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Atanuriba GA, Apiribu F, Dzomeku VM, Amooba PA, Boamah Mensah AB, Afaya RA, Gazari T, Laari TT, Akor MH, Abnory L. "Some believe those who say they can cure it" perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy for children living with HIV/AIDS: Qualitative exploration of caregivers experiences in tamale metropolis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275529. [PMID: 36194615 PMCID: PMC9531795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV/AIDS is now a chronic disease, as adherence to anti-retrovirals impacts positively on the quality as well as expectancy of life. However, there exist multifaceted barriers to treatments for which children are most disadvantaged. Since Ghana subscribed to the "treat all" policy less percentage (25.5%) of children (2-14 years) living with HIV/AIDS have been enrolled on the antiretroviral program compared to other categories of the population by 2019. At present no study has explored these barriers to children living with HIV/AIDS enrollment and adherence. This study aims to explore the perceived barriers of caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS in the Tamale Metropolis. METHODS We used descriptive phenomenology to explore the phenomena. Caregivers were purposively selected and interviewed till information became repetitive at the ninth (9th) caregiver. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data through face-to-face in-depth interviews which were audio recorded. The interviews lasted an average of 47 minutes. Audio interviews were transcribed verbatim (English) and translated back-to-back (Daghani) before analysis was done manually according to Collaizi's seven-step approach. We used the Guba and Lincoln guidelines to ensure the rigour of the study and its findings. Results are presented in themes and supported with quotes. RESULTS Six themes emerged from the analysis of the caregivers' transcripts; (1) denial of HIV/AID diagnosis, (2) stock-outs and privacy at the clinic, (3) busy schedule and poor support, (4) ignorance and alternative herbal cure, (5) stigma and discrimination, (6) transportation and distance. CONCLUSION Perceived barriers are multi-dimensional and encountered by all PLWHA, especially children. These barriers could derail the gains of HIV/AIDS interventions among children. Adherence counselling among caregivers alongside campaigns among faith and herbal healers are of grave concern to reduce myths of cure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felix Apiribu
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health, Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Veronica Millicent Dzomeku
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health, Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philemon Adoliwine Amooba
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health, Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health, Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Adongo Afaya
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Timothy Gazari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Timothy Tienbia Laari
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health, Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Presbyterian Primary Health Care (PPHC), Bolgatanga, Ghana
| | - Moses Haruna Akor
- Nurses and Midwifery Training College-Damongo, Savanna Region, Ghana
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Christ B, van Dijk JH, Nyandoro TY, Reichmuth ML, Kunzekwenyika C, Chammartin F, Egger M, Wringe A, Ballif M. Availability and experiences of differentiated antiretroviral therapy delivery at HIV care facilities in rural Zimbabwe: a mixed-method study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25944. [PMID: 36008925 PMCID: PMC9411726 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25944] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Zimbabwe adopted differentiated HIV care policies in 2015 to promote client-centred care and relieve strain on health facilities. We examined the availability, experiences and perceptions of differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery in rural Zimbabwe following the policy adoption. METHODS We undertook a cross-sectional mixed methods study in all the 26 facilities providing HIV care in a rural district in Zimbabwe. We collected quantitative data about ART delivery and visit durations from 31 healthcare providers and a purposive stratified sample of 378 clients obtaining ART either through routine care or differentiated ART delivery models. We performed 26 semi-structured interviews among healthcare providers and seven focus group discussions (FGDs) among clients to elicit their perceptions and experiences of ART delivery. Data were collected in 2019, with one follow-up FGD in 2021. We analysed the transcripts thematically, with inductive coding, to identify emerging themes. RESULTS Twenty facilities (77%) offered at least one differentiated ART delivery models, including community ART refill groups (CARGs; 13 facilities, 50%), fast-track refill (8, 31%), family refill (6, 23%) or club refill (1, 4%). Thirteen facilities (50%) offered only one model. The median visit duration was 28 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 16-62). Participants in fast-track had the shortest visit durations (18 minutes, IQR: 11-24). Confidentiality and disclosure of HIV status, travelling long distances, travel costs and waiting times were the main issues influencing clients' views on differentiated ART delivery. Fast-track refill was perceived as the preferred model of clients for its limited involuntary disclosure and efficiency. In contrast, group- and community-based refill models reduced travel costs but were felt to be associated with involuntary disclosure of HIV status, which could discourage clients. Healthcare providers also experienced an additional workload when offering facility-based group models, such as CARGs. CONCLUSIONS Differentiated ART delivery models were widely available in this rural setting, but most facilities did not offer a choice of models to address clients' diverse preferences. A minority offered fast-track refills, although this model was often mentioned as desirable. Confidentiality, travel expenses and client waiting times are key elements to consider when planning and rolling out differentiated HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Christ
