORT is acceptable and effective for increasing the uptake of HIV testing, given the minimal costs of SMS text reminders and the potential for exponential but targeted growth using chain referrals, it may shift current practices for HIV testing programs in the area. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClincalTrials.gov NCT05967208; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05967208. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/55068.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ostermann
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Bernard Njau
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Thespina Yamanis
- School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Leah McClimans
- Department of Philosophy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Rose Mwangi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Melkiory Beti
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Amy Hobbie
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, SC, United States
| | - Salomé-Joelle Gass
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Tara Mtuy
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Thielman
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Meek CJ, Munkhondya TEM, Mphande M, Tembo TA, Chitani M, Jean-Baptiste M, Vansia D, Kumbuyo C, Wang J, Simon KR, Rutstein SE, Barrington C, Kim MH, Go VF, Rosenberg NE. Examining the feasibility of assisted index case testing for HIV case-finding: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation in Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:606. [PMID: 38720312 PMCID: PMC11080127 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10988-z] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted index case testing (ICT), in which health care workers take an active role in referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for HIV testing services, has been widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention with high potential to increase status awareness in people living with HIV. While the available evidence from eastern and southern Africa suggests that assisted ICT can be an effective, efficient, cost-effective, acceptable, and low-risk strategy to implement in the region, it reveals that feasibility barriers to implementation exist. This study aims to inform the design of implementation strategies to mitigate these feasibility barriers by examining "assisting" health care workers' experiences of how barriers manifest throughout the assisted ICT process, as well as their perceptions of potential opportunities to facilitate feasibility. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 lay health care workers delivering assisted ICT in Malawian health facilities. Interviews explored health care workers' experiences counseling index clients and tracing these clients' contacts, aiming to inform development of a blended learning implementation package. Transcripts were inductively analyzed using Dedoose coding software to identify and describe key factors influencing feasibility of assisted ICT. Analysis included multiple rounds of coding and iteration with the data collection team. RESULTS Participants reported a variety of barriers to feasibility of assisted index case testing implementation, including sensitivities around discussing ICT with clients, privacy concerns, limited time for assisted index case testing amid high workloads, poor quality contact information, and logistical obstacles to tracing. Participants also reported several health care worker characteristics that facilitate feasibility (knowledge, interpersonal skills, non-stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors, and a sense of purpose), as well as identified process improvements with the potential to mitigate barriers. CONCLUSIONS Maximizing assisted ICT's potential to increase status awareness in people living with HIV requires equipping health care workers with effective training and support to address and overcome the many feasibility barriers that they face in implementation. Findings demonstrate the need for, as well as inform the development of, implementation strategies to mitigate barriers and promote facilitators to feasibility of assisted ICT. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05343390. Date of registration: April 25, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Meek
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | | | - Mtisunge Mphande
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Tapiwa A Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Milenka Jean-Baptiste
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dhrutika Vansia
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Caroline Kumbuyo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Sarah E Rutstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clare Barrington
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Maria H Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Vivian F Go
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Tavakoli F, Dehghan M, Haghdoost AA, Mirzazadeh A, Gouya MM, Sharifi H. A qualitative study exploring approaches, barriers, and facilitators of the HIV partner notification program in Kerman, Iran. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:570. [PMID: 38698401 PMCID: PMC11067232 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11049-1] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV partner notification services can help people living with HIV (PLHIV) to identify, locate, and inform their sexual and injecting partners who are exposed to HIV and refer them for proper and timely counseling and testing. To what extent these services were used by PLHIV and what are the related barriers and facilitators in southeast Iran are not known. So, this study aimed to explore HIV notification and its barriers and facilitators among PLHIV in Iran. METHODS In this qualitative study, the number of 23 participants were recruited from November 2022 to February 2023 including PLHIV (N = 12), sexual partners of PLHIV (N = 5), and staff members (N = 6) of a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center in Kerman located in the southeast of Iran. Our data collection included purposive sampling to increase variation. The content analysis was conducted using the Graneheim and Lundman approach. The analysis yielded 221 (out of 322) related codes related to HIV notification, its barriers, and its facilitators. These codes were further categorized into one main category with three categories and nine sub-categories. RESULTS The main category was HIV notification approaches, HIV notification barriers, and facilitators. HIV notification approaches were notification through clear, and direct conversation, notification through gradual preparation and reassurance, notification due to being with PLHIV, notification through suspicious talking of the physician, and notification due to the behavior of others. Also, the barriers were classified into individual, social, and environmental, and healthcare system barriers and the facilitators were at PLHIV, healthcare staff, and community levels. Stigma was a barrier mentioned by most participants. Also, the main facilitator of HIV notification was social support, especially from the family side. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlighted the multidimensionality of HIV notification emphasizing the importance of tailored support and education to enhance the notification process for PLHIV and their networks. Also, our results show that despite all the efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination in recent years, stigma still exists as a main obstacle to disclosing HIV status and other barriers are the product of stigma. It seems that all programs should be directed towards destigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Tavakoli
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahlagha Dehghan
- Reproductive Health, Family and Population Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ali Akbar Haghdoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Monroe-Wise A, Mbogo L, Sambai B, Ludwig-Barron N, Guthrie BL, Bukusi D, Chohan BH, Masyuko S, Scott J, Juma E, Macharia P, Kingston H, Sinkele W, Gitau E, Bosire R, Musyoki H, Herbeck J, Farquhar C. Efficacy of assisted partner services for people who inject drugs in Kenya to identify partners living with HIV and hepatitis C virus infection: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e859-e867. [PMID: 38614633 PMCID: PMC11097040 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00051-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs are at increased risk of both HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections but face barriers to testing and engagement in care. Assisted partner services are effective in locating people with HIV but are understudied among people who inject drugs. We assessed whether assisted partner services could be used to find, test for HIV and HCV infections, and link to care the partners of people who inject drugs in Kenya. METHODS In this prospective study at eight sites offering harm-reduction services in Kenya, we enrolled people aged 18 years or older who inject drugs and were living with HIV (index participants) between Feb 27, 2018, and Nov 1, 2021. Index participants provided information about their sexual and injecting partners (ie, anyone with whom they had had sexual intercourse or injected drugs in the previous 3 years), and then community-embedded peer educators located partners and referred them for enrolment in the study (partner participants). All participants underwent testing for HCV infection, and partner participants also underwent HIV testing. Index and partner participants with HIV but who were not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were linked with treatment services, and those positive for HCV were linked to treatment with direct-acting antivirals. We calculated the number of index participants whom we needed to interview to identify partner participants with HIV and HCV infection. FINDINGS We enrolled 989 people living with HIV who inject drugs, who mentioned 4705 sexual or injecting partners. Of these 4705 partners, we enrolled 4597 participants, corresponding to 3323 unique individuals. 597 (18%) partner participants had HIV, of whom 506 (85%) already knew their status. 358 (71%) of those who knew they were HIV positive were virally suppressed. 393 (12%) partner participants were HCV antibody positive, 213 (54%) of whom had viraemia and 104 (26%) of whom knew their antibody status. 1·66 (95% CI 1·53-1·80) index participants had to be interviewed to identify a partner with HIV, and 4·24 (3·75-4·85) had to be interviewed to find a partner living with HIV who was unaware of their HIV status, not on ART, or not virally suppressed. To find a partner seropositive for HCV who did not know their antibody status, 3·47 (3·11-3·91) index participants needed to be interviewed. Among the 331 index and partner participants living with HIV who were not on ART at enrolment, 238 (72%) were taking ART at 6-month follow-up. No adverse events were attributed to study procedures. INTERPRETATION Use of assisted partner services among people with HIV who inject drugs was safe and identified partners with HIV and HCV infections. Assisted partner services was associated with increased uptake of ART for both index participants and partners. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliza Monroe-Wise
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Loice Mbogo
- University of Washington Global Assistance Program-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Betsy Sambai
- University of Washington Global Assistance Program-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Bhavna H Chohan
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Kenya National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Scott
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Juma
- University of Washington Global Assistance Program-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Hanley Kingston
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William Sinkele
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Esther Gitau
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rose Bosire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helgar Musyoki
- Kenya National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Herbeck
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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5
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Tembo TA, Ahmed S, Rosenberg NE. Assisted partner services for people with HIV who inject drugs. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e731-e732. [PMID: 38614623 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00086-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tapiwa A Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Private Bag B-397, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Private Bag B-397, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Rwabiyago OE, Katale A, Bingham T, Grund JM, Machangu O, Medley A, Nkomela ZM, Kayange A, King'ori GN, Juma JM, Ismail A, Kategile U, Akom E, Mlole NT, Schaad N, Maokola W, Nyagonde N, Magesa D, Kazitanga JC, Maruyama H, Temu F, Kimambo S, Sando D, Mbatia R, Chalamila ST, Ogwang BE, Njelekela MA, Kazaura K, Wong VJ, Gongo R, Njau PF, Mbunda A, Nondi J, Bateganya M, Greene J, Breda M, Mgomella G, Rwebembera A, Swaminathan M. Social network strategy (SNS) for HIV testing: a new approach for identifying individuals with undiagnosed HIV infection in Tanzania. AIDS Care 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38502602 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2307383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Social network strategy (SNS) testing uses network connections to refer individuals at high risk to HIV testing services (HTS). In Tanzania, SNS testing is offered in communities and health facilities. In communities, SNS testing targets key and vulnerable populations (KVP), while in health facilities it complements index testing by reaching unelicited index contacts. Routine data were used to assess performance and trends over time in PEPFAR-supported sites between October 2021 and March 2023. Key indicators included SNS social contacts tested, and new HIV-positives individuals identified. Descriptive and statistical analysis were conducted. Univariable and multivariable analysis were applied, and variables with P-values <0.2 at univariable analysis were considered for multivariable analysis. Overall, 121,739 SNS contacts were tested, and 7731 (6.4%) previously undiagnosed individuals living with HIV were identified. Tested contacts and identified HIV-positives were mostly aged ≥15 years (>99.7%) and females (80.6% of tests, 79.4% of HIV-positives). Most SNS contacts were tested (78,363; 64.7%) and diagnosed (6376; 82.5%) in communities. SNS tests and HIV-positives grew 11.5 and 6.1-fold respectively, from October-December 2021 to January-March 2023, with majority of clients reached in communities vs. facilities (78,763 vs. 42,976). These results indicate that SNS testing is a promising HIV case-finding approach in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Ernest Rwabiyago
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Allen Katale
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Trista Bingham
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jonathan M Grund
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ona Machangu
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Amy Medley
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zeye M Nkomela
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Alick Kayange
- United States Walter Reed Army Institute of Research/Department of Defense (WRAIR/DOD), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Galal Naphtal King'ori
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - James McOllogi Juma
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Abbas Ismail
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Upendo Kategile
- United States Agency for International Development, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eniko Akom
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Neema Tabian Mlole
- President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Nicolas Schaad
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Werner Maokola
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Nyagonde Nyagonde
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Daniel Magesa
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jaiving C Kazitanga
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Sajida Kimambo
- USAID Afya Yangu Northern Project, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - David Sando
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | - Kokuhumbya Kazaura
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vincent J Wong
- United States Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington DC, USA
| | - Ramadhani Gongo
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Prosper Faustine Njau
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Andrea Mbunda
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joseph Nondi
- United States Walter Reed Army Institute of Research/Department of Defense (WRAIR/DOD), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Moses Bateganya
- United States Agency for International Development, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Mark Breda
- United States Walter Reed Army Institute of Research/Department of Defense (WRAIR/DOD), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - George Mgomella
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anath Rwebembera
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Mahesh Swaminathan
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Secor AM, Ihnatiuk A, Shapoval A, McDowell M, Hetman L, Wagner AD, Pintye J, Beima-Sofie K, Golden MR, Puttkammer N. Does HIV index testing bring patients into treatment at earlier stages of HIV disease? Results from a retrospective study in Ukraine. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:328. [PMID: 38500055 PMCID: PMC10949801 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09190-7] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over one-third of people living with HIV (PLH) in Ukraine are not on treatment. Index testing services, which link potentially exposed partners (named partners) of known PLH (index patients) with testing and treatment services, are being scaled in Ukraine and could potentially close this gap. METHODS This retrospective study included patient data from 14,554 adult PLH who initiated antiretroviral treatment (ART) between October 2018 and May 2021 at one of 35 facilities participating in an intervention to strengthen index testing services. Mixed effects modified Poisson models were used to assess differences between named partners and other ART initiators, and an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was used to assess changes in ART initiation over time. RESULTS Compared to other ART initiators, named partners were significantly less likely to have a confirmed TB diagnosis (aRR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.40, 0.77, p < 0.001), a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 (aRR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73, 0.97, p = 0.017), or be categorized as WHO HIV stage 4 (aRR = 0.68, 9% CI = 0.55, 0.83, p < 0.001) at the time of ART initiation, and were significantly more likely to initiate ART within seven days of testing for HIV (aRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.22, 1.50, p < 0.001). Our ITS analysis showed a modest 2.34% (95% CI = 0.26%, 4.38%; p = 0.028) month-on-month reduction in mean ART initiations comparing the post-intervention period to the pre-intervention period, although these results were likely confounded by the COVID epidemic. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that index testing services may be beneficial in bringing PLH into treatment at an earlier stage of HIV disease and decreasing delays between HIV testing and ART initiation, potentially improving patient outcomes and retention in the HIV care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Secor
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center, 3980 15th Ave NE, 98105, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Alyona Ihnatiuk
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Anna Shapoval
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Misti McDowell
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Larisa Hetman
- Public Health Center (PHC) of the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Anjuli D Wagner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center, 3980 15th Ave NE, 98105, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jillian Pintye
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center, 3980 15th Ave NE, 98105, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristin Beima-Sofie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center, 3980 15th Ave NE, 98105, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew R Golden
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nancy Puttkammer
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Hans Rosling Center, 3980 15th Ave NE, 98105, Seattle, WA, USA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Seattle, WA, USA
