Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Yaoundé-Cameroon: Association with Opportunistic Infections, Depression, ART Regimen and Side Effects

The effect of depression on antiretroviral drug non-adherence among women living with HIV in Gondar health facilities, northwest Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

Background

Globally, depression has been recognized as one of the risk factors for poorer outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- affected populations including women living with HIV (WLWHIV). Additionally, depression continues to be a barrier to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. In African countries, including Ethiopia, depression often goes undetected and untreated for extended periods, leading to prolonged health outcomes. Factors such as the lack of awareness about depression and its impact on ART adherence contribute to its poor management. Understanding depression's role in ART is crucial for generating evidence to improve individuals' functionality and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to examine the effects of depression on ART non-adherence among WLWHIV in Ethiopia.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with data collected from 627 study participants who were on stable ART regimens at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Depression, the primary exposure variable, was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Antiretroviral adherence, the dependent variable, was assessed using the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ). Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to examine the association between HIV- related stigma, social support, depression, and ART non-adherence.

Results

The response rates of the study participants in the 2nd and 3rd phases were 99.7% and 94.4%, respectively, with a mean age of 42.27 years (SD ± 10.51). Depressed WLWHIV had a 2.19 times higher incidence of ART non-adherence compared to non-depressed WLWHIV. In panel data analysis, depression, poor social support, and HIV- related stigma were positively associated with ART non-adherence, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) (1.35, 2.87)], 2.15 [95% CI (1.05, 4.38)], and 1.56, [95% CI (1.09, 2.25)] respectively.

Conclusion

Depression, poor social support, and HIV- related stigma in women living with HIV were associated with ART non-adherence. Addressing these modifiable barriers could significantly enhance ART adherence in these populations.

Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and virological non-suppression among children living with HIV in a low transmission area in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and malaria are two major diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Co-infection can significantly impact the clinical outcomes of both conditions. We assessed the proportion of HIV-infected children at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and Princess Marie Louise Hospital (PML) with malaria parasites. The association between asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and virological non-suppression was also determined in these children.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study of 277 asymptomatic malaria in children receiving care at paediatric HIV clinics at KBTH and PML was conducted from September to November 2022. Patients who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least six months were eligible to participate. Structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic information, malaria prevention behaviors, and ART-related data using in-person interviews. Microscopy and PCR were used to screen for malaria, and GeneXpert was used to determine viral load. To examine the determinants of malaria PCR positivity and virological non-suppression, chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

The median age of the participants was 9 years (range: 6-12 years). Males comprised 158 (57%) of the study population. We detected 10 (3.6%) and 21 (7.6%) malaria cases by microscopy and PCR, respectively. Virological non-suppression (VL > 1000 copies/ml) was observed in 82 (29.6%) of the 277 participants. Among the suppressed individuals, 62 (22.4%) exhibited low-level viraemia (VL level 40-1000 copies/ml) and 133 (48%) had undetectable viral load levels. No factors were associated with the presence of malaria PCR positivity carriage. Poor adherence to ART was associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of viral load non-suppression (AOR = 4.89 [CI = 2.00-11.98], p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The proportion of children living with HIV with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was low. Approximately one-third of the study population had virological non-suppression. The interaction between malaria parasitemia and viral replication may not be the main cause for virological non-suppression in this low transmission area.

Incidence and predictors of common opportunistic infections among children living with HIV at Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Despite the dramatic decline in the incidence of common opportunistic infections (OIs) after antiretroviral therapy initiation, they remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children with HIV. For better interventions, information regarding the incidence and predictors of common OIs is essential for Children living with HIV. Still, there is a lack of studies in low and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the incidence and predictors of common OIs among Children living with HIV on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at public health institutions in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. The reasons for excluding children not on ART is we want to study the effectiveness of chronic HIV care service, ART drugs and OIs prophylaxis drugs for the prevention of common OIs because it is obvious that the occurrence of OIs in children not on ART and OIs prophylaxis drugs is high. A health institution-based retrospective cohort study was done among 403 Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected children at public health institutions in Bahir Dar City from 2010 to 2020. Data was entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14.0. A bivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression model was employed to appreciate the relationship between each explanatory variable with the outcome variable. In the bivariable analysis, variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were candidates for the multivariable proportional hazard model. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of common opportunistic infections at a 5% significance level. The overall incidence rate of common opportunistic infections was 7.06 with a 95% confidence interval ((CI) 5.78, 9.75) per 100 person-years of observation. Statically significant predictors were World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage III and IV (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.90; (95% CI 1.34, 2.75), having fair/poor adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) (AHR) = 1.80; (95% CI 1.25, 2.94) and hemoglobin level < 10 g/dl (AHR) = 2.00; (95% CI 1.36, 2.89). The overall incidence rate of common OIs among children living with HIV on ART was high. Independent predictors of common OIs among children on ART were advanced-stage of HIV disease, poor ART adherence, and lower hemoglobin level. Therefore, we recommend strongly working on the prevention of advanced stages of HIV disease and improving poor ART adherence to prevent the incidence of OIs among children living with HIV on ART.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Cryptococcal Meningitis in Diverse Patient Populations in New York City

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is responsible for 15%-20% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated mortalities. CM prevalence has also increased in other immunocompromised populations of transplant recipients, patients with cancer, and individuals on immunomodulatory medication.

Methods

This retrospective review included 51 definitive patients with CM hospitalized at a tertiary academic medical center in New York City between 2010 and 2023. We assessed clinical features and outcomes of CM, with additional analysis of factors related to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence in HIV-infected cases and immunomodulatory medication history of HIV-negative cases.

Results

The cohort had a mean (standard deviation) age of 47.1 ± 15.1 years, and was predominantly male (37, 72.5%). Of 32 patients with HIV, 3 (9.4%) were newly diagnosed with HIV at the time of CM hospitalization, 5 (15.6%) had recurrent CM, and 2 (6.3%) had a CM relapse. The majority (30, 93.8%) of patients with HIV were ART nonadherent. Of 19 HIV-negative patients, 8 (42.1%) were solid-organ transplant recipients, 5 (26.3%) had autoimmune conditions of sarcoidosis or systemic lupus erythematosus, and 3 (15.8%) had chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Six (11.8%) patients died during hospitalization, 4 of whom had HIV.

Conclusions

The burden of CM in people with HIV and immunocompromised patients continues even in settings with accessible standard antifungal treatment though interventions of increased ART adherence for those with HIV and antifungal prophylaxis may improve morbidity and mortality.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of depression on ART adherence among women living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Depression is a very common psychiatric disorder in worldwide. Globally, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is highly prevalent among women, and are disproportionately affected by depression. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) adherence which could highly be affected by depression is yet to be explored effectively. Depression affects overall poor HIV clinical outcomes, socioeconomic and social interactions. However, it is not well understood specifically how depression affects ART adherence in women living with HIV (WLWHIV). Investigating the effects of depression on ART adherence is critical in order to develop nuanced new evidence to address non-adherence in WLWHIV.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a meta-analysis on the correlation between depression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy among women living with HIV in the globe.

METHOD

Using population, exposed and outcome approach, we searched Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Psych info, Web of science and google scholar for cohort and cross-sectional studies globally. The search strategy was structured comprising terms associated with antiretroviral therapy and adherence, women living with HIV and depression. We evaluated the paper quality, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales (NOS). The fixed effect model was used to analysis the effect of depression on ART adherence.

RESULT

A total of 8 articles comprise 6474 participants were included in this study. There were controversial findings related to the effect of depression to ART adherence. Among three cross-sectional study, one article demonstrating, depression was associated with ART adherence. Of the five cohort studies, four cohort studies reported association. The overall pooled estimated effect of depression on ART adherence was 1.02 [RR = 1.015 with 95% CI (1.004, 1.026)] with a p-value of 0.005.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Depression was the risk factor for ART adherence among women living with HIV. It is therefore, necessary for clinician to note this and perform screening for ART adherence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review protocol was developed with prospero registration: CRD42023415935.

Level of antiretroviral therapy adherence and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic era in public hospitals of Jigjiga City eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background

Coronavirus-19 disease is more severe in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Low-income countries, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa, are particularly vulnerable to the virus' spread. However, there is little information on antiretroviral therapy (ART) use in Ethiopia during the pandemic, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of antiretroviral treatment adherence and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic era in public hospitals in Jigjiga City, Somalia, and Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 randomly selected HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) follow-up in public hospitals in Jigjiga City from March 1-30, 2022. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews and a review of the patient's record. To explore the relationship between variables, both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was utilized, along with a 95% confidence interval, to assess the strength and direction of the association. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results

The antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence rate of HIV patients was 76.9% (95% CI, 71.9-82). Disclosing HIV status to sexual partners [AOR = 2.3, (95% CI (1.22-4.19)], having communication with health care providers' [AOR = 3.2, (95% CI (1.57-6.53)], having no history of current substance use [AOR = 2.6, (95% CI (1.45-4.63)], and patients who did not fear COVID-19 infection [AOR = 5.8 (95% CI (11-10.98)] were significantly associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.

Conclusion

In this study, the level of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence was poor in comparison to the expected level. Patients' adherence status was favorably related to disclosing their status to families and having contact with their healthcare providers, whereas worrying about COVID-19 pandemic infection and current substance use was adversely associated.

Sociodemographic and health systems determinants of antiretroviral therapy adherence among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients in the Volta Region of Ghana: A multi-centre study

Objectives

Optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy is required for viral load suppression. This study investigated the sociodemographic (age, sex, marital status, level of education, monthly income, settlement type, distance to the antiretroviral therapy-providing site, ethnicity) and health system (antiretroviral therapy-providing site) determinants of antiretroviral therapy adherence among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients in the Volta Region, Ghana.

