1
|
Hlongwa M, Basera W, Hlongwana K, Lombard C, Laubscher R, Duma S, Cheyip M, Bradshaw D, Nicol E. Linkage to HIV care and early retention in HIV care among men in the 'universal test-and-treat' era in a high HIV-burdened district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:384. [PMID: 38561736 PMCID: PMC10985849 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the numerous efforts and initiatives, males with HIV are still less likely than women to receive HIV treatment. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, men are tested, linked, and retained in HIV care at lower rates than women, and South Africa is no exception. This is despite the introduction of the universal test-and-treat (UTT) prevention strategy anticipated to improve the uptake of HIV services. The aim of this study was to investigate linkage to and retention in care rates of an HIV-positive cohort of men in a high HIV prevalence rural district in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. METHODS From January 2018 to July 2019, we conducted an observational cohort study in 18 primary health care institutions in the uThukela district. Patient-level survey and clinical data were collected at baseline, 4-months and 12-months, using isiZulu and English REDCap-based questionnaires. We verified data through TIER.Net, Rapid mortality survey (RMS), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) databases. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15.1, with confidence intervals and p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 343 male participants diagnosed with HIV and who reside in uThukela District. The median age was 33 years (interquartile range (IQR): 29-40), and more than half (56%; n = 193) were aged 18-34 years. Almost all participants (99.7%; n = 342) were Black African, with 84.5% (n = 290) being in a romantic relationship. The majority of participants (85%; n = 292) were linked to care within three months of follow-up. Short-term retention in care (≤ 12 months) was 46% (n = 132) among men who were linked to care within three months. CONCLUSION While the implementation of the UTT strategy has had positive influence on improving linkage to care, men's access of HIV treatment remains inconsistent and may require additional innovative strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
- School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- Public Health, Societies and Belonging, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khumbulani Hlongwana
- School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ria Laubscher
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sinegugu Duma
- School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mireille Cheyip
- Division of Global HIV&TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Burke RM, Rickman HM, Pinto C, Ehrenkranz P, Choko A, Ford N. Reasons for disengagement from antiretroviral care in the era of "Treat All" in low- or middle-income countries: a systematic review. J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26230. [PMID: 38494657 PMCID: PMC10945039 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disengagement from antiretroviral therapy (ART) care is an important reason why people living with HIV do not achieve viral load suppression become unwell. METHODS We searched two databases and conference abstracts from January 2015 to December 2022 for studies which reported reasons for disengagement from ART care. We included quantitative (mainly surveys) and qualitative (in-depth interviews or focus groups) studies conducted after "treat all" or "Option B+" policy adoption. We used an inductive approach to categorize reasons: we report how often reasons were reported in studies and developed a conceptual framework for reasons. RESULTS We identified 21 studies which reported reasons for disengaging from ART care in the "Treat All" era, mostly in African countries: six studies in the general population of persons living with HIV, nine in pregnant or postpartum women and six in selected populations (one each in people who use drugs, isolated indigenous communities, men, women, adolescents and men who have sex with men). Reasons reported were: side effects or other antiretroviral tablet issues (15 studies); lack of perceived benefit of ART (13 studies); psychological, mental health or drug use (13 studies); concerns about stigma or confidentiality (14 studies); lack of social or family support (12 studies); socio-economic reasons (16 studies); health facility-related reasons (11 studies); and acute proximal events such as unexpected mobility (12 studies). The most common reasons for disengagement were unexpected events, socio-economic reasons, ART side effects or lack of perceived benefit of ART. Conceptually, studies described underlying vulnerability factors (individual, interpersonal, structural and healthcare) but that often unexpected proximal events (e.g. unanticipated mobility) acted as the trigger for disengagement to occur. DISCUSSION People disengage from ART care for individual, interpersonal, structural and healthcare reasons, and these reasons overlap and interact with each other. While HIV programmes cannot predict and address all events that may lead to disengagement, an approach that recognizes that such shocks will happen could help. CONCLUSIONS Health services should focus on ways to encourage clients to engage with care by making ART services welcoming, person-centred and more flexible alongside offering adherence interventions, such as counselling and peer support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M. Burke
- Clinical Research DepartmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research ProgrammeQueen Elizabeth Central HospitalBlantyreMalawi
| | - Hannah M. Rickman
- Clinical Research DepartmentLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research ProgrammeQueen Elizabeth Central HospitalBlantyreMalawi
| | - Clarice Pinto
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs ProgrammeWorld Health OrganisationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Augustine Choko
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research ProgrammeQueen Elizabeth Central HospitalBlantyreMalawi
- International Public Health DepartmentLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineLiverpoolUK
| | - Nathan Ford
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs ProgrammeWorld Health OrganisationGenevaSwitzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Maphosa T, Denoeud-Ndam L, Kapanda L, Khatib S, Chilikutali L, Matiya E, Munthali B, Dambe R, Chiwandira B, Wilson B, Nyirenda R, Nyirenda L, Chikwapulo B, Musopole OM, Tiam A, Katirayi L. Understanding health systems challenges in providing Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) care in a hub and spoke model: a qualitative analysis to improve AHD care program in Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:244. [PMID: 38408975 PMCID: PMC10897989 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10700-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite tremendous progress in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and access to ART, many patients have advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AHD). Patients on AHD, whether initiating ART or providing care after disengagement, have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) launched an enhanced care package using a hub-and-spoke model to optimize AHD care in Malawi. This model improves supply availability and appropriate linkage to care. We utilized a hub-and-spoke model to share health facility challenges and recommendations on the AHD package for screening and diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment, and adherence support. METHODS This qualitative study assessed the facility-level experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) and lay cadres (LCs) providing AHD services to patients through an intervention package. The study population included HCWs and LCs supporting HIV care at four intervention sites. Eligible study participants were recruited by trained Research Assistants with support from the health facility nurse to identify those most involved in supporting patients with AHD. A total of 32 in-depth interviews were conducted. Thematic content analysis identified recurrent themes and patterns across participants' responses. RESULTS While HCWs and LCs stated that most medications are often available at both hub and spoke sites, they reported that there are sometimes limited supplies and equipment to run samples and tests necessary to provide AHD care. More than half of the HCWs stated that AHD training sufficiently prepared them to handle AHD patients at both the hub and spoke levels. HCWs and LCs reported weaknesses in the patient referral system within the hub-and-spoke model in providing a linkage of care to facilities, specifically improper referral documentation, incorrect labeling of samples, and inconsistent availability of transportation. While HCWs felt that AHD registers were time-consuming, they remained motivated as they thought they provided better patient services. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of offering comprehensive AHD services. The enhanced AHD program addressed weaknesses in service delivery through decentralization and provided services through a hub-and-spoke model, improved supply availability, and strengthened linkage to care. Additionally, addressing the recommendations of service providers and patients is essential to improve the health and survival of patients with AHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thulani Maphosa
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | | | - Lester Kapanda
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sarah Khatib
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rosalia Dambe
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Brown Chiwandira
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bilaal Wilson
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Rose Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Leila Katirayi
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ford N, Ehrenkranz P, Jarvis J. Advanced HIV as a Neglected Disease. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:487-489. [PMID: 38314820 DOI: 10.1056/nejmp2313777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- From the Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva (N.F.); the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (N.F.); TB and HIV Team, Division of Global Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle (P.E.); and the Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, and the Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone (J.J.)
| | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- From the Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva (N.F.); the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (N.F.); TB and HIV Team, Division of Global Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle (P.E.); and the Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, and the Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone (J.J.)
| | - Joseph Jarvis
- From the Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva (N.F.); the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (N.F.); TB and HIV Team, Division of Global Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle (P.E.); and the Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, and the Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone (J.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mody A, Sohn AH, Iwuji C, Tan RKJ, Venter F, Geng EH. HIV epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and implementation strategies for public health. Lancet 2024; 403:471-492. [PMID: 38043552 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The global HIV response has made tremendous progress but is entering a new phase with additional challenges. Scientific innovations have led to multiple safe, effective, and durable options for treatment and prevention, and long-acting formulations for 2-monthly and 6-monthly dosing are becoming available with even longer dosing intervals possible on the horizon. The scientific agenda for HIV cure and remission strategies is moving forward but faces uncertain thresholds for success and acceptability. Nonetheless, innovations in prevention and treatment have often failed to reach large segments of the global population (eg, key and marginalised populations), and these major disparities in access and uptake at multiple levels have caused progress to fall short of their potential to affect public health. Moving forward, sharper epidemiologic tools based on longitudinal, person-centred data are needed to more accurately characterise remaining gaps and guide continued progress against the HIV epidemic. We should also increase prioritisation of strategies that address socio-behavioural challenges and can lead to effective and equitable implementation of existing interventions with high levels of quality that better match individual needs. We review HIV epidemiologic trends; advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and care delivery; and discuss emerging challenges for ending the HIV epidemic over the next decade that are relevant for general practitioners and others involved in HIV care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rayner K J Tan
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Phillips T, Gomba Y, Myer L. Comparing a point-of-care urine tenofovir lateral flow assay to self-reported adherence and their associations with viral load suppression among adults on antiretroviral therapy. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:96-103. [PMID: 38084797 PMCID: PMC10872537 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care (POC) lateral flow assays (LFA) to detect tenofovir (TFV) in urine have been developed to measure short-term ART adherence. Limited data exist from people living with HIV in routine care. METHODS Adults on TFV-containing regimens, having a routine viral load (VL) at an HIV clinic in Cape Town, South Africa were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Patients recalled missed ART doses in the past three and 7 days and urine was tested using a POC TFV LFA. VL on the day was abstracted from medical records. RESULTS Among 314 participants, 293 (93%) had VL <1000 copies/mL, 20 (6%) had no TFV detected and 24 (8%) reported ≥1 missed dose in the past 3 days. Agreement between VL ≥1000 and undetectable TFV was higher compared to 3-day recall of ≥1 missed dose (Kappa 0.504 vs. 0.163, p = 0.015). The AUC to detect VL ≥1000 was 0.747 (95% CI 0.637-0.856) for undetectable TFV. This was statistically significantly better than for 7-day recall (0.571 95% CI 0.476-0.666, p = 0.040) but not for 3-day recall (0.587 95% CI 0.492-0.681, p = 0.071) of ≥1 missed dose. CONCLUSION In this largely virally suppressed cohort, TFV in urine had better agreement with VL than self-reported adherence and was a better predictor of viraemia on two of three self-report measures. Used in combination with VL, the POC urine TFV LFA could flag patients with viraemia in the presence of ART. Further research is needed to understand the potential application in different populations on ART, including pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yolanda Gomba
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Akpan U, Bateganya M, Toyo O, Nwanja E, Nwangeneh C, Ogheneuzuazo O, Idemudia A, James E, Ogundehin D, Adegboye A, Onyedinachi O, Eyo A. How Hypertension Rates and HIV Treatment Outcomes Compare between Older Females and Males Enrolled in an HIV Treatment Program in Southern Nigeria: A Retrospective Analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:432. [PMID: 37755892 PMCID: PMC10536592 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090432] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies show that treatment outcomes may vary among persons living with HIV. To fast-track the attainment of epidemic control across gender and age groups, the Accelerating Control of the HIV Epidemic (ACE-5) Project implemented in Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States, Nigeria, examined the hypertension rates and treatment outcomes of older adults living with HIV. The demographic and treatment characteristics of males and females ≥ 50 years living with HIV, who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) as of September 2021, were abstracted from medical records across 154 health facilities and community sites in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, Nigeria. We compared these characteristics by sex using the chi-square test. The log-rank test was used to compare differences in their retention (i.e., being on treatment) and viral suppression (VS) rates [<1000 copies/Ml] in September 2022. Of the 16,420 older adults living with HIV (10.8% of the treatment cohort) at the time of the study, 53.8%, and 99.5% were on a first-line ART regimen. Among the 3585 with baseline CD4 documented (21.8% of the cohort), the median [IQR] CD4 count was 496 [286-699] cells/mm3, with more males having lower baseline CD4 than females [13.4% of males vs. 10.2% of females, p-value = 0.004]. In total, 59.9% received treatment at out-of-facility locations, with more males receiving treatment in this setting than females [65.7% vs. 54.8% p-value < 0.001]. Of those in whom blood pressure was assessed (65.9% of the treatment cohort), 9.6% were hypertensive, with males being less likely to be hypertensive [8.0% vs. 11.1% p-value < 0.001] than females. Overall, retention as of September 2022 was 96.4%, while VS was 99.0% and did not differ significantly by sex [retention: p = 0.901; VS: p = 0.056]. VS was slightly but not significantly higher among females than males (98.8% versus 99.2%; Aor = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.58-1.10, p = 0.17). Although older males and females living with HIV had similar treatment outcomes, hypertension screening was suboptimal and could impact long-term morbidity and mortality. Our study emphasizes the need to integrate noncommunicable disease screening and the management of hypertension in the care of older persons living with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uduak Akpan
- Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Uyo 520101, Nigeria
| | - Moses Bateganya
- Family Health International (FHI 360), Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Otoyo Toyo
- Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Uyo 520101, Nigeria
| | - Esther Nwanja
- Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Uyo 520101, Nigeria
| | | | - Onwah Ogheneuzuazo
- Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Uyo 520101, Nigeria
| | | | - Ezekiel James
- US Agency for International Development, Abuja 900211, Nigeria; (E.J.)