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Martina L Reichmuth
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Epidemiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alison Wringe
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Marie Ballif
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Pillay T, Cornell M, Fox MP, Euvrard J, Fatti G, Technau KG, Sipambo N, Prozesky H, Eley B, Tanser F, Johnson LF. Recording of HIV viral loads and viral suppression in South African patients receiving antiretroviral treatment: a multicentre cohort study. Antivir Ther 2020; 25:257-266. [PMID: 32960187 DOI: 10.3851/imp3371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral suppression in patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is critical to reducing HIV transmission and HIV-related mortality. Although many studies have evaluated factors associated with viral suppression, few have assessed the extent to which missing viral load data may bias results. METHODS We included data on all patients starting ART from 2005 to 2019 in eight South African cohorts participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) collaboration. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with having a viral load measurement within 2 months of a scheduled testing date and having a viral load <400 RNA copies/ml ('viral suppression'). In a sensitivity analysis, missing viral loads were imputed based on patients' clinical and demographic characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS Viral load tests were scheduled in 603,549 and 77,423 intervals in adults and children, respectively, but test results were recorded in only 40.7% and 41.2%, respectively. The proportion of recorded results suppressed was 85.7% in adults and 72.4% in children. After imputation of missing viral load measurements, viral suppression reduced slightly in adults (85.3%) and increased in children (73.2%). Predictors of virological suppression in adults, which included female sex, older age, higher baseline CD4+ T-cell count and recent testing year, were similar in the main analysis and after imputing missing viral loads. CONCLUSIONS Although viral load information was frequently missing in the South African setting, estimates of viral suppression and predictors of viral suppression did not change substantially after adjusting for missing data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Geoffrey Fatti
- Kheth'Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karl-Günter Technau
- Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nosisa Sipambo
- Harriet Shezi Children's Clinic, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hans Prozesky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Eley
- Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, Somkhele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leigh F Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mody A, Roy M, Sikombe K, Savory T, Holmes C, Bolton-Moore C, Padian N, Sikazwe I, Geng E. Improved Retention With 6-Month Clinic Return Intervals for Stable Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in Zambia. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 66:237-243. [PMID: 29020295 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extending appointment intervals for stable HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa can reduce patient opportunity costs and decongest overcrowded facilities. Methods We analyzed a cohort of stable HIV-infected adults (on treatment with CD4 >200 cells/μL for more than 6 months) who presented for clinic visits in Lusaka, Zambia. We used multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regression adjusting for patient characteristics, including prior retention, to assess the association between scheduled appointment intervals and subsequent missed visits (>14 days late to next visit), gaps in medication (>14 days late to next pharmacy refill), and loss to follow-up (LTFU; >90 days late to next visit). Results A total of 62084 patients (66.6% female, median age 38, median CD4 438 cells/μL) made 501281 visits while stable on antiretroviral therapy. Most visits were scheduled around 1-month (25.0% clinical, 44.4% pharmacy) or 3-month intervals (49.8% clinical, 35.2% pharmacy), with fewer patients scheduled at 6-month intervals (10.3% clinical, 0.4% pharmacy). After adjustment and compared to patients scheduled to return in 1 month, patients with six-month clinic return intervals were the least likely to miss visits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.24); miss medication pickups (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI 0.39-0.57), and become LTFU prior to the next visit (aOR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31-0.54). Conclusions Six-month clinic return intervals were associated with decreased lateness, gaps in medication, and LTFU in stable HIV-infected patients and may represent a promising strategy to reduce patient burdens and decongest clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaloke Mody
- Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
| | - Monika Roy
- Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
| | | | - Thea Savory
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Charles Holmes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carolyn Bolton-Moore
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama, Birmingham
| | - Nancy Padian
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Elvin Geng
- Division of HIV, ID, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