Methods

A cross-section design was adopted, collecting data from 1729 human immunodeficiency virus patients and analysing them using STATA version 17 at level 0.05.

Results

Antiretroviral therapy adherence was poor (51.2%). Being divorced (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.65), widow (AOR = 0.58), cohabiting (AOR = 0.22), Ewe (AOR = 3.7), Ga/Dangbe (AOR = 2.27), living in a rural area (AOR = 1.54) and an urban area (AOR = 0.64), having a monthly income of GH₵1000 or less (AOR = 3.21), covering a distance of 51 km and above to the antiretroviral therapy centre (AOR = 1.79), receiving antiretroviral therapy from Ketu South Municipal Hospital (AOR = 0.09), Hohoe Municipal Hospital (AOR = 0.03), Ho Municipal Hospital (AOR = 0.02) and Ho Teaching Hospital (AOR = 0.09) were the determinants of antiretroviral therapy adherence.

Conclusion

Antiretroviral therapy adherence was low. Interventions to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence should target these significant determinants.

Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and virological non-suppression among children living with HIV in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Background

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and malaria are two major diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, with coinfections having an impact on the outcomes of both. We assessed the association between asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and virological non-suppression among children living with HIV attending a clinic at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and the Princess Marie Louis Hospital (PML) in the city of Accra, Ghana.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic malaria in children receiving care at paediatric HIV clinics at KBTH and PML conducted from September to November 2022. Patients who had been on ART for at least 6 months were eligible to participate. Structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, malaria prevention behaviors, and ART-related data using in-person interviews. Microscopy and PCR were used to screen for malaria and GeneXpert to determine viral load. To examine the determinants of malaria PCR positivity and virological non-suppression, Chi-square tests and logistic regression were utilized.

Results

The participants' median age was 9 years with a range of 6 to 12 years. Males made up 57% of the population. We detected 3.6% (10 of 277) and 7.6% (21 of 277) cases of malaria using microscopy and PCR, respectively. Virological non-suppression (VL > 1000 copies/ml) was seen in 82 (29.6%) of the 277 participants. Among the suppressed individuals, 62 (22.4%) exhibited low-level viraemia (VL level 40-1000 copies/ml) and 133 (48%) had non-detectable viral load levels. There were no factors associated with malaria PCR positivity carriage. Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy was associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of viral load non-suppression (AOR = 4.89 [CI = 2.00-11.98], p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The study showed that the proportion of children living with HIV with asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia was low, with about one third of the study population having virological non suppression. The interaction between malaria parasitemia and viral replication may not be the main culprit for virological non suppression.

Barriers and facilitators for interventions to improve ART adherence in Sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a significant public health issue, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at its epicentre. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been introduced to decrease new infections and deaths, SSA reports the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS, constituting two-thirds of the global new infections. This review aimed to elucidate the predominant barriers and facilitators influencing ART adherence and to identify effective strategies to enhance ART adherence across SSA.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was conducted on studies examining barriers to ART adherence and interventions to boost adherence among HIV-positive adults aged 15 and above in SSA, published from January 2010 onwards. The research utilized databases like Medline Ovid, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. Included were experimental and quasi-experimental studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, comparative before and after studies, and observational studies such as cross-sectional, cohort, prospective and retrospective studies. Two independent reviewers screened the articles, extracted pertinent data, and evaluated the studies' methodological integrity using Joanna Briggs Institute's standardized appraisal tools. The compiled data underwent both meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

From an initial pool of 12,538 papers, 45 were selected (30 for narrative synthesis and 15 for meta-analysis). The identified barriers and facilitators to ART adherence were categorized into seven principal factors: patient-related, health system-related, medication-related, stigma, poor mental health, socioeconomic and socio-cultural-related factors. Noteworthy interventions enhancing ART adherence encompassed counselling, incentives, mobile phone short message service (SMS), peer delivered behavioural intervention, community ART delivery intervention, electronic adherence service monitoring device, lay health worker lead group intervention and food assistance. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in ART adherence between the intervention and control groups (pooled OR = 1.56, 95%CI:1.35-1.80, p = <0.01), with evidence of low none statistically significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 0%, p = 0.49).

CONCLUSION

ART adherence in SSA is influenced by seven key factors. Multiple interventions, either standalone or combined, have shown effectiveness in enhancing ART adherence. To optimize ART's impact and mitigate HIV's prevalence in SSA, stakeholders must consider these barriers, facilitators, and interventions when formulating policies or treatment modalities. For sustained positive ART outcomes, future research should target specific underrepresented groups like HIV-infected children, adolescents, and pregnant women in SSA to further delve into the barriers, facilitators and interventions promoting ART adherence.

Depressive Symptoms among People Living with HIV Attending ART Centers of Lumbini Province, Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Depression is a common mental disorder and is a leading cause of disability globally. Depressive symptoms among people living with HIV can be a significant barrier to ART initiation and thus lead to poor ART adherence. Global studies have found the prevalence of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV ranges from 12 to 63%. The real scenario of Nepal still needs to be explored. Thus, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and predictors of depression in individuals with HIV.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out from August to December 2020 among 406 people living with HIV attending ART centers in Lumbini province. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique and surveyed with a structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic variables, HIV AIDS-related variables, and 21 items Beck Depression Inventory tool. The odds ratio was used as the ultimate measure of association, with a 95% confidence interval computed to establish statistical significance. A multivariate regression analysis was carried out to identify the final predictors of depressive symptoms.

Results

The study found that 26.8% of the respondents had depressive symptoms. Those who were literate (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10-0.61), in the poorest wealth quintile (AOR = 7.28, 95% CI: 2.22-23.87), initiated ART within 12 months (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.03-3.42), had CD4 cell counts below 200 (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.54-4.06), and had a time difference of 3 months or less between HIV diagnosis and ART initiation (AOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29-0.86) were independently associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Routine screening for depressive symptoms should be integrated into national HIV prevention and control programs for people living with HIV. An enabling environment should be created to facilitate the rapid enrollment of individuals newly diagnosed with HIV in ART services, thereby reducing the time gap between HIV diagnosis and ART initiation.

Comparison of Inpatient Outcomes Between HIV Positive and Negative Hospitalizations for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Treatment among Lymphoid Malignancies

BACKGROUND

Comorbidity burden is higher among people living with HIV (PLWH). In addition, they experience adverse effects associated with antiretrovirals. In this study we looked for differences in adverse hospital outcomes between those with and without HIV among hospitalizations for autologous stem cell transplantations (ASCTs) for lymphoid malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current study was a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, for the years 2005 to 2014. Adult hospitalizations ≥18 years of age, for ASCTs were included for the analysis, and were stratified into those with and without HIV. The primary outcome variables were in-hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay, and adverse dispositions.

RESULTS

We included a total of 117,686 ASCT hospitalizations, of which, 468 (0.4%) were HIV positive. Among HIV-positive hospitalizations, there were 251 (53.4%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 128 (27.4%), Hodgkin lymphoma, and 89 (19.2%) multiple myeloma cases. Only half of the PLWH among Black population received ASCT, compared to Whites (26.8% vs. 54.8%). Regression analyses showed that the odds of in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.13-4.44), prolonged length of stay (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.67-2.11), and dispositions other than home (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.61-2.59) did not differ significantly between 2 groups.

DISCUSSION

We found that adverse hospital outcomes did not differ between those with and without HIV among hospitalized autologous stem cell transplant recipients. However, the rates of ASCT were substantially lower among Black PLWH. New interventions and approaches should be developed to improve ASCT rates among HIV positive racial minorities.

Adherence to option B+ PMTCT program and its predictors among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Previously, few studies investigated level of adherence to option B+ lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia. However, their findings were inconsistent. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled magnitude of adherence to option B+ lifelong ART and its predictors among human immune virus (HIV)-positive women in Ethiopia.

Methods

A comprehensive web-based search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google scholar, and African Journals Online databases to retrieve relevant articles. STATA 14 statistical software was used to carry out the meta-analysis. We used the random effects model to account for the large heterogeneity across included studies. Egger's regression test in conjunction with funnel plot and I 2 statistics were utilized to assess publication bias and heterogeneity among included studies respectively.

Result

Twelve studies with a total of 2927 study participants were involved in this analysis. The pooled magnitude of adherence to option B+ lifelong ART was 80.72% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.05-84.39; I 2 = 85.4%). Disclosure of sero-status (OR 2.58 [95% CI: 1.55-4.3]), receiving counseling (OR 4.93 [95% CI: 3.21-7.57]), attending primary school and above (OR 2.45 [95% CI: 1.31-4.57]), partner support (OR 2.24 [95% CI: 1.11, 4.52]), good knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) (OR 4.22 [95% CI: 2.02-8.84]), taking less time to reach health facility (OR 1.64 [95% CI: 1.13-2.4]), and good relation with care provider (OR 3.24 [95% CI: 1.96-5.34]) were positively associated with adherence. Whereas, fear of stigma and discrimination (OR 0.12 [95% CI: 0.06-0.22]) and advanced disease stage (OR 0.59 [95% CI: 0.37-0.92]) were negatively associated.

Conclusion

The level of adherence to option B+ lifelong ART was suboptimal. Strengthened comprehensive counseling and client education on PMTCT, HIV status disclosure, and male partner involvement are important to eliminate mother to child transmission and control the pandemic.