| | - Dolapo Ogundehin
- US Agency for International Development, Abuja 900211, Nigeria; (E.J.)
| | - Adeoye Adegboye
- Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Uyo 520101, Nigeria
| | - Okezie Onyedinachi
- Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Uyo 520101, Nigeria
| | - Andy Eyo
- Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Uyo 520101, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Esra RT, Carstens J, Estill J, Stoch R, Le Roux S, Mabuto T, Eisenstein M, Keiser O, Maskew M, Fox MP, De Voux L, Sharpey-Schafer K. Historical visit attendance as predictor of treatment interruption in South African HIV patients: Extension of a validated machine learning model. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002105. [PMID: 37467217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Retention of antiretroviral (ART) patients is a priority for achieving HIV epidemic control in South Africa. While machine-learning methods are being increasingly utilised to identify high risk populations for suboptimal HIV service utilisation, they are limited in terms of explaining relationships between predictors. To further understand these relationships, we implemented machine learning methods optimised for predictive power and traditional statistical methods. We used routinely collected electronic medical record (EMR) data to evaluate longitudinal predictors of lost-to-follow up (LTFU) and temporal interruptions in treatment (IIT) in the first two years of treatment for ART patients in the Gauteng and North West provinces of South Africa. Of the 191,162 ART patients and 1,833,248 visits analysed, 49% experienced at least one IIT and 85% of those returned for a subsequent clinical visit. Patients iteratively transition in and out of treatment indicating that ART retention in South Africa is likely underestimated. Historical visit attendance is shown to be predictive of IIT using machine learning, log binomial regression and survival analyses. Using a previously developed categorical boosting (CatBoost) algorithm, we demonstrate that historical visit attendance alone is able to predict almost half of next missed visits. With the addition of baseline demographic and clinical features, this model is able to predict up to 60% of next missed ART visits with a sensitivity of 61.9% (95% CI: 61.5-62.3%), specificity of 66.5% (95% CI: 66.4-66.7%), and positive predictive value of 19.7% (95% CI: 19.5-19.9%). While the full usage of this model is relevant for settings where infrastructure exists to extract EMR data and run computations in real-time, historical visits attendance alone can be used to identify those at risk of disengaging from HIV care in the absence of other behavioural or observable risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel T Esra
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Janne Estill
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sue Le Roux
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mhari Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew P Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Departments of Epidemiology and Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mesic A, Homan T, Lenglet A, Thit P, Mar HT, Sabai SM, Thandar MP, Thwe TT, Kyaw AA, Decroo T, Spina A, Ariti C, Ritmeijer K, Van Olmen J, Oo HN, Lynen L. Advanced HIV disease and associated attrition after re-engagement in HIV care in Myanmar from 2003 to 2019: a retrospective cohort study. Int Health 2023; 15:453-461. [PMID: 36318805 PMCID: PMC10318975 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac069] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of advanced HIV disease (AHD) and predictors of outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) re-engaging in care are not well known. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PLHIV who re-engaged in care after being lost to follow-up (LFU), from 2003 to 2019, in Myanmar. We calculated the incidence rates of attrition after re-engagement and performed Cox regression to identify risk factors for attrition. RESULTS Of 44 131 PLHIV who started antiretroviral treatment, 12 338 (28.0%) were LFU at least once: 7608 (61.6%) re-engaged in care, 4672 (61.4%) with AHD at re-engagement. The death and LFU rates were 2.21-fold (95% CI 1.82 to 2.67) and 1.46-fold (95% CI 1.33 to 1.61) higher among patients who re-engaged with AHD (p>0.001). Death in patients who re-engaged with AHD was associated with male sex (adjusted HR [aHR] 2.63; 95% CI 1.31 to 5.26; p=0.006), TB coinfection (aHR 2.26; 95% CI 1.23 to 4.14; p=0.008) and sex work (aHR 7.49, 95% CI 2.29 to 22.52; p<0.001). History of intravenous drug use was identified as a predictor of being LFU. CONCLUSIONS Re-engagement in HIV care in Myanmar is frequent and those who re-engage carry a high burden of AHD. As AHD at re-engagement is associated with higher attrition rates, implementation of differentiated interventions that enable earlier linkage to care and prompt identification and management of AHD in this population is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Mesic
- Corresponding author: Tel: +31(0)657879595; E-mail:
| | - Tobias Homan
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Annick Lenglet
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Public Health Department, Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1001DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Phone Thit
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Htay Thet Mar
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Saw Myat Sabai
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Moe Pyae Thandar
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thin Thin Thwe
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Aung Kyaw
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tom Decroo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Kronenburgstraat 43, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders, Egmontstraat 5, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexander Spina
- University of Exeter Medical School, Heavitree Road, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Cono Ariti
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University Medical School, Heath Park Cardiff, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK
| | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Public Health Department, Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1001DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josefien Van Olmen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Kronenburgstraat 43, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Htun Nyunt Oo
- Ministry of Health and Sports, National AIDS Programme, Office No. 47, 15011, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Keene CM, Euvrard J, Amico KR, Ragunathan A, English M, McKnight J, Orrell C. Conceptualising engagement with HIV care for people on treatment: the Indicators of HIV Care and AntiRetroviral Engagement (InCARE) Framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:435. [PMID: 37143067 PMCID: PMC10161576 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09433-4] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the crisis-based approach to HIV care evolves to chronic disease management, supporting ongoing engagement with HIV care is increasingly important to achieve long-term treatment success. However, 'engagement' is a complex concept and ambiguous definitions limit its evaluation. To guide engagement evaluation and development of interventions to improve HIV outcomes, we sought to identify critical, measurable dimensions of engagement with HIV care for people on treatment from a health service-delivery perspective. METHODS We used a pragmatic, iterative approach to develop a framework, combining insights from researcher experience, a narrative literature review, framework mapping, expert stakeholder input and a formal scoping review of engagement measures. These inputs helped to refine the inclusion and definition of important elements of engagement behaviour that could be evaluated by the health system. RESULTS The final framework presents engagement with HIV care as a dynamic behaviour that people practice rather than an individual characteristic or permanent state, so that people can be variably engaged at different points in their treatment journey. Engagement with HIV care for those on treatment is represented by three measurable dimensions: 'retention' (interaction with health services), 'adherence' (pill-taking behaviour), and 'active self-management' (ownership and self-management of care). Engagement is the product of wider contextual, health system and personal factors, and engagement in all dimensions facilitates successful treatment outcomes, such as virologic suppression and good health. While retention and adherence together may lead to treatment success at a particular point, this framework hypothesises that active self-management sustains treatment success over time. Thus, evaluation of all three core dimensions is crucial to realise the individual, societal and public health benefits of antiretroviral treatment programmes. CONCLUSIONS This framework distils a complex concept into three core, measurable dimensions critical for the maintenance of engagement. It characterises elements that the system might assess to evaluate engagement more comprehensively at individual and programmatic levels, and suggests that active self-management is an important consideration to support lifelong optimal engagement. This framework could be helpful in practice to guide the development of more nuanced interventions that improve long-term treatment success and help maintain momentum in controlling a changing epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Keene
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Health Behaviour and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ayesha Ragunathan
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mike English
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacob McKnight
- Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Keene CM, Cassidy T, Zhao Y, Griesel R, Jackson A, Sayed K, Omar Z, Hill A, Ngwenya O, van Zyl G, Flowers T, Goemaere E, Maartens G, Meintjes G. Recycling Tenofovir in Second-line Antiretroviral Treatment With Dolutegravir: Outcomes and Viral Load Trajectories to 72 weeks. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:422-429. [PMID: 36706364 PMCID: PMC7614301 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recycling tenofovir and lamivudine/emtricitabine with dolutegravir (TLD) after failure of non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitor first-line antiretroviral therapy is more tolerable and scalable than dolutegravir plus optimized nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Studies have demonstrated TLD's efficacy as second line, but long-term follow-up is limited. METHODS ARTIST is a single arm, prospective, interventional study conducted in Khayelitsha, South Africa, which switched 62 adults with 2 viral loads >1000 copies/mL from tenofovir, lamivudine/emtricitabine, and an non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitor to TLD. We report efficacy to 72 weeks and, in a post hoc analysis, evaluated viral load trajectories of individuals with viremic episodes. RESULTS Virologic suppression was 86% [95% confidence interval (CI) 74 to 93], 74% (95% CI: 61 to 84), and 75% (95% CI: 63 to 86) <50 copies/mL and 95%, 84%, and 77% <400 copies/mL at week 24, 48, and 72, respectively, with 89% (50/56) resistant (Stanford score ≥15) to tenofovir and/or lamivudine preswitch. No participants developed integrase-inhibitor resistance. Of the 20 participants not suppressed at week 24 and/or 48, 2 developed virologic failure, 1 switched regimen (adverse event), 2 were lost to follow-up, 1 missed the visit, 1 transferred out, 9 resuppressed <50 copies/mL with enhanced adherence counseling, and 4 remained viremic (3 with <200 copies/mL) at week 72. CONCLUSIONS Recycling NRTIs with dolutegravir was effective for most participants to 72 weeks. Most with viremia did not develop virologic failure and subsequently suppressed with enhanced adherence counseling or continued to have low-level viremia. No integrase-inhibitor resistance was detected despite low-level viremia in a minority of participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Keene
- Medecins Sans Frontiers, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Systems Collaborative, Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Tali Cassidy
- Medecins Sans Frontiers, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rulan Griesel
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amanda Jackson
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kaneez Sayed
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zaayid Omar
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Hill
- University of Liverpool, Department of Pharmacology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Olina Ngwenya
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gert van Zyl
- Stellenbosch University, Division of Medical Virology, Cape Town, South Africa and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Eric Goemaere
- Medecins Sans Frontiers, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Maartens
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thorp M, Bellos M, Temelkovska T, Mphande M, Cornell M, Hubbard J, Choko A, Coates TJ, Hoffman R, Dovel K. Mobility and ART retention among men in Malawi: a mixed-methods study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26066. [PMID: 36943753 PMCID: PMC10029992 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26066] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobility is associated with worse outcomes across the HIV treatment cascade, especially among men. However, little is known about the mechanisms that link mobility and poor HIV outcomes and what types of mobility most increase the risk of treatment interruption among men in southern Africa. METHODS From August 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a mixed-methods study with men living with HIV (MLHIV) but not currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi. Data collection was embedded within two larger trials (ENGAGE and IDEaL trials). We analysed baseline survey data of 223 men enrolled in the trials who reported being mobile (defined as spending ≥14 nights away from home in the past 12 months) using descriptive statistics and negative binomial regressions. We then recruited 32 men for in-depth interviews regarding their travel experiences and ART utilization. We analysed qualitative data using constant comparative methods. RESULTS Survey data showed that 34% of men with treatment interruptions were mobile, with a median of 60 nights away from home in the past 12 months; 69% of trips were for income generation. More nights away from home in the past 12 months and having fewer household assets were associated with longer periods out of care. In interviews, men reported that travel was often unplanned, and men were highly vulnerable to exploitive employer demands, which led to missed appointments and ART interruption. Men made major efforts to stay in care but were often unable to access care on short notice, were denied ART refills at non-home facilities and/or were treated poorly by providers, creating substantial barriers to remaining in and returning to care. Men desired additional multi-month dispensing (MMD), the ability to refill treatment at any facility in Malawi, and streamlined pre-travel refills at home facilities. CONCLUSIONS Men prioritize ART and struggle with the trade-offs between their own health and providing for their families. Mobility is an essential livelihood strategy for MLHIV in Malawi, but it creates conflict with ART retention, largely due to inflexible health systems. Targeted counselling and peer support, access to ART services anywhere in the country, and MMD may improve outcomes for mobile men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite Thorp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Tijana Temelkovska
