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Mabasa RA, Skaal L, Mothiba TM. Social support experiences of adolescents living with perinatal HIV in rural Limpopo, South Africa. South Afr J HIV Med 2024; 25:1521. [PMID: 39113781 PMCID: PMC11304367 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v25i1.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents with perinatal HIV (APHIV) experience emotional turmoil, which is worsened by real or perceived negative impacts on the adolescents' relationships, aspirations for their careers, and aspirations for their families. Objectives To explore the experiences of APHIV with regard to social support on their mental health and general well-being in the Vhembe District of Limpopo province. Method A mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was employed to conduct in-depth one-on-one interviews in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo province of South Africa. The interviews were conducted in selected community health centres and clinics over a period of four months (April 2019 - July 2019). This study included APHIV between the ages of 10 years and 19 years who had been initiated on antiretroviral therapy before the age of 10 years. Results Two major themes emerged. Theme 1 - Experiences within the family - included the sub-themes experience of positive social support within the family, and lack of support in the family. Theme 2 - Experiences outside the family - included the sub-themes experiences at the clinic, experiences at community level, and experiences at school and with friends. Conclusion Adolescents with perinatal HIV are in need of social support from their loved ones as well as the community. Expansion of household programmes and intervention through integration of services by the multidisciplinary team might assist with alleviating the social support needs which will improve their mental health and adherence to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rirhandzu A Mabasa
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Linda Skaal
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Tebogo M Mothiba
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
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Devendra A, Kohler M, Letsika M, Khooa H, Motaboli L, Lerotholi M, Tschumi N, Labhardt ND, Brown JA. HIV viral suppression in children and adolescents 2 years after transition to dolutegravir: a multicentre cohort study. AIDS 2024; 38:1013-1023. [PMID: 38381717 PMCID: PMC11064912 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment failure is common among children and adolescents with HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing dolutegravir has recently been rolled out across Africa, though long-term real-world data in paediatric populations are lacking. Here, we report treatment outcomes among children and adolescents in Lesotho who transitioned from nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based to dolutegravir-based ART through 2 years' follow-up. METHODS Data were derived from two open cohort studies in Lesotho. Children and adolescents aged less than 18 years who transitioned from NNRTI-based to dolutegravir-based ART at least 18 months before data closure were included. We report viral load results less than 12 months before, 12 (window: 6-17) months after, and 24 (window: 18-29) months after transition to dolutegravir. Associations of pretransition demographic and clinical factors with 24-month viraemia were assessed through multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Among 2126 included individuals, 1100 (51.7%) were female individuals, median age at transition to dolutegravir was 14.0 years [interquartile range (IQR) 11.5-15.8], and median time taking ART at transition was 7.6 years (IQR 4.4-10.6). Among those with a viral load result at the respective time points, viral suppression to less than 50 copies/ml was achieved by 1635 of 1973 (82.9%) less than 12 months before, 1846 of 2012 (91.8%) 12 months after, and 1725 of 1904 (90.6%) 24 months after transition to dolutegravir. Pretransition viraemia was associated with viraemia at 24 months, though more than 80% of individuals with pretransition viraemia achieved resuppression to less than 50 copies/ml at 24 months. CONCLUSION The proportion of children and adolescents with viral suppression increased after transition to dolutegravir, though further progress is needed to reach global targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Devendra
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Maurus Kohler
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Motlatsi Letsika
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Hape Khooa
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Malebanye Lerotholi
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Ministry of Health of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Nadine Tschumi
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D. Labhardt
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer A. Brown
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Zhou S, Cluver L, Knight L, Edun O, Sherman G, Toska E. Longitudinal Trajectories of Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence and Associations With Durable Viral Suppression Among Adolescents Living With HIV in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 96:171-179. [PMID: 38771754 PMCID: PMC11115368 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with other age groups, adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are estimated to have lower levels of adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Despite this, we lack evidence on adolescents' adherence patterns over time to inform the customization of intervention strategies. SETTING Eastern Cape province, South Africa. METHODS We analyzed data from a cohort of ALHIV (N = 1046, aged 10-19 years at baseline) recruited from 53 public health facilities. The cohort comprised 3 waves of data collected between 2014 and 2018 and routine viral load data from the National Institute for Communicable Disease data warehouse (2014-2019). Durable viral suppression was defined as having suppressed viral load (<1000 copies/mL) at ≥2 consecutive study waves. Group-based multitrajectory model was used to identify adherence trajectories using 5 indicators of self-reported adherence. Logistic regression modeling evaluated the associations between adherence trajectories and durable viral suppression. RESULTS Overall, 933 ALHIV (89.2%) completed all 3 study waves (55.1% female, mean age: 13.6 years at baseline). Four adherence trajectories were identified, namely, "consistent adherence" (49.8%), "low start and increasing" (20.8%), "gradually decreasing" (23.5%), and "low and decreasing" (5.9%). Adolescents experiencing inconsistent adherence trajectories were more likely to be older, live in rural areas, and have sexually acquired HIV. Compared with the consistent adherence trajectory, the odds of durable viral suppression were lower among adolescents in the low start and increasing (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.95), gradually decreasing (aOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.59), and the low and decreasing adherence (aOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.62) trajectories. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to antiretroviral treatment remains a challenge among ALHIV in South Africa. Identifying adolescents at risk of nonadherence, based on their adherence trajectories may inform the tailoring of adolescent-friendly support strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyanai Zhou