Incidence and Predictors of Loss to Follow-Up Among Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy in South Gondar Governmental Hospitals, Ethiopia: Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Approximately 38.4 million adult people worldwide live with HIV, of which the majority live in Africa. In Ethiopia increasing the quality of life to HIV patients and preventing HIV transmission are challenging. Even though test-and-treat strategy is applied for early enrollment to ART, poor retention and loss to follow-up are hindering the care.

Objective

This study examined the incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up among adult HIV patients on ART in South Gondar governmental hospitals, September 11, 2017-September 10, 2022.

Methods

A multi-facility-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted. Study subjects were assigned using simple random sampling methods by their medical record numbers. The data were entered into EPI data version 3.0.2 and exported to STATA version 17 for analysis. The Kaplan-Meier failure function was employed to determine the overall failure estimates. Cox proportional hazard model was tailored for both bi-variable and multivariable. Variables at p-value <0.05 with 95% CI were significantly associated with loss to follow-up.

Results

In this study, about 559 adult HIV survivors were included, and the response rate was 98%. The mean age and standard deviation (±SD) of study subjects were 36.6±9.3 years. The incidence rate of loss to follow-up was 6.7 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 5.6, 8.1). Educational status [AHR: 1.68 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.72)], substance use [AHR: 2.38 (95% CI: 1.50, 3.75)], and ART adherence [AHR: 3.33 (95% CI: 1.38, 8.08)] were significant determinants to loss to follow-up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study finding reported that the incidence of loss to follow-up was low. HIV patients who did not have formal education, substance users, and poor ART adherence were at greater hazard of being lost to follow-up. In order to mitigate the rate of loss to follow-up, it is recommended to strengthen the available intervention modalities.

Characteristics and efficacy of physical activity interventions to improve cardiometabolic and psychosocial outcomes in people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to an increased lifespan for people living with HIV (PWH). This increased lifespan, coupled with the effects of HIV and adverse effects of ART have resulted in an increasing burden of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) among PWH. Physical activity (PA) has been proposed as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease and other health complications in PWH. The aim of this paper is to review the characteristics and efficacy of PA interventions to improve cardiometabolic and psychosocial outcomes among PWH in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

The review will follow the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P). Literature searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), African Index Medicus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Embase. Peer-reviewed publications will be included if they include adults (age 18 or older), PWH in sub-Saharan Africa, and a PA intervention to improve cardiometabolic outcomes and/or psychosocial outcomes. We will include randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental study designs. Two independent reviewers will screen all abstracts and full-text articles. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using the Revised tool to assess risk of bias in randomized trials and the Downs and Black checklist. Certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Meta-analyses will be conducted if our results are adequate for meta-analysis. Outcomes will be analyzed as continuous or dichotomous and meta-analyses will be conducted using random effects models with Stata computer software.

DISCUSSION

This review will identify and synthesize the current evidence regarding the characteristics and efficacy of PA interventions to improve cardiometabolic and psychosocial outcomes among PWH in sub-Saharan Africa. We also plan to identify the strengths and weaknesses of evaluated interventions. Based on the evidence, recommendations will be made to promote the design and further evaluate the most promising strategies to maximize the efficacy of PA interventions in improving cardiometabolic and psychosocial outcomes in PWH in sub-Saharan Africa.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42021271937.

Exploring antiretroviral therapy adherence, competing needs, and viral suppression among people living with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic

Understanding factors related to suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and detectable viral load (VL), especially among vulnerable populations, is needed to improve HIV outcomes. The Caribbean is highly impacted by HIV and socioeconomic inequalities, but few studies have been conducted there to explore food insecurity among people with HIV and factors associated with viral suppression in this vulnerable population. Using baseline data from a pilot intervention trial among people living with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic, we examined psychosocial and behavioral factors associated with viral suppression, ART adherence, and competing needs. Among participants (n = 115), 61% had a detectable VL; the strongest factor associated with detectable VL was having missed taking ART in the last six months due to not having food (OR = 2.68, p = 0.02). Greater odds of reporting missed ART doses due to not having food were associated with severe food insecurity (OR = 4.60, p = 0.006), clinical depression (OR = 2.76, p = 0.018), Haitian background (OR = 6.62 p = 0.017), and internalized HIV stigma (OR = 1.09, p = 0.041), while lower odds were associated with social support (OR = 0.89, p = 0.03) and having health insurance (OR = 0.27, p = 0.017). Ensuring that people with HIV and food insecurity have food to take with their ART is essential for viral suppression.

Depression management and antiretroviral treatment outcome among people living with HIV in Northwest and East regions of Cameroon

Background

Several interventions have shown benefits in improving mental health problems such as depression which is common in people living with HIV. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the effect of these interventions in improving HIV treatment outcomes. This study aimed at bridging this evidence gap and guiding the integration of depression and HIV management, particularly in rural health settings of Cameroon.

Materials and methods

We carried out a cluster-randomized intervention study targeting persons aged 13 years and above who had been on antiretroviral treatment for 6–9 months. Participants were followed up for 12 months during which those in the intervention group underwent routine screening and management of depression. Comparisons were done using the two-way ANOVA and Chi-squared test with significance set at 5%.

Results

Overall, 370 participants with a median age of 39 years (IQR: 30–49) were enrolled in this study. Of these, 42 (11.3%) were screened with moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 41 (11.1%) had poor treatment adherence. There was a significant drop in depression scores in the intervention group from 3.88 (± 3.76) to 2.29 (± 2.39) versus 4.35 (± 4.64) to 3.39 (± 3.0) in controls (p < 0.001) which was accompanied by a drop in the prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms in the intervention group from 9% to 0.8% (p = 0.046). Decreased depression scores were correlated with better adherence scores with correlation coefficients of − 0.191, − 0.555, and − 0.513 at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months of follow-up respectively (p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in adherence levels (p = 0.255) and viral suppression rates (p = 0.811) between groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that considering routine screening and management of depression as an integral component of HIV care could positively impact HIV treatment outcomes. However, there is a need for more research to identify the best combinations of context-specific and cost-effective strategies that can impactfully be integrated with HIV management.

Trial registration Trial registration Number: DRKS00027440. Name of Registry: German Clinical Trials Register. Date registration: December 10, 2021 (‘retrospectively registered’). Date of enrolment of the first participant: 05/08/2019

Development and validation of a risk prediction model for lost to follow-up among adults on active antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study

Background

Over 420,000 people have initiated life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia; however, lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) rates continues to be high. A clinical decision tool is needed to identify patients at higher risk for LTFU to provide individualized risk prediction to intervention. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a statistical risk prediction tool that predicts the probability of LTFU among adult clients on ART.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 432 clients on ART in Gondar Town, northwest, Ethiopia. Prognostic determinates included in the analysis were determined by multivariable logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) and calibration plot were used to assess the model discriminative ability and predictive accuracy, respectively. Individual risk prediction for LTFU was determined using both regression formula and score chart rule. Youden index value was used to determine the cut-point for risk classification. The clinical utility of the model was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The incidence of LTFU was 11.19 (95% CI 8.95–13.99) per 100-persons years of observation. Potential prognostic determinants for LTFU were rural residence, not using prophylaxis (either cotrimoxazole or Isoniazid or both), patient on appointment spacing model (ASM), poor drug adherence level, normal Body mass index (BMI), and high viral load (viral copies > 1000 copies/ml). The AUROC was 85.9% (95% CI 82.0–89.6) for the prediction model and the risk score was 81.0% (95% CI 76.7–85.3) which was a good discrimination probability. The maximum sensitivity and specificity of the probability of LTFU using the prediction model were 72.07% and 83.49%, respectively. The calibration plot of the model was good (p-value = 0.350). The DCA indicated that the model provides a higher net benefit following patients based on the risk prediction tool.

Conclusion

The incidence of LTFU among clients on ART in Gondar town was high (> 3%). The risk prediction model presents an accurate and easily applicable prognostic prediction tool for clients on ART. A prospective follow-up study and external validation of the model is warranted before using the model.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07691-x.

Treatment Adherence among HIV and TB Patients Using Single and Double Way Mobile Phone Text Messages: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Research has shown that patients fail to adhere to ART and TB treatment due to the long duration of both therapies, side effects, and forgetfulness.

Objective

To assess the role of the double-way and single-way SMS on adherence to HIV and TB treatment.

Materials and Methods

A randomized controlled trial among adult HIV and TB patients on treatment at the Buea Regional and Kumba District Hospitals, South West Region, Cameroon, was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to the control, single-way, and double-way SMS intervention groups. HIV and TB participants were followed independently for a period of 6 months and 3 months, respectively. Baseline and post-intervention data were collected and analyzed using the chi-square and Student's t-tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 210 HIV participants and 84 TB were recruited into the study with a mean age of 41.25 ± 10 years and 37.89 ± 13.27 years, respectively. Optimal adherence to ART and TB treatment at baseline was [65 (31%) CI: 0.247-0.372] and [35 (41.7%) CI: 0.311-0.522], respectively, and after the intervention, it increased to [72 (42.6%) CI: 0.347-0.495] and 41 (61.2%), respectively. There was an increase in adherence to ART among participants in the double-way SMS intervention group from 23 (32.9%) (RR: 1.04, CI: 0.8-1.31, p=0.716) to 29 (48.3%) (RR: 1.06, CI: 0.75-1.50, p=0.746). Combined single-way and double-way SMS significantly increased adherence to ART.

Conclusions

The level of adherence was low among HIV and TB participants. The single-way and double-way SMS did not significantly increase adherence. However, a combination of both the double-way and single-way SMS intervention significantly improved adherence to ART.

