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Pascoe S, Fox M, Kane J, Mngadi S, Manganye P, Long LC, Metz K, Allen T, Sardana S, Greener R, Zheng A, Thea DM, Murray LK. Study protocol: A randomised trial of the effectiveness of the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) for improving HIV treatment outcomes among women experiencing intimate partner violence in South Africa. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065848. [PMID: 36549749 PMCID: PMC9772682 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a barrier to consistent HIV treatment in South Africa. Previous trials have established that the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA), a cognitive-behavioural-based intervention, is effective in reducing mental and behavioural health problems but has not been trialled for effectiveness in improving HIV outcomes. This paper describes the protocol for a randomised trial that is testing the effectiveness of CETA in improving HIV treatment outcomes among women experiencing IPV in South Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We are conducting a randomised trial among HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy, who have experienced sexual and/or physical IPV, to test the effect of CETA on increasing retention and viral suppression and reducing IPV. Women living with HIV who have an unsuppressed viral load or are at high risk for poor adherence and report experiencing recent IPV, defined as at least once within in the last 12 months, will be recruited from HIV clinics and randomised 1:1 to receive CETA or an active attention control (text message reminders). All participants will be followed for 24 months. Follow-up HIV data will be collected passively using routinely collected medical records. HIV outcomes will be assessed at 12 and 24 months post-baseline. Questionnaires on violence, substance use and mental health will be administered at baseline, post-CETA completion and at 12 months post-baseline. Our primary outcome is retention and viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) by 12 months post-baseline. We will include 400 women which will give us 80% power to detect an absolute 21% difference between arms. Our primary analysis will be an intention-to-treat comparison of intervention and control by risk differences with 95% CIs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval provided by University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical), Boston University Institutional Review Board and Johns Hopkins School Institutional Review Board. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04242992.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Pascoe
- 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
| | - Matthew Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeremy Kane
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sithabile Mngadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Pertunia Manganye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lawrence C Long
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristina Metz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Taylor Allen
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Srishti Sardana
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross Greener
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amy Zheng
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Laura K Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Leveraging routine data in impact evaluation: Understanding data systems in primary healthcare prior to a matched cluster-randomised evaluation of adherence guidelines in South Africa. S Afr Med J 2022; 112:819-827. [PMID: 36472333 DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i10.14909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An essential part of providing high-quality patient care and a means of efficiently conducting research studies relies upon high-quality routinely collected medical information. OBJECTIVES To describe the registers, paper records and databases used in a sample of primary healthcare clinics in South Africa (SA) with the view to conduct an impact evaluation using routine data. METHODS Between October 2015 and December 2015, we collected information on the presence, quality and completeness of registers, clinical stationery and databases at 24 public health facilities in SA. We describe each register and type of clinical stationery we encountered, their primary uses, and the quality of completion. We also mapped the ideal flow of data through a site to better understand how its data collection works. RESULTS We identified 13 registers (9 standard, 4 non-standard), 5 types of stationery and 4 databases as sources of medical information within a site. Not all clinics used all the standardised registers, and in those that did, registers were kept in various degrees of completeness: a common problem was inconsistent recording of folder numbers. The quality of patient stationery was generally high, with only the chronic patient record being considered of varied quality. The TIER.Net database had high-quality information on key variables, but national identification (ID) number was incompletely captured (42% complete). Very few evaluation sites used electronic data collection systems for conditions other than HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSION Registers, databases and clinical stationery were not implemented or completed consistently across the 24 evaluation sites. For those considering using routinely collected data for research and evaluation purposes, we would recommend a thorough review of clinic data collection systems for both quality and completeness before considering them to be a reliable data source.