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Zakumumpa H, Kiweewa FM, Khuluza F, Kitutu FE. "The number of clients is increasing but the supplies are reducing": provider strategies for responding to chronic antiretroviral (ARV) medicines stock-outs in resource-limited settings: a qualitative study from Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:312. [PMID: 31092245 PMCID: PMC6521347 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the increasing frequency of ARV medicines stock-outs in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is little research inquiring into the mitigation strategies devised by frontline health facilities. Many previous studies have focused on ‘upstream’ or national-level drivers of ARVs stock-outs with less empirical attention devoted ‘down-stream’ or at the facility-level. The objective of this study was to examine the strategies devised by health facilities in Uganda to respond to the chronic stock-outs of ARVs. Methods This was a qualitative research design nested within a larger mixed-methods study. We purposively selected 16 health facilities from across Uganda (to achieve diversity with regard to; level of care (primary/ tertiary), setting (rural/urban) and geographic sub-region (northern/ central/western). We conducted 76 Semi-structured interviews with ART clinic managers, clinicians and pharmacists in the selected health facilities supplemented by on-site observations and documentary reviews. Data were analyzed by coding and thematic analyses. Results Participants reported that facility-level contributors to stock-outs include untimely orders of drugs from suppliers and inaccurate quantification of ARV medicine needs due to a paucity of ART program data. Internal stock management solutions for mitigating stock-outs which emerged include the substitution of ARV medicines which were out of stock, overstocking selected medicines and the use of recently expired drugs. The external solutions for mitigating stock-outs which were identified include ‘borrowing’ of ARVs from peer-providers, re-distributing stock across regions and upward referrals of patients. Systemic drivers of stock-outs were identified. These include the supply of drugs with a short shelf life, oversupply and undersupply of ARV medicines and migration pressures on the available ARVs stock at case-study facilities. Conclusion Health facilities devised internal stock management strategies and relied on peer-provider networks for ARV medicines during stock-out events. Our study underscores the importance of devising interventions aimed at improving Uganda’s medicines supply chain systems in the quest to reduce the frequency of ARV medicines stock-outs at the front-line level of service delivery. Further research is recommended on the effect of substituting ARV medicines on patient outcomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4137-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Zakumumpa
- Makerere University, School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Felix Khuluza
- Pharmacy Department, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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Hwang B, Shroufi A, Gils T, Steele SJ, Grimsrud A, Boulle A, Yawa A, Stevenson S, Jankelowitz L, Versteeg-Mojanaga M, Govender I, Stephens J, Hill J, Duncan K, van Cutsem G. Stock-outs of antiretroviral and tuberculosis medicines in South Africa: A national cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212405. [PMID: 30861000 PMCID: PMC6413937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and TB programs have rapidly scaled-up over the past decade in Sub-Saharan Africa and uninterrupted supplies of those medicines are critical to their success. However, estimates of stock-outs are largely unknown. This survey aimed to estimate the extent of stock-outs of antiretroviral and TB medicines in public health facilities across South Africa, which has the world's largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) program and a rising multidrug-resistant TB epidemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional telephonic survey (October-December 2015) of public health facilities. Facilities were asked about the prevalence of stock-outs on the day of the survey and in the preceding three months, their duration and impact. RESULTS Nationwide, of 3547 eligible health facilities, 79% (2804) could be reached telephonically. 88% (2463) participated and 4% (93) were excluded as they did not provide ART or TB treatment. Of the 2370 included facilities, 20% (485) reported a stock-out of at least 1 ARV and/or TB-related medicine on the day of contact and 36% (864) during the three months prior to contact, ranging from 74% (163/220) of health facilities in Mpumalanga to 12% (32/261) in the Western Cape province. These 864 facilities reported 1475 individual stock-outs, with one to fourteen different medicines out of stock per facility. Information on impact was provided in 98% (1449/1475) of stock-outs: 25% (366) resulted in a high impact outcome, where patients left the facility without medicine or were provided with an incomplete regimen. Of the 757 stock-outs that were resolved 70% (527) lasted longer than one month. INTERPRETATION There was a high prevalence of stock-outs nationwide. Large interprovincial differences in stock-out occurrence, duration, and impact suggest differences in provincial ability to prevent, mitigate and cope within the same framework. End-user monitoring of the supply chain by patients and civil society has the potential to increase transparency and complement public sector monitoring systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella Hwang
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa, Operational Control Centre Brussels, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Amir Shroufi
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa, Operational Control Centre Brussels, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tinne Gils
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa, Operational Control Centre Brussels, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Jane Steele
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa, Operational Control Centre Brussels, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anele Yawa
- Treatment Action Campaign, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Indira Govender
- Rural Doctors Association of Southern Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Julia Hill
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa, Operational Control Centre Brussels, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kristal Duncan
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa, Operational Control Centre Brussels, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gilles van Cutsem
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