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa & Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom & Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa & School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Olanrewaju Edun
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gayle Sherman
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa & Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elona Toska
- Centre for Social Science Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa & Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Nabayinda J, Nalwanga D, Najjuuko C, Nabunya P, Atwebembere R, Namuyaba OI, Mukasa M, Ssewamala FM. A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial of an Economic Strengthening Intervention to Enhance Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence among Adolescents Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1570-1580. [PMID: 38231361 PMCID: PMC11070301 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04268-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
We examined the impact of an economic empowerment intervention on ART adherence among ALHIV. We used data from 455 ALHIV, randomized into intervention, n = 111, and control n = 344. ALHIV were aged 12-16 and recruited from 39 clinics in Uganda between January 2013 and December 2015. The intervention comprised a long-term child development account (CDA), micro-enterprise workshops, and educational sessions. Adherence was measured using unannounced pill counts. We used mixed-effects logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of the intervention on ART adherence. The mean age was 12.6 years. Despite observing non-significant group main effects, we found significant group-by-time interaction effects χ2(5) = 45.41, p < 0.001. Pairwise comparisons showed that compared to the control group, participants who received the intervention had significantly higher adherence at visit four, OR = 1.52 (95% CI: 1.07-2.18), p = 0.020; visit five, OR = 1.59 (95% CI: 1.06-2.38), p = 0.026; and visit six, OR = 1.94 (95% CI: 1.24-3.04), p = 0.004. Efforts to support ALHIV to live longer and healthier lives should incorporate components addressing poverty. However, declining adherence raises concerns over ALHIV's long-term well-being. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT01790373, with a primary outcome of adherence to HIV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Josephine Nabayinda
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Damalie Nalwanga
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claire Najjuuko
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | | | | | - Miriam Mukasa
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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Nabunya P, Cavazos-Rehg P, Mugisha J, Kasson E, Namuyaba OI, Najjuuko C, Nsubuga E, Filiatreau LM, Mwebembezi A, Ssewamala FM. An mHealth Intervention to Address Depression and Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Youths Living With HIV in Uganda: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e54635. [PMID: 38457202 PMCID: PMC10960218 DOI: 10.2196/54635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV often struggle with mental health comorbidities that lower their antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. There is growing evidence that depression treatment may improve ART adherence and result in improved HIV outcomes. Given that mental health services are severely underequipped in low-resource settings, including in Uganda, new solutions to increase access to mental health care and close the treatment gap are urgently needed. This protocol paper presents the Suubi-Mhealth study, which proposed to develop a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for use among Ugandan youths (14-17 years) with comorbid HIV and depression, taking into account their unique contextual, cultural, and developmental needs. OBJECTIVE The proposed study is guided by the following objectives: (1) to develop and iteratively refine an intervention protocol for Suubi-Mhealth based on formative work to understand the needs of youths living with HIV; (2) to explore the feasibility and acceptability of Suubi-Mhealth on a small scale to inform subsequent refinement; (3) to test the preliminary impact of Suubi-Mhealth versus a waitlist control group on youths' outcomes, including depression and treatment adherence; and (4) to examine barriers and facilitators for integrating Suubi-Mhealth into health care settings. METHODS Youths will be eligible to participate in the study if they are (1) 14-17 years of age, (2) HIV-positive and aware of their status, (3) receiving care and ART from one of the participating clinics, and (4) living within a family. The study will be conducted in 2 phases. In phase 1, we will conduct focus group discussions with youths and health care providers, for feedback on the proposed intervention content and methods, and explore the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. In phase II, we will pilot-test the preliminary impact of the intervention on reducing depression and improving ART adherence. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 1-, 2-, and 6-months post intervention completion. RESULTS Participant recruitment for phase 1 is completed. Youths and health care providers participated in focus group discussions to share their feedback on the proposed Suubi-Mhealth intervention content, methods, design, and format. Transcription and translation of focus group discussions have been completed. The team is currently developing Suubi-Mhealth content based on participants' feedback. CONCLUSIONS This study will lay important groundwork for several initiatives at the intersection of digital therapeutics, HIV treatment, and mental health, especially among sub-Saharan African youths, as they transition through adolescence and into adult HIV care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05965245; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05965245. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/54635.