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Julie Hubbard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Risa Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kathryn Dovel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe, Malawi
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Patten GE, Euvrard J, Anderegg N, Boulle A, Arendse KD, von der Heyden E, Ford N, Davies MA. Advanced HIV disease and engagement in care among patients on antiretroviral therapy in South Africa: results from a multi-state model. AIDS 2023; 37:513-522. [PMID: 36695361 PMCID: PMC9881824 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people with HIV (PWH), HIV continues to contribute considerably to morbidity and mortality. Increasingly, advanced HIV disease (AHD) is found among PWH who are ART-experienced. DESIGN Using a multi-state model we examined associations between engagement with care and AHD on ART in South Africa. METHODS Using data from IeDEA Southern Africa, we included PWH from South Africa, initiating ART from 2004 to 2017 aged more than 5 years with a CD4+ cell count at ART start and at least one subsequent measure. We defined a gap as no visit for at least 18 months. Five states were defined: 'AHD on ART' (CD4+ cell count <200 cells/μl), 'Clinically Stable on ART' (CD4+ cell count ≥200 or if no CD4+ cell count, viral load <1000 copies/ml), 'Early Gap' (commencing ≤18 months from ART start), 'Late Gap' (commencing >18 months from ART start) and 'Death'. RESULTS Among 32 452 PWH, men and those aged 15-25 years were more likely to progress to unfavourable states. Later years of ART start were associated with a lower probability of transitioning from AHD to clinically stable, increasing the risk of death following AHD. In stratified analyses, those starting ART with AHD in later years were more likely to re-engage in care with AHD following a gap and to die following AHD on ART. CONCLUSION In more recent years, those with AHD on ART were more likely to die, and AHD at re-engagement in care increased. To further reduce HIV-related mortality, efforts to address the challenges facing these more vulnerable patients are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela E Patten
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nanina Anderegg
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Nathan Ford
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jiang W, Ronen K, Osborn L, Drake AL, Unger JA, Matemo D, Richardson BA, Kinuthia J, John-Stewart G. Programmatic Retention in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programs: Estimated Rates and Cofactors Using Different Nonretention Measures. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:106-114. [PMID: 36215980 PMCID: PMC9839514 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs serve women continuing and initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnancy, and follow-up schedules align to delivery rather than ART initiation, making conventional HIV retention measures (assessed from ART initiation) challenging to apply. We evaluated 3 measures of peripartum nonretention in Kenyan women living with HIV from pregnancy to 2 years postpartum. METHODS This longitudinal analysis used programmatic data from the Mobile WAChX trial (NCT02400671). Outcomes included loss to follow-up (LTFU) (no visit for ≥6 months), incomplete visit coverage (<80% of 3-month intervals with a visit), and late visits (>2 weeks after scheduled date). Predictors of nonretention were determined using Cox proportional hazards, log-binomial, and generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS Among 813 women enrolled at a median of 24 weeks gestation, incidence of LTFU was 13.6/100 person-years; cumulative incidence of LTFU by 6, 12, and 24 months postpartum was 16.7%, 20.9%, and 22.5%, respectively. Overall, 35.5% of women had incomplete visit coverage. Among 794 women with 12,437 scheduled visits, a median of 11.1% of visits per woman were late (interquartile range 4.3%-23.5%). Younger age, unsuppressed viral load, unemployment, ART initiation in pregnancy, and nondisclosure were associated with nonretention by all measures. Partner involvement was associated with better visit coverage and timely attendance. Women who became LTFU had higher frequency of previous late visits (16.7% vs. 7.7%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Late visit attendance may be a sentinel indicator of LTFU. Identified cofactors of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmatic retention may differ depending on retention measure assessed, highlighting the need for standardized measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keshet Ronen
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lusi Osborn
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alison L. Drake
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Unger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel Matemo
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barbra A. Richardson
- Departments of Biostatistics and Global Health, University of Washington, Division of Vaccine and Infectious Disease, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, Pediatrics, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nhemachena T, Späth C, Arendse KD, Lebelo K, Zokufa N, Cassidy T, Whitehouse K, Keene CM, Swartz A. Between empathy and anger: healthcare workers' perspectives on patient disengagement from antiretroviral treatment in Khayelitsha, South Africa - a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:34. [PMID: 36698083 PMCID: PMC9878968 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01957-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES The benefits of long-term adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are countered by interruptions in care or disengagement from care. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play an important role in patient engagement and negative or authoritarian attitudes can drive patients to disengage. However, little is known about HCWs' perspectives on disengagement. We explored HCWs' perspectives on ART disengagement in Khayelitsha, a peri-urban area in South Africa with a high HIV burden. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 HCWs in a primary care HIV clinic to explore their perspectives of patients who disengage from ART. HCWs interviewed included clinical (doctors and nurses) and support staff (counsellors, social workers, data clerks, security guards, and occupational therapists). The interview guide asked HCWs about their experience working with patients who interrupt treatment and return to care. Transcripts were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Most participants were knowledgeable about the complexities of disengagement and barriers to sustaining engagement with ART, raising their concerns that disengagement poses a significant public health problem. Participants expressed empathy for patients who interrupted treatment, particularly when the challenges that led to their disengagement were considered reasonable by the HCWs. However, many also expressed feelings of anger and frustration towards these patients, partly because they reported an increase in workload as a result. Some staff, mainly those taking chronic medication themselves, perceived patients who disengage from ART as not taking adequate responsibility for their own health. CONCLUSION Lifelong engagement with HIV care is influenced by many factors including disclosure, family support, and HCW interactions. Findings from this study show that HCWs had contradictory feelings towards disengaged patients, experiencing both empathy and anger. Understanding this could contribute to the development of more nuanced interventions to support staff and encourage true person-centred care, to improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsephiso Nhemachena
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carmen Späth
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsten D. Arendse
- grid.452731.60000 0004 4687 7174Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha Project, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Keitumetse Lebelo
- grid.452731.60000 0004 4687 7174Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha Project, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nompumelelo Zokufa
- grid.452731.60000 0004 4687 7174Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha Project, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tali Cassidy
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.452731.60000 0004 4687 7174Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha Project, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Whitehouse
- grid.452731.60000 0004 4687 7174Médecins Sans Frontières, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claire M. Keene
- grid.452731.60000 0004 4687 7174Médecins Sans Frontières, Khayelitsha Project, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Health Systems Collaborative, Oxford Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison Swartz
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ,grid.8356.80000 0001 0942 6946Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex, Essex, England
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Validation and Improvement of a Machine Learning Model to Predict Interruptions in Antiretroviral Treatment in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:42-49. [PMID: 36194900 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Machine learning algorithms are increasingly being used to inform HIV prevention and detection strategies. We validated and extended a previously developed machine learning model for patient retention on antiretroviral therapy in a new geographic catchment area in South Africa. METHODS We compared the ability of an adaptive boosting algorithm to predict interruption in treatment (IIT) in 2 South African cohorts from the Free State and Mpumalanga and Gauteng and North West (GA/NW) provinces. We developed a novel set of predictive features for the GA/NW cohort using a categorical boosting model. We evaluated the ability of the model to predict IIT over all visits and across different periods within a patient's treatment trajectory. RESULTS When predicting IIT, the GA/NW and Free State and Mpumalanga models demonstrated a sensitivity of 60% and 61%, respectively, able to correctly predict nearly two-thirds of all missed visits with a positive predictive value of 18% and 19%. Using predictive features generated from the GA/NW cohort, the categorical boosting model correctly predicted 22,119 of a total of 35,985 missed next visits, yielding a sensitivity of 62%, specificity of 67%, and positive predictive value of 20%. Model performance was highest when tested on visits within the first 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Machine learning algorithms may be useful in informing tools to increase antiretroviral therapy patient retention and efficiency of HIV care interventions. This is particularly relevant in developing countries where health data systems are being strengthened to collect data on a scale that is large enough to apply novel analytical methods.
Collapse
|
17
|
Attrition from Care Among Men Initiating ART in Male-Only Clinics Compared with Men in General Primary Healthcare Clinics in Khayelitsha, South Africa: A Matched Propensity Score Analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:358-369. [PMID: 35908271 PMCID: PMC9852215 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03772-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Men have higher rates of attrition from antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs than women. In Khayelitsha, a high HIV prevalence area in South Africa, two public sector primary healthcare clinics offer services, including HIV testing and treatment, exclusively to men. We compared attrition from ART care among men initiating ART at these clinics with male attrition in six general primary healthcare clinics in Khayelitsha. We described baseline characteristics of patients initiating ART at the male and general clinics from 1 January 2014 to 31 March 2018. We used exposure propensity scores (generated based on baseline health and age) to match male clinic patients 1:1 to males at other clinics. The association between attrition (death or loss to follow-up, defined as no visits for nine months) and clinic type was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Follow-up time began at ART initiation and ended at attrition, clinic transfer, or dataset closure. Before matching, patients from male clinics (n = 784) were younger than males from general clinics (n = 2726), median age: 31.2 vs 35.5 years. Those initiating at male clinics had higher median CD4 counts at ART initiation [Male Clinic 1: 329 (IQR 210-431), Male Clinic 2: 364 (IQR 260-536), general clinics 258 (IQR 145-398), cells/mm3]. In the matched analysis (1451 person-years, 1568 patients) patients initiating ART at male clinics had lower attrition (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.60-0.85). In separate analyses for each of the two male clinics, only the more established male clinic showed a protective effect. Male-only clinics reached younger, healthier men, and had lower ART attrition than general services. These findings support clinic-specific adaptations to create more male-friendly environments.