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Toegel F, Rodewald AM, Novak MD, Pollock S, Arellano M, Leoutsakos JM, Holtyn AF, Silverman K. Psychosocial Interventions to Promote Undetectable HIV Viral Loads: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1853-1862. [PMID: 34783938 PMCID: PMC9050821 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Suppressing HIV viral loads to undetectable levels is essential for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We evaluated randomized controlled trials aimed to increase antiretroviral medication adherence and promote undetectable viral loads among people living with HIV through November 22, 2019. We extracted data from 51 eligible interventions and analyzed the results using random effects models to compare intervention effects between groups within each intervention and across interventions. We also evaluated the relation between publication date and treatment effects. Only five interventions increased undetectable viral loads significantly. As a whole, the analyzed interventions were superior to Standard of Care in promoting undetectable viral loads. Interventions published more recently were not more effective in promoting undetectable viral loads. No treatment category consistently produced significant increases in undetectable viral loads. To end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we should use interventions that can suppress HIV viral loads to undetectable levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest Toegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, USA
| | - Andrew M Rodewald
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew D Novak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Pollock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meghan Arellano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeannie-Marie Leoutsakos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - August F Holtyn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Learning and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Suite 350 East, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Duffy M, Madevu‐Matson C, Posner JE, Zwick H, Sharer M, Powell AM. Systematic review: Development of a person-centered care framework within the context of HIV treatment settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:479-493. [PMID: 35316549 PMCID: PMC9324124 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Person-centred care (PCC) meets the needs of individuals by increasing convenience, providing supportive and culturally appropriate services to diverse populations, and engaging families, communities, and stakeholders in planning and provision of care. While the evidence demonstrates that PCC approaches can lead to clinical improvements across the HIV care continuum, it is not yet well defined in the context of HIV service delivery. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to define PCC practices for HIV treatment services in health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa. Data synthesis led to the development of a PCC framework including domain and sub-domain development. The study team used the Effective Public Health Project Practice tool for quantitative studies to assess the quality of the included studies. RESULTS Thirty-one studies from 12 countries met the inclusion criteria, including 56,586 study participants (females 42%-100% and males 0%-58%), resulting in three major domains and 11 sub-domains. These include staffing (sub-domains of composition, availability, and competency); service delivery standards (sub-domains of client feedback mechanisms; service efficiency and integration; convenience and access; and digital health worker support tools); and direct client support services (sub-domains of psychosocial services, logistics support, client-agency, and digital client support tools). Twenty-five of the person-centred interventions within these domains resulted in improvements in linkage to care, treatment retention, and/or viral suppression. CONCLUSIONS The PCC framework can help to provide a more consistent classification of HIV treatment interventions and will support improved assessment of these interventions to ensure that people receive personalised care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malia Duffy
- International DivisionJohn Snow, Inc.BostonMassachusettsUSA
- Public HealthSaint Ambrose UniversityDavenportIowaUSA
| | | | | | - Hana Zwick
- International DivisionJohn Snow, Inc.BostonMassachusettsUSA
- Global Health InstituteDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Melissa Sharer
- International DivisionJohn Snow, Inc.BostonMassachusettsUSA
- Public HealthSaint Ambrose UniversityDavenportIowaUSA
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Mirzazadeh A, Eshun-Wilson I, Thompson RR, Bonyani A, Kahn JG, Baral SD, Schwartz S, Rutherford G, Geng EH. Interventions to reengage people living with HIV who are lost to follow-up from HIV treatment programs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003940. [PMID: 35290369 PMCID: PMC8923443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimizing services to facilitate engagement and retention in care of people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) is critical to decrease HIV-related morbidity and mortality and HIV transmission. We systematically reviewed the literature for the effectiveness of implementation strategies to reestablish and subsequently retain clinical contact, improve viral load suppression, and reduce mortality among patients who had been lost to follow-up (LTFU) from HIV services. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched 7 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ERIC, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the WHO regional databases) and 3 conference abstract archives (CROI, IAC, and IAS) to find randomized trials and observational studies published through 13 April 2020. Eligible studies included those involving children and adults who were diagnosed with HIV, had initiated ART, and were subsequently lost to care and that reported at least one review outcome (return to care, retention, viral suppression, or mortality). Data were extracted by 2 reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third. We characterized reengagement strategies according to how, where, and by whom tracing was conducted. We explored effects, first, among all categorized as LTFU from the HIV program (reengagement program effect) and second among those found to be alive and out of care (reengagement contact outcome). We used random-effect models for meta-analysis and conducted subgroup analyses to explore heterogeneity. Searches yielded 4,244 titles, resulting in 37 included studies (6 randomized trials and 31 observational studies). In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (N = 16), tracing most frequently involved identification of LTFU from the electronic medical record (EMR) and paper records followed by a combination of telephone calls and field tracing (including home visits), by a team of outreach workers within 3 months of becoming LTFU (N = 7), with few incorporating additional strategies to support reengagement beyond contact (N = 2). In high-income countries (HICs) (N = 21 studies), LTFU were similarly identified through EMR systems, at times matched with other public health records (N = 4), followed by telephone calls and letters sent by mail or email and conducted by outreach specialist teams. Home visits were less common (N = 7) than in LMICs, and additional reengagement support was similarly infrequent (N = 5). Overall, reengagement programs were able to return 39% (95% CI: 31% to 47%) of all patients who were characterized as LTFU (n = 29). Reengagement contact resulted in 58% (95% CI: 51% to 65%) return among those found to be alive and out of care (N = 17). In 9 studies that had a control condition, the return was higher among those in the reengagement intervention group than the standard of care group (RR: 1.20 (95% CI: 1.08 to 1.32, P < 0.001). There were insufficient data to generate pooled estimates of retention, viral suppression, or mortality after the return. CONCLUSIONS While the types of interventions are markedly heterogeneity, reengagement interventions increase return to care. HIV programs should consider investing in systems to better characterize LTFU to identify those who are alive and out of care, and further research on the optimum time to initiate reengagement efforts after missed visits and how to best support sustained reengagement could improve efficiency and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mirzazadeh
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ryan R. Thompson
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - James G. Kahn
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George Rutherford
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Elvin H. Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University at St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Beres LK, Mody A, Sikombe K, Nicholas LH, Schwartz S, Eshun-Wilson I, Somwe P, Simbeza S, Pry JM, Kaumba P, McGready J, Holmes CB, Bolton-Moore C, Sikazwe I, Denison JA, Geng EH. The effect of tracer contact on return to care among adult, "lost to follow-up" patients living with HIV in Zambia: an instrumental variable analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25853. [PMID: 34921515 PMCID: PMC8683971 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tracing patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) from HIV care is widely practiced, yet we have little knowledge of its causal effect on care engagement. In a prospective, Zambian cohort, we examined the effect of tracing on return to care within 2 years of LTFU. METHODS We traced a stratified, random sample of LTFU patients who had received HIV care between August 2013 and July 2015. LTFU was defined as a gap of >90 days from last scheduled appointment in the routine electronic medical record. Extracting 2 years of follow-up visit data through 2017, we identified patients who returned. Using random selection for tracing as an instrumental variable (IV), we used conditional two-stage least squares regression to estimate the local average treatment effect of tracer contact on return. We examined the observational association between tracer contact and return among patient sub-groups self-confirmed as disengaged from care. RESULTS Of the 24,164 LTFU patients enumerated, 4380 were randomly selected for tracing and 1158 were contacted by a tracer within a median of 14.8 months post-loss. IV analysis found that patients contacted by a tracer because they were randomized to tracing were no more likely to return than those not contacted (adjusted risk difference [aRD]: 3%, 95% CI: -2%, 8%, p = 0.23). Observational data showed that among contacted, disengaged patients, the rate of return was higher in the week following tracer contact (IR 5.74, 95% CI: 3.78-8.71) than in the 2 weeks to 1-month post-contact (IR 2.28, 95% CI: 1.40-3.72). There was a greater effect of tracing among patients lost for >6 months compared to those contacted within 3 months of loss. CONCLUSIONS Overall, tracer contact did not causally increase LTFU patient return to HIV care, demonstrating the limited impact of tracing in this program, where contact occurred months after patients were LTFU. However, observational data suggest that tracing may speed return among some LTFU patients genuinely out-of-care. Further studies may improve tracing effectiveness by examining the mechanisms underlying the impact of tracing on return to care, the effect of tracing at different times-since-loss and using more accurate identification of patients who are truly disengaged to target tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Beres
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaloke Mody
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Lauren Hersch Nicholas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul Somwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sandra Simbeza
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jake M Pry
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Paul Kaumba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John McGready
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles B Holmes
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn Bolton-Moore
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Julie A Denison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: HIV differentiated service delivery (DSD) models are scaling up in resource-limited settings for stable patients; less is known about DSD outcomes for patients with viremia. We evaluated the effect on viral suppression (VS) of a streamlined care DSD model implemented in the SEARCH randomized universal test and treat trial in rural Uganda and Kenya (NCT:01864603). Methods: We included HIV-infected adults at baseline (2013) who were country guideline antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligible (prior ART experience or CD4 ≤ 350) with ≥1 HIV clinic visit between 2013 and 2017 in SEARCH communities randomized to intervention (N = 16) or control (N = 16). We assessed the effect of streamlined care in intervention community clinics (patient-centered care, increased appointment spacing, improved clinic access, reminders, and tracking) on VS at 3 years. Analysis was stratified by the baseline care status: ART-experienced with viremia, ART-naïve with CD4 ≤ 350, or ART-experienced with VS. Results: Among 6190 ART-eligible persons in care, year 3 VS was 90% in intervention and 87% in control arms (RR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.06). Among ART-experienced persons with baseline viremia, streamlined care was associated with higher VS (67% vs 47%, RR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.91). Among ART-naïve persons, VS was not significantly higher with streamlined care (83% vs 79%, RR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.16). Among ART-experienced persons with baseline VS, nearly all remained virally suppressed in both arms (97% vs 95%, RR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.03). Conclusions: Streamlined care was associated with higher viral suppression among ART-experienced patients with viremia in this randomized evaluation of ART-eligible patients who were in care after universal HIV testing.