Adherence barriers and interventions to improve ART adherence in Sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review protocol

Background

The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to be a major public health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite efforts to reduce new infections and deaths with the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), SSA countries continue to bear the heaviest burden of HIV/AIDS globally, accounting for two-thirds of global new infections. The goal of this review is to identify common barriers to ART adherence as well as common effective interventions that can be implemented across SSA countries to improve ART adherence.

Methods

A systematic review of published studies on adult HIV-positive patients aged 15 or above, that have assessed the barriers to ART adherence and interventions improving patients’ adherence to ART in SSA countries shall be conducted. We will conduct electronic searches for articles that have been published starting from January 2010 onwards. The databases that shall be searched will include Medline Ovid, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus. The review will include experimental and quasi-experimental studies such as randomized and non-randomized controlled trials as well as comparative before and after studies, and observational studies—cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, prospective and retrospective studies. Two independent reviewers will screen all identified studies, extract data and appraise the methodological quality of the studies using standard critical appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The extracted data will be subjected to a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.

Discussion

This review will synthesize existing evidence on ART adherence barriers and strategies for improving patient adherence to ART in SSA countries. It will identify common barriers to adherence and common interventions proven to improve adherence across SSA. We anticipate that the findings of this review will provide information policy makers and stakeholders involved in the fight against HIV, will find useful in deriving better ways of not only retaining patients on treatment but having them adhere to their treatment.

Review registration

This protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); registration number CRD42021262256.

Uptake of an app-based case management service for HIV-positive men who have sex with men in China: a process evaluation study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, and medication adherence to antiretroviral treatment in this vulnerable population is suboptimal. To address this issue, we developed an app-based case management service with multiple components, informed by the Information Motivation Behavioral skills model.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to conduct a process evaluation for the implementation of an innovative app-based intervention guided by the Linnan and Steckler framework.

METHODS

Process evaluation was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial in the largest HIV clinic in Guangzhou, China. Eligible participants were HIV-positive MSM aged ≥18 years planning to initiate treatment on the day of recruitment. The app-based intervention had 4 components: web-based communication with case managers, educational articles, supportive service information (eg, information on mental health care and rehabilitation service), and hospital visit reminders. Process evaluation indicators of the intervention include dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, and satisfaction. The behavioral outcome was adherence to antiretroviral treatment at month 1, and Information Motivation Behavioral skills model scores were the intermediate outcome. Logistic and linear regression was used to investigate the association between intervention uptake and outcomes, controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 344 MSM were recruited from March 19, 2019, to January 13, 2020, and 172 were randomized to the intervention group. At month 1 follow-up, there was no significant difference in the proportion of adherent participants between the intervention and control groups (66/144, 45.8% vs 57/134, 42.5%; P=.28). In the intervention group, 120 participants engaged in web-based communication with case managers and 158 accessed at least 1 of the delivered articles. The primary concern captured in the web-based conversation was the side effects of the medication (114/374, 30.5%), which was also one of the most popular educational articles topics. The majority (124/144, 86.1%) of participants that completed the month 1 survey rated the intervention as "very helpful" or "helpful." The number of educational articles accessed was associated with adequate adherence in the intervention group (odds ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15; P=.009). The intervention also improved the motivation score after adjusting for baseline values (β=2.34, 95% CI 0.77-3.91; P=.004). However, the number of web-based conversations, regardless of conversation features, was associated with lower motivation scores in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention was well-received. Delivering educational resources of interest may enhance medication adherence. The uptake of the web-based communication component could serve as an indicator of real-life difficulties and could be used by case managers to identify potential inadequate adherence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrial.gov NCT03860116; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03860116.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s12889-020-8171-5.

The Significance of Tumor Budding and Immunohistochemical Axl Expression in Gallbladder Adenocarcinomas

Background:

Tumor budding is a histopathological finding that is accepted as an indicator of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in many solid tumors. Axl is a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) family member and contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. It has been reported that its overexpression in various solid cancer cells is associated with a poor prognosis. It is claimed that Axl RTK may be the targeted molecule in treating some cancers due to its location in the cell membrane.

Aims:

To investigate the relationship between immunohistochemical (IHC) Axl expression with tumor budding on the histopathological level and their prognostic significance in patients with gallbladder carcinoma. Thus, it is aimed to contribute to the emergence of a molecular option for targeted, personalized therapy in these patients.

Study Design:

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Thirty-eight gallbladder cancer patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2017 were included in the study. The expressions of Axl RTK in tumor tissues were evaluated by the IHC method. Demographic data (age, sex) of patients, histopathological features (size, growth pattern), tumor differentiation, pathological T staging, lymphovascular invasion, perineural and serosal invasion, surgical margin, tumor infiltrated lymphocyte, and tumor budding were examined. The tumor budding of the tumor was made according to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference and was classified as low (0-4 buds), intermediate (5-9 buds), high (≥ 10 buds). The relationship between clinical pathologic features, the survival rate, and Axl expression was analyzed with Person’s chi-square, Cox regression tests, and the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

Tumor budding was determined as low in 12, intermediate in 10, and high in 16 cases. The increased degree of tumor budding was associated with focal-diffuse Axl expression (p = 0.018), infiltrative growth patterns (p = 0.031), poor differentiation (p = 0.006), advanced pathological stage (p = 0.002), and serosal (p = 0.040), perineural (p = 0.008), and lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.0001). Overall survival time was shorter in patients with intermediate to high tumor budding compared with those with low tumor budding (p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Axl expression appears to be associated with tumor budding capacity, which may be a poor prognostic criterion for patients with gallbladder cancer. It may be a good target to prevent tumor budding to reduce tumor invasion and metastasis.

Factors affecting optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression amongst HIV-infected prisoners in South Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Maintaining optimal adherence and viral suppression in people living with HIV (PLWH) is essential to ensure both preventative and therapeutic benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Prisoners bear a particularly high burden of HIV infection and are highly likely to transmit to others during and after incarceration. However, the level of treatment adherence and viral suppression in incarcerated populations in low-income countries is unknown. This study aimed to determine factors affecting optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression amongst HIV-infected prisoners in South Ethiopia.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between June 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 to compare the level of adherence and viral suppression between incarcerated and non-incarcerated PLWH. Patient information including demographic, socio-economic, behavioral, and incarceration-related characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Medication adherence was assessed according to self-report and pharmacy refill. Plasma viral load measurements undertaken within the study period were prospectively extracted to determine viral suppression. Univariate and multivariate logistic and fractional regression models were used to analyse data.

RESULTS

Seventy-four inmates living with HIV (ILWH) and 296 non-incarcerated PLWH participated in the study. While ILWH had a significantly higher pharmacy refill adherence compared to non-incarcerated PLWH (89 vs 75%), they had a slightly lower dose adherence (81% vs 83%). The prevalence of viral non-suppression was also slightly higher in ILWH (6.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7-14.6%) compared to non-incarcerated PLWH (4.5%; 95%CI: 2.4-7.5%). Overall, missing ART appointments, dissatisfaction with ART services, inability to comply with a specified medication schedule, and types of methods used to monitor the schedule (e.g., news time on radio/TV or other social cues) were significantly associated with non-adherence according to self-report. In ILWH specifically, accessing ART services from a hospital, inability to properly attend clinic appointments, depressive symptoms, and lack of social support predicted NA. Viral non-suppression was significantly higher in males, people of age 31to 35 years and in those who experienced social stigma, regardless of their incarceration status.

CONCLUSIONS

Sub-optimal dose adherence and viral suppression are generally higher in HIV-infected prisoners in South Ethiopia compared to their non-incarcerated counterparts. A multitude of factors were found to be responsible for this requiring multilevel intervention strategies focusing on the specific needs of prisoners.

Factors associated with anti-retroviral therapy adherence among patients living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic causes fear and anxiety symptoms on some vulnerable populations such as patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). Physical distancing (during consultation in the clinic) and isolation restrictions will likely have a negative impact on/disruption to all care continuum services of HIV diseases although healthcare services and access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) have continued to operate.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors associated with ART adherence among PLWH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 324 PLWH who had been on ART for at least 6 months between June 2020 and January 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview participants to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and other factors.

RESULTS

Of 324 PLWH taking ART, 264 (81.48%) had high adherence (≥95%) and 60 (18.52%) had low adherence (< 95%). Factors independently associated with high ART adherence were employment status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.030, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.010-0.088; p < 0.001), type of antiretroviral (ARV) (AOR: 3.101, 95% CI: 1.137-8.456; p = 0.027), family support (AOR: 0.157, 95% CI: 0.052-0.475; p = 0.001), the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to attend clinics (AOR: 7.339, 95% CI: 1.46-36.79; p = 0.015), and the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to take ART (AOR: 10.611, 95% CI: 2.98-37.72; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, factors associated with high ART adherence among PLWH attending the Hospital of Wangaya in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia were employment status, ART type [non-fixed dose combination (FDC)], family support, and the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to attend clinics and to take ART.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Use of HIV Care, Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, and Viral Suppression: An Observational Cohort Study From Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies project thousands of additional AIDS-related deaths because of COVID-19-related disruptions in HIV care. However, the extent to which disruptions in care have materialized since the start of the pandemic is not well understood.

METHODS

We use electronic health records to investigate how the pandemic has affected clinic visits, patients' antiretroviral therapy (ART) supply, and viral suppression for a cohort of 14,632 HIV clients from a large HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda. We complement this with an analysis of electronically measured longitudinal ART adherence data from a subcohort of 324 clients.