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McGowan M, Bärnighausen K, Berner-Rodoreda A, McMahon SA, Mtaita C, Mauti J, Neuhann F. "The targets…are driving the agenda and that probably needs to change": stakeholder perspectives on HIV partner notification in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:521. [PMID: 38373972 PMCID: PMC10877856 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17422-9] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary assisted partner notification (VAPN) in HIV contact tracing is a globally recommended strategy to identify persons who have been exposed to HIV and link them to HIV testing and follow-up. However, there is little understanding about how VAPN is experienced by stakeholders in sub-Saharan African (SSA) contexts. We conducted a multi-level and multi-national qualitative analysis evaluating stakeholder perspectives surrounding VAPN implementation to inform the development of future VAPN policies. METHOD We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with VAPN stakeholders at global (n = 5), national (n = 6), and community level (n = 4) across a total of seven SSA countries. Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years old and had experience developing, implementing, or overseeing VAPN policies in SSA. We sought to understand stakeholder's perspectives on policy development, implementation, and perceived outcomes (barriers and facilitators). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. RESULTS Between December 2019 and October 2020 we conducted 15 IDIs. While participants agreed that VAPN resulted in a high yield of people newly diagnosed with HIV; they noted numerous barriers surrounding VAPN implementation across global, national, and community levels, the majority of which were identified at community level. Barriers at global and national level included high target setting, contradictory laws, and limited independent research disenfranchising the experiences of implementing partners. The barriers identified at community level included client-level challenges (e.g., access to healthcare facilities and fear of adverse events); healthcare worker challenges (e.g., high workloads); limited data infrastructure; and cultural/gender norms that hindered women from engaging in HIV testing and VAPN services. In response to these barriers, participants shared implementation facilitators to sustain ethical implementation of VAPN services (e.g., contact tracing methods) and increase its yield (e.g., HIV self-testing integrated with VAPN services). CONCLUSION Overall, stakeholders perceived VAPN implementation to encounter barriers across all implementation levels (global to community). Future VAPN policies should be designed around the barriers and facilitators identified by SSA stakeholders to maximize the implementation of (ethical) HIV VAPN services and increase its impact in sub-Saharan African settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen McGowan
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kate Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Astrid Berner-Rodoreda
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Caroline Mtaita
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joy Mauti
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Neuhann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- School of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, Lewy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
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Sing’oei V, Nwoga C, Yates A, Owuoth J, Otieno J, Broach E, Li Q, Hassen Z, Imbach M, Milazzo M, Mebrahtu T, Robb ML, Ake JA, Polyak CS, Crowell TA. HIV prevalence and awareness among adults presenting for enrolment into a study of people at risk for HIV in Kisumu County, Western Kenya. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294860. [PMID: 38166089 PMCID: PMC10760834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294860] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite declines in new HIV diagnoses both globally and in Kenya, parts of Western Kenya still report high HIV prevalence and incidence. We evaluated HIV prevalence to inform the development of policies for strategic and targeted HIV prevention interventions. METHODS Adult participants aged 18-35 years were recruited in Kisumu County and screened for HIV for a prospective HIV incidence cohort. Questionnaires assessed HIV-associated risk behaviors. Participants who tested positive for HIV were disaggregated into groups based on prior knowledge of their HIV status: previously-diagnosed and newly-diagnosed. In separate analyses by prior knowledge, robust Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors potentially associated with a positive HIV test in each group, as compared to participants without HIV. RESULTS Of 1059 participants tested for HIV, 196 (18.5%) had a positive HIV test. Among PLWH, 78 (39.8%) were newly diagnosed with HIV at screening. After adjusting for other variables, previously-diagnosed HIV was more common among females than males (PR 2.70, 95%CI 1.69-4.28), but there was no observed sex difference in newly-diagnosed HIV prevalence (PR 1.05, 95%CI 0.65-1.69). Previously-diagnosed HIV was also more common among people reporting consistent use of condoms with primary sexual partners as compared to inconsistent condom use (PR 3.19, 95%CI 2.09-4.86), but newly-diagnosed HIV was not associated with such a difference between consistent and inconsistent condom use (PR 0.73, 95%CI 0.25-2.10). CONCLUSION Prevalence of newly-diagnosed HIV was high, at approximately 8% of participants, and not statistically different between genders, highlighting the need for improved HIV case finding regardless of sex. The higher prevalence of previously-diagnosed HIV in female participants may reflect higher rates of HIV testing through more encounters with the healthcare system. Higher prevalence of consistent condom use amongst those previously-diagnosed suggests behavioral change to reduce HIV transmission, a potential benefit of policies to facilitate earlier HIV diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Sing’oei
- HJF Medical Research International, Kisumu, Kenya
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Chiaka Nwoga
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Adam Yates
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - John Owuoth
- HJF Medical Research International, Kisumu, Kenya
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - June Otieno
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Erica Broach
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Qun Li
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Zebiba Hassen
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Michelle Imbach
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Mark Milazzo
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Tsedal Mebrahtu
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Merlin L. Robb
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Julie A. Ake
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Christina S. Polyak
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
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10
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Greensides D, Bishop K, Manfredini L, Wong V. Do No Harm: A Review of Social Harms Associated with HIV Partner Notification. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023; 11:e2300189. [PMID: 38135515 PMCID: PMC10749648 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-23-00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV partner notification services (PNS) are highly effective in identifying people living with HIV, but the complex risks and repercussions associated with HIV testing and disclosure must be examined. The benefits of assisting people to learn their HIV status and link with treatment or prevention based on their results must be considered alongside the risks of adverse events or social harms. METHODS The study team systematically searched the PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science electronic databases (2015-2021), as well as abstracts from the International AIDS Society Conference (2016-2020) and the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (2015-2020). Fifteen studies and 1 conference abstract met the inclusion criteria for this narrative review. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Incidence of social harms across studies ranged from 0%-6.3%, with the higher range occurring among women with a previous history of intimate partner violence (IPV). The majority of the studies (69%) reported that less than or equal to 1% of participants experienced social harms as a result of PNS. Social harms included relationship dissolution, IPV, and loss of financial support. CONCLUSIONS Evidence from a limited set of studies suggests that although social harms associated with HIV partner notification do occur, they are rare. Considering the rapid global scale-up of PNS, additional research and oversight are needed to provide countries with recommended minimum standards to support providers, clients, and their partners with safe partner notification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Greensides
- Global Health Technical Assistance and Mission Support Project, supporting the Office of HIV/AIDS, Prevention, Care, and Treatment Division, U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kristina Bishop
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Liz Manfredini
- Global Health Training, Advisory, and Support Contract, Credence Management Solutions, LLC, supporting the Office of HIV/AIDS, Prevention Care and Treatment Division, U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Vincent Wong
- U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
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11
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Kumwenda A, Weideman AMK, Graybill LA, Dinwiddie MK, Freeborn K, Lusaka MM, Lungu R, Mutale W, Rosenberg NE, Kasaro M, Mollan KR, Chi BH. Two strategies for partner notification and partner HIV self-testing reveal no evident predictors of male partner HIV testing in antenatal settings: A secondary analysis. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:1004-1011. [PMID: 37436402 PMCID: PMC10652660 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231188746] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To meet global targets for the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission, tailored approaches to HIV testing strategies need prioritizing. Herein, we sought to identify individual-level factors associated with male partner HIV testing. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of data from two parallel randomized trials of pregnant women living with HIV and those HIV-negative in Lusaka, Zambia. Across both trials, control groups received partner notification services only, while intervention groups received partner notification services plus HIV self-test kits for their partners. Associations between baseline factors and male partner testing were estimated using a probability difference. The outcome of interest was uptake of male partner HIV testing of any kind within 30 days of randomization. RESULTS The parent study enrolled 326 participants. Among the 151 women in the control groups, no clear associations were noted between maternal or male partner characteristics and reported uptake of male partner HIV testing. There were positive trends favouring partner testing among women who completed primary school education, had larger households (>2 members), and whose partners were circumcised. Likewise, no clear predictors of male partner testing were identified among the 149 women in the intervention groups. However, negative trends favouring no testing were noted among older, multiparous women from larger households. CONCLUSION No consistent predictors for male partner HIV testing across two compared strategies were observed. Our findings suggest that differentiated strategies for male partner HIV testing may not be necessary. Instead, consideration should be given to universal approaches when bringing such services to scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kumwenda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ann Marie K Weideman
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biostatistics Core, Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Graybill
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew K Dinwiddie
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biostatistics Core, Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kellie Freeborn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Ridgeway Campus, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margaret Kasaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Global Projects, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Katie R Mollan
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biostatistics Core, Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin H Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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12
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Dlamini BP, Mtshali NG. "We will tell when we are ready": perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and self-disclosure of their status in Eswatini. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2023; 22:201-209. [PMID: 37915268 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2266406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has promoted a significant decrease in mortality of vertically HIV-infected children. As a result, there has been an increasing growth of this population that reaches adolescence. These adolescents face problems such as self-disclosure and the stigma of the disease. This study aimed to determine the process followed by perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in self-disclosing their HIV status to significant others and the barriers and promoters of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents' disclosure of their HIV status to others. Data were collected from 15-19-year-old adolescents through 23 in-depth individual interviews and three focus groups. For adolescents, a clear barrier to disclosure was being told when they were younger by a parent to keep their status secret from other people. Lack of trust and fear of breaches of confidentiality which would lead to stigma and discrimination also hindered disclosure. For those adolescents who disclosed, they did so face to face and through short text messages. Adolescents expressed the need to be capacitated to self-disclose and also called for HIV and AIDS education to the general public as a way of fighting stigma and discrimination in their communities and in society. For adolescents to be able to disclose, they have to work through issues of acceptance of their own HIV status first. This study is the first-ever study to document difficulties faced by adolescents in the self-disclosure of their status in Eswatini.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baliwe P Dlamini
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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13
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OUÉDRAOGO SMAÏLA, KABORE AHMED, DIALLO ISMAËL, SARIGDA MAURICE, DAHOUROU DÉSIRÉLUCIEN, KABRE KUILGABENJAMIN, ROMBA ISSA, YONLI BAPOUGOUNIPHILIPPECHRISTIAN, DAH TERTIEROELIAS, MEDA NICOLAS. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers regarding human immunodeficiency virus index testing in 2021, Burkina Faso. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2459. [PMID: 37908385 PMCID: PMC10615157 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2459] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although knowing one's HIV status is a necessary step in initiating antiretroviral treatment, more than a quarter of Burkinabe who are HIV-positive do not know their status. To reach the target of screening at least 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV), the country has opted for HIV index testing (screening of sexual partners, children and partners of intravenous drug users). This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers on HIV index testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted among health workers on index testing pilot sites in Burkina Faso. We constructed scores of health workers' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV index testing. A total of 132 health workers were surveyed, 62.8% of whom were female. Regarding profiles, 44.7% of the participants were nurses and 5.3% were midwives; physicians and psychosocial counselors accounted for 16.7 and 33.3%, respectively. Most of the participants worked in public health centers (60.6%). Overall, the majority of the participants had poor or average knowledge (85.6%) of the index testing strategy and harmful or inadequate practices (87.1%). Less than half (40.9%) had favorable attitudes toward the strategy. Our study showed that the knowledge of health workers was generally average, their attitudes were not very favorable and their practices were mostly inadequate with regard to HIV index testing. In order to increase the chances of reaching the first 95% of UNAIDS, trainings on the topic must be designed for health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- SMAÏLA OUÉDRAOGO
- Department of Public Health, Research Training Unit (RTU)/Health Sciences (HS), University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou
| | - AHMED KABORE
- Department of Public Health, Research Training Unit (RTU)/Health Sciences (HS), University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou
| | - ISMAËL DIALLO
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, RTU/HS, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou
| | - MAURICE SARIGDA
- Department of Sociology, RTU/Human Sciences, University Thomas Sankara, Ouagadougou
| | - DÉSIRÉ LUCIEN DAHOUROU
- Department of Biomedicine/Public Health, Institute for Research in Health Sciences, National Center for Scientific and Technologic Research, Ouagadougou
| | - KUILGA BENJAMIN KABRE
- Department of Public Health, Research Training Unit (RTU)/Health Sciences (HS), University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou
| | - ISSA ROMBA
- Permanent secretary office of the national council responding to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, Ouagadougou
| | | | - TER TIERO ELIAS DAH
- Department of Public Health, University of Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
| | - NICOLAS MEDA
- Department of Public Health, Research Training Unit (RTU)/Health Sciences (HS), University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou
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14
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Sawras V, Deuffic-Burban S, Préau M, Spire B, Yazdanpanah Y, Champenois K. Assessing complex interventions: a systematic review of outcomes used in randomised controlled trials on STI partner notification in high-income countries. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1838. [PMID: 37735382 PMCID: PMC10512513 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16763-9] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Partner notification interventions are complex and assessing their effectiveness is challenging. By reviewing the literature on the effectiveness of partner notification interventions, our aim was to evaluate the choice, collection, and interpretation of outcomes and their impact on study findings. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of individual-level randomised controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of partner notification interventions for bacterial STIs, HIV or sexually transmitted HCV in high-income countries since 2000. Partner notification interventions included assisted patient referral interventions and expedited treatment. The content analysis was carried out through a narrative review. RESULTS In the 9 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 16 different outcomes were found. In most studies, one or two outcomes assessing partner notification practices were associated with an outcome reflecting STI circulation through index case reinfections. These outcomes assessed the main expected effects of partner notification interventions. However, partner notification is composed of a succession of actions between the intervention on the index case and the testing and/or treatment of the notified partners. Intermediate outcomes were missing so as to better understand levers and barriers throughout the process. Potential changes in participants' sexual behaviour after partner notification, e.g. condom use, were outcomes reported in only two studies assessing interventions including counselling. Most outcomes were collected through interviews, some weeks after the intervention, which might lead to desirability and attrition biases, respectively. Assessment of the effectiveness of partner notification interventions on partner testing/treatment was limited by the collection of data from index cases. Few data describing index cases and their partners were provided in the studies. Additional data on the number and type of exposed partners and the proportion of partners already aware of their infection before being notified would help to interpret the results. CONCLUSIONS These insights would help to understand why and under what conditions the intervention is considered effective and therefore can be replicated or adapted to other populations and contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoire Sawras
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Sylvie Deuffic-Burban
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Marie Préau
- Institut de Psychologie, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Inserm, U1296, Lyon, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Yazdan Yazdanpanah
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France
- Service de maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, Paris, F-75018, France
| | - Karen Champenois
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, IAME, Paris, F-75018, France.