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Murphy JP, Shumba K, Jamieson L, Nattey C, Pascoe S, Fox MP, Miot J, Maskew M. Assessment of facility-level antiretroviral treatment patient status utilizing a national-level laboratory cohort: Toward an understanding of system-level tracking and clinic switching in South Africa. Front Public Health 2022; 10:959481. [PMID: 36590005 PMCID: PMC9798405 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.959481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most estimates of HIV retention are derived at the clinic level through antiretroviral (ART) patient management systems, which capture ART clinic visit data, yet these cannot account for silent transfers across HIV treatment sites. Patient laboratory monitoring visits may also be observed in routinely collected laboratory data, which include ART monitoring tests such as CD4 count and HIV viral load, key to our work here. Methods In this analysis, we utilized the NHLS National HIV Cohort (a system-wide viewpoint) to investigate the accuracy of facility-level estimates of retention in care for adult patients accessing care (defined using clinic visit data on patients under ART recorded in an electronic patient management system) at Themba Lethu Clinic (TLC). Furthermore, we describe patterns of facility switching among all patients and those patients classified as lost to follow-up (LTFU) at the facility level. Results Of the 43,538 unique patients in the TLC dataset, we included 20,093 of 25,514 possible patient records (78.8%) in our analysis that were linked with the NHLS National Cohort, and we restricted the analytic sample to patients initiating ART between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2017. Most (60%) patients were female, and the median age (IQR) at ART initiation was 37 (31-45) years. We found the laboratory records augmented retention estimates by a median of 860 additional active records (about 8% of all median active records across all years) from the facility viewpoint; this augmentation was more noticeable from the system-wide viewpoint, which added evidence of activity of about one-third of total active records in 2017. In 2017, we found 7.0% misclassification at the facility-level viewpoint, a gap which is potentially solvable through data integration/triangulation. We observed 1,134/20,093 (5.6%) silent transfers; these were noticeably more female and younger than the entire dataset. We also report the most common locations for clinic switching at a provincial level. Discussion Integration of multiple data sources has the potential to reduce the misclassification of patients as being lost to care and help understand situations where clinic switching is common. This may help in prioritizing interventions that would assist patients moving between clinics and hopefully contribute to services that normalize formal transfers and fewer silent transfers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Murphy
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,*Correspondence: Joshua P. Murphy
| | - Khumbo Shumba
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lise Jamieson
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cornelius Nattey
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sophie Pascoe
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jacqui Miot
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office (HERO), Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Factors associated with ART adherence among HIV-positive adherence club members in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277039. [PMID: 36318541 PMCID: PMC9624407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in South Africa that can be managed using antiretroviral therapy (ART). Adherence clubs are interventions that have been introduced to decentralize ART to improve ART adherence and provide social support for club members. However, ART adherence can be suboptimal even among adherence club members. AIM This study aimed to determine the factors affecting ART adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) attending adherence clubs in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. Ordinal logistic regression was used in univariable and multivariable analyses to determine factors significantly associated with adherence scores. Factors included in the final model were age, comorbidity, ART regimen and club membership duration. RESULTS The records of 730 participants were analysed. After adjusting for age, participants with comorbidities were half as likely to report high ART adherence scores compared to participants without comorbidities (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, p = 0.005). The adjusted odds of reporting high levels of adherence among participants on cART were 1.8 times those on a single tablet regimen (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0-3.2; p = 0.033). There was a 20% reduction in the adjusted odds of reporting high ART adherence for each additional year of adherence club membership (AOR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.8-0.9, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Increasing years spent as adherence club members, single tablet ART regimens and the presence of comorbidities were all significantly associated with low ART adherence among study participants. Regular assessment of the quality of counselling sessions for ART adherence club members and questionnaires for early screening of treatment fatigue have been suggested as tools for improved adherence in ART adherence club settings.
Collapse
|
21
|
Wouters E, Stek C, Swartz A, Buyze J, Schutz C, Thienemann F, Wilkinson RJ, Meintjes G, Lynen L, Nöstlinger C. Prednisone for the prevention of tuberculosis-associated IRIS (randomized controlled trial): Impact on the health-related quality of life. Front Psychol 2022; 13:983028. [PMID: 36275235 PMCID: PMC9581134 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.983028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is an important complication in patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB) starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa. The PredART-trial recently showed that prophylactic prednisone reduces the incidence of paradoxical TB-IRIS by 30% in a population at high risk. This paper reports the impact of the intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a secondary endpoint of the trial, measured by an amended version of the PROQOL-HIV instrument—the instrument’s validity and reliability is also assessed. Methods A total of 240 adult participants (antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve, TB-HIV co-infected with CD4 count ≤100 cells/μL) were recruited and randomized (1:1) to (1) a prednisone arm or (2) a placebo arm. In this sub-study of the PredART-trial we evaluated (1) the performance of an HIV-specific HR-QoL instrument amended for TB-IRIS, i.e., the PROQOL-HIV/TB in patients with HIV-associated TB starting ART (reliability, internal and external construct validity and invariance across time) and (2) the impact of prednisone on self-reported HR-QoL in this population through mixed models. Results The PROQOL-HIV/TB scale displayed acceptable internal reliability and good internal and external validity. This instrument, including the factor structure with the eight sub-dimensions, can thus be applied for measuring HR-QoL among HIV-TB patients at high risk for TB-IRIS. Prophylactic prednisone was statistically significantly associated only with the ‘Physical Health and Symptoms’-subscale: a four-week course of prednisone resulted in an earlier improvement in the physical dimension of HR-QoL compared to placebo. Conclusion We demonstrated that the PROQOL-HIV/TB scale adequately measures different aspects of self-reported HR-QoL in HIV-TB patients. Although more research is needed to understand how other domains related to HR-QoL can be improved, targeting patients at high risk for developing TB-IRIS with a four-week course of prednisone has a beneficial effect on the physical aspects of patient-reported quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Wouters
- Centre for Population, Family & Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Edwin Wouters,
| | - Cari Stek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alison Swartz
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jozefien Buyze
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Schutz
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Friedrich Thienemann
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert J. Wilkinson
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Keene CM, Ragunathan A, Euvrard J, English M, McKnight J, Orrell C. Measuring patient engagement with HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26025. [PMID: 36285618 PMCID: PMC9597383 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engagement with HIV care is a multi-dimensional, dynamic process, critical to maintaining successful treatment outcomes. However, measures of engagement are not standardized nor comprehensive. This undermines our understanding of the scope of challenges with engagement and whether interventions have an impact, complicating patient and programme-level decision-making. This study identified and characterized measures of engagement to support more consistent and comprehensive evaluation. METHODS We conducted a scoping study to systematically categorize measures the health system could use to evaluate engagement with HIV care for those on antiretroviral treatment. Key terms were used to search literature databases (Embase, PsychINFO, Ovid Global-Health, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane and the World Health Organization Index Medicus), Google Scholar and stakeholder-identified manuscripts, ultimately including English evidence published from sub-Saharan Africa from 2014 to 2021. Measures were extracted, organized, then reviewed with key stakeholders. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We screened 14,885 titles/abstracts, included 118 full-texts and identified 110 measures of engagement, categorized into three engagement dimensions ("retention," "adherence" and "active self-management"), a combination category ("multi-dimensional engagement") and "treatment outcomes" category (e.g. viral load as an end-result reflecting that engagement occurred). Retention reflected status in care, continuity of attendance and visit timing. Adherence was assessed by a variety of measures categorized into primary (prescription not filled) and secondary measures (medication not taken as directed). Active self-management reflected involvement in care and self-management. Three overarching use cases were identified: research to make recommendations, routine monitoring for quality improvement and strategic decision-making and assessment of individual patients. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity in conceptualizing engagement with HIV care is reflected by the broad range of measures identified and the lack of consensus on "gold-standard" indicators. This review organized metrics into five categories based on the dimensions of engagement; further work could identify a standardized, minimum set of measures useful for comprehensive evaluation of engagement for different use cases. In the interim, measurement of engagement could be advanced through the assessment of multiple categories for a more thorough evaluation, conducting sensitivity analyses with commonly used measures for more comparable outputs and using longitudinal measures to evaluate engagement patterns. This could improve research, programme evaluation and nuanced assessment of individual patient engagement in HIV care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire M. Keene
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Ayesha Ragunathan
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mike English
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Jacob McKnight
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Department of MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Keene CM, Ragunathan A, Euvrard J, English M, McKnight J, Orrell C. Measuring patient engagement with HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping study. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e26025. [PMID: 36285618 PMCID: PMC9597383 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26025/full|10.1002/jia2.26025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engagement with HIV care is a multi-dimensional, dynamic process, critical to maintaining successful treatment outcomes. However, measures of engagement are not standardized nor comprehensive. This undermines our understanding of the scope of challenges with engagement and whether interventions have an impact, complicating patient and programme-level decision-making. This study identified and characterized measures of engagement to support more consistent and comprehensive evaluation. METHODS We conducted a scoping study to systematically categorize measures the health system could use to evaluate engagement with HIV care for those on antiretroviral treatment. Key terms were used to search literature databases (Embase, PsychINFO, Ovid Global-Health, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane and the World Health Organization Index Medicus), Google Scholar and stakeholder-identified manuscripts, ultimately including English evidence published from sub-Saharan Africa from 2014 to 2021. Measures were extracted, organized, then reviewed with key stakeholders. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We screened 14,885 titles/abstracts, included 118 full-texts and identified 110 measures of engagement, categorized into three engagement dimensions ("retention," "adherence" and "active self-management"), a combination category ("multi-dimensional engagement") and "treatment outcomes" category (e.g. viral load as an end-result reflecting that engagement occurred). Retention reflected status in care, continuity of attendance and visit timing. Adherence was assessed by a variety of measures categorized into primary (prescription not filled) and secondary measures (medication not taken as directed). Active self-management reflected involvement in care and self-management. Three overarching use cases were identified: research to make recommendations, routine monitoring for quality improvement and strategic decision-making and assessment of individual patients. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity in conceptualizing engagement with HIV care is reflected by the broad range of measures identified and the lack of consensus on "gold-standard" indicators. This review organized metrics into five categories based on the dimensions of engagement; further work could identify a standardized, minimum set of measures useful for comprehensive evaluation of engagement for different use cases. In the interim, measurement of engagement could be advanced through the assessment of multiple categories for a more thorough evaluation, conducting sensitivity analyses with commonly used measures for more comparable outputs and using longitudinal measures to evaluate engagement patterns. This could improve research, programme evaluation and nuanced assessment of individual patient engagement in HIV care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire M. Keene
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Ayesha Ragunathan
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mike English
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Jacob McKnight
- Health Systems CollaborativeOxford Centre for Global Health ResearchNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Department of MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hlongwa M, Jama NA, Mehlomakulu V, Pass D, Basera W, Nicol E. Barriers and Facilitating Factors to HIV Treatment Among Men in a High-HIV-Burdened District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Qualitative Study. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221120987. [PMID: 36066024 PMCID: PMC9459474 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221120987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite enormous increases in the proportion of people living with HIV accessing treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, major gender disparities persist, with men experiencing lower rates of testing, linkage to treatment, and retention in care. In this study, we investigated the barriers and facilitating factors to HIV treatment among men in uThukela, a high-HIV-burdened district in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. We conducted a qualitative study including nine Black African male participants who were recruited from 18 health care facilities in uThukela District, KwaZulu-Natal province. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants who linked to care and those who did not link to care at 3-month post HIV diagnosis. We used Atlas.ti for thematic analysis. Data were coded and linked to broader themes emerging across interviews. The median age was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 31-41). This study identified the following key themes which emerged as barriers to HIV treatment among men in uThukela District: lack of emotional readiness, perceived medication side effects, fear of treatment non-adherence, perceived stigma and confidentiality concerns, and poor socioeconomic factors. We identified the following enabling factors to HIV treatment among men: fear of HIV progressing, acceptance of status, disclosure, support from family and friends, positive testing experience, and accessibility of antiretroviral treatment. This study revealed barriers and enabling factors to HIV treatment among men. These factors are important to inform the design of targeted intervention strategies aimed at improving linkage and retention to HIV treatment among men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South
African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa,School of Nursing and Public Health
Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Mbuzeleni Hlongwa, Burden of Disease
Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070,
Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa.