RESULTS

Clinic visits decreased by more than 50% after a national lockdown started. The risk of patients running out of ART on a given day increased from 5% before the lockdown to 25% 3 months later (Relative Risk Ratio of 5.11, 95% confidence interval: 4.99 to 5.24) and remained higher than prelockdown 6 months later at 13% (Relative Risk Ratio of 2.60; 95% confidence interval: 2.52 to 2.70). There was no statistically significant change in electronically measured adherence or viral suppression.

CONCLUSION

We document substantial gaps in HIV care after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. This suggests that measures to improve access should be explored as the pandemic persists. However, ART adherence was unaffected for the subcohort for whom we measured electronic adherence. This suggests that some clients may have stockpiles of ART tablets from previous prescriptions that allowed them to keep taking their medication even when they could not visit the clinic for ART refills.

Cause of hospitalization and death in the antiretroviral era in Sub-Saharan Africa published 2008-2018: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Worldwide despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome still causes morbidity and mortality among patients. In Sub-Saharan Africa, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome remains a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of morbidity and mortality in the modern antiretroviral therapy era in Sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We searched relevant studies from 3 databases which are Google Scholar, PubMed, and CINAHL. Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles in duplicate, extracted data, and assessed bias. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion or arbitration of a third review author. R software version 3.6.2 was used to analyze the data. Maximum values were used in order to show which disease was mostly spread out by looking at the highest prevalence reported. This systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

RESULTS

A total of 409 articles were obtained from the database search, finally 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for data extraction. Among them, 3 were conducted in Nigeria, 2 were conducted in Uganda, 3 were conducted in South Africa, 1 in Gabon, 1 in Ethiopia, 1 in Ghana, and 1 in Burkina Faso. In most of the included studies, tuberculosis was the leading cause of hospitalization which accounted for between 18% and 40.7% and it was also the leading cause of death and accounted for between 16% and 44.3%, except in 1 which reported anemia as the leading cause of hospitalization and in 2 which reported wasting syndrome and meningitis respectively as the leading causes of death. Opportunistic malignancies accounted between for 1.8% to 5% of hospitalization and 1.2% to 9.8% of deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculosis is the commonest cause of hospitalization and death in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it is always followed by other infectious disease and other non-AIDS related causes.

START (Supporting Treatment Adherence Readiness through Training) Improves Both HIV Antiretroviral Adherence and Viral Reduction, and is Cost Effective: Results of a Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial

The START (Supporting Treatment Adherence Readiness through Training) intervention was examined for its effects on ART adherence and virologic suppression relative to usual care. A sample of 176 clients about to start or restart ART were randomized (83 to START, 93 to usual care) at HIV clinics in the Los Angeles area. Primary outcomes included electronically monitored dose-taking adherence and HIV viral load; primary end points were months 6 and 24, with group differences examined using nonresponse-weighted means or proportions, effect sizes, and significance testing. Item nonresponse was addressed using multiple imputation. 166 (94.3%) participants started ART, of whom 124 (74.7%) were still in care at month 6, and 90 (54.2%) at month 24. In comparison to the usual care control group, the START group had higher dose-taking adherence at month 6 (86.2% vs. 71.6%, d = 0.56, p = 0.01), which was sustained through month 24 (86.0% vs. 61.1%, d =1.01, p < 0.0001). While rates of undetectable viral load did not differ between groups at month 6 or 24, the mean reduction in viral load (log₁₀ copies/mm³) at month 24 was significantly greater in the intervention arm (3.0 vs. 2.7; d = 0.40, p = 0.047). An estimated cost of $132 per person was needed to obtain a 10% increase in dose-taking adherence over 24 months from the intervention. These findings suggest that START is cost effective in producing a medium to large effect on dose-taking adherence that is durable over 24 months, and a modest long-term effect on viral reduction.Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02329782 (registered December 22, 2014).

Construction and validation of conceptual and operational definitions of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis "Ineffective health self-management" in people living with HIV/AIDS

PURPOSE

Build and validate the content of conceptual and operational definitions of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis of NANDA-I "Ineffective health self-management" in people living with HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

Methodological study, with a quantitative approach. The validation was performed by 26 specialist nurses selected through the Lattes do Brazil platform. The process followed two steps: (a) proposal of new defining characteristics to the Nursing Diagnosis "Ineffective Health Self-Management" and elaboration of conceptual and operational definitions; (b) content validation of the new defining characteristics of the Nursing Diagnosis "Ineffective Health Self-Management" and the conceptual and operational definitions. Data were collected between October 2020 and May 2021.

FINDINGS

The researchers included six defining characteristics as components of the diagnosis, adding to the 10 already existing in the NANDA-I version (2021-2023). Then, the experts judged these components and 13 defining characteristics were validated using the binominal test with adequacy ratio above 85% and p value <0.05. After this stage, the conceptual and operational definitions of these defining characteristics were constructed, validating them by the content validation index ≥0.80 by the expert nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Three new defining characteristics for Ineffective health self-management were proposed and validated by specialists. Conceptual and operational definitions of the new and current defining characteristics were elaborated and validated for people living with HIV/AIDS.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The knowledge and study of the conceptual and operational definitions of nursing diagnoses can contribute to good nursing practices, assisting in the care and evaluation of nurses in the provision of care to people living with HIV/AIDS, and can avoid misunderstandings and inappropriate interpretations and can guarantee assertive clinical judgment.

SEARCH TERMS

Nursing diagnosis, validation studies, nursing processes, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Effect of pharmacist care on clinical outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists play a significant role in the multidisciplinary care of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). However, there is less evidence to clarify the impact of pharmacist as an individual team member on HIV care.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the effects of pharmacist intervention on improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load (VL) suppression, and change in CD4-T lymphocytes in PLWHA.

METHODS

We identified relevant records from six databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane, and EBSCOhost) from inception till June 2020. We included studies that evaluated the impact of pharmacist care activities on clinical outcomes in PLWHA. A random-effect model was used to estimate the overall effect [odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous and mean difference (MD) for continuous data] with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The review protocol was published on PROSPERO (CRD42020167994).

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies involving 3206 PLWHA in which pharmacist-provided intervention either in the form of education with or without pharmaceutical-care either alone or as an interdisciplinary team member were included. Eight studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while 17 studies were non-RCTs. Pooled-analyses showed a significant impact of pharmacist care compared to usual care group on adherence outcome (OR: 2.70 [95%, CI 1.80, 4.05]), VL suppression (OR: 4.13 [95% CI 2.27, 7.50]), and rise of CD4-T lymphocytes count (MD: 66.83 cells/mm³ [95% CI 44.08, 89.57]). The strength of evidence ranged from moderate, low to very low.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that pharmacist care improves adherence, VL suppression, and CD4-T lymphocyte improvement in PLWHA; however, it should be noted that the majority of the studies have a high risk of bias. More research with more rigorous designs is required to reaffirm the impact of pharmacist interventions on clinical and economic outcomes in PLWHA.

Comparison of two simulators for individual based models in HIV epidemiology in a population with HSV 2 in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Model comparisons have been widely used to guide intervention strategies to control infectious diseases. Agreement between different models is crucial for providing robust evidence for policy-makers because differences in model properties can influence their predictions. In this study, we compared models implemented by two individual-based model simulators for HIV epidemiology in a heterosexual population with Herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). For each model simulator, we constructed four models, starting from a simplified basic model and stepwise including more model complexity. For the resulting eight models, the predictions of the impact of behavioural interventions on the HIV epidemic in Yaoundé-Cameroon were compared. The results show that differences in model assumptions and model complexity can influence the size of the predicted impact of the intervention, as well as the predicted qualitative behaviour of the HIV epidemic after the intervention. These differences in predictions of an intervention were also observed for two models that agreed in their predictions of the HIV epidemic in the absence of that intervention. Without additional data, it is impossible to determine which of these two models is the most reliable. These findings highlight the importance of making more data available for the calibration and validation of epidemiological models.

Nutritional risk and nutritional status in hospitalized older adults living with HIV in Shenzhen, China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nutrition is a crucial factor that can impact morbidity and mortality in older people living with HIV (PLWH). Studies on nutritional risk and nutritional status in all age groups in PLWH have been conducted. However, few studies have focused on nutritional risk in older PLWH. This study aimed to describe the nutritional risk and nutritional status in older PLWH, and explore factors associated with nutritional risk and undernutrition status.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study. We recruited participants aged 50 years or older from the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen from January 2016 to May 2019. Nutritional risk and nutritional status were evaluated by the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) tool, body mass index (BMI), albumin level, and prealbumin level on the first day of admission. Logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with undernutrition based on the BMI, albumin, and prealbumin criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 196 older PLWH were included in the analysis. We found that 36% of hospitalized older PLWH had nutritional risk, and 12-56% of them had undernutrition based on the BMI, albumin, and prealbumin criteria. An increased nutritional risk score was associated with older age (β = 0.265 CI [0.021, 0.096], P = 0.002), a higher viral load (β = - 0.186 CI [- 0.620, - 0.037], P = 0.028), a lower BMI (β = - 0.287 CI [- 0.217, - 0.058], P = 0.001), and a lower albumin level (β = - 0.324 CI [- 8.896, - 1.230], P = 0.010). The CD4 count was associated with the prevalence of undernutrition based on the albumin criterion (OR = 15.637 CI [2.742, 89.178], P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that nutritional screening, assessment, and management should be routinely performed in hospitalized older PLWH. HIV-specific measures should be used to assess nutritional risk, and albumin, BMI, and other assessments should be used in combination to identify undernutrition in older PLWH.