- Inserm IAME - Faculté de Médecine Bichat, 16 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, 75018, France.
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Ihnatiuk AP, Shapoval AY, Kazanzhy AP, Kuzin IV, Riabokon SV, Shotorbani S, McDowell MR, Golden MR, Puttkammer NH. Distinctive model for HIV index testing (IT) in Eastern Europe: results of Ukraine's physician-led, integrated IT programme. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070542. [PMID: 37730414 PMCID: PMC10514626 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effectiveness of HIV index testing (IT) in Eastern Europe has not been described. This study reports the performance of a scaled IT programme in Ukraine. DESIGN This observational study included clients enrolled in IT services in 2020, and used routinely collected data from programme registers and the national electronic health record system. SETTING The study covered 39 public-sector health facilities where IT services were integrated into medical visits for persons living with HIV (PLHIV) already enrolled in HIV care. PARTICIPANTS Participants included PLHIV with both recent (<6 months) and previously established (≥6 months) HIV diagnoses. INTERVENTION Ukraine's physician-led IT model involves a cascade of steps including voluntary informed consent, partner elicitation, selection of partner notification method and follow-up with clients to ensure partners are notified, tested for HIV and linked to HIV prevention and treatment services, as needed. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes included contact index, testing, index and HIV case-finding index disaggregated by index client (IC) subgroups, including people with current or past injection drug use (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM). RESULTS Of 14 525 ICs offered index testing, 51.9% accepted, of whom 98.3% named at least one sexual, injection or biological child partner. In total, 14.9% of ICs were PWID and 3.5% were MSM. Clients named 8448 unique partners (contact index=1.14). HIV case finding averaged 0.14 cases per client, and was highest among clients with recent HIV diagnosis (0.29) and among PWID (0.23), and lower among clients with established HIV diagnosis (0.07). More than 90% of all partners with new HIV diagnoses were linked to care. CONCLUSIONS There was a high case-finding index among ICs with recent HIV and high linkage to care for all partners, demonstrating the effectiveness of this integrated, physician-led model implemented in 39 health facilities in Ukraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyona P Ihnatiuk
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Anna Y Shapoval
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Anna P Kazanzhy
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Igor V Kuzin
- Public Health Center, Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kiiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Solmaz Shotorbani
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Misti R McDowell
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Matthew R Golden
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- HIV/STD Control Program, Public Health, Seattle & King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nancy H Puttkammer
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Meek CJ, Munkhondya TEM, Mphande M, Tembo TA, Chitani M, Jean-Baptiste M, Vansia D, Kumbuyo C, Simon KR, Rutstein SE, Barrington C, Kim MH, Go VF, Rosenberg NE. Examining the feasibility of assisted index case testing for HIV case-finding: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation in Malawi. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3314925. [PMID: 37720011 PMCID: PMC10503858 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3314925/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Assisted index case testing, in which health care workers take an active role in referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for HIV testing services, has been widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention with high potential to increase PLHIV status awareness. Promising evidence for the approach has led to several attempts to scale assisted index case testing throughout eastern and southern Africa in recent years. However, despite effective implementation being at the heart of any assisted index case testing strategy, there is limited implementation science research from the perspective of the HCWs who are doing the "assisting". This study examines the feasibility of assisted index case testing from the perspective of health care workers implementing the approach in Malawi. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 lay health care workers delivering assisted index case testing in Malawian health facilities. Interviews explored health care workers' experiences counselling index clients and tracing these clients' contacts, aiming to inform development of a blended learning implementation package. Transcripts were inductively analyzed using Dedoose coding software to identify and describe key factors influencing feasibility of assisted index case testing. Analysis included multiple rounds of coding and iteration with the data collection team. Results Participants reported a variety of barriers to feasibility of assisted index case testing implementation, including privacy concerns, limited time for assisted index case testing amid high workloads, poor quality contact information, logistical obstacles to tracing, and challenges of discussing sexual behavior with clients. Participants also reported several health care worker characteristics that facilitate feasibility: robust understanding of assisted index case testing's rationale and knowledge of procedures, strong interpersonal skills, positive attitudes towards clients, and sense of purpose in their work. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that maximizing assisted index case testing's potential to increase HIV status awareness requires adequately equipping health care workers with appropriate knowledge, skills, and support to address and overcome the many feasibility challenges that they face in implementation. Trial Registration Number NCT05343390 Date of registration: April 25, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J Meek
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | - Mike Chitani
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation
| | - Milenka Jean-Baptiste
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | - Sarah E Rutstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Clare Barrington
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Maria H Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation
| | - Vivian F Go
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Uma TH, Bedada HG. Assessment of the proportion and the factors associated with partner and family-based index case HIV testing in Woliso Town, Oromia, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1322-1328. [PMID: 37232128 PMCID: PMC10624120 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2216007] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Around 40% of estimated people with HIV infection remain undiagnosed globally. In Ethiopia, only 72% of people with HIV know their status. This study aims to assess the proportion and the factors associated with partner and family-based index case HIV testing in Woliso Town. METHODS A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 people currently on ART. Data were entered into Epi Info™ 7.2.3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 21. Significance of odds ratios was determined with 95% CI and p < 0.05. RESULTS Among 345 study participants, 333 (96.5%) with 95% CI (94.5-98.3) index cases have families tested for HIV. The odds of HIV testing were 7.22 times higher among those who disclosed their HIV status (AOR = 7.22 95% CI: 1.45, 35.82) compared to those who did not disclose. Those who stayed <12 months on ARTwere 87% less likely to have tested families (AOR = 0.13 95% CI: 0.03, 0.63) compared to those who stayed ≥12 months on ART. CONCLUSION Higher proportions of index cases have tested families. Partner and family-based index case HIV testing has association with HIV status disclosure and duration the index cases stayed on ART. The platform of partner and family-based index case HIV testing should be sustained through strengthening disclosure counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teka Haile Uma
- Department of HIV Control and Prevention, Woliso Town Health Office, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Hanna Gulema Bedada
- Department of Public Health, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Dovel K, Balakasi K, Phiri K, Shaba F, Offorjebe OA, Gupta SK, Wong V, Lungu E, Nichols BE, Masina T, Worku A, Hoffman R, Nyirenda M. Effect of index HIV self-testing for sexual partners of clients enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs in Malawi: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004270. [PMID: 37540649 PMCID: PMC10403056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004270] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV testing among the sexual partners of HIV-positive clients is critical for case identification and reduced transmission in southern and eastern Africa. HIV self-testing (HIVST) may improve uptake of HIV services among sexual partners of antiretroviral therapy (ART) clients, but the impact of HIVST on partner testing and subsequent ART initiation remains unclear. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted an individually randomized, unblinded trial to assess if an index HIVST intervention targeting the partners of ART clients improves uptake of testing and treatment services in Malawi. The trial was conducted at 3 high-burden facilities in central and southern Malawi. ART clients attending HIV treatment clinics were randomized using simple randomization 1:2·5 to: (1) standard partner referral slip (PRS) whereby ART clients were given facility referral slips to distribute to their primary sexual partners; or (2) index HIVST whereby ART clients were given HIVST kits + HIVST instructions and facility referral slips to distribute to their primary sexual partners. Inclusion criteria for ART clients were: ≥15 years of age, primary partner with unknown HIV status, no history of interpersonal violence (IPV) with partner, and partner lives in facility catchment area. The primary outcome was partner testing 4-weeks after enrollment, reported by ART clients using endline surveys. Medical chart reviews and tracing activities with partners with a reactive HIV test measured ART initiation at 12 months. Analyses were conducted based on modified intention-to-treat principles, whereby we excluded individuals who did not have complete endline data (i.e., were loss to follow up from the study). Adjusted models controlled for the effects of age and marital status. A total of 4,237 ART clients were screened and 484 were eligible and enrolled (77% female) between March 28, 2018 and January 5, 2020. A total of 365 participants completed an endline survey (257/34 index HIVST arm; 107/13 PRS arm) and were included in the final analysis (78% female). Testing coverage among sexual partners was 71% (183/257) in the index HIVST arm and 25% (27/107) in the PRS arm (aRR: 2·77, 95% CI [2·56 to 3·00], p ≤ 0.001). Reported HIV positivity rates did not significantly differ by arm (16% (30/183) in HIVST versus 15% (4/27) in PRS; p = 0.99). ART initiation at 12 months was 47% (14/30) in HIVST versus 75% (3/4) in PRS arms; however, index HIVST still resulted in a 94% increase in the proportion of all partners initiating ART due to higher HIV testing rates in the HIVST arm (5% partners initiated ART in HVIST versus 3% in PRS). Adverse events including IPV and termination of the relationship did not vary by arm (IPV: 3/257 index HIVST versus 4/10 PRS; p = 0.57). Limitations include reliance on secondary report by ART clients, potential social desirability bias, and not powered for sex disaggregated analyses. CONCLUSIONS Index HIVST significantly increased HIV testing and the absolute number of partners initiating ART in Malawi, without increased risk of adverse events. Additional research is needed to improve linkage to HIV treatment services after HIVST use. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03271307, and Pan African Clinical Trials, PACTR201711002697316.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | - Ogechukwu Agatha Offorjebe
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- School of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | | | - Vincent Wong
- USAID Global Health Bureau, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | | | - Brooke E. Nichols
- 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, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tobias Masina
- Malawi Ministry of Health, HIV/AIDS Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Risa Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Yang B, Sloot R, Floyd S, Awoniyi D, Griffith S, Ayles H, Fidler S, Hayes R, Vermund SH, Bock P. Brief Report: How Do We Reach Men? Offering HIV Testing in Evenings and Weekends in the HPTN 071 (PopART) Community-Based Trial in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:300-304. [PMID: 37001128 PMCID: PMC10313787 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003197] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unknown HIV status and consequent low antiretroviral treatment coverage among men living with HIV combined with high-risk behavior is a key driver of the HIV epidemic in high-burden settings. We investigated whether conducting household visits during nontraditional shifts increased the number of men recruited for community-based HIV testing, compared with traditional weekday shifts in the HPTN 071 (PopART) trial in South Africa. METHODS We used data captured during household visits among individuals aged 15 years or older in 6 communities in South Africa from September 2016 to September 2017. Successful recruitment required community HIV care providers (CHiPs) accessing a household member and completing the study questionnaire. Linear regression analysis compared mean successful recruitments between the different shift types stratified by sex. RESULTS During 187 days, 62,455 successful household visits were completed. Recruitment of men and women was higher in weekends, for men highest on Sundays (Coef: 11.2, 95% CI: 8.7 to 13.7), for women highest on Saturdays (Coef: 11.3, 95% CI: 7.6 to 15.1), indicating a mean of 11.2 more men recruited on Sunday shifts, compared with traditional weekday shifts was similar when comparing traditional weekday shifts with nontraditional weekday shifts for both men and women. CONCLUSION Conducting household visits during the weekends led to increased recruitment for participation in the PopART intervention among both men and women. This suggests that targeting households during the weekend can be an effective and easy-to-implement strategy to increase the number of men accessed for HIV testing that can be integrated into a wide range of community-based services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blia Yang
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rosa Sloot
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian Floyd
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dolapo Awoniyi
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sam Griffith
- FHI360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Helen Ayles
- Zambia AIDS Related Tuberculosis Project, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Hayes
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Stellenbosch University, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ye ZH, Liu F, Chu ZX, Duan JY, Yang J, Zheng JX, Bi XY, Ding HB, Jiang YJ, Xu JJ, Hu QH, Shang H. Effectiveness and safety of community-led assisted partner service among HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men: a multicentre, randomized controlled trial in China. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 36:100772. [PMID: 37547042 PMCID: PMC10398600 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Background No randomized controlled trials have involved established HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed for more than 6 months into the assisted partner service (aPS). We compared voluntary aPS involving community-based organizations (CBOs) and HIV self-testing (aPSST) with regular partner service (rPS) in HIV-diagnosed MSM irrespective of diagnosis time. Methods In this unblinded, multicentre trial, we enrolled HIV-diagnosed MSM irrespective of diagnosis time in three cities in northern China. Index patients were randomly assigned to aPSST or rPS. Index patients in the aPSST group were additionally provided a comprehensive intervention package including HIV self-testing and CBO-based aPS compared with rPS group. The primary outcome was the number of index patients whose any sexual partner tested for HIV during the 6-month study. Completion of HIV testing was defined as sexual partners taking a clinic-based HIV test or HIV self-testing. Safety was assessed preliminary at the end of the 6-month follow-up. This study has been registered at chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000038784). Findings From March to December 2021, 325 of HIV-diagnosed MSM were enrolled (90⋅2% were established HIV-diagnosed MSM) and randomly assigned to receive aPSST (n = 167) or rPS (n = 158). At 6 months, 110 (65⋅9%) index patients in the aPSST group had at least one sexual partner tested for HIV compared with 50 (31⋅6%) in the rPS group (hazard ratio 2⋅86; 95% confidence interval 2⋅03-4⋅03; p < 0⋅001). No significant difference was observed in effects of aPSST on HIV testing promotion between established and newly HIV-diagnosed MSM. Self-reported harms were infrequently observed in both groups (approximately 2⋅0%). Interpretation Among HIV-diagnosed MSM regardless of diagnosis time, voluntary aPS involving CBOs and HIV self-testing was effective and safe for promoting partner HIV testing. Funding This work was supported by the Mega-Projects of National Science Research, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Hao Ye
