Cost-effectiveness and feasibility of conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing to improve HIV health outcomes of adolescents living with HIV in Anambra State, Nigeria

Treatment outcomes among young persons living with HIV who transitioned to adult care in southern Nigeria: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In October 2019, a peer-based transition preparedness model was introduced as part of peer club activities to prepare young persons living with HIV (YLHIV) for adult care. This study compared the 12 and 24 months treatment outcomes of YLHIV who transitioned to adult care in primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in Southern Nigeria, following the introduction of this model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from the medical records of YLHIV who transitioned to adult care at 25 years in 2018 and in 2021 across 155 healthcare facilities in southern Nigeria. Baseline data at transition, as well as 12 and 24 months post-transition data were extracted for comparison between those who were transitioned before (2018 cohort) and after (2021 cohort) the transition preparedness model was introduced. Logistics regression analysis was used to compare client continuity on treatment and undetectable viral load between the two groups at 12 and 24 months after transitioning to adult care.

RESULTS

Most of the1,555 YLHIV who transitioned to adult care in 2018 (n = 343, 22.1%) and 2021 (n = 1,212, 77.9%) were females (91.0% in 2018 v.82.6% in 2021) and initiated ART at 20 years or older (92.7% v. 95.7%). A higher proportion of those in the 2021 cohort were continuously retained both at 12 months and 24 months post-transitioning compared to those in the 2018 cohort (12 months: 96.7% vs 80.2%, p < 0.001; 24 months: 92.7% vs 77.6% p < 0.001). Similarly, the proportion of YLHIV with undetectable viral load in the 2021 cohort was significantly higher than those in the 2018 cohort at both 12 months (96.1% vs 60.1%, p < 0.001) and 24 months (93.3% vs 80.6%, p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Peer-based transition preparedness model improved treatment outcomes of YLHIV who transition to adult care. Programs should implement tailored, peer-based interventions to address gaps in service delivery.

Integration of a social network strategy into index testing to increase HIV case finding among Haitian migrants and their descendants in the Dominican Republic

INTRODUCTION

Increasing effectiveness, efficiency, and reach of HIV case-finding strategies among priority populations is essential for epidemic control. Index testing is effective but presents potential risks, including stigma, violence, abandonment, and challenges such as fear of disclosure and reluctance to list contacts. We integrated the enhanced peer outreach approach (EPOA) social network strategy into index testing to increase case finding among Haitian migrants and individuals of Haitian descent in Dominican Republic.

METHODS

The index-EPOA intervention implemented in two successive projects in the Dominican Republic offered index clients index-EPOA referral coupons to distribute to contacts. We analyzed retrospective client records from routine, aggregate program data. We compared overall case-finding rates pre-intervention (baseline October 2019-December 2020) and post-intervention (midline January 2021-March 2022; endline April 2022-June 2023), and case finding for index-EPOA versus standalone index. We calculated case-finding differences using the Student t-test.

RESULTS

HS3/EHSEC tested 7,305 contacts of index clients, with 23% case finding. At baseline, 1,234 contacts were tested through standalone index, identifying 211 HIV-positive contacts with case finding at 17%. During the rollout of the intervention, the case-finding rate for standalone index testing remained similar to baseline (16%), while the rate for index-EPOA was 33%. Combined case finding for standalone index and index-EPOA increased to 22% at midline and 29% at endline, resulting in an overall case-finding rate of 25% during the intervention. The statistical analysis found overall case finding post-intervention (combined case-finding rate of 25% at midline + endline for standalone index and index-EPOA) significantly higher than at baseline (17% standalone index) (p < 0.001; 95% CI 8.5%-9.2%). Statistical significance of overall case-finding rates pre- and post-intervention was observed when disaggregated by sex: females 19% versus 26% (p < 0.001; 95% CI 7.2%-7.9) and males 15% versus 23% (p < 0.001; 95% CI 10.1%-10.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating the EPOA into index testing strengthened overall case finding for index testing among Haitian migrants and individuals of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, suggesting hybrid strategies can maximize program resources and impact.

Evidence Gaps in Economic Evaluations of HIV Interventions Targeting Young People: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) face the burden of navigating the unique physical, psychological, and social challenges of adolescence while coping with a stigmatized infectious disease that requires lifelong care. Consequently, YPLWH experience worse HIV outcomes compared to children and adults. This systematic review seeks to collate evidence on the health and economic impact of HIV interventions targeting YPLWH and to identify gaps in the available evidence that may inform future economic evaluations of interventions for YPLWH.

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus databases for peer-reviewed articles published through April 24, 2022 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022356244). Our inclusion criteria encompassed economic evaluations of HIV interventions that report health and economic outcomes among individuals ages 10-24 years. Three investigators screened articles at the title, abstract, and full-text levels. The data were extracted in accordance with the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards 2022.