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A nurse-led intervention to improve management of virological failure in public sector HIV clinics in Durban, South Africa: A pre- and post-implementation evaluation. S Afr Med J 2021; 111:299-303. [PMID: 33944759 DOI: 10.7196/samj.2021.v111i4.15432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with virological failure (VF) and the response in the public health sector remain significant challenges. We previously reported improvement in routine viral load (VL) monitoring after ART commencement through a health system-strengthening, nurse-led 'VL champion' programme as part of a multidisciplinary team in three public sector clinics in Durban, South Africa. OBJECTIVES To report on the impact of the VL champion model adapted to identify, support and co-ordinate the management of individuals with VF on first-line ART in a setting with limited electronic-based record capacity. METHODS We evaluated the VL champion model using a controlled before-after study design. A paper-based tool, the 'high VL register', was piloted under the supervision of the VL champion to improve data management, monitoring of counselling support, and enacting of clinical decisions. We abstracted chart and electronic data (TIER.net) for eligible individuals with VF in the year before and after implementation of the programme, and compared outcomes for individuals during these periods. Our primary outcome was successful completion of the VF pathway, defined as a repeat VL <1 000 copies/mL or a change to second-line ART within 6 months of VF. In a secondary analysis, we assessed the completion of each step in the pathway. RESULTS We identified 60 and 56 individuals in the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods, respectively, with VF who met the inclusion criteria. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the periods. Repeat VL testing was completed in 61.7% and 57.8% of individuals in these two groups, respectively. We found no difference in the proportion achieving our primary outcome in the pre- and post-intervention periods: 11/60 (18.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9 - 28) and 15/56 (22.8%; 95% CI 15 - 38), respectively (p=0.28). In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounding factors, individuals in the post-intervention period had a non-significant doubling of the odds of achieving the primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio 2.07; 95% CI 0.75 - 5.72). However, there was no difference in the rates of completion of each step along the first-line VF cascade of care. CONCLUSIONS This enhanced intervention to improve VF in the public sector using a paper-based data management system failed to achieve significant improvements in first-line VF management over the standard of care. In addition to interventions that better address patient-centred factors that contribute to VF, we believe that there are substantial limitations to and staffing requirements involved in the ongoing utilisation of a paper-based tool. A prioritisation is needed to further expand and upgrade the electronic medical record system with capabilities for prompting staff regarding patients with missed visits and critical laboratory results demonstrating VF.
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Dorward J, Sookrajh Y, Ngobese H, Lessells R, Sayed F, Bulo E, Moodley P, Samsunder N, Lewis L, Tonkin-Crine S, Drain PK, Hayward G, Butler CC, Garrett N. Protocol for a randomised feasibility study of Point-Of-care HIV viral load testing to Enhance Re-suppression in South Africa: the POwER study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045373. [PMID: 33593788 PMCID: PMC7888322 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to HIV viral load testing remains difficult for many people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low-income and middle-income countries. Weak laboratory and clinic systems often delay the detection and management of viraemia, which can lead to morbidity, drug resistance and HIV transmission. Point-of-care testing could overcome these challenges. We aim to assess whether it is feasible to conduct a randomised trial of point-of-care viral load testing to manage viraemia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct an open-label, single-site, individually randomised, feasibility study of Point-Of-care HIV viral load testing to Enhance Re-suppression, in Durban, South Africa. We will enrol approximately 100 people living with HIV who are aged ≥18 years, receiving first-line ART but with recent viraemia ≥1000 copies/mL, and randomise them 1:1 to receive point-of-care viral load or standard laboratory viral load monitoring, after 12 weeks. All participants will continue to receive care from public sector healthcare workers following South African HIV management guidelines. Participants with persistent viraemia ≥1000 copies/mL will be considered for switching to second-line ART. We will compare the proportion in each study arm who achieve the primary outcome of viral suppression <50 copies/mL at 24 weeks after enrolment. Additional outcomes include proportions retained in the study, proportions with HIV drug resistance, time to viral load results and time to switching to second-line ART. We will assess implementation of point-of-care viral load testing using process evaluation data, and through interviews and focus groups with healthcare workers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION University of Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee and the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the University of KwaZulu-Natal have approved the study. We will present results to stakeholders, and through conferences and open-access, peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR202001785886049.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jienchi Dorward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Hope Ngobese
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard Lessells
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform (KRISP), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fathima Sayed
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elliot Bulo
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - P Moodley
- Department of Virology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul K Drain
- Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Sunpath H, Hatlen TJ, Moosa MYS, Murphy RA, Siedner M, Naidoo K. Urgent need to improve programmatic management of patients with HIV failing first-line antiretroviral therapy. Public Health Action 2020; 10:163-168. [PMID: 33437682 DOI: 10.5588/pha.20.0052] [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: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Delayed identification and response to virologic failure in case of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings is a threat to the health of HIV-infected patients. There is a need for the implementation of an effective, standardized response pathway in the public sector. Discussion We evaluated published cohorts describing virologic failure on first-line ART. We focused on gaps in the detection and management of treatment failure, and posited ways to close these gaps, keeping in mind scalability and standardization. Specific shortcomings repeatedly recorded included early loss to follow-up (>20%) after recognized first-line ART virologic failure; frequent delays in confirmatory viral load testing; and excessive time between the confirmation of first-line ART failure and initiation of second-line ART, which exceeded 1 year in some cases. Strategies emphasizing patient tracing, resistance testing, drug concentration monitoring, adherence interventions, and streamlined response pathways for those failing therapy are further discussed. Conclusion Comprehensive, evidence-based, clinical operational plans must be devised based on findings from existing research and further tested through implementation science research. Until this standard of evidence is available and implemented, high rates of losses from delays in appropriate switch to second-line ART will remain unacceptably common and a threat to the success of global HIV treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sunpath
- Centre for AIDS Program of Research, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - T J Hatlen
- Division of HIV, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA
| | - M-Y S Moosa
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - R A Murphy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA
| | - M Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K Naidoo
- Centre for AIDS Program of Research, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.,HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Medical Research Council-Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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11
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Diress G, Linger M. Change in Viral Load Count and Its Predictors Among Unsuppressed Viral Load Patients Receiving an Enhanced Adherence Counseling Intervention at Three Hospitals in Northern Ethiopia: An Exploratory Retrospective Follow-Up Study. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2020; 12:869-877. [PMID: 33324112 PMCID: PMC7733336 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s283917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) is an interventional program that provides targeted adherence counseling for unsuppressed viral load people living with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy before diagnosing treatment failure. However, there is a lack of evidence on change in viral load count among patients receiving EAC intervention. Therefore, this study aimed to assess change in viral load count and its predictors among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in northeast Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on 235 randomly selected patients with unsuppressed viral load who started EAC sessions between 2016 and 2019 at three governmental hospitals in the northern part of Ethiopia. Viral load count and patient individual factors were assessed at EAC program enrollment and viral load counts repeated at the end of EAC session. The main outcome variable was a change in viral load count during the EAC session period. A paired sample t-test was used to determine the mean difference in viral load count before and after EAC intervention. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effect of selected factors on viral load count change. Results Based on the paired sample t-test, there was a significant mean difference in viral load count before and after EAC intervention (mean difference=16,904, (95% CI: 9986–23,821; p-value<0.001). The multivariable linear mixed-effects regression analysis showed that young age (β= 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.14), urban residence (β= −0.55; 95% CI: −0.63, −0.34), CD4 count of 201–500 cells/mm3 (β= −0.67; 95% CI: −0.87, −0.43) and long duration on ART (β= −0.01; 95% CI: −0.01, −0.02) were associated with the decline in viral load count. Conclusion We detected a substantial decline in viral load count among patients receiving an EAC intervention. Young age, urban residence, CD4 count of 201–500 cells/mm3 and long duration on ART were the positive predictors of viral load suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gedefaw Diress
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Linger
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
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12
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Basson AE, Charalambous S, Hoffmann CJ, Morris L. HIV-1 re-suppression on a first-line regimen despite the presence of phenotypic drug resistance. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234937. [PMID: 32555643 PMCID: PMC7302689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported on HIV-1 infected patients who fail anti-retroviral therapy but manage to re-suppress without a regimen change despite harbouring major drug resistance mutations. Here we explore phenotypic drug resistance in such patients in order to better understand this phenomenon. Patients (n = 71) failing a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen, but who subsequently re-suppressed on the same regimen, were assessed for HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance through Sanger sequencing. A subset (n = 23) of these samples, as well as genotypically matched samples from patients who did not re-suppress (n = 19), were further assessed for phenotypic drug resistance in an in vitro single cycle assay. Half of the patients (n = 36/71, 51%) harboured genotypic drug resistance, with M184V (n = 18/36, 50%) and K103N (n = 16/36, 44%) being the most prevalent mutations. No significant difference in the median time to re-suppression (31–39 weeks) were observed for either group (p = 0.41). However, re-suppressors with mutant virus rebounded significantly earlier than those with wild-type virus (16 vs. 33 weeks; p = 0.014). Similar phenotypic drug resistance profiles were observed between patients who re-suppressed and patients who failed to re-suppress. While most remained susceptible to stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (AZT), both groups showed a reduced susceptibility to 3TC and NNRTIs. HIV- 1 infected patients on an NNRTI-based regimen can achieve viral re-suppression on the same regimen despite harbouring viruses with genotypic and phenotypic drug resistance. However, re-suppression was less durable in those with resistance, reinforcing the importance of appropriate regimen choices, ongoing viral load monitoring and adherence counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan E. Basson