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- Ningbo Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Fan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Chu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Yi Duan
- Tian Yuan Studio, Beijing You'an Hospital, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Shenlan Public Health Advisory Service Centre, Tianjin, 300122, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zheng
- Yikang Social Work Service Centre, Shenbei New District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Bi
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Bo Ding
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jie Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Hai Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Culbert GJ, Levy JA, Steffen AD, Waluyo A, Earnshaw VA, Rahadi A. Impart: findings from a prison-based model of HIV assisted partner notification in Indonesia. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26132. [PMID: 37339342 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assisted partner notification (APN) safely and effectively increases partner awareness of HIV exposure, testing and case identification in community settings. Nonetheless, it has not been specifically developed or evaluated for use in prison settings where people with HIV often are diagnosed and may have difficulty contacting or otherwise notifying partners. We developed Impart, a prison-based APN model, and evaluated its efficacy in Indonesia to increase partner notification and HIV testing. METHODS From January 2020 to January 2021, 55 incarcerated men with HIV were recruited as index participants from six jail and prison facilities in Jakarta in a two-group randomized trial comparing the outcomes of self-tell notification (treatment as usual) versus Impart APN in increasing partner notification and HIV testing. Participants voluntarily provided names and contact information for sex and drug-injection partners in the community with whom they had shared possible HIV exposure during the year prior to incarceration. Participants randomized to the self-tell only condition were coached in how to notify their partners by phone, mail or during an in-person visit within 6 weeks. Participants randomized to Impart APN could choose between self-tell notification or anonymous APN by a two-person team consisting of a nurse and outreach worker. We compared the proportion of partners in each group who were notified of exposure by the end of 6 weeks, subsequently tested and HIV diagnosed. RESULTS Index participants (n = 55) selected 117 partners for notification. Compared to self-tell notification, Impart APN resulted in nearly a six-fold increase in the odds of a named partner being notified of HIV exposure. Nearly two thirds of the partners notified through Impart APN (15/24) completed HIV testing within 6 weeks post notification compared to none of those whom participants had self-notified. One-third of the partners (5/15) who completed HIV testing post notification were diagnosed as HIV positive for the first time. CONCLUSIONS Voluntary APN can be successfully implemented with a prison population and within a prison setting despite the many barriers to HIV notification that incarceration presents. Our findings suggest that the Impart model holds considerable promise to increase partner notification, HIV testing and diagnosis among sex and drug-injecting partners of HIV-positive incarcerated men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel J Culbert
- Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Judith A Levy
- Health Policy & Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alana D Steffen
- Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Agung Waluyo
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Valerie A Earnshaw
- Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Arie Rahadi
- AIDS Research Center, Atma Jaya Catholic University, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Wamuti B, Owuor M, Liu W, Katz D, Lagat H, Otieno G, Kariithi E, Macharia P, Masyuko S, Mugambi M, Farquhar C, Weiner B. Implementation fidelity to HIV assisted partner services (aPS) during scale-up in western Kenya: a convergent mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:511. [PMID: 37208724 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV assisted partner services (aPS) is an intervention to improve HIV status awareness among sex and drug-injecting partners of people newly diagnosed with HIV (index clients). Implementation fidelity-the degree to which an intervention is conducted as intended - is critical to effectiveness, but there are limited data about aPS fidelity when delivered by HIV testing service (HTS) providers. We explored factors affecting implementation fidelity to aPS in two high-HIV prevalence counties in western Kenya. METHODS We used convergent mixed methods adapting the conceptual framework for implementation fidelity within the aPS scale-up project. This was an implementation study examining scale-up of APS within HTS programs in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties that recruited male sex partners (MSPs) of female index clients. We defined implementation fidelity as the extent to which HTS providers followed the protocol for phone and in-person participant tracing at six expected tracing attempts. Quantitative data were collected from tracing reports in 31 facilities between November 2018 and December 2020, and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with HTS providers. Descriptive statistics were used to describe tracing attempts. IDIs were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS Overall, 3017 MSPs were mentioned of whom 98% (2969/3017) were traced, with most tracing attempts being successful (2831/2969, 95%). Fourteen HTS providers participated in the IDIs-mostly females (10/14, 71%) with a median age of 35 years (range 25-52), who all had post-secondary education (14/14, 100%). The proportion of tracing attempts occurring by phone ranged from 47 to 66%, with the highest proportion occurring on the first attempt and lowest on the sixth attempt. Contextual factors either enhanced or impeded implementation fidelity to aPS. Positive provider attitudes towards aPS and conducive work environment factors promoted implementation fidelity, while negative MSP responses and challenging tracing conditions impeded it. CONCLUSION Interactions at the individual (provider), interpersonal (client-provider), and health systems (facility) levels affected implementation fidelity to aPS. As policymakers prioritize strategies to reduce new HIV infections, our findings highlight the importance of conducting fidelity assessments to better anticipate and mitigate the impact of contextual factors during the scale-up of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Wamuti
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University, Boston, USA.
| | | | - Wenjia Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - David Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul Macharia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Bryan Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Puttkammer N, Ihnatiuk A, Shapoval A, Kazanzhy A, Secor A, Shotorbani S, McDowell M, Golden M. Profile of partners who completed HIV testing and received a new HIV diagnosis in Ukraine's HIV index testing program: a retrospective cohort study to inform program improvement. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:291. [PMID: 37147618 PMCID: PMC10161989 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one-third of people living with HIV in Ukraine are unaware of their HIV status. Index testing (IT) is an evidence-based HIV testing strategy that supports voluntary notification of partners with HIV risk, so they can receive HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services. METHODS Ukraine scaled up IT services in 2019. This observational study of Ukraine's IT program covered 39 health facilities located in 11 regions with high HIV burden. The study used routine program data from January-December 2020 to describe the profile of named partners and explore index client (IC) and partner factors associated with two outcomes: 1) completing testing; and 2) HIV case finding. Analysis used descriptive statistics and multilevel linear mixed regression models. RESULTS The study included 8,448 named partners, of whom 6,959 had unknown HIV status. Among them,72.2% completed HIV testing and 19.4% of those tested were newly diagnosed with HIV. Two-thirds of all new cases were among partners of ICs who were recently diagnosed and enrolled in care (< 6 months), while one third were among partners of established ICs. In adjusted analysis, partners of ICs with unsuppressed HIV viral load (VL) were less likely to complete HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.11, p < 0.001), but more likely to receive a new HIV diagnosis (aOR = 1.92, p < 0.001). Partners of ICs who cited injection drug use or having a known HIV + partner as their own reason for testing were more likely to receive a new HIV diagnosis (aOR = 1.32, p = 0.04 and aOR = 1.71, p < 0.001 respectively). Involving providers in the partner notification process was associated with completed testing (aOR = 1.76, p = 0.001) and HIV case finding (aOR = 1.64, p < 0.01), compared with notification by ICs. CONCLUSION HIV case detection was highest among partners of recently diagnosed ICs, but IT participation among established ICs still yielded an important share of all newly-identified HIV cases. Areas for improvement in Ukraine's IT program include completing testing for partners of ICs with unsuppressed HIV VL, with history of injection drug use or discordant partnerships. Using intensified follow-up for the sub-groups at risk of incomplete testing may be practical. Greater use of provider-assisted notification could also accelerate HIV case finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Puttkammer
- Department of Global Health, International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, 325 Ninth Ave, Box # 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - Alyona Ihnatiuk
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), 29 Obolonska St., Office 506, Kiev, 04071, Ukraine
| | - Anna Shapoval
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), 29 Obolonska St., Office 506, Kiev, 04071, Ukraine
| | - Anna Kazanzhy
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), 29 Obolonska St., Office 506, Kiev, 04071, Ukraine
| | - Andrew Secor
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Ave, Box # 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Solmaz Shotorbani
- Department of Global Health, International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, 325 Ninth Ave, Box # 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Misti McDowell
- Department of Global Health, International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, 325 Ninth Ave, Box # 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Matthew Golden
- Department of Global Health, International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, 325 Ninth Ave, Box # 359932, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
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Sharma M, Naughton B, Lagat H, Otieno G, Katz DA, Wamuti BM, Masyuko S, Bosire R, Mugambi M, Roy Paladhi U, Weiner BJ, Kariithi E, Farquhar C. Real-world impact of integrating HIV assisted partner services into 31 facilities in Kenya: a single-arm, hybrid type 2 implementation-effectiveness study. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e749-e758. [PMID: 37061312 PMCID: PMC10156000 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted partner services (APS), or exposure notification and HIV testing for sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with HIV (index clients), have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. We assessed the real-world effectiveness of APS when integrated into HIV clinics in western Kenya. METHODS In this single-arm, hybrid type 2 implementation science study, we facilitated APS implementation in 31 health facilities in Kenya by training existing health-care staff. We focused on male partner outcomes to assess the impact of APS in reaching male individuals in sub-Saharan Africa, who have lower rates of HIV testing than female individuals. Female individuals (aged ≥18 years or emancipated minor) who tested positive for HIV at participating facilities in Kenya were offered APS; consenting female participants provided contact information for all male sexual partners in the past 3 years. Male partners were notified of their potential HIV exposure and offered a choice of community-based or facility-based HIV testing services (HTS). Female index clients and male partners with HIV were followed up at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after enrolment, to assess linkage to antiretroviral treatment. Viral load was assessed at 12 months. FINDINGS Between May 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020, 32 722 female individuals received HTS; 1910 (6%) tested positive for HIV, of whom 1724 (90%) received APS. Female index clients named 5137 male partners (median 3 per index [IQR 2-4]), of whom 4422 (86%) were reached with exposure notification and HTS. 524 (12%) of the male partners tested were newly diagnosed with HIV and 1292 (29%) reported a previous HIV diagnosis. At 12 months follow-up, 1512 (88%) female index clients and 1621 (89%) male partners with HIV were taking ART, with few adverse events: 25 (2%) female index clients and seven (<1%) male partners reported intimate partner violence, and 60 (3%) female index clients and ten (<1%) male partners reported relationship dissolution. INTERPRETATION Evidence from this real-world APS scale-up project shows that APS is a safe, acceptable, and effective strategy to identify males with HIV and retain them in care. FUNDING The US National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brienna Naughton
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | | | - David A Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rose Bosire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Unmesha Roy Paladhi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Rosenberg NE, Tembo TA. Implementing HIV Assisted Partner Services in routine settings. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e642-643. [PMID: 37061301 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nora E Rosenberg
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Tapiwa A Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
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Implementation process and challenges of index testing in Côte d'Ivoire from healthcare workers' perspectives. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280623. [PMID: 36753518 PMCID: PMC9907845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A major limiting factor in combatting the HIV epidemic has been the identification of people living with HIV. Index testing programs were developed to face that challenge. Index testing is a focused HIV testing service approach in which family members and partners of people living with HIV are offered testing. Despite the implementation of index testing, there is still a gap between the estimated number of people living with HIV and those who know their status in Côte d'Ivoire. This study aimed to understand the implementation process of index testing in Côte d'Ivoire and to identify implementation challenges from healthcare workers perspectives. In January and February 2020, we conducted a qualitative study through 105 individual semi-structured interviews regarding index testing with clinical providers (physicians, nurses, and midwives) and non-clinical providers (community counselors and their supervisors) at 16 rural health facilities across four regions of Côte d'Ivoire. We asked questions regarding the index testing process, index client intake, contact tracing and testing, the challenges of implementation, and solicited recommendations on improving index testing in Côte d'Ivoire. The interviews revealed that index testing is implemented by non-clinical providers. Passive referral, by which the index client brought their contact to be tested, and providers referral, by which a healthcare worker reached out to the index client's contact, were the preferred contact tracing and testing strategies. There was not statistically significant difference between immediate and delayed notification. Reported challenges of index testing implementation included index cases refusing to give their partner's information or a partner refusing to be tested, fear of divorce, societal stigma, long distances, lack of appropriate training in index testing strategies, and lack of a private room for counseling. The recommendations given by providers to combat these was to reinforce HIV education among the population, to train healthcare workers on index testing strategies, and to improve infrastructure, transportation, and communication resources. The study showed that the elements that influenced the process of index testing in Côte d'Ivoire were multifactorial, including individual, interpersonal, health systems, and societal factors. Thus, a multi-faceted approach to overcoming challenges of index testing in Côte d'Ivoire is needed to improve the yield of index testing.