| | - Ngcwalisa Amanda Jama
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South
African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa,School of Public Health, University of
the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Vuyelwa Mehlomakulu
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South
African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Desiree Pass
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South
African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wisdom Basera
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South
African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa,School of Public Health and Family
Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward Nicol
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South
African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa,Division of Health Systems and Public
Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Beeman A, Bengtson AM, Swartz A, Colvin CJ, Lurie MN. Cyclical Engagement in HIV Care: A Qualitative Study of Clinic Transfers to Re-enter HIV Care in Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2387-2396. [PMID: 35061116 PMCID: PMC9167245 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03582-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Long-term patient engagement and retention in HIV care is an ongoing challenge in South Africa's strained health system. However, some patients thought to be "lost to follow-up" (LTFU) may have "transferred" clinics to receive care elsewhere. Through semi-structured interviews, we explored the relationship between clinic transfer and long-term patient engagement among 19 treatment-experienced people living with HIV (PLWH) who self-identified as having engaged in a clinic transfer at least once since starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Gugulethu, Cape Town. Our findings suggest that patient engagement is often fluid, as PLWH cycle in and out of care multiple times during their lifetime. The linear nature of the HIV care cascade model poorly describes the lived realities of PLWH on established treatment. Further research is needed to explore strategies for reducing unplanned clinic transfers and offer more supportive care to new and returning patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aly Beeman
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Angela M Bengtson
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Box GS-121-2, Room 221, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Alison Swartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Box GS-121-2, Room 221, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christopher J Colvin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Box GS-121-2, Room 221, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mark N Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Box GS-121-2, Room 221, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Odayar J, Chi BH, Phillips TK, Mukonda E, Hsiao NY, Lesosky M, Myer L. Transfer of Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy Attending Primary Health Care Services in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:309-315. [PMID: 35298449 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients stable on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may require transfer between health care facilities to maintain continuous care, yet data on the frequency, predictors, and virologic outcomes of transfers are limited. METHODS Data for all viral load (VL) testing at public sector health facilities in the Western Cape Province (2011-2018) were obtained. Participant inclusion criteria were a first VL between 2011 and 2013, age >15 years at ART initiation, and >1 VL within 5 years of ART initiation, of which ≥1 was at a primary health care facility. Two successive VLs taken at different facilities indicated a transfer. We assessed predictors of transfer using generalized estimating equations with Poisson regression and the association between transfer and subsequent VL> 1000 copies/mL using generalized mixed effects. RESULTS Overall 84,814 participants (median age at ART initiation 34 years and 68% female) were followed up for up to 4.5 years after their first VL: 34% (n = 29,056) transferred at least once, and among these, 26% transferred twice and 11% transferred thrice or more. Female sex, age <30 years, and first VL > 1000 copies/mL were independently associated with an increased rate of transfer [adjusted rate ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21 to 1.26; 1.34, 95% CI: 1.31 to 1.36; and 1.42, 95% CI: 1.38 to 1.45, respectively]. Adjusting for age, sex, and disengagement, transfer was associated with an increased relative odds of VL > 1000 copies/mL (odds ratio 1.35, 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.42). CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-third of participants transferred and virologic outcomes were poor post-transfer. Stable patients who transfer may require additional support to maintain adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasantha Odayar
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benjamin H Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; and
| | - Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elton Mukonda
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nei-Yuan Hsiao
- Division of Medical Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maia Lesosky
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bernabé KJ, Siedner M, Tsai AC, Marconi VC, Murphy RA. Detection of HIV Virologic Failure and Switch to Second-Line Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Data From Sub-Saharan Africa. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac121. [PMID: 35434173 PMCID: PMC9007921 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The late recognition of virologic failure (VF) places persons with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa at risk for HIV transmission, disease progression, and death. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if the recognition and response to VF in the region has improved. Methods We searched for studies reporting CD4 count at confirmed VF or at switch to second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Using a random-effects metaregression model, we analyzed temporal trends in CD4 count at VF-or at second-line ART switch-over time. We also explored temporal trends in delay between VF and switch to second-line ART. Results We identified 26 studies enrolling patients with VF and 10 enrolling patients at second-line ART switch. For studies that enrolled patients at VF, pooled mean CD4 cell count at failure was 187 cells/mm3 (95% CI, 111 to 263). There was no significant change in CD4 count at confirmed failure over time (+4 cells/year; 95% CI, -7 to 15). Among studies that enrolled patients at second-line switch, the pooled mean CD4 count was 108 cells/mm3 (95% CI, 63 to 154). CD4 count at switch increased slightly over time (+10 CD4 cells/year; 95% CI, 2 to 19). During the same period, the mean delay between confirmation of VF and switch was 530 days, with no significant decline over time (-14 days/year; 95% CI, -58 to 52). Conclusions VF in Africa remains an event recognized late in HIV infection, a problem compounded by ongoing delays between VF and second-line switch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerlly J Bernabé
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mark Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vincent C Marconi
- Emory University School of Medicine and Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory University Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Richard A Murphy
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hlongwa M, Cornell M, Malone S, Pitsillides P, Little K, Hasen N. Uptake and Short-Term Retention in HIV Treatment Among Men in South Africa: The Coach Mpilo Pilot Project. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:GHSP-D-21-00498. [PMID: 35294387 PMCID: PMC8885359 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this pilot project, providing peer support to men living with HIV retained a high proportion of men living with HIV in the early stages of HIV treatment and successfully supported men in returning to care after a treatment interruption. Introduction: Gender disparities persist across the HIV care continuum in sub-Saharan Africa. Men are tested, linked, and retained at lower rates than women. Men experience more treatment interruptions, resulting in higher rates of virological failure and increased mortality. Peer support is an approach to improving men’s engagement and retention in HIV treatment. We assessed uptake and early retention in HIV care among men in the ‘Coach Mpilo’ peer support pilot project in South Africa. Methods: We conducted a pilot project from March 2020 to September 2020 in 3 districts: Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande (Mpumalanga) and Ugu (KwaZulu-Natal). Men living with HIV were invited to receive one-on-one coaching from a peer supporter who was stable on treatment. We analyzed participants’ self-reported data on demographics, uptake, and retention in HIV treatment. We described baseline characteristics using summary statistics and reported uptake and early retention proportions overall and by testing history (newly and previously diagnosed). Results: Among 4,182 men living with HIV, most were previously diagnosed (n=2,461, 64%) and uptake was high (92%, n=3,848). Short-term retention was 80% (n=1,979) among men previously diagnosed and 88% (n=1,213) among newly diagnosed. In September 2020, 95% (n=3,653/3,848) of all participants reported being active on HIV treatment, including those retained consistently and those who had interrupted and returned to care. Among participants experiencing treatment interruption after enrolling, the majority (82%, n=464) returned to treatment, largely within 2 months. Conclusions: Improving linkage to and retention in HIV treatment among men is essential for their health and for treatment as prevention. This pilot project provided preliminary evidence that a peer-led support model was acceptable, retained a high proportion of men in the early stages of ART, and supported men returning to care after treatment interruption. These promising results require further investigation to assess impact, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
- Population Services International, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,School of Nursing and Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shawn Malone
- Population Services International, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Nina Hasen
- Population Services International, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Spooner E, Reddy T, Mchunu N, Reddy S, Daniels B, Ngomane N, Luthuli N, Kiepiela P, Coutsoudis A. Point-of-care CD4 testing: Differentiated care for the most vulnerable. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04004. [PMID: 35136596 PMCID: PMC8818294 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South Africa, with the highest burden of HIV infection globally, has made huge strides in its HIV/ART programme, but AIDS deaths have not decreased proportionally to ART uptake. Advanced HIV disease (CD4 < 200 cells/mm3) persists, and CD4 count testing is being overlooked since universal test-and-treat was implemented. Point-of-care CD4 testing could address this gap and assure differentiated care to these vulnerable patients with low CD4 counts. Methods A time randomised implementation trial was conducted, enrolling 603 HIV positive non-ART, not pregnant patients at a primary health care clinic in Durban, South Africa. Weeks were randomised to either point-of-care CD4 testing (n = 305 patients) or standard-of-care central laboratory CD4 testing (n = 298 patients) to assess the proportion initiating ART at 3 months. Cox regression, with robust standard errors adjusting for clustering by week, were used to assess the relationship between treatment initiation and arm. Results Among the 578 (299 point-of-care and 279 standard-of-care) patients eligible for analysis, there was no significant difference in the number of eligible patients initiating ART within 3 months in the point-of-care (73%) and the standard-of-care (68%) groups (P = 0.112). The time-to-treat analysis was not significantly different in patients with CD4 counts of 201-500 cells/mm3 which could have been due to appointment scheduling to cope with the large burden of cases. However, in patients with advanced HIV disease (CD4 < 200cells/mm3) 65% more patients started ART earlier in the point-of-care group (HR 1.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.99-2.75; P = 0.052) compared to the standard-of-care group. Conclusions Point-of-care testing decreased time-to-treatment in those with advanced HIV disease. With universal test and treat for HIV, rollout of simple point-of-care CD4 testing would ensure early diagnosis of advanced HIV disease and facilitate differentiated care for these vulnerable patients as per the World Health Organisation 2020 target product profile for point-of-care CD4 testing. Trial registration ISRCTN14220457.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Spooner
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, HIV Prevention Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nobuhle Mchunu
- South African Medical Research Council, Biostatistics Unit, Durban, South Africa
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | | | - Brodie Daniels
- South African Medical Research Council, HIV Prevention Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Anna Coutsoudis
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
An analysis of the HIV testing cascade of a group of HIV-exposed infants from birth to 18 months in peri-urban Khayelitsha, South Africa. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262518. [PMID: 35030227 PMCID: PMC8759686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the reduction of HIV mother-to-child transmission, there are concerns regarding transmission rate in the breastfeeding period. We describe the routine uptake of 6 or 10 (6/10) weeks, 9 months and 18 months testing, with and without tracing, in a cohort of infants who received HIV PCR testing at birth (birth PCR) (with and without point of care (POC) testing) in a peri-urban primary health care setting in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Methods In this cohort study conducted between November 2014 and February 2018, HIV-positive mothers and their HIV-exposed babies were recruited at birth and all babies were tested with birth PCR. Results of routine 6/10 weeks PCR, 9 months and 18 months testing were followed up by a patient tracer. We compared testing at 6/10 weeks with a subgroup from historical cohort who was not tested with birth PCR. Results We found that the uptake of 6/10 weeks testing was 77%, compared to 82% with tracing. When including all infants in the cascade and comparing to a historical cohort without birth testing, we found that infants who tested a birth were 22% more likely to have a 6/10 weeks test compared to those not tested at birth. There was no significant difference between the uptake of 6/10 weeks testing after birth PCR POC versus birth PCR testing without POC. Uptake of 9 months and 18 months testing was 39% and 24% respectively. With intense tracing efforts, uptake increased to 45% and 34% respectively. Conclusion Uptake of HIV testing for HIV-exposed uninfected infants in the first 18 months of life shows good completion of the 6/10 weeks PCR but suboptimal uptake of HIV testing at 9 months and 18 months, despite tracing efforts. Birth PCR testing did not negatively affect uptake of the 6/10 weeks HIV test compared to no birth PCR testing.