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of The National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Christopher J. Hoffmann
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lynn Morris
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of The National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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13
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Pascoe SJS, Scott NA, Fong RM, Murphy J, Huber AN, Moolla A, Phokojoe M, Gorgens M, Rosen S, Wilson D, Pillay Y, Fox MP, Fraser‐Hurt N. "Patients are not the same, so we cannot treat them the same" - A qualitative content analysis of provider, patient and implementer perspectives on differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment in South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25544. [PMID: 32585077 PMCID: PMC7316408 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2014, the South African government adopted a differentiated service delivery (DSD) model in its "National Adherence Guidelines for Chronic Diseases (HIV, TB and NCDs)" (AGL) to strengthen the HIV care cascade. We describe the barriers and facilitators of the AGL implementation as experienced by various stakeholders in eight intervention and control sites across four districts. METHODS Embedded within a cluster-randomized evaluation of the AGL, we conducted 48 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with healthcare providers, 16 IDIs with Department of Health and implementing partners and 24 focus group discussions (FGDs) with three HIV patient groups: new, stable and those not stable on treatment or not adhering to care. IDIs were conducted from August 2016 to August 2017; FGDs were conducted in January to February 2017. Content analysis was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Findings were triangulated among respondent types to elicit barriers and facilitators to implementation. RESULTS New HIV patients found counselling helpful but intervention respondents reported sub-optimal counselling and privacy concerns as barriers to initiation. Providers felt insufficiently trained for this intervention and were confused by the simultaneous rollout of the Universal Test and Treat strategy. For stable patients, repeat prescription collection strategies (RPCS) were generally well received. Patients and providers concurred that RPCS reduced congestion and waiting times at clinics. There was confusion though, among providers and implementers, around implementation of RPCS interventions. For patients not stable on treatment, enhanced counselling and tracing patients lost-to-follow-up were perceived as beneficial to adherence behaviours but faced logistical challenges. All providers faced difficulties accessing data and identifying patients in need of tracing. Congestion at clinics and staff attitude were perceived as barriers preventing patients returning to care. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of DSD models at scale is complex but this evaluation identified several positive aspects of AGL implementation. The positive perception of RPCS interventions and challenges managing patients not stable on treatment aligned with results from the larger evaluation. While some implementation challenges may resolve with experience, ensuring providers and implementers have the necessary training, tools and resources to operationalize AGL effectively is critical to the overall success of South Africa's HIV control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie J S Pascoe
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Nancy A Scott
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Rachel M Fong
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Joshua Murphy
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Amy N Huber
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Aneesa Moolla
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Sydney Rosen
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | | | - Yogan Pillay
- National Department of HealthPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research OfficeDepartment of Internal MedicineSchool of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
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14
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Kerkhoff AD, Sikombe K, Eshun-Wilson I, Sikazwe I, Glidden DV, Pry JM, Somwe P, Beres LK, Simbeza S, Mwamba C, Bukankala C, Hantuba C, Moore CB, Holmes CB, Padian N, Geng EH. Mortality estimates by age and sex among persons living with HIV after ART initiation in Zambia using electronic medical records supplemented with tracing a sample of lost patients: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003107. [PMID: 32401797 PMCID: PMC7219718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men in sub-Saharan Africa have lower engagement and retention in HIV services compared to women, which may result in differential survival. However, the true magnitude of difference in HIV-related mortality between men and women receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is incompletely characterized. METHODS AND FINDINGS We evaluated HIV-positive adults ≥18 years old newly initiating ART in 4 Zambian provinces (Eastern, Lusaka, Southern, and Western). In addition to mortality data obtained from routine electronic medical records, we intensively traced a random sample of patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) and incorporated tracing outcomes through inverse probability weights. Sex-specific mortality rates and rate differences were determined using Poisson regression. Parametric g-computation was used to estimate adjusted mortality rates by sex and age. The study included 49,129 adults newly initiated on ART between August 2013 and July 2015; overall, the median age among patients was 35 years, the median baseline CD4 count was 262 cells/μl, and 37.2% were men. Men comprised a smaller proportion of