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Joel JN, Awuor P, Blanco N, Lavoie MCC, Lascko T, Ngunu C, Mwangi J, Mutisya I, Ng'eno C, Wangusi R, Koech E. Scale-up of HIV index testing in an urban population: Experiences and achievements from Nairobi County, Kenya. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:116-125. [PMID: 36538038 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13843] [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: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the implementation strategies of the index testing program across Nairobi County in Kenya, assess outcomes along the HIV index testing cascade (acceptance, elicitation ratio, HIV positivity and linkage to treatment), and assess annual changes along the HIV index testing cascade during the first 2 years of implementation. METHODS Retrospective analysis of programmatic aggregate data collected from October 2017 to September 2019 after the roll-out of index testing services in 48 health facilities in Nairobi County. Proportions and ratios were calculated for acceptance, elicitation ratio, testing uptake and HIV positivity. We compared these outcomes between years using a chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test or Wilcoxon sign test, and we assessed trends using the Mann-Kendall test. RESULTS Testing among eligible partners increased from 42.4% (1471/3470) to 74.9% (6114/8159) in the general population, and the positivity yield remained high across both years (25.2% in year 1 and 24.1% in year 2). Index testing positivity yield remained significantly higher than other testing modalities (24.3% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001). The contribution of index testing services to the total number of HIV-positive individuals identified increased from 7.5% in the first year to 28.6% in the second year (p < 0.001). More men were tested, but the positivity yield was higher among women (30.0%) and those aged 50 years or older (32.4%). Testing eligible partners in key populations (KPs) decreased from 52.4% (183/349) to 40.7% (109/268) (p = 0.674); however, the HIV positivity yield increased from 8.6% to 23.9% (p < 0.001) by the second year of implementation. The HIV positivity yield from index testing remained higher than other testing modalities (14% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001) for KPs. CONCLUSION Index testing was well-accepted and effective in identifying individuals living with HIV in a Kenyan urban setting across both general populations and KPs. Ongoing adaptations to the strategies deployed as part of index testing services helped improve most of the outcomes along the index testing cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javies Ngui Joel
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patrick Awuor
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Natalia Blanco
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie-Claude C Lavoie
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Lascko
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carol Ngunu
- Department of Health, Nairobi Metropolitan Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jonathan Mwangi
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Immaculate Mutisya
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Caroline Ng'eno
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rebecca Wangusi
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity, Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emily Koech
- Chief Executive Officer, Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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Levy JA, Earnshaw VA, Milanti A, Waluyo A, Culbert GJ. A qualitative study of healthcare providers' attitudes toward assisted partner notification for people with HIV in Indonesia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:71. [PMID: 36690986 PMCID: PMC9872286 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08943-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted partner notification (APN) is recommended as a public health strategy to increase HIV testing in people exposed to HIV. Yet its adoption in many countries remains at an early stage. This qualitative study sought the opinions of HIV health service providers regarding the appropriateness and feasibility of implementing APN in Indonesia where such services are on the cusp of adoption. METHODS Four focus group discussions totaling 40 health service providers were held in Jakarta, Indonesia to consider APN as an innovative concept and to share their reactions regarding its potential implementation in Indonesia. Voice-recorded discussions were conducted in Bahasa, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. RESULTS Participants recognized APN's potential in contacting and informing the partners of HIV-positive clients of possible viral exposure. They also perceived APN's value as a client-driven service permitting clients to select which of three partner notification methods would work best for them across differing partner relationships and settings. Nonetheless, participants also identified personal and health system challenges that could impede successful APN adoption including medical and human resource limitations, the need for specialized APN training, ethical and equity considerations, and lack of sufficient clarity concerning laws and government policies regulating 3rd party disclosures. They also pointed to the job-overload, stress, personal discomfort, and the ethical uncertainty that providers might experience in delivering APN. CONCLUSION Overall, providers of HIV services embraced the concept of APN but forecast practical difficulties in key service areas where investments in resources and system change appeared necessary to ensure effective and equitable implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A. Levy
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Health Policy & Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Valerie A. Earnshaw
- grid.33489.350000 0001 0454 4791Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, University of Delaware, Newark, DE USA
| | - Ariesta Milanti
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Agung Waluyo
- grid.9581.50000000120191471Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat Indonesia
| | - Gabriel J. Culbert
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
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Rosadiño JDT, Pagtakhan RG, Briñes MT, Dinglasan JLG, Cruz DP, Corciega JOL, Pagtakhan AB, Regencia ZJG, Baja ES. Implementation of unassisted and community-based HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) during the COVID-19 pandemic among Men-who-have-sex-with-Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW): A demonstration study in Metro Manila, Philippines. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282644. [PMID: 36893109 PMCID: PMC9997871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282644] [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: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of an unassisted and community-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) distribution model and to evaluate its acceptability among men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). METHODS Our demonstration study focused on implementing the HIVST distribution model in Metro Manila, Philippines. Convenience sampling was done with the following inclusion criteria: MSM or TGW, at least 18 years old, and had no previous HIV diagnosis. Individuals taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, on antiretroviral therapy, or female sex at birth were excluded. The implementation of the study was done online using a virtual assistant and a delivery system via courier due to COVID-19-related lockdowns. Feasibility was measured by the number of HIVST kits successfully delivered and utilized and the HIV point prevalence. Moreover, acceptability was evaluated by a 10-item system usability scale (SUS). HIV prevalence was estimated with linkage to care prioritized for reactive participants. RESULTS Out of 1,690 kits distributed, only 953 (56.4%) participants reported their results. Overall, HIV point prevalence was 9.8%, with 56 (60.2%) reactive participants linked to further testing. Furthermore, 261 (27.4%) of respondents self-reported, and 35 (13.4%) of the reactive participants were first-time testers. The HIVST service had an overall median and interquartile range (IQR) SUS score of 82.5 (IQR: 75.0, 90.0), rendering the HIVST kits very acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests the acceptability and feasibility of HIVST among the MSM and TGW in Metro Manila, Philippines, regardless of their age or HIV testing experience. In addition, other platforms of information dissemination and service delivery of HIVST should be explored, including access to online instructional videos and printed materials, which may facilitate easier use and interpretation of results. Furthermore, due to our study's limited number of TGW respondents, a more targeted implementation strategy to reach the TGW population is warranted to increase their access and uptake of HIVST.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Danvic T. Rosadiño
- LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines
- Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | | | - Matthew T. Briñes
- LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines
- College of Medicine, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Denis P. Cruz
- LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines
- Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | | | - Aeronne B. Pagtakhan
- LoveYourself Inc., Mandaluyong City, Philippines
- Nursing Department, Centro Escolar University Makati, Makati City, Philippines
| | - Zypher Jude G. Regencia
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Paz Mendoza Building, UPCM, Manila, Philippines
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Emmanuel S. Baja
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Paz Mendoza Building, UPCM, Manila, Philippines
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
- * E-mail:
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HIV Disclosure Among Sexually Infected People Living with HIV and AIDS in China: Prevalence, Influencing Factors, and Negative Outcomes. AIDS Behav 2022; 27:2411-2429. [PMID: 36580165 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03968-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
HIV disclosure is crucial for HIV prevention and control, but may also lead to discrimination, insult, and even violence against people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHAs). In this study, we examined HIV disclosure, its influencing factors, and its association with intimate partner violence (IPV) among 1153 PLWHAs through the sexual route in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. Our results showed that 76.4% (881/1153) PLWHAs had disclosed someone about their HIV infection, the HIV disclosure rates among family members, friends, spouses, and current fixed partners of PLWHAs were 43.5% (501/1153), 47.9% (552/1153), 56.8% (129/227), and 43.2% (336/777), respectively. HIV disclosure was affected by socio-demographics, disease characteristics, and psycho-social factors and varied among family members, close friends, spouses, and current fixed sexual partners. Age ≤ 33 years (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.27-2.53), heterosexual infection route (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.06-2.17), HIV diagnosis time > 36 months (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.30-2.59), with other chronic diseases (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.34-2.61), lower self-stigma (aOR 4.03-4.36, 95% CI 1.98-8.74), higher social support (aOR 1.71-1.73, 95% CI 1.03-2.83), no depression (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12-2.11), and no suicidal ideation (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.28-2.50) were all independently associated with increased likelihood of HIV disclosure. HIV disclosure was associated with an increased risk of IPV among current fixed sexual partners (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.38-2.54) and spouses (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.41-4.56). Our findings suggest that the HIV disclosure rate of PLWHAs is still low and is affected by multiple factors. There is an urgent need to design targeted and comprehensive interventions to improve HIV disclosure. IPV prevention should also be incorporated into the intervention system of HIV disclosure to ensure adequate and continuous support for PLWHAs.