Collapse
|
31
|
Mukumbang FC, Ndlovu S, van Wyk B. Comparing Patients' Experiences in Three Differentiated Service Delivery Models for HIV Treatment in South Africa. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:238-254. [PMID: 34911400 PMCID: PMC8727825 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211050371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Differentiated service delivery for HIV treatment seeks to enhance medication adherence while respecting the preferences of people living with HIV. Nevertheless, patients' experiences of using these differentiated service delivery models or approaches have not been qualitatively compared. Underpinned by the tenets of descriptive phenomenology, we explored and compared the experiences of patients in three differentiated service delivery models using the National Health Services' Patient Experience Framework. Data were collected from 68 purposively selected people living with HIV receiving care in facility adherence clubs, community adherence clubs, and quick pharmacy pick-up. Using the constant comparative thematic analysis approach, we compared themes identified across the different participant groups. Compared to facility adherence clubs and community adherence clubs, patients in the quick pharmacy pick-up model experienced less information sharing; communication and education; and emotional/psychological support. Patients' positive experience with a differentiated service delivery model is based on how well the model fits into their HIV disease self-management goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand C. Mukumbang
- University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Brian van Wyk
- University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Price A, McHugh G, Simms V, Semphere R, Ngwira LG, Bandason T, Mujuru H, Odland JO, Ferrand RA, Rehman AM. Effect of azithromycin on incidence of acute respiratory exacerbations in children with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy and co-morbid chronic lung disease: a secondary analysis of the BREATHE trial. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 42:101195. [PMID: 34820609 PMCID: PMC8599092 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the BREATHE trial weekly azithromycin decreased the rate of acute respiratory exacerbations (AREs) compared to placebo among children and adolescents with HIV-associated chronic lung disease (CLD) taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). The aim of this analysis was to identify risk factors associated with AREs and mediators of the effect of azithromycin on AREs. METHODS The primary outcome of this analysis was the rate of AREs by study arm up to 49 weeks. We analysed rates using Poisson regression with random intercepts. Interaction terms were fitted for potential effect modifiers. Participants were recruited from Zimbabwe and Malawi between15 June 2016 and 4 September 2018. FINDINGS We analysed data from 345 participants (171 allocated to azithromycin and 174 allocated to placebo). Rates of AREs were higher among those with an abnormally high respiratory rate at baseline (adjusted rate ratio (aRR) 2.08 95% CI 1.10-3.95 p-value 0.02) and among those with a CD4 cell count <200 cells/mm3 (aRR 2.71; 95% CI 1.27-5.76; p-value 0.008). We found some evidence for variation in the effect of azithromycin by sex (p-value for interaction=0.07); males had a greater reduction in the rate of ARE with azithromycin treatment than females. We found that azithromycin had a greater impact on reducing AREs in participants with chronic respiratory symptoms at baseline, those on 1st line ART, with a FEV1 score >-2 and participants without baseline resistance to azithromycin. However, there was no statistical evidence for interaction due to low statistical power. INTERPRETATION These may represent subgroups who may benefit the most from treatment with weekly azithromycin, which could help guide targeted treatment. FUNDING There was no funding source for this post hoc analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Price
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Grace McHugh
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Victoria Simms
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robina Semphere
- Department of Microbiology & HNTI, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Lucky G Ngwira
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Tsitsi Bandason
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hilda Mujuru
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jon O Odland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rashida A Ferrand
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Andrea M Rehman
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Adam M, Johnston J, Job N, Dronavalli M, Le Roux I, Mbewu N, Mkunqwana N, Tomlinson M, McMahon SA, LeFevre AE, Vandormael A, Kuhnert KL, Suri P, Gates J, Mabaso B, Porwal A, Prober C, Bärnighausen T. Evaluation of a community-based mobile video breastfeeding intervention in Khayelitsha, South Africa: The Philani MOVIE cluster-randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003744. [PMID: 34582438 PMCID: PMC8478218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, breastfeeding promotion is a national health priority. Regular perinatal home visits by community health workers (CHWs) have helped promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in underresourced settings. Innovative, digital approaches including mobile video content have also shown promise, especially as access to mobile technology increases among CHWs. We measured the effects of an animated, mobile video series, the Philani MObile Video Intervention for Exclusive breastfeeding (MOVIE), delivered by a cadre of CHWs ("mentor mothers"). METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a stratified, cluster-randomized controlled trial from November 2018 to March 2020 in Khayelitsha, South Africa. The trial was conducted in collaboration with the Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, a nongovernmental community health organization. We quantified the effect of the MOVIE intervention on EBF at 1 and 5 months (primary outcomes), and on other infant feeding practices and maternal knowledge (secondary outcomes). We randomized 1,502 pregnant women in 84 clusters 1:1 to 2 study arms. Participants' median age was 26 years, 36.9% had completed secondary school, and 18.3% were employed. Mentor mothers in the video intervention arm provided standard-of-care counseling plus the MOVIE intervention; mentor mothers in the control arm provided standard of care only. Within the causal impact evaluation, we nested a mixed-methods performance evaluation measuring mentor mothers' time use and eliciting their subjective experiences through in-depth interviews. At both points of follow-up, we observed no statistically significant differences between the video intervention and the control arm with regard to EBF rates and other infant feeding practices [EBF in the last 24 hours at 1 month: RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.01, P = 0.091); EBF in the last 24 hours at 5 months: RR 0.90 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.04, P = 0.152)]. We observed a small, but significant improvement in maternal knowledge at the 1-month follow-up, but not at the 5-month follow-up. The interpretation of the results from this causal impact evaluation changes when we consider the results of the nested mixed-methods performance evaluation. The mean time spent per home visit was similar across study arms, but the intervention group spent approximately 40% of their visit time viewing videos. The absence of difference in effects on primary and secondary endpoints implies that, for the same time investment, the video intervention was as effective as face-to-face counseling with a mentor mother. The videos were also highly valued by mentor mothers and participants. Study limitations include a high loss to follow-up at 5 months after premature termination of the trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in mentor mother service demarcations. CONCLUSIONS This trial measured the effect of a video-based, mobile health (mHealth) intervention, delivered by CHWs during home visits in an underresourced setting. The videos replaced about two-fifths of CHWs' direct engagement time with participants in the intervention arm. The similar outcomes in the 2 study arms thus suggest that the videos were as effective as face-to-face counselling, when CHWs used them to replace a portion of that counselling. Where CHWs are scarce, mHealth video interventions could be a feasible and practical solution, supporting the delivery and scaling of community health promotion services. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study and its outcomes were registered at clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT03688217) on September 27, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Adam
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Jamie Johnston
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Nophiwe Job
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Ingrid Le Roux
- The Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Khayelitsha, South Africa
| | - Nokwanele Mbewu
- The Philani Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Khayelitsha, South Africa
| | - Neliswa Mkunqwana
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shannon A. McMahon
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amnesty E. LeFevre
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- University of Cape Town, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alain Vandormael
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kira-Leigh Kuhnert
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pooja Suri
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Gates
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Bongekile Mabaso
- School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aarti Porwal
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles Prober
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Stanford Center for Health Education, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Digital Medic, Stanford Center for Health Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg University Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Wellcome Trust’s Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mody A, Tram KH, Glidden DV, Eshun-Wilson I, Sikombe K, Mehrotra M, Pry JM, Geng EH. Novel Longitudinal Methods for Assessing Retention in Care: a Synthetic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:299-308. [PMID: 33948789 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00561-2] [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: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Retention in care is both dynamic and longitudinal in nature, but current approaches to retention often reduce these complex histories into cross-sectional metrics that obscure the nuanced experiences of patients receiving HIV care. In this review, we discuss contemporary approaches to assessing retention in care that captures its dynamic nature and the methodological and data considerations to do so. RECENT FINDINGS Enhancing retention measurements either through patient tracing or "big data" approaches (including probabilistic matching) to link databases from different sources can be used to assess longitudinal retention from the perspective of the patient when they transition in and out of care and access care at different facilities. Novel longitudinal analytic approaches such as multi-state and group-based trajectory analyses are designed specifically for assessing metrics that can change over time such as retention in care. Multi-state analyses capture the transitions individuals make in between different retention states over time and provide a comprehensive depiction of longitudinal population-level outcomes. Group-based trajectory analyses can identify patient subgroups that follow distinctive retention trajectories over time and highlight the heterogeneity of retention patterns across the population. Emerging approaches to longitudinally measure retention in care provide nuanced assessments that reveal unique insights into different care gaps at different time points over an individuals' treatment. These methods help meet the needs of the current scientific agenda for retention and reveal important opportunities for developing more tailored interventions that target the varied care challenges patients may face over the course of lifelong treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 4523 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA.
| | - Khai Hoan Tram
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 4523 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - David V Glidden
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ingrid Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 4523 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| | - Kombatende Sikombe
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Public Health Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Megha Mehrotra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jake M Pry
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 4523 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8051, 4523 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kerschberger B, Boulle A, Kuwengwa R, Ciglenecki I, Schomaker M. The Impact of Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Under the World Health Organization Treat-All Policy. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:1519-1532. [PMID: 33576383 PMCID: PMC8327202 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with the option to start treatment on the day of diagnosis (same-day ART). However, the effect of same-day ART remains unknown in realistic public sector settings. We established a cohort of ≥16-year-old patients who initiated first-line ART under a treat-all policy in Nhlangano (Eswatini) during 2014-2016, either on the day of HIV care enrollment (same-day ART) or 1-14 days thereafter (early ART). Directed acyclic graphs, flexible parametric survival analysis, and targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) were used to estimate the effect of same-day-ART initiation on a composite unfavorable treatment outcome (loss to follow-up, death, viral failure, treatment switch). Of 1,328 patients, 839 (63.2%) initiated same-day ART. The adjusted hazard ratio of the unfavorable outcome was higher, 1.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.89), for same-day ART compared with early ART. TMLE suggested that after 1 year, 28.9% of patients would experience the unfavorable outcome under same-day ART compared with 21.2% under early ART (difference: 7.7%; 1.3%-14.1%). This estimate was driven by loss to follow-up and varied over time, with a higher hazard during the first year after HIV care enrollment and a similar hazard thereafter. We found an increased risk with same-day ART. A limitation was that possible silent transfers that were not captured.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Correspondence to Dr. Bernhard Kerschberger, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mantsholo Road 325, Mbabane, Eswatini (e-mail: )
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ford N, Chiller T. CD4 cell count: a critical tool in the HIV response. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1360-1361. [PMID: 34309638 PMCID: PMC9049250 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mesic A, Spina A, Mar HT, Thit P, Decroo T, Lenglet A, Thandar MP, Thwe TT, Kyaw AA, Homan T, Sangma M, Kremer R, Grieg J, Piriou E, Ritmeijer K, Van Olmen J, Lynen L, Oo HN. Predictors of virological failure among people living with HIV receiving first line antiretroviral treatment in Myanmar: retrospective cohort analysis. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:16. [PMID: 33882962 PMCID: PMC8059266 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00336-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progress toward the global target for 95% virological suppression among those on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is still suboptimal. We describe the viral load (VL) cascade, the incidence of virological failure and associated risk factors among people living with HIV receiving first-line ART in an HIV cohort in Myanmar treated by the Médecins Sans Frontières in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sports Myanmar. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including adult patients with at least one HIV viral load test result and having received of at least 6 months’ standard first-line ART. The incidence rate of virological failure (HIV viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL) was calculated. Multivariable Cox’s regression was performed to identify risk factors for virological failure. Results We included 25,260 patients with a median age of 33.1 years (interquartile range, IQR 28.0–39.1) and a median observation time of 5.4 years (IQR 3.7–7.9). Virological failure was documented in 3,579 (14.2%) participants, resulting in an overall incidence rate for failure of 2.5 per 100 person-years of follow-up. Among those who had a follow-up viral load result, 1,258 (57.1%) had confirmed virological failure, of which 836 (66.5%) were switched to second-line treatment. An increased hazard for failure was associated with age ≤ 19 years (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 1.51; 95% confidence intervals, CI 1.20–1.89; p < 0.001), baseline tuberculosis (aHR 1.39; 95% CI 1.14–1.49; p < 0.001), a history of low-level viremia (aHR 1.60; 95% CI 1.42–1.81; p < 0.001), or a history of loss-to-follow-up (aHR 1.24; 95% CI 1.41–1.52; p = 0.041) and being on the same regimen (aHR 1.37; 95% CI 1.07–1.76; p < 0.001). Cumulative appointment delay was not significantly associated with failure after controlling for covariates. Conclusions VL monitoring is an important tool to improve programme outcomes, however limited coverage of VL testing and acting on test results hampers its full potential. In our cohort children and adolescents, PLHIV with history of loss-to-follow-up or those with low-viremia are at the highest risk of virological failure and might require more frequent virological monitoring than is currently recommended. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12981-021-00336-0.