Advancing our understanding of HIV co-infections and neurological disease using the humanized mouse

Humanized mice have become an important workhorse model for HIV research. Advances that enabled development of a human immune system in immune deficient mouse strains have aided new basic research in HIV pathogenesis and immune dysfunction. The small animal features facilitate development of clinical interventions that are difficult to study in clinical cohorts, and avoid the high cost and regulatory burdens of using non-human primates. The model also overcomes the host restriction of HIV for human immune cells which limits discovery and translational research related to important co-infections of people living with HIV. In this review we emphasize recent advances in modeling bacterial and viral co-infections in the setting of HIV in humanized mice, especially neurological disease, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV co-infections. Applications of current and future co-infection models to address important clinical and research questions are further discussed.

Performance characteristics of an instrument-free point-of-care CD4 test (VISITECT®CD4) for use in resource-limited settings

Objective

CD4+ T lymphocyte count remains the most common biomarker of immune status and disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. VISITECT®CD4 is an instrument-free, low-cost point-of-care CD4 test with a cut-off of 350 CD4 cells/μL. This study aimed to evaluate VISITECT®CD4 test's diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Two hundred HIV-positive patients attending a tertiary HIV centre in South India were recruited. Patients provided venous blood for reference and VISITECT®CD4 tests. An additional finger-prick blood sample was obtained for VISITECT®CD4. VISITECT®CD4's diagnostic performance in identifying individuals with CD4 counts ≤350 cells/μL was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) taking flow cytometry as the reference.

Results

The overall agreement between VISITECT®CD4 and flow cytometry was 89.5% using venous blood and 81.5% using finger-prick blood. VISITECT®CD4 showed better performance using venous blood [sensitivity: 96.6% (95% confidence interval: 92.1%–98.9%), specificity: 70.9% (57.1%–82.4%), PPV: 89.7% (83.9%–94.0%) and NPV: 88.6% (75.4%–96.2%)] than using finger-prick blood [sensitivity: 84.8% (77.9%–90.2%), specificity: 72.7% (59.0%–83.9%), PPV: 89.1% (82.7%–93.8%) and NPV: 64.5% (51.3%–76.3%)].

Conclusion

VISITECT®CD4 performed well using venous blood, demonstrating its potential utility in decentralization of CD4 testing services in resource-constrained settings.

Predictors of antiretroviral therapy interruptions and factors influencing return to care at the Nkolndongo Health District, Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy is a lifelong commitment that requires consistent intake of tablets to optimize health outcomes, attain and maintain viral suppression.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to elicit predictors of treatment interruption amongst PLHIV and identify motivating factors influencing return to care.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a mixed-method approach in four hospitals in Yaoundé. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from ART registers. Using purposeful sampling, thirteen participants were enrolled for interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using Epi-Info and Atlas-TI for qualitative analysis. Ethical clearance approved by CBCHS-IRB.

RESULTS

A total of 271 participants records were assessed. The mean age was 33 years (SD±11years). Private facilities CASS and CMNB registered respectively 53 (19.6%) and 14 (5.2%) participants while CMA Nkomo and IPC had 114 (42.1%) and 90 (33.2%) participants. Most participants (75.3%) were females [OR 1.14; CI 0.78-1.66] compare with males. 78% had no viral load test results. Transport cost and stigmatization constituted the most prominent predictors of treatment interruption (47.5%) and (10.5%) respectively. Belief in the discovery of an eminent HIV cure and the desire to raise offspring motivated 30% and 61%, respectively to resume treatment.

CONCLUSION

Structural barriers like exposed health facility, and dispensing ARVs in open spaces stigmatizes clients and increases odds of attrition. Attrition of patients on ART will be minimized through implementation of client centered approaches like multiplying proxy ART pick points, devolving stable clients to community ARV model.

The expansion of a patient tracer programme to identify and return patients loss to follow up at a large HIV clinic in Trinidad

BACKGROUND

Patients who default from HIV care are usually poorly adherent to antiretroviral treatment which results in suboptimal viral suppression. The study assessed the outcomes of retention in care and viral suppression by expansion of an intervention using two patient tracers to track patients lost to follow up at a large HIV clinic in Trinidad.

METHODS

Two Social Workers were trained as patient tracers and hired for 15 months (April 2017-June 2018) to call patients who were lost to follow up for 30 days or more during the period July 2016-May 2018 at the HIV clinic Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago.

RESULTS

Over the 15-month period, of the of 2473 patients who missed their scheduled visits for 1 month or more, 261 (10.6%) patients were no longer in active care-89 patients dead, 65 migrated, 55 hospitalized, 33 transferred to another treatment clinic and 19 incarcerated. Of the remaining 2212 patients eligible for tracing, 1869 (84.5%) patients were returned to care, 1278 (68.6%) were virally unsuppressed (viral load > 200 copies/ml) and 1727 (92.4%) were re-initiated on ART. Twelve months after their return, 1341 (71.7%) of 1869 patients were retained in care and 1154 (86.1%) of these were virally suppressed. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed that persons were more likely to be virally suppressed if they were employed (OR, 1.39; 95% CI 1.07-1.80), if they had baseline CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm³ (OR, 1.71; 95% CI 1.26-2.32) and if they were retained in care at 12 months (OR, 2.48; 95% CI 1.90-3.24). Persons initiated on ART for 4-6 years (OR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.13-8.48,), 7-9 years (OR, 3.97; 95% CI 1.39-11.31), > 10 years (OR, 5.99; 95% CI 1.74-20.64 were more likely to be retained in care.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient Tracing is a feasible intervention to identify and resolve the status of patients who are loss to follow up and targeted interventions such as differentiated care models may be important to improve retention in care.

Incidence of advanced opportunistic infection and its predictors among HIV infected children at Debre Tabor referral Hospital and University of Gondar Compressive specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: A multicenter retrospective follow-up study

Background

This study is aimed to assess the incidence of advanced opportunistic infections (OIs) and its predictors among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected children at Debre Tabor referral Hospital and University of Gondar Compressive specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted from June 1, 2010, to May 30, 2020. A total of 349 children under the age of 15 who had received Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) were included in the study. Data were entered into Epi info version 7.2 and then exported to Stata 14.0 for analysis. Kaplan Meier curve and Log-rank test were used to determine the median survival time and the discrepancy of different categorical variables. The Cox regression model was used to identify the predictors of advanced opportunistic infections. The Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) at 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to declare statistical significance.

Result

The incidence rate of advanced opportunistic infection was 5.53 per 100 (95% CI: 4.7, 6.9) Person per year observation (PYO). The median survival time was 113 months and the total follow-up periods were yielding 18882 months. Children presenting with treatment failure, Cotrimoxazole Preventive Therapy (CPT) non-user, low hemoglobin level (<10 mg/dl), and poor/fair level of adherence to ART were less free survival time as compared to their counterparts for advanced opportunistic infections.

Conclusion

In this study, the median of advanced OIs free survival time was found to be low and the incidence rate was found to be high. The incidence advanced OIs was associated with anemia, treatment failure, and poor/fair level of adherence, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy non-users. Further research should conduct to evaluate and to improve the quality of care in the study area.

Quantifying the Evolving Contribution of HIV Interventions and Key Populations to the HIV Epidemic in Yaoundé, Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Key populations (KP) including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and their clients are disproportionately affected by HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. We estimated the evolving impact of past interventions and contribution of unmet HIV prevention/treatment needs of key populations and lower-risk groups to HIV transmission.

SETTING

Yaoundé, Cameroon.

METHODS

We parametrized and fitted a deterministic HIV transmission model to Yaoundé-specific demographic, behavioral, HIV, and intervention coverage data in a Bayesian framework. We estimated the fraction of incident HIV infections averted by condoms and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the fraction of all infections over 10-year periods directly and indirectly attributable to sex within and between each risk group.

RESULTS

Condom use and ART together may have averted 43% (95% uncertainty interval: 31-54) of incident infections over 1980-2018 and 72% (66-79) over 2009-2018. Most onward transmissions over 2009-2018 stemmed from sex between lower-risk individuals [47% (32-61)], clients [37% (23-51)], and MSM [35% (20-54)] with all their partners. The contribution of commercial sex decreased from 25% (8-49) over 1989-1998 to 8% (3-22) over 2009-2018, due to higher intervention coverage among FSW.

CONCLUSION

Condom use and recent ART scale-up mitigated the HIV epidemic in Yaoundé and changed the contribution of different partnerships to onward transmission over time. Findings highlight the importance of prioritizing HIV prevention and treatment for MSM and clients of FSW whose unmet needs now contribute most to onward transmission, while maintaining services that successfully reduced transmissions in the context of commercial sex.

Factors associated with virological non-suppression among HIV-positive children receiving antiretroviral therapy at the Joint Clinical Research Centre in Lubowa, Kampala Uganda

BACKGROUND

While the proportion of HIV-positive children (under 15 years) enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased in recent years, up to 60% of children started on ART do not achieve virological suppression. We set out to determine the factors associated with virological non-suppression among children living with HIV receiving ART at a peri-urban HIV care clinic in Kampala, Uganda.

METHOD

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the pediatric HIV/AIDS clinic at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in Kampala, Uganda. Three hundred (300) HIV-positive children (0-14 years) were randomly selected from existing medical records and data on children's socio-demographic and clinical characteristics (age at ART initiation, WHO clinical staging, and ART-induced side effects) were abstracted using a data abstraction form. Virological non-suppression was defined as a viral load ≥1000 copies/Ml of blood after six months of ART initiation. Incident rate ratios (IRRs) were determined as a measure of association between virological non-suppression and child/patient characteristics. The IRRs were obtained via a modified Poisson regression with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). All analyses were done using statistical package, Stata version 15.