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Tseng AS, Sambai B, Monroe-Wise A, Mbogo LW, Ludwig-Barron NT, Masyuko SJ, Chohan BH, Scott JD, Sinkele W, Herbeck JT, Farquhar C, Guthrie BL. Assisted Partner Services for People Who Inject Drugs: Index Characteristics Associated With Untreated HIV in Partners. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:269-275. [PMID: 35969466 PMCID: PMC9588565 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003062] [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: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted partner services (APSs) is a feasible, acceptable, and effective strategy that increases uptake of HIV testing; however, it has not been used widely among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Africa to notify sexual and injecting partners of potential exposures to HIV and provide testing services. SETTING Nairobi, Kilifi, and Mombasa counties in Kenya. METHODS PWID living with HIV (indexes) were enrolled and asked to provide contact information for sexual and injecting partners who were traced and offered HIV testing. APS efficiency was assessed by the number of indexes needed to interview (NNTI) to find 1 additional partner who was unaware of their HIV status or not on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We defined index participant characteristics associated with greater efficiency, defined as lower NNTIs. RESULTS Among 783 indexes, the NNTI to identify one partner unaware of their HIV status was 7.1 and to identify one HIV-positive partner not on ART (regardless of status awareness) was 4.1. APS was provided to 977 partners and was more efficient in identifying partners who were not on ART (n = 201) among indexes who were female (NNTI = 2.9 vs. 5.7, P < 0.001), unaware of their HIV status (NNTI = 2.2 vs. 4.2, P = 0.009), not on ART (NNTI = 2.1 vs. 4.9; P < 0.001), not enrolled in a methadone program (NNTI = 3.3 vs. 10.4, P < 0.001), reported injecting <5 years (NNTI = 3.3 vs. 5.0; P = 0.005), or from Nairobi (NNTI = 3.2 vs. 5.6, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Scaling up APS among PWID living with HIV with certain characteristics could result in more efficient APS and greater partner engagement in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S Tseng
- Departments of Epidemiology, and
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah J Masyuko
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- National AIDS and STI Control Program, Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bhavna H Chohan
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Center for Virology, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and
| | - William Sinkele
- Support for Addiction Prevention and Treatment in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Carey Farquhar
- Departments of Epidemiology, and
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and
| | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Departments of Epidemiology, and
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Peng W, Song X, Zhang C, Chen Y, Zhou Q, Välimäki MA, Li X. The proportion of HIV disclosure to sexual partners among people diagnosed with HIV in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1004869. [PMID: 36324439 PMCID: PMC9620859 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1004869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual behavior is one of the main routes of HIV/AIDS spread. HIV disclosure to sexual partners has been confirmed to be an important strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to pool proportions and characteristics of HIV disclosure to sexual partners among people diagnosed with HIV in China. Methods We searched eight databases and extracted the data on HIV disclosure to partners. Heterogeneity of the data was tested with I 2. Published bias subjectively and objectively analyzed through the funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the variation in the proportion by sexual partnership types (unclassified, regular, casual sexual partners), whether being men who have sex with men (MSM), and when to diagnose. The sources of heterogeneity were analyzed. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the stability of the results. Results Out of 3,698 studies, 44 were included in the review; 11 targeted on MSM. The pooled proportion of HIV disclosure to sexual partners was 65% (95% CI: 56%-75%; 34 studies). Sub-group analyses indicated the proportions of HIV disclosure to regular, casual and unclassified sexual partners were 63% (95% CI: 45%-81%; 31 studies), 20% (95% CI: 8%-33%; nine studies), and 66% (95% CI: 59%-73%; 14 studies), respectively. Fifty-seven percent (95% CI: 45%-69%; three studies) disclosed on the day of diagnosis, 62% (95% CI: 42%-82%; four studies) disclosed within 1 month, and 39% (95% CI: 2%-77%; four studies) disclosed 1 month later. Among MSM, the disclosure to regular male partners, regular female sexual partners, spouses, and casual partner were 47% (95% CI: 29%-65%; six studies), 49% (95% CI: 33%-65%; three studies), 48% (95% CI: 18%-78%; seven studies), and 34% (95% CI: 19%-49%; four studies), respectively. Conclusions The disclosure prevalence of people diagnosed with HIV to sexual partners still need improving in China, and it varies among partner types, key populations, and time being diagnosed. HIV disclosure strategies and procedures need to be developed more detailed and tailored based on the pain points of disclosure status, so as to ultimately prevent HIV transmission through sexual contact. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022291631, identifier: CRD42022291631.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Peng
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaohan Song
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ci Zhang
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qidi Zhou
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Maritta Anneli Välimäki
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,*Correspondence: Xianhong Li
| | - Xianhong Li
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Xiangya Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Healthcare Innovation (A JBI Affiliated Group), Changsha, Hunan Province, China,Maritta Anneli Välimäki
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Ostermann J, Njau B, Hobbie AM, Mtuy TB, Masnick M, Brown DS, Mühlbacher AC, Thielman NM. Divergent preferences for enhanced HIV testing options among high-risk populations in northern Tanzania: a short report. AIDS Care 2022:1-9. [PMID: 36063533 PMCID: PMC9985668 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2119471] [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: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
To achieve the UNAIDS target of diagnosing 95% of all persons living with HIV, enhanced HIV testing services with greater attractional value need to be developed and implemented. We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to quantify preferences for enhanced HIV testing features across two high-risk populations in the Kilimanjaro Region in northern Tanzania. We designed and fielded a survey with 12 choice tasks to systematically recruited female barworkers and male mountain porters. Key enhanced features included: testing availability on every day of the week, an oral test, integration of a general health check or an examination for sexually transmitted infections (STI) with HIV testing, and provider-assisted confidential partner notification in the event of a positive HIV test result. Across 300 barworkers and 440 porters surveyed, mixed logit analyses of 17,760 choices indicated strong preferences for everyday testing availability, health checks, and STI examinations. Most participants were averse to oral testing and confidential partner notification by providers. Substantial preference heterogeneity was observed within each risk group. Enhancing HIV testing services to include options for everyday testing, general health checks, and STI examinations may increase the appeal of HIV testing offers to high-risk populations.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02714140.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ostermann
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC,USA,South Carolina Smart State Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bernard Njau
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Amy M. Hobbie
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tara B. Mtuy
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania,Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Derek S. Brown
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Axel C. Mühlbacher
- Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Institut Gesundheitsökonomie und Medizinmanagement, Hochschule Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathan M. Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Nathan M. Thielman, Duke University, Box 90519, Durham, NC 27708, Tel: +1 919 668 7173,
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Edosa M, Merdassa E, Turi E. Acceptance of Index Case HIV Testing and Its Associated Factors Among HIV/AIDS Clients on ART Follow-Up in West Ethiopia: A Multi-Centered Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2022; 14:451-460. [PMID: 36199377 PMCID: PMC9528797 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s372795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Index case HIV/AIDS testing (ICHT) is a good approach for addressing and improving the efficiency and yield of testing among high-risk populations. Partners and families of people living with HIV/AIDS are among the high-risk populations for contracting HIV/AIDS. However, there is limited study on index case HIV testing among HIV patients attending Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with ICHT among HIV patients attending ART in Nekemte town public health facilities. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Nekemte town public health facilities from May 20 to July 21, 2020. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of acceptance of ICHT among HIV patients. Results The ICHT acceptance was 85.2% (95% CI=84.9–91.1%). Disclosure of their HIV status (AOR=9.74, 95% CI=4.11–23.06), having good knowledge of ICHT (AOR=4.70, 95% CI=1.92–11.61), believing HIV index case testing has benefits (AOR=3.43, 95% CI=1.27–9.29), and being on ART for more than 1 year (AOR=4.78, 95% CI=2.13–10.76) were significantly associated with index case HIV test acceptance. Conclusion and Recommendation This study revealed a significant proportion of index case HIV testing acceptance. HIV status disclosure of index cases, knowledge of ICHT, the perceived benefit of ICHT, and long duration on ART were found to be significantly associated with acceptance of ICHT. Hence, it is essential to give attention to counseling on the importance of ICHT, enhance people living with HIV (PLWHIV) to have positive belief on the advantage of ICHT, strengthen disclosure counseling, and assist HIV status disclosure in health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misganu Edosa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Emiru Merdassa
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Ebisa Turi
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Correspondence: Ebisa Turi, Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia, Tel +251917686021, Fax +251576617980, Email
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Yan X, Xu Y, Tucker JD, Miller WC, Tang W. Facilitators and Barriers of HIV Partner Notification Services Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: A Qualitative Analysis Using a Socioecological Framework. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:541-545. [PMID: 35533019 PMCID: PMC9283254 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001644] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV partner notification services (HIV PS) have been poorly implemented in most low- and middle-income countries, including China. Understanding the social context of partner services for key populations is important for scaling up HIV testing services. This study aims to examine facilitators and barriers of HIV PS using qualitative analysis. METHODS This article qualitatively analyzed the texts obtained from a crowdsourcing open call and adopted the socioecological framework to understand the social context of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV that influenced their uptake of HIV partner services. Crowdsourcing means collecting ideas from and sharing solutions with the public. The open call was held to solicit ideas to enhance HIV partner services for Chinese MSM. Two coders conducted a content analysis of the texts from the submissions using inductive and deductive coding methods to identify facilitators and barriers of HIV PS. RESULTS Textual data from 53 submissions were analyzed. The most mentioned barrier, stigma associated with HIV PS, was deeply embedded at several levels, highlighting the urgent need for stigma reduction. Among the facilitators, many people mentioned anonymous online notification could protect the privacy and avoid social harm for index partners. Differentiated partner services may improve HIV PS uptake by providing tailored intervention according to the individual circumstances. Some people suggested implicit notification, which meant testing the attitude of the partner before direct disclosure. This was feasible and acceptable in many settings. CONCLUSIONS The unique social context of MSM living with HIV provides opportunities for embedding HIV partner services. More clinical trials that test the acceptability and effectiveness of the HIV PS interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xumeng Yan
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project–China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongshi Xu
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project–China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project–China, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William C. Miller
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project–China, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Rutstein SE, Matoga M, Chen JS, Mathiya E, Ndalema B, Nyirenda N, Bonongwe N, Taoloka S, Chagomerana M, Tegha G, Hosseinipour MC, Herce ME, Jere E, Krysiak R, Hoffman IF. Integrating enhanced HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis into a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Lilongwe (ePrEP STI): A prospective cohort study (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e37395. [DOI: 10.2196/37395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Liu W, Wamuti BM, Owuor M, Lagat H, Kariithi E, Obong'o C, Mugambi M, Sharma M, Bosire R, Masyuko S, Katz DA, Farquhar C, Weiner BJ. "It is a process" - a qualitative evaluation of provider acceptability of HIV assisted partner services in western Kenya: experiences, challenges, and facilitators. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:616. [PMID: 35525931 PMCID: PMC9078086 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08024-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assisted partner service (APS) is effective for increasing HIV testing services (HTS) uptake among sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV with rare social harm. The acceptability of APS to HTS providers is important for the quality and effectiveness of APS delivery. Within a larger ongoing implementation science study of APS in western Kenya, we qualitatively evaluated the provider acceptability of APS. Methods From May–June 2020, we conducted virtual, semi-structured in-depth interviews with 14 HTS providers recruited from 8 of 31 study health facilities in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties. Participants were selected using criteria-based purposive sampling to maximize variation on patient volume (assessed by the number of index clients tested for HIV) and APS performance (assessed by sexual partners elicitation and enrollment). Interviews inquired providers’ experiences providing APS including challenges and facilitators and the impact of contextual factors. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach. Results Overall, HTS providers found APS acceptable. It was consistently reported that doing APS was a continuous process rather than a one-day job, which required building rapport and persistent efforts. Benefits of APS including efficiency in HIV case finding, expanded testing coverage in men, and increased HIV status awareness and linkage to care motivated the providers. Provider referral was perceived advantageous in terms of independent contact with partners on behalf of index clients and efficiency in partner tracing. Challenges of providing APS included protecting clients’ confidentiality, difficulty obtaining partners’ accurate contact information, logistic barriers of tracing, and clients’ refusal due to fear of being judged for multiple sexual partners, fear of breach of confidentiality, and HIV stigma. Building rapport with clients, communicating with patience and nonjudgmental attitude and assuring confidentiality were examples of facilitators. Working in rural areas and bigger facilities, training, supportive supervision, and community awareness of APS promoted APS delivery while low salaries, lack of equipment, and high workload undermined it. Conclusions HTS providers found APS acceptable. Delivering APS as a process was the key to success. Future scale-up of APS could consider encouraging provider referral instead of the other APS methods to improve efficiency and reduce potential harm to clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary Mugambi