Collapse
|
38
|
Katz IT, Musinguzi N, Bell K, Cross A, Bwana MB, Amanyire G, Asiimwe S, Orrell C, Bangsberg DR, Haberer JE. Brief Report: The Impact of Disease Stage on Early Gaps in ART in the "Treatment for All" Era-A Multisite Cohort Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:562-567. [PMID: 33351529 PMCID: PMC7938906 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoption of "Treat All" policies has increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in sub-Saharan Africa; however, unexplained early losses continue to occur. More information is needed to understand why treatment discontinuation continues at this vulnerable stage in care. METHODS The Monitoring Early Treatment Adherence Study involved a prospective observational cohort of individuals initiating ART at early-stage versus late-stage disease in South Africa and Uganda. Surveys and HIV-1 RNA levels were performed at baseline, 6, and 12 months, with adherence monitored electronically. This analysis included nonpregnant participants in the first 6 months of follow-up; demographic and clinical factors were compared across groups with χ2, univariable, and multivariable models. RESULTS Of 669 eligible participants, 91 (14%) showed early gaps of ≥30 days in ART use (22% in South Africa and 6% in Uganda) with the median time to gap of 77 days (interquartile range: 43-101) and 87 days (74, 105), respectively. Although 71 (78%) ultimately resumed care, having an early gap was still significantly associated with detectable viremia at 6 months (P ≤ 0.01). Multivariable modeling, restricted to South Africa, found secondary education and higher physical health score protected against early gaps [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2 to 0.8 and (aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.0), respectively]. Participants reporting clinics as "too far" had double the odds of early gaps (aOR 2.2: 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.1). DISCUSSION Early gaps in ART persist, resulting in higher odds of detectable viremia, particularly in South Africa. Interventions targeting health management and access to care are critical to reducing early gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid T. Katz
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Kathleen Bell
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
| | - Anna Cross
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Gideon Amanyire
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Stephen Asiimwe
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Kabwohe Clinical Research Center, Kabwohe, Uganda; and
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David R. Bangsberg
- Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
| | - Jessica E. Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Global Health, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kebede HK, Mwanri L, Ward P, Gesesew HA. Predictors of lost to follow up from antiretroviral therapy among adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:33. [PMID: 33743815 PMCID: PMC7981932 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00822-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is known that 'drop out' from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, the so called lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) occurs to persons enrolled in HIV care services. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the risk factors for the LTFU are not well understood. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for LTFU among adults living with HIV in SSA. A systematic search of literature using identified keywords and index terms was conducted across five databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included quantitative studies published in English from 2002 to 2019. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) was used for methodological validity assessment and data extraction. Mantel Haenszel method using Revman-5 software was used for meta-analysis. We demonstrated the meta-analytic measure of association using pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and heterogeneity using I2 tests. RESULTS Thirty studies met the search criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Predictors of LTFU were: demographic factors including being: (i) a male (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, I2 = 59%), (ii) between 15 and 35 years old (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, I2 = 0%), (iii) unmarried (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.2-1.3, I2 = 21%), (iv) a rural dweller (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.5-2.7, I2 = 40%), (v) unemployed (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.04-1.4, I2 = 58%); (vi) diagnosed with behavioral factors including illegal drug use(OR = 13.5, 95% CI 7.2-25.5, I2 = 60%), alcohol drinking (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.9-4.4, I2 = 39%), and tobacco smoking (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.3, I2 = 74%); and clinical diagnosis of mental illness (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 2.2-5.2, I2 = 1%), bed ridden or ambulatory functional status (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.1, I2 = 74%), low CD4 count in the last visit (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.9, I2 = 75%), tuberculosis co-infection (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.02-1.4, I2 = 66%) and a history of opportunistic infections (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.7-2.8, I2 = 75%). CONCLUSIONS The current review identifies demographic, behavioral and clinical factors to be determinants of LTFU. We recommend strengthening of HIV care services in SSA targeting the aforementioned group of patients. Trial registration Protocol: the PROSPERO Registration Number is CRD42018114418.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hafte Kahsay Kebede
- Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Defense University, Debrezeit, Ethiopia
| | - Lillian Mwanri
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Paul Ward
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hailay Abrha Gesesew
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- Epidemiology Department, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Phillips TK, Myer L, Chi BH. All the viral loads we cannot see. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e246-e247. [PMID: 33581777 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Benjamin H Chi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Increased Mortality With Delayed and Missed Switch to Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 84:107-113. [PMID: 32032304 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After failure of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the public sector, delayed or missed second-line ART switch is linked with poor outcomes in patients with advanced HIV. SETTING We investigated delayed or missed second-line ART switch after confirmed virologic failure in the largest private sector HIV cohort in Africa. METHODS We included HIV-infected adults with confirmed virologic failure after 6 months of nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-based ART. We estimated the effect of timing of switch on the hazard of death using inverse probability of treatment weighting of marginal structural models. We adjusted for time-dependent confounding of CD4 count, viral load, and visit frequency. RESULTS Five thousand seven hundred forty-eight patients (53% female) with confirmed virologic failure met inclusion criteria; the median age was 40 [interquartile range (IQR): 35-47], advanced HIV was present in 48% and the prior duration of nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-based ART was 1083 days (IQR: 665-1770). Median time to confirmation of virologic failure and to second-line switch was 196 (IQR: 136-316) and 220 days (IQR: 65-542), respectively. Switching to second-line ART after confirmed failure compared with remaining on first-line ART reduced risk of subsequent death [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.47 (95% confidence interval: 0.36 to 0.63)]. Compared with patients who experienced delayed switch, those switched immediately had a lower risk of death, regardless of CD4 cell count. CONCLUSIONS Delayed or missed switch to second-line ART after confirmed first-line ART failure is common in the South African private sector and associated with mortality. Novel interventions to minimize switch delay should be tested and not limited to those with advanced disease at treatment failure.
Collapse
|
42
|
Belus JM, Rose AL, Andersen LS, Ciya N, Joska JA, Myers B, Safren SA, Magidson JF. Adapting a Behavioral Intervention for Alcohol Use and HIV Medication Adherence for Lay Counselor Delivery in Cape Town, South Africa: A Case Series. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2020; 29:454-467. [PMID: 36171964 PMCID: PMC9512118 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and problematic alcohol use are two ongoing and interconnected epidemics in South Africa, with untreated problematic alcohol use associated with poorer HIV treatment outcomes and disease progression. A lack of trained mental health providers is a primary barrier to increasing access to evidence-based treatment in this setting. To address this gap, we integrated evidence-based intervention components for problematic alcohol use and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, adapted for lay provider delivery in an HIV primary care setting in Cape Town, South Africa. The intervention, locally termed "Khanya" in isiXhosa, which means glow, direction, or light, comprises Life Steps adherence counseling, motivational interviewing, behavioral activation, and relapse prevention, including mindfulness-based relapse prevention components. In this case series, we present a detailed description of the intervention and provide three clinical cases of individuals who received the Khanya intervention to showcase necessary clinical adaptations and the supervision needed for optimal treatment delivery, flexibility in intervention delivery, and overall successes and challenges. We present descriptive data on alcohol use and ART adherence outcomes for the cases to supplement the narrative discussion. Successes of intervention delivery included participant uptake of mindfulness skills, reductions in alcohol use despite varying levels of motivation, and interventionist mastery over various clinical skills. Challenges included delivering the intervention within the allotted time and the strong influence of substance-using social networks. Overall, a pragmatic approach to intervention delivery was necessary, as was ongoing support for the interventionist to promote fidelity to both treatment components and therapeutic skills. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03529409. Trial registered on May 18, 2018.