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Cluver L, Pantelic M, Toska E, Orkin M, Casale M, Bungane N, Sherr L. STACKing the odds for adolescent survival: health service factors associated with full retention in care and adherence amongst adolescents living with HIV in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25176. [PMID: 30240121 PMCID: PMC6149366 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are two million HIV-positive adolescents in southern Africa, and this group has low retention in care and high mortality. There is almost no evidence to identify which healthcare factors can improve adolescent self-reported retention. This study examines factors associated with retention amongst antiretroviral therapy (ART)-initiated adolescents in South Africa. METHODS We collected clinical records and detailed standardized interviews (n = 1059) with all 10- to 19 year-olds ever initiated on ART in all 53 government clinics of a health subdistrict, and community traced to include lost-to-follow-up (90.1% of eligible adolescents interviewed). Associations between full self-reported retention in care (no past-year missed appointments and 85% past-week adherence) and health service factors were tested simultaneously in sequential multivariate regression and marginal effects modelling, controlling for covariates of age, gender, urban/rural location, formal/informal housing, maternal and paternal orphanhood, vertical/horizontal HIV infection, overall health, length of time on ART and type of healthcare facility. RESULTS About 56% of adolescents had self-reported retention in care, validated against lower detectable viral load (AOR: 0.63, CI: 0.45 to 0.87, p = 0.005). Independent of covariates, five factors (STACK) were associated with improved retention: clinics Stocked with medication (OR: 3.0, CI: 1.6 to 5.5); staff with Time for adolescents (OR: 2.7, CI: 1.8 to 4.1); adolescents Accompanied to the clinic (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.5 to 3.6); enough Cash to get to clinic safely (OR: 1.4, CI: 1.1 to 1.9); and staff who are Kind (OR: 2.6, CI: 1.8 to 3.6). With none of these factors, 3.3% of adolescents reported retention. With all five factors, 69.5% reported retention. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies key intervention points for adolescent retention in HIV care. A basic package of clinic and community services has the potential to STACK the odds for health and survival for HIV-positive adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Marija Pantelic
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- SecretariatInternational HIV/AIDS AllianceBrightonUnited Kingdom
| | - Elona Toska
- AIDS and Society Research UnitUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of SociologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mark Orkin
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research UnitSchool of Clinical MedicineUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Marisa Casale
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
- School of Public HealthUniversity of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Lorraine Sherr
- Research Department of Global HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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Gils T, Bossard C, Verdonck K, Owiti P, Casteels I, Mashako M, Van Cutsem G, Ellman T. Stockouts of HIV commodities in public health facilities in Kinshasa: Barriers to end HIV. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191294. [PMID: 29351338 PMCID: PMC5774776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Stockouts of HIV commodities increase the risk of treatment interruption, antiretroviral resistance, treatment failure, morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to assess the magnitude and duration of stockouts of HIV medicines and diagnostic tests in public facilities in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This was a cross-sectional survey involving visits to facilities and warehouses in April and May 2015. All zonal warehouses, all public facilities with more than 200 patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) (high-burden facilities) and a purposive sample of facilities with 200 or fewer patients (low-burden facilities) in Kinshasa were selected. We focused on three adult ART formulations, cotrimoxazole tablets, and HIV diagnostic tests. Availability of items was determined by physical check, while stockout duration until the day of the survey visit was verified with stock cards. In case of ART stockouts, we asked the pharmacist in charge what the facility coping strategy was for patients needing those medicines. The study included 28 high-burden facilities and 64 low-burden facilities, together serving around 22000 ART patients. During the study period, a national shortage of the newly introduced first-line regimen Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Efavirenz resulted in stockouts of this regimen in 56% of high-burden and 43% of low-burden facilities, lasting a median of 36 (interquartile range 29-90) and 44 days (interquartile range 24-90) until the day of the survey visit, respectively. Each of the other investigated commodities were found out of stock in at least two low-burden and two high-burden facilities. In 30/41 (73%) of stockout cases, the commodity was absent at the facility but present at the upstream warehouse. In 30/57 (54%) of ART stockout cases, patients did not receive any medicines. In some cases, patients were switched to different ART formulations or regimens. Stockouts of HIV commodities were common in the visited facilities. Introduction of new ART regimens needs additional planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinne Gils
- Médecins sans Frontières, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claire Bossard
- Médecins sans Frontières, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Philip Owiti
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
- The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | - Ilse Casteels
- Médecins sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Maria Mashako
- Médecins sans Frontières, Operational Centre Brussels, Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Gilles Van Cutsem
- Médecins sans Frontières, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tom Ellman
- Médecins sans Frontières, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
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