RESULTS

The overall non-suppression rate among HIV-positive children on ART was 23%. Being at WHO clinical stage 4 at ART initiation [adj. IRR 2.74; 95%CI: 1.63, 4.61] and ART-induced side effects [adj. IRR 1.77; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.97] were significantly associated with non-suppression. Older age at ART initiation (age 5-9 years: [adj. IRR 0.42; 95%CI: 0.28, 0.65]; age 10-14 years: [adj. IRR 0.34; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.64] was less likely to be associated with virological non-suppression.

CONCLUSION

Nearly a quarter of HIV-positive children on ART had a non-suppressed viral load after six months of treatment. Being at WHO clinical stage 4 at ART initiation and ART-induced side effects were significantly associated with virological non-suppression while older age at ART initiation was protective. Our findings suggest a need for age-specific interventions, particularly those targeting children below five years of age, to improve virological suppression among HIV-positive children receiving ART in this setting.

Level of adherence and associated factors among HIV-positive adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon

Aim: Globally, there were over 250 000 new HIV infections among adolescents in 2017, with a higher proportion of these in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, UNICEF estimated over 4 200 new HIV infections in adolescents in 2015; by 2016, there were over 40 000 adolescents who had HIV. Given that the number of adolescents living with HIV in Cameroon is on the increase, there is a need to better understand the factors influencing adherence to treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with adherence among adolescents in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 460 HIV+ adolescents who were receiving antiretroviral therapy were sampled randomly from nine health facilities. Questionnaires and data extraction forms were used to collect data. Descriptive (frequencies and proportions) and inferential (chi-square and multivariate logistic regression) statistical analyses methods were used to analyse the data. Statistical significance was set at p = 0.05 and 95% confidence level. Results: The level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among the adolescents was 83%. Twelve out of 30 independent variables examined showed significant statistical association with adherence at the bivariate level. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, however, only two variables significantly predicted adherence - experiencing side effects (AOR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.14, 6.09; p = 0.02), and internalized stigma (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.04, 6.04; p = 0.04). Conclusion: Adherence to treatment among adolescents in Cameroon was found to be suboptimal. There is a need for more individualized, targeted medication counselling for adolescents and their guardians as well as strategies to reduce internalized stigma and improve adherence to antiretroviral treatment.

Adherence and Its Associated Factors Among Adult HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in South Western Ethiopia, 2020

BACKGROUND

Good adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses the viral load, reconstitutes the immune system, and decreases opportunistic infections among HIV-positive patients. However, adherence to ART is still challenging in developing countries such as Ethiopia. The study, therefore, aimed to assess adherence and its associated factors among HIV-positive patients on ART in southern Ethiopia in 2020.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 randomly selected participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data through a face-to-face interview from January 23 to February 23, 2020. Data were entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant in a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 274 patients (83.3%) had good adherence to ART, while 16.7% did not adhere. Age between 39 and 49 years old (AOR=0.068, 95% CI 0.008, 0.578), urban residency (AOR=5.186, 95% CI 1.732, 15.529), an educational status of being unable to read and write (AOR=0.097, 95% CI 0.012, 0.771), an educational status of reading and writing with no formal education (AOR=0.056, 95% CI 0.006, 0.532), comorbidity (AOR=0.042, 95% CI 0.013, 0.139), disclosure (AOR=3.583, 95% CI 1.008, 12.739), WHO clinical stage II (AOR=0.098, 95% CI 0.021, 0.453), and CD4 count ≥500 cells/mm³ (AOR=5.634, 95% CI 1.203, 26.383) were significantly associated with adherence to ART among patients.

CONCLUSION

The adherence of patients to ART is relatively low compared to other studies conducted in different regions. Age 39-49 years, educational status, comorbidity, and WHO clinical staging were negatively associated with ART adherence. Residency, disclosure, and current CD4 category greater than or equal to 500 cells/mm³ were positively associated with adherence. Good counseling to patients from rural areas, with low educational status, and with low CD4 counts, and on the importance of disclosure, is recommended and should be given by professionals.

Viral load Suppression and Associated Factors among HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Treatment in Bulambuli District, Eastern Uganda: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

HIV viral load suppression (VLS) is the most important indicator of successful antiretroviral therapy. In 2016, Bulambuli District started monitoring HIV patients on ART using viral load tests in an effort to meet the third 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 strategy which is VLS. The objective of this study was to determine the progress in Bulambuli District towards achievement of VLS among HIV infected patients on ART and associated factors that affect this programme.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was used. One thousand, one hundred and one medical records of HIV infected patients on ART who attended HIV clinic at Muyembe Health Centre IV from June 2016 to April 2018 were reviewed. A data abstraction tool was used for data collection. Chi Square was used to determine factors associated with VLS and logistic regression was used to determine the magnitude by which the ART and clinical factors influence VLS. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics for categorical variables and by computing proportions, means and standard deviation for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Of the patients (n = 944, 85.7%) had attained VLS. Adjusting for known confounders, only adherence to ART was a significant predictor of VLS. Individuals with fair adherence (80%-95%) had 2.667 times the odds of VLS, CI = 1.122-9.370, P-value of <.002 compared to individuals with good (>95%) adherence which was used as the reference while those with poor (<80%) adherence had 4.553 times the odds of attaining VLS, CI = 1.31-13.930, P-value of <.001 compared to individuals with good adherence.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Bulambuli District, at 85.7% VLS is on track to attaining the third 90 of the 90, 90, 90 global targets by 2020. It further reveals that adherence is the only significant predictor of VLS in the District.

Medication-based Refill Adherence Among Pregnant Women Living With HIV in Nigeria

PURPOSE

A major global public health challenge is the continuance of new pediatric HIV infections primarily because of mother to child transmission of HIV occurring mainly in sub-Saharan African countries. The purpose of this study was to examine antiretroviral therapy (ART) refill adherence and its determinants among pregnant women living with HIV in Nigeria.

METHODS

A retrospective review of pharmacy refill records was undertaken to examine adherence data on 275 pregnant women undergoing ART in 4 high-volume HIV treatment sites in Nigeria. A pharmacy refill adherence measure was used to assess medication refill behavior of pregnant women living with HIV who had received an ART refill during a period of 3 months. Medication-based ART refill adherence was categorized as % adherence (100% adherence) or % nonadherence (<100% adherence) to the ART refill scheduled dates. Refill appointments were scheduled on a 28-day cycle. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

FINDINGS

Of the 275 women, 59.3% (95% CI, 53.1%-65.5%) were adherent to their ART refill schedule. Women who initiated ART during the third trimester of their current pregnancy had the lowest adherence rate of 30.8% (95% CI, 7.7%-53.8%) compared with women who commenced ART before conception or during the first or second trimester. The availability of a treatment support person was significantly associated with ART refill adherence. The odds of medication-based refill adherence were 2.9 times higher for participants who had a treatment support person (odds ratio = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6-5.2; p = 0.001).

IMPLICATIONS

Results indicate that having a treatment support person could contribute to improving ART adherence in pregnant women living in Nigeria.

Understanding adherence in virally suppressed and unsuppressed human immunodeficiency virus-positive urban patients on second-line antiretroviral treatment

Background

Understanding antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence may assist in designing effective support interventions.

Objectives

This study elicited perspectives on how to promote treatment adherence from virologically suppressed and unsuppressed patients receiving second-line ART.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted with randomly selected patients active on second-line ART, from five public health facilities in the Johannesburg inner city. Data were collected on demographics, clinical information, participant’s experiences and ART knowledge. Virological failure was defined as exceeding 1000 copies/mL.

Results

The study sample comprised 149 participants; of which 47.7% (n = 71) were virally unsuppressed and 69.1% (n = 103) were women; the median age of the participants was 42 years (interquartile range [IQR] 36–47 years). Experiencing medication-related difficulties in taking second-line ART (p = 0.003), finding second-line regimen more difficult to take than a first-line regimen (p = 0.001) and experiencing side effects (p < 0.001) were all subjective predictors of virological failure. Participants’ recommendations for improving adherence included the introduction of a single tablet regimen (31.6%, n = 55), reducing the dosage to once daily (26.4%, n = 46) and reducing the pill size for second-line regimen (4.0%, n = 7).

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the importance of improving patients’ knowledge about adherence and motivation to continue ART use despite the persistence of side effects and difficulties with taking medication.

Magnitude of non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ethiopia

Introduction

Following global efforts to increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and coverage, Ethiopia has made significant achievement with a 6.3% annual decline in the HIV/AIDS incidence rate between 1990 and 2016. Such success depends not only on access to ART but also on attaining optimum treatment adherence. Emerging studies in Ethiopia has shown the increasing prevalence of poor adherence and lack of the desired viral suppression, but the extent and factors associated with non-adherence to ART are not well known, especially in the current study setup. In this study, we examined the magnitude and factors associated with treatment and non-adherence to ART among people living with HIV in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional facility based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among adult people living with HIV/AIDS from mid-December 2016 to February 2017 with only 98.9% response rate. Sociodemographic factors (age, gender, marital status and residential area), economic factors (educational status, income, asset possession, employment status, dietary diversity, nutritional status and food security), and clinical characteristics (CD4 count, duration on ART and history of opportunistic infections) were explanatory variables. ART non-adherence was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). We used binary logistic regression and subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the factors associated with ART non-adherence.