individuals starting ART (37.2% versus 62.8%), tended to be older (median age 37 versus 33 years), and tended to have lower CD4 counts (median 220 versus 289 cells/μl) at the time of ART initiation compared to women. The overall rate of mortality among men was 10.3 (95% CI 8.2-12.4) deaths/100 person-years (PYs), compared to 5.5 (95% CI 4.3-6.8) deaths/100 PYs among women (difference +4.7 [95% CI 2.3-7.2] deaths/100 PYs; p < 0.001). Compared to women in the same age groups, men's mortality rates were particularly elevated among those <30 years old (+6.7 deaths/100 PYs difference), those attending rural health centers (+9.4 deaths/100 PYs difference), those who had an initial CD4 count < 100 cells/μl (+9.2 deaths/100 PYs difference), and those who were unmarried (+8.0 deaths/100 PYs difference). After adjustment for potential confounders and mediators including CD4 count, a substantially higher mortality rate was predicted among men <30 years old compared to women of the same age, while women ≥50 years old had a mortality rate similar to that of age-matched men, but considerably higher than that predicted among young women (<30 years old). No clinically significant differences were evident with respect to rates of facility transfer or care disengagement between men and women. The main study limitations were the inability to successfully ascertain outcomes in all patients selected for tracing and missing clinical and laboratory data due to the use of medical records. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found that among HIV-positive adults newly initiating ART, mortality among men exceeded mortality among women; disparities were most pronounced among young patients. Older women, however, also experienced high mortality. Specific interventions for men and older women at highest mortality risk are needed to improve HIV treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Kerkhoff
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | | | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - David V. Glidden
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jake M. Pry
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Paul Somwe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Laura K. Beres
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sandra Simbeza
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chanda Mwamba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chama Bukankala
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Cardinal Hantuba
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carolyn Bolton Moore
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Charles B. Holmes
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Nancy Padian
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Elvin H. Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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15
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HIV viral load algorithm: what are the needs in the field?: authors' response. AIDS 2020; 34:160-162. [PMID: 31789891 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Ford N, Orrell C, Shubber Z, Apollo T, Vojnov L. HIV viral resuppression following an elevated viral load: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25415. [PMID: 31746541 PMCID: PMC6864498 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy recommend enhanced adherence counselling be provided to individuals with an initial elevated viral load before making a decision whether to switch antiretroviral regimen. We undertook this systematic review to estimate the proportion of patients with an initial elevated viral load who resuppress following enhanced adherence counselling. METHODS Two databases and two conference abstract sites were searched from January 2012 to October 2019 for studies reporting the number of patients with an elevated viral load whose viral load was undetectable when subsequently assessed. Data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies reported outcomes of 45,720 viraemic patients, mostly from Africa (48 studies), and among patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy (43 studies). Almost half (46.1%, 95% CI 42.6% to 49.5%) of patients with an initial elevated viral load resuppressed following an enhanced adherence intervention. Of those on first-line ART with confirmed virological failure (6280 patients, 21 studies), only 53.4% (40.1% to 66.8%) were appropriately switched to a different regimen. Resuppression was higher among studies that provided details of adherence support. The proportion resuppressing was lower among children (31.2%, 21.1% to 41.3%) and adolescents (40.4%, 15.7% to 65.2%) compared to adults (50.4%, 42.6% to 58.3%). No important differences were observed by date of study publication, gender, viral failure threshold, publication status, time between viral loads or treatment regimen. Information on resistance testing among people with an elevated viral load was inconsistently reported. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review suggest that in settings with limited resources, current guideline recommendations to provide enhanced adherence counselling can result in resuppression of a substantial number of these patients, avoiding unnecessary drug regimen changes. Appropriate action on viral load results is limited across a range of settings, highlighting the importance of viral load cascade analyses to identify gaps and focus quality improvement to ensure that action is taken on the results of viral load testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- Department of HIVWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV CentreInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Zara Shubber
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- Government of ZimbabweMinistry of Health and Child Care, AIDS and TB UnitHarareZimbabwe
| | - Lara Vojnov
- Department of HIVWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
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17
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Fatti G, Shaikh N, Bock P, Nachega JB, Grimwood A. South African National Adherence Guidelines: need for revision? Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:1260-1262. [PMID: 31381230 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Fatti
- Kheth'Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,The South African Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Najma Shaikh
- Kheth'Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jean B Nachega