Collapse
|
43
|
Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Jobanputra K, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Mthethwa-Hleza S, Rusch B, Ciglenecki I, Boulle A. HIV programmatic outcomes following implementation of the 'Treat-All' policy in a public sector setting in Eswatini: a prospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25458. [PMID: 32128964 PMCID: PMC7054447 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Treat-All policy - antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation irrespective of CD4 cell criteria - increases access to treatment. Many ART programmes, however, reported increasing attrition and viral failure during treatment expansion, questioning the programmatic feasibility of Treat-All in resource-limited settings. We aimed to describe and compare programmatic outcomes between Treat-All and standard of care (SOC) in the public sectors of Eswatini. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of ≥16-year-old HIV-positive patients initiated on first-line ART under Treat-All and SOC in 18 health facilities of the Shiselweni region, from October 2014 to March 2016. SOC followed the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe crude programmatic outcomes. Multivariate flexible parametric survival models were built to assess associations of time from ART initiation with the composite unfavourable outcome of all-cause attrition and viral failure. RESULTS Of the 3170 patients, 1888 (59.6%) initiated ART under Treat-All at a median CD4 cell count of 329 (IQR 168 to 488) cells/mm3 compared with 292 (IQR 161 to 430) (p < 0.001) under SOC. Although crude programme retention at 36 months tended to be lower under Treat-All (71%) than SOC (75%) (p = 0.002), it was similar in covariate-adjusted analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23). The hazard of viral suppression was higher for Treat-All (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23), while the hazard of viral failure was comparable (Treat-All: aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.49). Among patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1080), those under Treat-All (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.44) had a similar risk of an composite unfavourable outcome to SOC. Factors increasing the risk of the composite unfavourable outcome under both interventions were aged 16 to 24 years, being unmarried, anaemia, ART initiation on the same day as HIV care enrolment and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/mm3 . Under Treat-All only, the risk of the unfavourable outcome was higher for pregnant women, WHO III/IV clinical stage and elevated creatinine. CONCLUSIONS Compared to SOC, Treat-All resulted in comparable retention, improved viral suppression and comparable composite outcomes of retention without viral failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Kiran Jobanputra
- The Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Eshun-Wilson I, Kim HY, Schwartz S, Conte M, Glidden DV, Geng EH. Exploring Relative Preferences for HIV Service Features Using Discrete Choice Experiments: a Synthetic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:467-477. [PMID: 32860150 PMCID: PMC7497362 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00520-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Aligning HIV treatment services with patient preferences can promote long-term engagement. A rising number of studies solicit such preferences using discrete choice experiments, but have not been systematically reviewed to seek generalizable insights. Using a systematic search, we identified eleven choice experiments evaluating preferences for HIV treatment services published between 2004 and 2020. RECENT FINDINGS Across settings, the strongest preference was for nice, patient-centered providers, for which participants were willing to trade considerable amounts of time, money, and travel distance. In low- and middle-income countries, participants also preferred collecting antiretroviral therapy (ART) less frequently than 1 monthly, but showed no strong preference for 3-compared with 6-month refill frequency. Facility waiting times and travel distances were also important but were frequently outranked by stronger preferences. Health facility-based services were preferred to community- or home-based services, but this preference varied by setting. In high-income countries, the availability of unscheduled appointments was highly valued. Stigma was rarely explored and costs were a ubiquitous driver of preferences. While present improvement efforts have focused on designs to enhance access (reduced waiting time, travel distance, and ART refill frequency), few initiatives focus on the patient-provider interaction, which represents a promising critical area for inquiry and investment. If HIV programs hope to truly deliver patient-centered care, they will need to incorporate patient preferences into service delivery strategies. Discrete choice experiments can not only inform such strategies but also contribute to prioritization efforts for policy-making decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Eshun-Wilson
- Division of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Childrens Pl, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - H-Y Kim
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - S Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Conte
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - D V Glidden
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - E H Geng
- Division of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Childrens Pl, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hannaford A, Moll AP, Madondo T, Khoza B, Shenoi SV. Mobility and structural barriers in rural South Africa contribute to loss to follow up from HIV care. AIDS Care 2020; 33:1436-1444. [PMID: 32856470 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1808567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Retention in HIV care is crucial to sustaining viral load suppression, and reducing HIV transmission, yet loss to follow-up (LTFU) in South Africa remains substantial. We conducted a mixed methods evaluation in rural South Africa to characterize ART disengagement in neglected rural settings. Using convenience sampling, surveys were completed by 102 PLWH who disengaged from ART (minimum 90 days) and subsequently resumed care. A subset (n = 60) completed individual in-depth interviews. Median duration of ART discontinuation was 9 months (IQR 4-22). Participants had HIV knowledge gaps regarding HIV transmission and increased risk of tuberculosis. The major contributors to LTFU were mobility and structural barriers. PLWH traveled for an urgent family need or employment, and were not able to collect ART while away. Structural barriers included inability to access care, due to lack of financial resources to reach distant clinics. Other factors included dissatisfaction with care, pill fatigue, lack of social support, and stigma. Illness was the major precipitant of returning to care. Mobility and structural barriers impede longitudinal HIV care in rural South Africa, threatening the gains made from expanded ART access. To achieve 90-90-90, future interventions, including emphasis on patient centered care, must address barriers relevant to rural settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisse Hannaford
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anthony P Moll
- Church of Scotland Hospital, Tugela Ferry, South Africa.,Philanjalo NGO, Tugela Ferry, South Africa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bengtson AM, Colvin C, Kirwa K, Cornell M, Lurie MN. Estimating retention in HIV care accounting for clinic transfers using electronic medical records: evidence from a large antiretroviral treatment programme in the Western Cape, South Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:936-943. [PMID: 32406961 PMCID: PMC8841816 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimates of retention in antiretroviral treatment (ART) programmes may be biased if patients who transfer to healthcare clinics are misclassified as lost to follow-up (LTFU) at their original clinic. In a large cohort, we estimated retention in care accounting for patient transfers using medical records. METHODS Using linked electronic medical records, we followed adults living with HIV (PLWH) in Cape Town, South Africa from ART initiation (2012-2016) through database closure at 36 months or 30 June 2016, whichever came first. Retention was defined as alive and with a healthcare visit in the 180 days between database closure and administrative censoring on 31 December 2016. Participants who died or did not have a healthcare visit in > 180 days were censored at their last healthcare visit. We estimated the cumulative incidence of retention using Kaplan-Meier methods considering (i) only records from a participant's ART initiation clinic (not accounting for transfers) and (ii) all records (accounting for transfers), over time and by gender. We estimated risk differences and bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals to quantify misclassification in retention estimates due to patient transfers. RESULTS We included 3406 PLWH initiating ART. Retention through 36 months on ART rose from 45.4% (95% CI 43.6%, 47.2%) to 54.3% (95% CI 52.4%, 56.1%) after accounting for patient transfers. Overall, 8.9% (95% CI 8.1%, 9.7%) of participants were misclassified as LTFU due to patient transfers. CONCLUSIONS Patient transfers can appreciably bias estimates of retention in HIV care. Electronic medical records can help quantify patient transfers and improve retention estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Colvin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kipruto Kirwa
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark N Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Bell-Gorrod H, Fox MP, Boulle A, Prozesky H, Wood R, Tanser F, Davies MA, Schomaker M. The Impact of Delayed Switch to Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy on Mortality, Depending on Definition of Failure Time and CD4 Count at Failure. Am J Epidemiol 2020; 189:811-819. [PMID: 32219384 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the functional relationship of delaying second-line treatment initiation for human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients and mortality, given a patient's immune status. We included 7,255 patients starting antiretroviral therapy during 2004-2017, from 9 South African cohorts, with virological failure and complete baseline data. We estimated the impact of switch time on the hazard of death using inverse probability of treatment weighting of marginal structural models. The nonlinear relationship between month of switch and the 5-year survival probability, stratified by CD4 count at failure, was estimated with targeted maximum likelihood estimation. We adjusted for measured time-varying confounding by CD4 count, viral load, and visit frequency. Five-year mortality was estimated to be 10.5% (95% CI: 2.2, 18.8) for immediate switch and to be 26.6% (95% CI: 20.9, 32.3) for no switch (51.1% if CD4 count was <100 cells/mm3). The hazard of death was estimated to be 0.37 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.46) times lower if everyone had been switched immediately compared with never. The shorter the delay in switching, the lower the hazard of death-delaying 30-59 days reduced the hazard by 0.53 (95% CI: 0.43, 0.65) times and 60-119 days by 0.58 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.69) times, compared with no switch. Early treatment switch is particularly important for patients with low CD4 counts at failure.
Collapse
|
48
|
Fox MP, Brennan AT, Nattey C, MacLeod WB, Harlow A, Mlisana K, Maskew M, Carmona S, Bor J. Delays in repeat HIV viral load testing for those with elevated viral loads: a national perspective from South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25542. [PMID: 32640101 PMCID: PMC7343337 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In South Africa, HIV patients with an elevated viral load (VL) should receive repeat VL testing after adherence counselling. We set out to use a national HIV Cohort to describe time to repeat viral load testing across South Africa and identify predictors of time to repeat testing. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of prospectively collected laboratory data. HIV treatment guidelines have changed over time in South Africa, but call for repeat VL testing within six months if 400 to 1000 copies/mL and two to three months if >1000 copies/mL. We included patients with suppressed viral loads (indicating they are on ART) and a first elevated VL (>400 copies/mL) between April 2004 and December 2014. Follow-up began at first elevated VL and continued until repeat testing, loss to follow-up or December 2016. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Of 371,648 patients with a VL > 400, 83.9% (311,790) had a repeat VL, in a median (IQR) of 7.0 (4.1 to 12.2) months. Of those with a first viral load 400 to 1000 copies/mL, 56.4% had a repeat VL within guideline recommended six months (defined as up to nine months), whereas among those >1000 copies/mL only 47.7% had a repeat viral load within guideline recommended two to three months (defined as up to six months). We found a small increase in repeat testing associated with higher VL value (aHR 1.11; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.12 comparing >1000 vs 400 to 1000 copies/mL) and very low CD4 counts at first elevated VL (aHR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.19 comparing CD4 < 50 vs <500 cells/mm3 ). We also found strong variation in time to repeat VL testing by province. CONCLUSIONS Median time to repeat viral load testing for those with an elevated viral load was longer than guidelines recommend. Future work should identify whether delays are due to patient or provider factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Fox
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Alana T Brennan
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Cornelius Nattey
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - William B MacLeod
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Alyssa Harlow
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- National Health Laboratory ServiceJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Mhairi Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Sergio Carmona
- National Health Laboratory ServiceJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of EpidemiologyBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global HealthBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Masquillier C, Wouters E, Campbell L, Delport A, Sematlane N, Dube LT, Knight L. Households in HIV Care: Designing an Intervention to Stimulate HIV Competency in Households in South Africa. Front Public Health 2020; 8:246. [PMID: 32714889 PMCID: PMC7344187 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the Universal Test and Treat program and widespread antiretroviral treatment rollout, South Africa is still facing HIV prevention and treatment challenges, which are aggravated by human resource shortages in the healthcare sector. Individual- and community-level responses to these HIV-related challenges are increasingly being explored, for example, in community and home-based care. The role of the household as a crucial mediating social level has, however, largely been omitted. This paper outlines the design of an intervention to stimulate the involvement of the household in support for people living with HIV in South Africa. The 6SQuID model guided the intervention development process in four phases: (1) formative research, theory formulation, and a review of the existing literature, (2) integration of the results from the formative research into the "Positive Communication Process" (P2CP model) as a mechanism of change, (3) design of a community-health-worker-led intervention as the way to deliver the change mechanism, and (4) testing and revision of the developed intervention material-called Sinako-in a small-scale pilot study. The Sinako intervention anticipates that the future of chronic HIV care in resource-constrained settings will need to integrate the patient's household into the fight against HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Edwin Wouters
- Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Linda Campbell
- Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anton Delport
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Neo Sematlane
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Lucia Knight
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kehoe K, Boulle A, Tsondai PR, Euvrard J, Davies MA, Cornell M. Long-term virologic responses to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive patients entering adherence clubs in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa: a longitudinal analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25476. [PMID: 32406983 PMCID: PMC7224308 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In South Africa, an estimated 4.6 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2018. As universal Test and Treat is implemented, these numbers will continue to increase. Given the need for lifelong care for millions of individuals, differentiated service delivery models for ART services such as adherence clubs (ACs) for stable patients are required. In this study, we describe long-term virologic outcomes of patients who have ever entered ACs in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. METHODS We included adult patients enrolled in ACs in Khayelitsha between January 2011 and December 2016 with a recorded viral load (VL) before enrolment. Risk factors for an elevated VL (VL >1000 copies/mL) and confirmed virologic failure (two consecutive VLs >1000 copies/mL one year apart) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. VL completeness over time was assessed. RESULTS Overall, 8058 patients were included in the analysis, contributing 16,047 person-years of follow-up from AC entry (median follow-up time 1.7 years, interquartile range [IQR]:0.9 to 2.9). At AC entry, 74% were female, 46% were aged between 35 and 44 years, and the median duration on ART was 4.8 years (IQR: 3.0 to 7.2). Among patients virologically suppressed at AC entry (n = 8058), 7136 (89%) had a subsequent VL test, of which 441 (6%) experienced an elevated VL (median time from AC entry 363 days, IQR: 170 to 728). Older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46 to 0.88), more recent year of AC entry (aHR 0.76, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.84) and higher CD4 count (aHR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.84) were protective against experiencing an elevated VL. Among patients with an elevated VL, 52% (150/291) with a repeat VL test subsequently experienced confirmed virologic failure in a median time of 112 days (IQR: 56 to 168). Frequency of VL testing was constant over time (82 to 85%), with over 90% of patients remaining virologically suppressed. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates low prevalence of elevated VLs and confirmed virologic failure among patients who entered ACs. Although ACs were expanded rapidly, most patients were well monitored and remained stable, supporting the continued rollout of this model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Kehoe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Khayelitsha ART Programme and Médecins Sans FrontièresCape TownSouth Africa
- Health Impact Assessment Provincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Priscilla R Tsondai
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Khayelitsha ART Programme and Médecins Sans FrontièresCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mary Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Health Impact Assessment Provincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|