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Rose Bosire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,National AIDS and STI Control Programme, Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David A Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Rahmalia A, Wisaksana R, Laga M, van Crevel R, Peeters Grietens K. Facilitators and barriers to status disclosure and partner testing of women living with HIV in Indonesia: a mixed methods study. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2022; 30:2028971. [PMID: 35167424 PMCID: PMC8856062 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2028971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This mixed-methods study investigated HIV status disclosure and partner testing of women living with HIV (WLWH) in a concentrated epidemic setting in Bandung, Indonesia. The qualitative exploratory strand used theoretical sampling to carry out semi-structured interviews with 47 HIV-infected women with varying anti-retroviral therapy status. The quantitative strand included 122 female patients receiving HIV care at a referral clinic. HIV diagnosis made women reassess their sexual partnerships. Some lost their partner due to death or divorce. Women with a longstanding HIV infection often formed new partnerships. They disclosed their status to new partners without assistance from health providers; the type and stability of the partnership influenced decision to disclose. Fear of rejection prevented initial disclosure prior to bringing the new partners to a health provider. Disclosure did not always result in partner testing because of low risk-awareness or denial of the partner. Despite a similar proportion of status disclosure to partner (92.8%), only 53.7% of new partners of WLWH were tested in contrast to 89.7% of partners tested among WLWH who stayed with the same partner. In antenatal care, where same-day testing was often done for pregnant couples, more partners were tested. Overall, consistent condom use was low and HIV status forced WLWH who continued sex work to work at settings where condom use was not enforced. WLWH face barriers to HIV status disclosure and partner testing and would benefit from partnership counselling. Guidelines for partner notification and testing should include specific strategies for women with longstanding HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annisa Rahmalia
- Researcher, Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Correspondence:
| | - Rudi Wisaksana
- Head of HIV Research Group, Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Disease, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; Department of Internal Medicine, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Marie Laga
- Professor, Sexual Health and HIV, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Reinout van Crevel
- Professor, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Peeters Grietens
- Professor, Head of Socio-Ecological Health Research (SEHR) Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Wegu Y, Sileshi T, Melis T. Assessment of Index Case Family Testing Among Adults Attending Art Clinic at Kule Refugee Camp, Southwest Ethiopia: 2021. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2022; 14:13-21. [PMID: 35087288 PMCID: PMC8789223 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s344100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immune virus testing and counseling is the gateway to accessing anti-retro viral treatment. As a priority population group, families of index clients have been largely neglected due to a number of different factors. Testing sexual partners and children of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive persons (index case finding) is a promising way of identifying HIV-positive persons unaware of their HIV status. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of index case family testing and its associated factors among adults attending an ART clinic at Kule Refugee Camp, southwestern Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS AND MATERIALS An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Kule Refugee Camp, Gambela region. A total of 348 adult ART clinic attendants were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a pre-tested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with index case family testing. The strength of association was assessed by adjusted odds ratio, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05 and 95% CI. RESULTS The proportion of index case family testing was 49.%. Educational level: primary level (AOR=2.4, 95% CI=1.24-4.42), secondary level and above (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.20-4.70), ART adherence (AOR=6, 95% CI=2.8-14.1), years on ART (AOR=2, 95% CI=1.10-3.20), discussion about HIV testing (AOR=3.6, 95% CI=1.30-10.30), disclosure status (AOR 6, 95% CI=2.21-16.94), and being tested through voluntary counseling and testing (AOR=3.0, 95% CI1.70-5.70) were factors significantly associated with index case family HIV testing. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS This study revealed that the proportion of index case family HIV testing in Kule Refugee Camp was 49%. Educational status, adherence status, disclosure status, years on ART, and voluntary counseling and testing were determinant factors. Health professionals should advise index cases to adhere to ART drugs, to disclose their HIV status to their families, and should provide counseling based on guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Wegu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Metu University, Metu, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Sileshi
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Metu University, Metu, Ethiopia
| | - Tamirat Melis
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
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Puleni PC, Nyondo-Mipando AL. Strategies for Optimising Uptake of Assisted Partner Notification Services Among Newly Diagnosed HIV Positive Adults at Ndirande Health Centre, Malawi. Health Syst Reform 2022; 8:2151697. [PMID: 36534137 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2022.2151697] [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: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNAIDS Fast-Track goals for 2025 include ensuring that 95% of the people with HIV know their HIV status. In 2019, the Malawi Ministry of Health introduced its approach for achieving this: an active index testing (AIT) policy with assisted partner notification services (APNS). Under this policy, health centers can actively reach out to a contact of newly-diagnosed HIV positive client (the index) to offer voluntary HIV testing services. However, APNS uptake has been sub-optimal at many health facilities. This qualitative study considers strategies to optimize the uptake of APNS among newly-diagnosed HIV positive clients at Ndirande Health Center in Blantyre, Malawi. We conducted in-depth interviews, between February and April 2020, with 24 participants, including new HIV positive index clients, their sexual partners, and key health workers. We employ a maximum variation purposive sampling technique. Thematic inductive and deductive data analysis was done manually according to the social-ecological model. Interviewees discussed various strategies for optimizing APNS uptake among newly diagnosed HIV-infected clients. Interpersonal strategies included maximizing the use of client profiling techniques and sensitization on APNS to create demand. Institutional-level strategies were also suggested, such as providing transportation for home visits, strengthening referral notification approaches, and additional training for health workers. Policy-level recommendations included introducing home-based partner testing and intensifying use of partner notification slips. APNS is a key strategy to maximize HIV case identification. However, achieving optimal APNS in Malawi requires strengthening existing strategies and conducting additional research to identify other APNS strategies tailored to the local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Chiwa Puleni
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
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Tembo TA, Simon KR, Kim MH, Chikoti C, Huffstetler HE, Ahmed S, Mang’anda C, Chu SQ, Manyeki R, Kavuta E, Majoni R, Phiri D, Kalanga A, Rosenberg NE. Pilot-Testing a Blended Learning Package for Health Care Workers to Improve Index Testing Services in Southern Malawi: An Implementation Science Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:470-476. [PMID: 34483296 PMCID: PMC8585717 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV index testing, an intervention in which HIV-positive "indexes" (persons diagnosed with HIV) are supported to recruit their "contacts" (sexual partners and children) efficiently identifies HIV-infected persons in need of treatment and HIV-uninfected persons in need of prevention. However, index testing implementation in sub-Saharan African health care settings has been suboptimal. The objective of this study was to develop and pilot test a blended learning capacity-building package to improve index testing implementation in Malawi. METHODS In 2019, a blended learning package combining digital and face-to-face training modalities was field tested at 6 health facilities in Mulanje, Malawi using a pre-/post- type II hybrid design with implementation and effectiveness outcomes. Health care worker (HCW) fidelity to the intervention was assessed via observed encounters before and after the training. Preliminary effectiveness was examined by comparing index testing program indicators in the 2 months before and 4 months after the training. Indicators included the mean number of indexes screened, contacts elicited, and contacts who received HIV testing per facility per month. RESULTS On a 30-point scale, HCW fidelity to index testing protocols improved from 6.0 pre- to 25.5 post-package implementation (P = 0.002). Index testing effectiveness indicators also increased: indexes screened (pre = 63, post = 101, P < 0.001); contacts elicited (pre = 75, post = 131, P < 0.001); and contacts who received HIV testing (pre = 27, post = 41, P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS The blended learning package improved fidelity to index testing protocols and preliminary effectiveness outcomes. This package has the potential to enhance implementation of HIV index testing approaches, a necessary step for ending the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapiwa A. Tembo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Maria H. Kim
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Chrissy Chikoti
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Hanna E. Huffstetler
- University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Stephen Q. Chu
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Rachael Manyeki
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Elijah Kavuta
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Robert Majoni
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Duncan Phiri
- International Training and Education Center for Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Nora E. Rosenberg
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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Tippett Barr BA, Lowrance D, Johnson CC, Baggaley RC, Rogers JH, Balachandra SK, Barker J, Kalua T, Bunga S, Low-Beer D, Payne D, Bulterys MG, Jahn A. Treatment-adjusted prevalence to assess HIV testing programmes. Bull World Health Organ 2021; 99:874-882. [PMID: 34866683 PMCID: PMC8640683 DOI: 10.2471/blt.21.286388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Scale-up of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV has been increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, areas with high HIV prevalence are finding a declining proportion of people testing positive in their national testing programmes. In eastern and southern Africa, where there are settings with adult HIV prevalence of 12% and above, the positivity from national HIV testing services has dropped to below 5%. Identifying those in need of ART is therefore becoming more costly for national HIV programmes. Annual target-setting assumes that national testing positivity rates approximate that of population prevalence. This assumption has generated an increased focus on testing approaches which achieve higher rates of HIV positivity. This trend is a departure from the provider-initiated testing and counselling strategy used early in the global HIV response. We discuss a new indicator, treatment-adjusted prevalence, that countries can use as a practical benchmark for estimating the expected adult positivity in a testing programme when accounting for both national HIV prevalence and ART coverage. The indicator is calculated by removing those people receiving ART from the numerator and denominator of HIV prevalence. Treatment-adjusted prevalence can be readily estimated from existing programme data and population estimates, and in 2019, was added to the World Health Organization guidelines for HIV testing and strategic information. Using country examples from Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan and Zimbabwe we illustrate how to apply this indicator and we discuss the potential public health implications of its use from the national to facility level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Tippett Barr
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, PO Box 606, Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Lowrance
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl Case Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Clare Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - John H Rogers
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Zimbabwe
| | - Shirish K Balachandra
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Zimbabwe
| | - Joseph Barker
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, PO Box 606, Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thokozani Kalua
- Ministry of Health, Department of HIV/AIDS, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sudhir Bunga
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Daniel Low-Beer
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Payne
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Marc G Bulterys
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, PO Box 606, Village Market, 00621 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Andreas Jahn
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America
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Recent infections among individuals with a new HIV diagnosis in Rwanda, 2018-2020. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259708. [PMID: 34788323 PMCID: PMC8598012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite Rwanda’s progress toward HIV epidemic control, 16.2% of HIV-positive individuals are unaware of their HIV positive status. Tailoring the public health strategy could help reach these individuals with new HIV infection and achieve epidemic control. Recency testing is primarily for surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation but it’s not for diagnostic purposes. However, it’s important to know what proportion of the newly diagnosed are recent infections so that HIV prevention can be tailored to the profile of people who are recently infected. We therefore used available national data to characterize individuals with recent HIV infection in Rwanda to inform the epidemic response. Methods We included all national-level data for recency testing reported from October 2018 to June 2020. Eligible participants were adults (aged ≥15 years) who had a new HIV diagnosis, who self-reported being antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve, and who had consented to recency testing. Numbers and proportions of recent HIV infections were estimated, and precision around these estimates was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with being recently (within 12 months) infected with HIV. Results Of 7,785 eligible individuals with a new HIV-positive diagnosis, 475 (6.1%) met the criteria for RITA recent infection. The proportion of RITA recent infections among individuals with newly identified HIV was high among those aged 15–24 years (9.6%) and in men aged ≥65 years (10.3%) compared to other age groups; and were higher among women (6.7%) than men (5.1%). Of all recent cases, 68.8% were women, and 72.2% were aged 15–34 years. The Northern province had the fewest individuals with newly diagnosed HIV but had the highest proportion of recent infections (10.0%) compared to other provinces. Recent infections decreased by 19.6% per unit change in time (measured in months). Patients aged ≥25 years were less likely to have recent infection than those aged 15–24 years with those aged 35–49 years being the least likely to have recent infection compared to those aged 15–24 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.415 [95% CI: 0.316–0.544]). Conclusion Public health surveillance targeting the areas and the identified groups with high risk of recent infection could help improve outcomes.