RESULTS

Of the 3,735 unique articles retrieved through our search, 32 met our inclusion criteria. Of these 32 articles, 8 (25%) evaluated a behavioral, educational, or financial intervention, 6 (19%) voluntary medical male circumcision, 5 (16%) HIV screening or testing, 4 (13%) pre-exposure prophylaxis, 3 (9%) a hypothetical HIV vaccine, 2 (6%) antiretroviral therapy, 1 (3%) condom distribution, and 3 (9%) a combination of interventions. Twenty-two studies (69%) focused on Africa, 9 (28%) on North America, and 1 (3%) on Europe. Thirty studies (94%) were cost-effectiveness analyses and 2 (6%) were cost-utility analyses. Of the intervention types captured by this review, most were deemed cost-saving or cost-effective. Only two studies-one evaluating a financial intervention and one evaluating HIV testing-concluded that the intervention was not cost-effective.

DISCUSSION

Evidence presented by this review suggests that investments in HIV prevention and treatment for young people can be a cost-effective, and sometimes cost-saving, solution to combating the global HIV epidemic. However, additional evaluations of HIV interventions targeting young people, which adhere to standardized reporting practices, are needed to permit comparability of cost-effectiveness outcomes between interventions and settings.

Cost-effectiveness of differentiated care models that incorporate economic strengthening for HIV antiretroviral therapy adherence: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is some evidence that differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, which use a client-centered approach to simplify and increase access to care, improve clinical outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in high HIV prevalence countries. Integrating economic strengthening tools (e.g., microcredit, cash transfers, food assistance) within DSD models can help address the poverty-related barriers to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). Yet there is minimal evidence of the cost-effectiveness of these types of multilevel care delivery models, which potentially prohibits their wider implementation.

METHODS

Using a qualitative systematic review, this article synthesizes the literature surrounding the cost-effectiveness of differentiated service delivery models that employ economic strengthening initiatives to improve HIV treatment adherence in low- and middle-income countries. We searched three academic databases for randomized controlled trials and observational studies published from January 2000 through March 2024 in Sub-Saharan Africa. The quality of each study was scored using a validated appraisal system.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine full texts were reviewed and 3 met all eligibility criteria. Two of the three included articles were specific to adolescents living with HIV. Economic strengthening opportunities varied by care model, and included developmental savings accounts, microenterprise workshops, and cash and non-cash conditional incentives. The main drivers of programmatic and per-patient costs were ART medications, CD4 cell count testing, and economic strengthening activities.

CONCLUSION

All economic evaluations in this review found that including economic strengthening as part of comprehensive differentiated service delivery was cost-effective at a willingness to pay threshold of at least 2 times the national per capita gross domestic product. Two of the three studies in this review focused on adolescents, suggesting that these types of care models may be especially cost-effective for youth entering adulthood. All studies were from the provider perspective, indicating that additional evidence is needed to inform the potential cost-savings of DSD and economic strengthening interventions to patients and society. Randomized trials testing the effectiveness of DSD models that integrate economic strengthening should place greater emphasis on costing these types of programs to inform the potential for bringing these types of multilevel interventions to scale.

Effects of economic interventions on pediatric and adolescent HIV care outcomes: a systematic review

Economic insecurity and poverty present major barriers to HIV care for young people. We conducted a systematic review of the current evidence for the effect of economic interventions on HIV care outcomes among pediatric populations encompassing young children, adolescents, and youth (ages 0-24). We conducted a search of PubMed MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Global Health databases on October 12, 2022 using a search strategy curated by a medical librarian. Studies included economic interventions targeting participants <25 years in age which measured clinical HIV outcomes. Study characteristics, care outcomes, and quality were independently assessed, and findings were synthesized. Title/abstract screening was performed for 1934 unique records. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria, reporting on nine distinct interventions. Economic interventions included incentives (n = 5), savings and lending programs (n = 3), and government cash transfers (n = 1). Study designs included three randomized controlled trials, an observational cohort study, a matched retrospective cohort study, and pilot intervention studies. While evidence is very limited, some promising findings were observed supporting retention and viral suppression, particularly for those with suboptimal care engagement or with detectable viral load. There is a need to further study and optimize economic interventions for children and adolescents living with HIV.