- Departments of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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Fox MP, Pascoe S, Huber AN, Murphy J, Phokojoe M, Gorgens M, Rosen S, Wilson D, Pillay Y, Fraser-Hurt N. Adherence clubs and decentralized medication delivery to support patient retention and sustained viral suppression in care: Results from a cluster-randomized evaluation of differentiated ART delivery models in South Africa. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002874. [PMID: 31335865 PMCID: PMC6650049 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models, in which patients are provided with care relevant to their current status (e.g., newly initiating, stable on treatment, or unstable on treatment) has become an essential part of patient-centered health systems. In 2015, the South African government implemented Chronic Disease Adherence Guidelines (AGLs), which involved five interventions: Fast Track Initiation Counseling for newly initiating patients, Enhanced Adherence Counseling for patients with an unsuppressed viral load, Early Tracing of patients who miss visits, and Adherence Clubs (ACs) and Decentralized Medication Delivery (DMD) for stable patients. We evaluated two of these interventions in 24 South African facilities: ACs, in which patients meet in groups outside usual clinic procedures and receive medication; and DMD, in which patients pick up their medication outside usual pharmacy queues. METHODS AND FINDINGS We compared those participating in ACs or receiving DMD at intervention sites to those eligible for ACs or DMD at control sites. Outcomes were retention and sustained viral suppression (<400 copies/mL) 12 months after AC or DMD enrollment (or comparable time for controls). 12 facilities were randomly allocated to intervention and 12 to control arms in four provinces (Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, and KwaZulu Natal). We calculated adjusted risk differences (aRDs) with cluster adjustment using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) using difference in differences (DiD) with patients eligible for ACs/DMD prior to implementation (Jan 1, 2015) for comparison. For DMD, randomization was not preserved, and the analysis was treated as observational. For ACs, 275 intervention and 294 control patients were enrolled; 72% of patients were female, 61% were aged 30-49 years, and median CD4 count at ART initiation was 268 cells/μL. AC patients had higher 1-year retention (89.5% versus 81.6%, aRD: 8.3%; 95% CI: 1.1% to 15.6%) and comparable sustained 1-year viral suppression (<400 copies/mL any time ≤ 18 months) (80.0% versus 79.6%, aRD: 3.8%; 95% CI: -6.9% to 14.4%). Retention associations were apparently stronger for men than women (men RD: 13.1%, 95% CI: 0.3% to 23.5%; women RD: 6.0%, 95% CI: -0.9% to 12.9%). For DMD, 232 intervention and 346 control patients were enrolled; 71% of patients were female, 65% were aged 30-49 years, and median CD4 count at ART initiation was 270 cells/μL. DMD patients had apparently lower retention (81.5% versus 87.2%, aRD: -5.9%; 95% CI: -12.5% to 0.8%) and comparable viral suppression versus standard of care (77.2% versus 74.3%, aRD: -1.0%; 95% CI: -12.2% to 10.1%), though in both cases, our findings were imprecise. We also noted apparently increased viral suppression among men (RD: 11.1%; 95% CI: -3.4% to 25.5%). The main study limitations were missing data and lack of randomization in the DMD analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found comparable DMD outcomes versus standard of care at facilities, a benefit for retention of patients in care with ACs, and apparent benefits in terms of retention (for AC patients) and sustained viral suppression (for DMD patients) among men. This suggests the importance of alternative service delivery models for men and of community-based strategies to decongest primary healthcare facilities. Because these strategies also reduce patient inconvenience and decongest clinics, comparable outcomes are a potential success. The cost of all five AGL interventions and possible effects on reducing clinic congestion should be investigated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02536768.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- 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
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Pascoe
- 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
| | - Amy N. Huber
- 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
| | - Joshua Murphy
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Sydney Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- 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
| | - David Wilson
- The World Bank Group, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Yogan Pillay
- National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
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Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load Testing: an Essential Tool for a Sustainable Global HIV/AIDS Response. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 32:32/3/e00097-18. [PMID: 31092508 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00097-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global public health community has set ambitious treatment targets to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. With the notable absence of a cure, the goal of HIV treatment is to achieve sustained suppression of an HIV viral load, which allows for immunological recovery and reduces the risk of onward HIV transmission. Monitoring HIV viral load in people living with HIV is therefore central to maintaining effective individual antiretroviral therapy as well as monitoring progress toward achieving population targets for viral suppression. The capacity for laboratory-based HIV viral load testing has increased rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, but implementation of universal viral load monitoring is still hindered by several barriers and delays. New devices for point-of-care HIV viral load testing may be used near patients to improve HIV management by reducing the turnaround time for clinical test results. The implementation of near-patient testing using these new and emerging technologies may be an essential tool for ensuring a sustainable response that will ultimately enable an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this report, we review the current and emerging technology, the evidence for decentralized viral load monitoring by non-laboratory health care workers, and the additional considerations for expanding point-of-care HIV viral load testing.
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