Result

Overall, 39.7% of the participants were found non-adherent to ART. Strong association was found between non-adherence to ART and young age below 25 years (AOR: 4.30, 95% CI [1.39-3.35]; p = 0.011), urban residential area (AOR: 2.78, CI [1.23-7.09], p = 0.043), lack of employment (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI [1.05-2.91], p = 0.032), food insecurity (AOR: 2.67, 95% CI [7.59-8.97]; p < 0.0001), malnutrition (AOR: 1.55, 95% CI [1.94-2.56]; p = 0.027) and opportunistic infections (AOR: 1.81, 95% CI [1.11-2.97]; p = 0.018).

Conclusion

The prevalence of non-adherence to ART in this study was high. Sociodemographic and economic factors such as young age of below 25 years, urban residential area, lack of employment, food insecurity, malnutrition and opportunistic infections were among the factors associated with non-adherence to ART.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among Human immunodeficiency virus positive patients accessing treatment at Nekemte referral hospital, west Ethiopia, 2019

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy has a remarkable clinical effect in reducing the progress of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The clinical outcome of Anti-Retroviral therapy depends on strict adherence. Poor adherence reduces the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and increases viral replication. With changes in service delivery over time and differences in socio-demographic status from region to region, it is essential to measure adherence. Therefore, this study aimed to assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients accessing treatment at Nekemte referral hospital, West Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 311 HIV/AIDS patients from March 01 to March 30, 2019. The study participants were selected by a simple random sampling method and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Bivariable logistic regression was conducted to find an association between each independent variable and adherence to antiretroviral medication. Multivariable logistic regression was used to find the independent variables which best predict adherence. The statistical significance was measured using odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval with a p-value of less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 311 patients sampled, 305 were participated in the study, making a response rate of 98.07%. From these 305 study participants,73.1% (95% CI = 68.2, 78.0) were adherent to their medication. Having knowledge about HIV and its treatment (AOR = 8.24, 95% CI: 3.10, 21.92), having strong family/social support (AOR = 6.21, 95% CI: 1.39, 27.62), absence of adverse drug reaction (AOR = 5.33, 95% CI: 1.95, 14.57), absence of comorbidity of other chronic diseases (AOR = 5.72, 95% CI: 1.91, 17.16) and disclosing HIV status to the family (AOR = 5.08, 95% CI: 2.09, 12.34) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of adherence to antiretroviral medication.

CONCLUSION

The level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy was found low compared to WHO recommendation. The clinician should emphasize reducing adverse drug reaction, detecting and treating co-morbidities early, improving knowledge through health education, and encouraging the patients to disclose their HIV status to their families.

Factors Influencing Effectiveness of Peer Education Against Nonadherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adult People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Pre-Post Intervention Study in Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

Background

Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people with HIV/AIDS can lead to drug resistance and death. Different studies have defined nonadherence, and it denotes at least one missed dose of ART within 28 days. One of the strategies to prevent nonadherence to ART could be peer education. However, published studies which test out whether or not peer education is effective for prevention of nonadherence to ART among adults living with HIV were not available. Moreover, published studies on factors discussing the success of peer education against nonadherence to ART were not available, so we conducted this study.

Objectives

To determine effectiveness of peer education against nonadherence to ART and identify factors influencing the effectiveness of peer education for prevention of nonadherence to ART among people living with HIV/AIDS in Arsi zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution based pre-post intervention study was conducted. The intervention was giving peer education for three months. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe the data. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the variables.

Results

The data was collected from 355 and 319 people with HIV/AIDS at pre- and post-intervention stages, respectively. Experiencing an ART side effect, reminder to take ART, gender, marital status and monthly income were associated with nonadherence. More study participants who had not useda reminder to take ART service missed at least one dose of ART when compared to those who used a reminder to take ART service (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =6.21; 95% CI=2.12–18.20).

Conclusion

Experiencing a side effect of ART influenced effectiveness of peer education negatively while using reminder to take ART influenced effectiveness positively. Peer education is effective for reduction of nonadherence to ART if it is used with reminder to take ART. This study can be a base for further studies that should be conducted in various areas, since peer education can be influenced by sociodemographic and economic factors.

Healthy Options: study protocol and baseline characteristics for a cluster randomized controlled trial of group psychotherapy for perinatal women living with HIV and depression in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Perinatal women accessing prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services are at an increased risk of depression; however, in Tanzania there is limited access to services provided by mental health professionals. This paper presents a protocol and baseline characteristics for a study evaluating a psychosocial support group intervention facilitated by lay community-based health workers (CBHWs) for perinatal women living with HIV and depression in Dar es Salaam.

METHODS

A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) is conducted comparing: 1) a psychosocial support group intervention; and 2) improved standard of mental health care. The study is implemented in reproductive and child health (RCH) centers providing PMTCT services. Baseline characteristics are presented by comparing sociodemographic characteristics and primary as well as secondary outcomes for the trial for intervention and control groups. The trial is registered under clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02039973).

RESULTS

Among 742 women enrolled, baseline characteristics were comparable for intervention and control groups, although more women in the control group had completed secondary school (25.2% versus 18.2%). Overall, findings suggest that the population is highly vulnerable with over 45% demonstrating food insecurity and 17% reporting intimate partner violence in the past 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline characteristics for the cluster RCT were comparable for intervention and control groups. The trial will examine the effectiveness of a psychosocial support group intervention for the treatment of depression among women living with HIV accessing PMTCT services. A reduction in the burden of depression in this vulnerable population has implications in the short-term for improved HIV-related outcomes and for potential long-term effects on child growth and development.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered under clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02039973). Retrospectively registered on January 20, 2014.

Incidence of common opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children on ART at Debre Markos referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For better treatments and interventions, current and up-to-date information concerning occurrence of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children is crucial. However, studies regarding the incidence of common opportunistic infections in HIV-infected children in Ethiopia are very limited. Hence, this study aimed to determine the incidence of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Debre Markos Referral Hospital.

Methods

A facility-based retrospective cohort study was undertaken at Debre Markos Referral Hospital for the period of January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2019. A total of 408 HIV-infected children receiving ART were included. Data from HIV-infected children charts were extracted using a data extraction form adapted from ART entry and follow-up forms. Data were entered using Epi-data™ Version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata™ Version 14. The Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to estimate the opportunistic infections free survival time. Both bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to identify the predictors of opportunistic infections.

Results

This study included the records of 408 HIV-infected children-initiated ART between the periods of January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2019. The overall incidence rate of opportunistic infections during the follow-up time was 9.7 (95% CI: 8.13, 11.48) per 100 child-years of observation. Tuberculosis at 29.8% was the most commonly encountered OI at follow-up. Children presenting with advanced disease stage (III and IV) (AHR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.7), having “fair” or “poor” ART adherence (AHR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 3.8), not taking OI prophylaxis (AHR:1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4), and CD4 count or % below the threshold (AHR:1.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6) were at a higher risk of developing opportunistic infections.

Conclusions

In this study, the incidence rate of opportunistic infections among HIV-infected children remained high. Concerning predictors, such as advanced disease stage (III and IV), CD4 count or % below the threshold, “fair” or “poor” ART adherence, and not taking past OI prophylaxis were found to be significantly associated with OIs.

Level of Adherence and Associated Factors Among HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Northern Ethiopia: Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Poor adherence to ART increases viremia, which leads to disease progression and transmission of drug-resistant HIV strains. This study aimed to assess the level of ART adherence and associated factors among adolescents and adult patients enrolled in ART care in Northern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted among 19,525 patients from April 2015 to March 2019. Data verification and filtration were done in Excel 2013 before exporting to STATA 14.0. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

About 94.84%, 95% CI (94.52%, 95.14%) of the study subjects were in good adherence. However, about 1.46%, 95% CI (1.30%, 1.64%) and 3.70%, 95% CI (3.44%, 3.97%) of them had poor and fair adherence respectively. In the adjusted analysis, being male (AOR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.0.65, 0.87), patients from general hospitals (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.69), WHO staging IV (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.81) and non-suppressed viral load (VL) status (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.63) were negatively associated with good adherence. Whereas, age of 50+ years old (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.50), recent CD4 count of 200-499 (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.74) and recent CD4 count of 500 and above (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.47, 2.32) were positively associated with good ART drug adherence.

CONCLUSION

There was a higher level of adherence compared to the previous studies conducted in Ethiopia. Being male, patients from general hospitals, WHO staging II, II and IV and non-suppressed VL status were negatively associated with good adherence. Whereas, older ages, recent CD4 count of 200-499 and ≥500 CD4 count were positively associated with good ART drug adherence. The health system should recognize a higher need of younger age groups and males to design targeted counseling and support to encourage consistently high levels of adherence for a better ART treatment outcome.

Factors Associated With Adherence To Anti-Retroviral Therapy Among People Living With HIV/AIDS At Wangaya Hospital In Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a major public health problem. Recently AIDS was considered as a manageable chronic disease. High adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) is necessary to achieve undetectable viral load, reduce morbidity, mortality and to improve the quality of life. It is also preventing the drug resistance, reducing the transmission and finally leading to live longer and healthier.

Objectives

To assess the factor associated with ART adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) at Wangaya Hospital, in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was carried out during January 2015–December 2017 among 202 PLWHA taking ART for at least 6 months. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics. The data were analyzed using SPSS software for windows version 24.0. Chi-square test was done, the precision value of 95% (p<0.05) was considered statistically to be significant.

Results

A total of 202 PLWHA taking ART, 170 (84.16%) were reported with high adherence (≥95%), 32 (15.84%) were low adherence (<95%). Factors found to be independently associated with high adherence to ART were employment status/occupation (p = 0.011), type of ARV (due to adverse effect of ART) (p = 0.002) and family support (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study found that the factor associated with ART adherence among PLWHA who visited Wangaya Hospital, in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, was employment status, type of ARV and family support.