Interventions to Improve Adolescent HIV Care Outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review of recent studies evaluating interventions to improve HIV care outcomes among adolescents with HIV (AHIV) was conducted to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent evidence, highlight promising approaches, and suggest directions for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Our scoping review revealed 65 studies evaluating a variety of interventions and using a range of study designs at various stages of research. Effective approaches included community-based, integrated service delivery models with case management, trained community adolescent treatment supporters, and consideration of social determinants of health. Recent evidence also supports the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of other innovative approaches, including mental health interventions as well as technology-delivered approaches; however, more research is needed to build the evidence base for these interventions. Our review's findings suggest that interventions providing comprehensive, individualized support are essential to improving HIV care outcomes among adolescents. More research is needed to build the evidence base for such interventions and ensure effective, equitable implementation to support the global target of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

A multilevel health system intervention for virological suppression in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in rural Kenya and Uganda (SEARCH-Youth): a cluster randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Social and cognitive developmental events can disrupt care and medication adherence among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesised that a dynamic multilevel health system intervention helping adolescents and young adults and their providers navigate life-stage related events would increase virological suppression compared with standard care.

METHODS

We did a cluster randomised, open-label trial of young individuals aged 15-24 years with HIV and receiving care in eligible clinics (operated by the government and with ≥25 young people receiving care) in rural Kenya and Uganda. After clinic randomisation stratified by region, patient population, and previous participation in the SEARCH trial, participants in intervention clinics received life-stage-based assessment at routine visits, flexible clinic access, and rapid viral load feedback. Providers had a secure mobile platform for interprovider consultation. The control clinics followed standard practice. The primary, prespecified endpoint was virological suppression (HIV RNA <400 copies per mL) at 2 years of follow-up among participants who enrolled before Dec 1, 2019, and received care at the study clinics. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03848728, and is closed to recruitment.

FINDINGS

28 clinics were enrolled and randomly assigned (14 control, 14 intervention) in January, 2019. Between March 14, 2019, and Nov 26, 2020, we recruited 1988 participants at the clinics, of whom 1549 were included in the analysis (785 at intervention clinics and 764 at control clinics). The median participant age was 21 years (IQR 19-23) and 1248 (80·6%) of 1549 participants were female. The mean proportion of participants with virological suppression at 2 years was 88% (95% CI 85-92) for participants in intervention clinics and 80% (77-84) for participants in control clinics, equivalent to a 10% beneficial effect of the intervention (risk ratio [RR] 1·10, 95% CI 1·03-1·16; p=0·0019). The intervention resulted in increased virological suppression within all subgroups of sex, age, and care status at baseline, with greatest improvement among those re-engaging in care (RR 1·60, 95% CI 1·00-2·55; p=0·025).

INTERPRETATION

Routine and systematic life-stage-based assessment, prompt adherence support with rapid viral load testing, and patient-centred, flexible clinic access could help bring adolescents and young adults living with HIV closer towards a goal of universal virological suppression.

FUNDING

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, US National Institutes of Health.

Applying Behavioural Insights to HIV Prevention and Management: a Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This scoping review summarises the literature on HIV prevention and management interventions utilizing behavioural economic principles encapsulated in the MINDSPACE framework.

RECENT FINDINGS

MINDSPACE is an acronym developed by the UK's behavioural insights team to summarise nine key influences on human behaviour: Messenger, Incentives, Norms, Default, Salience, Priming, Affect, Commitment, and Ego. These effects have been used in various settings to design interventions that encourage positive behaviours. Currently, over 200 institutionalised behavioural insight teams exist internationally, which may draw upon the MINDSPACE framework to inform policy and improve public services. To date, it is not clear how behavioural insights have been applied to HIV prevention and management interventions. After screening 899 studies for eligibility, 124 were included in the final review. We identified examples of interventions that utilised all the MINDSPACE effects in a variety of settings and among various populations. Studies from high-income countries were most common (n = 54) and incentives were the most frequently applied effect (n = 100). The MINDSPACE framework is a useful tool to consider how behavioural science principles can be applied in future HIV prevention and management interventions. Creating nudges to enhance the design of HIV prevention and management interventions can help people make better choices as we strive to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030.

Interventions to Improve Treatment Outcomes among Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy with Unsuppressed Viral Loads: A Systematic Review

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face unique developmental challenges that increase the risk of unsuppressed viral loads. Current reviews present a need for proven interventions to improve viral suppression among ALHIV on ART, who have a history of unsuppressed viral loads. This systematic review aims to synthesize and appraise evidence of the effectiveness of interventions to improve treatment outcomes among ALHIV with unsuppressed viral loads. Six bibliographic databases were searched for published studies and gray literature from 2010 to 2021. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool, CASP checklists and GRADE. A total of 28 studies were eligible for full-text screening; and only three were included in the qualitative synthesis. In addition, two studies were included from website searches. Four types of interventions to improve viral suppression were identified, namely: intensive adherence counselling; community- and facility-based peer-led differentiated service delivery (DSD); family based economic empowerment; and conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing. We strongly recommend peer-led community-based DSD interventions, intensive adherence counselling, and family-based economic empowerment as potential interventions to improve viral suppression among ALHIV.