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Mutale W, Freeborn K, Graybill LA, Lusaka MM, Mollan KR, Mweemba O, Kasaro M, Lungu R, Kumwenda A, Saidi F, Powers KA, Maman S, Rosenberg NE, Chi BH. Addition of HIV self-test kits to partner notification services to increase HIV testing of male partners of pregnant women in Zambia: two parallel randomised trials. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:e1719-e1729. [PMID: 34735862 PMCID: PMC8644317 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00393-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing men for HIV during their partner's pregnancy can guide couples-based HIV prevention and treatment, but testing rates remain low. We investigated a combination approach, using evidence-based strategies, to increase HIV testing in male partners of HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women. METHODS We did two parallel, unmasked randomised trials, enrolling pregnant women who had an HIV-positive test result documented in their antenatal record (trial 1) and women who had an HIV-negative test result documented in their antenatal record (trial 2) from an antenatal setting in Lusaka, Zambia. Women in both trials were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention or control groups using permuted block randomisation. The control groups received partner notification services only, including an adapted version for women who were HIV-negative; the intervention groups additionally received targeted education on the use of oral HIV self-test kits for their partners, along with up to five oral HIV self-test kits. At the 30 day follow-up we collected information from pregnant women about their primary male partner's HIV testing in the previous 30 days at health-care facilities, at home, or at any other facility. Our primary outcome was reported male partner testing at a health facility within 30 days following randomisation using a complete-case approach. Women also reported male partner HIV testing of any kind (including self-testing at home) that occurred within 30 days. Randomisation groups were compared via probability difference with a corresponding Wald-based 95% CI. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04124536) and all enrolment and follow-up has been completed. FINDINGS From Oct 28, 2019, to May 26, 2020, 116 women who were HIV-positive (trial 1) and 210 women who were HIV-negative (trial 2) were enrolled and randomly assigned to study groups. Retention at 30 days was 100 (86%) in trial 1 and 200 (95%) in trial 2. Women in the intervention group were less likely to report facility-based male partner HIV testing in trial 1 (3 [6%] of 47 vs 15 [28%] of 53, estimated probability difference -21·9% [95% CI -35·9 to -7·9%]) and trial 2 (3 [3%] of 102 vs 33 [34%] of 98, estimated probability difference -30·7% [95% CI -40·6 to -20·8]). However, reported male partner HIV testing of any kind was higher in the intervention group than in the control group in trial 1 (36 [77%] of 47 vs 19 [36%] of 53, estimated probability difference 40·7% [95% CI 23·0 to 58·4%]) and trial 2 (80 [78%] of 102 vs 54 [55%] of 98, estimated probability difference 23·3% [95% CI 10·7 to 36·0%]) due to increased use of HIV self-testing. Overall, 14 male partners tested HIV-positive. Across the two trials, three cases of intimate partner violence were reported (two in the control groups and one in the intervention groups). INTERPRETATION Our combination approach increased overall HIV testing in male partners of pregnant women but reduced the proportion of men who sought follow-up facility-based testing. This combination approach might reduce linkages to health care, including for HIV prevention, and should be considered in the design of comprehensive HIV programmes. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilbroad Mutale
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Kellie Freeborn
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Graybill
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Katie R Mollan
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Oliver Mweemba
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Rose Lungu
- UNC Global Projects - Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Kimberly A Powers
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nora E Rosenberg
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin H Chi
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Klabbers RE, Muwonge TR, Ayikobua E, Izizinga D, Bassett IV, Kambugu A, Tsai AC, Ravicz M, Klabbers G, O’Laughlin KN. Health Worker Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators of Assisted Partner Notification for HIV for Refugees and Ugandan Nationals: A Mixed Methods Study in West Nile Uganda. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3206-3222. [PMID: 33884511 PMCID: PMC8416880 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03265-1] [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] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Assisted partner notification (APN) is recommended by the World Health Organization to notify sexual partners of HIV exposure. Since 2018, APN has been offered in Uganda to Ugandan nationals and refugees. Distinct challenges faced by individuals in refugee settlements may influence APN utilization and effectiveness. To explore APN barriers and facilitators, we extracted index client and sexual partner data from APN registers at 11 health centers providing care to refugees and Ugandan nationals in West Nile Uganda and conducted qualitative interviews with health workers (N = 32). Since APN started, 882 index clients participated in APN identifying 1126 sexual partners. Following notification, 95% (1025/1126) of partners tested for HIV; 22% (230/1025) were diagnosed with HIV with 14% (139/1025) of tested partners newly diagnosed. Fear of stigma and disclosure-related violence limit APN utilization and effectiveness. Prospective research involving index clients and sexual partners is needed to facilitate safe APN optimization in refugee settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E. Klabbers
- Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Timothy R. Muwonge
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Ayikobua
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Diego Izizinga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Andrew Kambugu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Miranda Ravicz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Gonnie Klabbers
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life
Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kelli N. O’Laughlin
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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Hu QH, Qian HZ, Li JM, Leuba SI, Chu ZX, Turner D, Ding HB, Jiang YJ, Vermund SH, Xu JJ, Shang H. Assisted Partner Notification and Uptake of HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial in China. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 12:100171. [PMID: 34527967 PMCID: PMC8356101 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Assisted partner notification (PN) is an effective approach for increasing HIV testing among heterosexual partners. There is sparse evidence on its effect among sexual partners of men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effect of assisted PN and passive PN interventions on uptake of HIV testing among male and female sexual partners of newly HIV-diagnosed MSM. In the passive PN group, participants were encouraged to disclose their HIV status and refer and persuade sexual partners to access HIV testing services (HTS). In the assisted PN group, participants were further provided with HIV self-testing kits for sexual partners to take a test at home or allow a community health worker from MSM-serving community-based organization (CBO) to anonymously refer and persuade their sexual partners to access HTS. The primary outcome was the proportion of index cases who had any sexual partner accessing HTS within four months after randomization. This trial is registered with chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1800017813. Findings Between August 2017 and January 2019, 187 MSM newly diagnosed with HIV in a large city Shenyang in northern China were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either passive PN (n=90) or assisted PN (n=97) study groups. The proportion of index cases who disclosed their HIV status to any sexual partners within three months of randomization was similar between passive PN (57%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 46-67%) and assisted PN groups (58%, 95% CI: 48-68%). During four months of follow-up, the number of sexual partners named, referred to HTS, tested and testing positive per index case was 3•2, 0•7, 0•2 and 0•03 in the passive PN group, and 4•0, 1•0, 0•5 and 0•10 in the assisted PN group. Thirty-five percent of index cases in the assisted PN group had any sexual partners accessing HIV testing compared to 17% in the passive PN group (P = 0•004); 49% sexual partners who were disclosed by index cases in the assisted PN group had access HTS compared to 28% in the passive PN group (P = 0•007). Interpretation The assisted PN strategy incorporating HIV self-testing and CBO outreach can increase uptake of HIV testing among sexual partners of MSM who were recently diagnosed with HIV. Funding National Science and Technology Major Project of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and Project for Overseas Visiting Research of Liaoning Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hai Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jia-Ming Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sequoia I Leuba
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zhen-Xing Chu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - DeAnne Turner
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hai-Bo Ding
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sten H Vermund
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jun-Jie Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Mugo C, Seeh D, Guthrie B, Moreno M, Kumar M, John-Stewart G, Inwani I, Ronen K. Association of experienced and internalized stigma with self-disclosure of HIV status by youth living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2084-2093. [PMID: 33389374 PMCID: PMC8768004 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We examined patterns of disclosure among youth living with HIV (YLHIV) in Kenya, and the association between self-disclosure and antiretroviral therapy adherence, stigma, depression, resilience, and social support. Of 96 YLHIV, 78% were female, 33% were ages 14-18, and 40% acquired HIV perinatally. Sixty-three (66%) YLHIV had self-disclosed their HIV status; 67% to family and 43% to non-family members. Older YLHIV were 75% more likely to have self-disclosed than those 14-18 years. Of the 68 either married or ever sexually active, 45 (66%) did not disclose to their partners. Those who had self-disclosed were more likely to report internalized stigma (50% vs. 21%, prevalence ratio [PR] 2.3, 1.1-4.6), experienced stigma (26% vs. 3%, PR 11.0, 1.4-86), and elevated depressive symptoms (57% vs. 30%, PR 1.8, 1.0-3.1). The association with stigma was stronger with self-disclosure to family than non-family. Support should be provided to YLHIV during self-disclosure to mitigate psychosocial harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Mugo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - David Seeh
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brandon Guthrie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Megan Moreno
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Irene Inwani
- Department of Pediatrics, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 20723-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Keshet Ronen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
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Dennis AM, Frost SD, Enders K, Cressman AE, Volz E, Adams N, Miller WC, Cohen MS, Mobley V, Samoff E, Eron JJ. HIV-1 Transmission linkages among persons with incident infection to inform public health surveillance. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 37:100968. [PMID: 34195581 PMCID: PMC8225702 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated features of HIV transmission networks involving persons diagnosed during incident HIV infection (IHI) to assess network-based opportunities to curtail onward transmission. METHODS Transmission networks were constructed using partial pol sequences reported to North Carolina surveillance among persons with recent (2014-2018) and past (<2014) HIV diagnoses. IHI were defined as documented acute infections or seroconversion. Demographic and virologic features of HIV genetic clusters (<1.5% pairwise genetic distance) involving ≥ 1 IHI were assessed. Persons with viral genetic links and who had diagnoses >90 days prior to an IHI were further characterized. We assessed named partner outcomes among IHI index persons using contact tracing data. FINDINGS Of 4,405 HIV diagnoses 2014-2018 with sequences, there were 323 (7%) IHI index persons; most were male (88%), Black (65%), young (68% <30 years), and reported sex with men (MSM) risk (79%). Index persons were more likely to be cluster members compared to non-index persons diagnosed during the same period (72% vs. 49%). In total, 162 clusters were identified involving 233 IHI, 577 recent diagnoses, and 163 past diagnoses. Most IHI cases (53%) had viral linkages to ≥1 previously diagnosed person without evidence of HIV viral suppression in the year prior to the diagnosis of the IHI index. In contact tracing, only 53% IHI cases named an HIV-positive contact, resulting in 0.5 previously diagnosed persons detected per IHI investigated. When combined with viral analyses, the detection rate of viremic previously diagnosed persons increased to 1.3. INTERPRETATION Integrating public health with molecular epidemiology, revealed that more than half of IHI have viral links to persons with previously diagnosed unsuppressed HIV infection which was largely unrecognized by traditional contact tracing. Enhanced partner services to support engagement and retention in HIV care and improved case finding supported by rapid phylogenetic analysis are tools to substantially reduce onward HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M. Dennis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Simon D.W. Frost
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, United States
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly Enders
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Andrew E. Cressman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Erik Volz
- Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Adams
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - William C. Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Myron S. Cohen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Victoria Mobley
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Erika Samoff
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Joseph J. Eron
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Kariithi E, Sharma M, Kemunto E, Lagat H, Otieno G, Wamuti BM, Katz DA, Obong'o C, Macharia P, Bosire R, Masyuko S, Mugambi M, Levin CE, Liu W, Roy Paladhi U, Weiner BJ, Farquhar C. Using Assisted Partner Services for HIV Testing and the Treatment of Males and Their Female Sexual Partners: Protocol for an Implementation Science Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e27262. [PMID: 34014172 PMCID: PMC8176338 DOI: 10.2196/27262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the effective scale-up of HIV testing and treatment programs, only 75% of people living with HIV (PLWH) globally know their status, and this rate is lower among men. This highlights the importance of implementing HIV testing and linkage interventions with a high uptake in this population. In a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in Kenya between 2013 and 2015, we found that assisted partner services (APS) for HIV-exposed partners of newly diagnosed PLWH safely reached more HIV-exposed individuals with HIV testing compared with client referral alone. However, more data are needed to evaluate APS implementation in a real-world setting. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability, fidelity, and cost of APS when integrated into existing HIV testing services (HTS) in Western Kenya. METHODS Our study team from the University of Washington and PATH is integrating APS into 31 health facilities in Western Kenya. We are enrolling females newly diagnosed with HIV (index clients) who consent to receiving APS, their male sexual partners, and female sexual partners of male sexual partners who tested HIV positive. Female index clients and sexual partners testing HIV positive will be followed up at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postenrollment to assess linkage to care, antiretroviral therapy initiation, and HIV viral load suppression. We will evaluate the acceptability, fidelity, and cost of real-world implementation of APS via in-depth interviews conducted with national, county, and subcounty-level policy makers responsible for HTS. Facility health staff providing HTS and APS, in addition to staff working with the study project team, will also be interviewed. We will also conduct direct observations of facility infrastructure and clinical procedures and extract data from the facilities and county and national databases. RESULTS As of March 2020, we have recruited 1724 female index clients, 3201 male partners, and 1585 female partners. We have completed study recruitment as well as 6-week (2936/2973, 98.75%), 6-month (1596/1641, 97.25%), and 12-month (725/797, 90.9%) follow-up visits. Preliminary analyses show that facilities scaling up APS identify approximately 12-18 new HIV-positive males for every 100 men contacted and tested. We are currently completing the remaining follow-up interviews and incorporating an HIV self-testing component into the study in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The results will help bridge the gap between clinical research findings and real-world practice and provide guidance regarding optimal strategies for APS integration into routine HIV service delivery. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/27262.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Beatrice M Wamuti
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David A Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Christopher Obong'o
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Macharia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rose Bosire
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Carol E Levin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Wenjia Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Unmesha Roy Paladhi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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50
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Senyurek G, Kavas MV, Ulman YI. Lived experiences of people living with HIV: a descriptive qualitative analysis of their perceptions of themselves, their social spheres, healthcare professionals and the challenges they face daily. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:904. [PMID: 33980195 PMCID: PMC8117647 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rates have been gradually increasing in Istanbul, Turkey. Many people living with HIV (PLWH) here encounter difficulties, for example, in adapting to the chronic disease and obtaining continuous access to healthcare services. In this study, we aimed to explore the challenges PLWH face in their daily lives and understand their perceptions of themselves, healthcare professionals and services, and their social spheres via their expressed lived experiences in the healthcare setting. METHOD Individual semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face with 20 PLWH in Istanbul. All the interviews were voice-recorded and transcribed verbatim except one, upon participant request, for which the interviewer took notes. These logs and the interviewer's notes were analyzed thematically using the inductive content analysis method. RESULTS The themes concerned experiences in three distinct contexts: 1) Interactions with healthcare providers; 2) Participants' responses to their HIV diagnosis; and 3) Interactions with their social networks. Firstly, the results highlighted that the participants perceived that healthcare professionals did not inform them about the diagnosis properly, failed to protect patients' confidentiality and exhibited discriminative behaviors towards them. Secondly, after the diagnosis the participants had difficulty in coping with their unsettled emotional state. While many ceased sexual activities and isolated themselves, some sought support. Lastly, living with HIV affected their relationships with their families and friends either positively or negatively. Moreover, they had to face the difficulties concerning spouse/partner notification issues about which many needed professional support. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals' discriminative or inappropriate attitudes and customs in healthcare institutions are perceived to impair PLWH's utilization of healthcare services. Structural factors such as social pressure, societal ignorance about HIV, limited access to HIV prevention, and regulatory barriers might contribute to these challenges. The results suggest that it is necessary to raise healthcare professionals' and society's awareness about HIV and develop national policies to establish a well-functioning referral system and appropriate spouse/partner notification services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Senyurek
- Department of Medical Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1089a
- , 1081 HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Mustafa Volkan Kavas
- Department of History of Medicine and Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Morfoloji Binasi, Tip Tarihi ve Etik AD. 06230, Altindag, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yesim Isil Ulman
- Department of History of Medicine and Ethics, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Kayisdagi Cad. No:32, Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey
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