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Affiliation(s)
- Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Patricia Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - James Mugisha
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Claire Najjuuko
- Division of Computational & Data Sciences, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Edward Nsubuga
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lindsey M Filiatreau
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Ouedraogo P, Kanzyemo L, Razza R, Pietra V, Belemsobgom E, Schumacher RF. Transition of adolescents living with HIV from pediatric to adult care, a retrospective 12-year Single Center Study from the Sahel Region in West-Africa. AIDS Care 2024; 36:53-59. [PMID: 36942457 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2190955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTTransition is the next major hurdle in the field of HIV-infected youth, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. At St Camille Hospital in Ouagadougou, fully informed and compliant patients over 13-years-old were eligible for referral to the adult HIV/AIDS service, after completion of an individualized preparatory process. Transition consisted in at least two consecutive "joined-service" appointments in the respective facilities. We retrospectively compared immunological, clinical, and therapeutical data one year before transition, at transition and one year after transition. Between 2008 and 2019 73 patients (34 females, 39 males) were transitioned. All had been previously in pediatric care for at least 1 year and 66 were on HAART. Matched paired analysis of CD4 counts revealed a modest drop in CD4 cells over time (p < 0.05). Clinical data also showed strong fluctuation between WHO clinical stages over the three time points, with a clear trend towards increased severity especially post transfer. This large retrospective 12-year single-center experience from a Sahel country showed a 95.8% retention rate at one year. It demonstrates how a comprehensive plan, carefully implemented, can provide excellent retention, even in a low-resource setting. However, mild immunological decline was associated with a worrisome clinical deterioration, underlining the importance of assessing the latter after transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ouedraogo
- Pediatric HIV service, "Hôpital St Camille de Ouagadougou", Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Lolita Kanzyemo
- Pediatric HIV service, "Hôpital St Camille de Ouagadougou", Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Rossana Razza
- Pediatric HIV service, "Hôpital St Camille de Ouagadougou", Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- University Children's Hospital, "Ospedale dei Bambini", ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Medicus Mundi Italy, Office of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Virginio Pietra
- Medicus Mundi Italy, Office of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Adult HIV service, "Hôpital St Camille de Ouagadougou", Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Eric Belemsobgom
- Adult HIV service, "Hôpital St Camille de Ouagadougou", Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Richard Fabian Schumacher
- University Children's Hospital, "Ospedale dei Bambini", ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Medicus Mundi Italy, Office of Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Kizito S, Nabunya P, Ssewamala FM. Enhancing Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents Living With HIV Through Group-Based Therapeutic Approaches in Uganda: Findings From a Pilot Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pediatr Psychol 2023; 48:907-913. [PMID: 37935531 PMCID: PMC10653347 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine the preliminary impact of group-cognitive behavioral therapy (G-CBT) versus a family-strengthening intervention delivered via multiple family group (MFG) in improving ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Uganda. METHODS We analyzed data from a pilot cluster-randomized trial (2020-2022) conducted in 9 clinics in Uganda among 89 participants, who were eligible out of the 147 ALHIV screened. Participants were eligible if they were aged 10-14 years, HIV positive, taking ART, and living with a family. Adolescents were randomized, at the clinic level, to receive the usual care (n = 29), MFG (n = 34), or G-CBT (n = 26). The interventions were delivered over 3 months. Overall, the mean percentage attendance for the 10 G-CBT and MFG sessions was 87.7% and 90.2%, respectively. Three ALHIV were lost to follow-up, while 1 child died. Adherence was assessed using pharmacy records collected at baseline and 4 additional pharmacy visits. We used mixed-effects logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of the interventions on ART adherence. RESULTS We found statistically significant main effects for the intervention, χ2(2) = 7.76, p = .021, time, χ2(2) = 39.67, p < .001, and intervention-time interaction effect χ2(6)= 27.65, p < .001. Pairwise comparisons showed increasing adherence in the MFG group compared to usual care at visit 3 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.52 [1.01-20.11], p = .047) and visit 5 (OR = 3.56 [1.42-8.91], p = .007). Also, compared to usual care, participants who received G-CBT showed higher adherence at visit 4 (OR = 2.69 [1.32-5.50], p = .007). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed preliminary evidence that G-CBT and MFG might have contributed to improved ART adherence among ALHIV. Moreover, G-CBT is a low-cost alternative to expensive individual therapy, especially in low-resource settings. The results warrant the need for more extensive studies to better understand the role of these interventions in the routine care of ALHIV. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov (#NCT04528732).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Fred M Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
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Embleton L, Shah P, Apondi E, Ayuku D, Braitstein P. "If they had a place to live, they would be taking medication": a qualitative study identifying strategies for engaging street-connected young people in the HIV prevention-care continuum in Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26023. [PMID: 37267115 PMCID: PMC10237327 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Street-connected young people (SCY) experience structural and social barriers to engaging in the HIV prevention-care continuum. We sought to elicit recommendations for interventions that may improve SCY's engagement along the HIV prevention-care continuum from healthcare providers, policymakers, community members and SCY in Kenya. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Nakuru and Kitale counties in Kenya between May 2017 and September 2018 to explore and describe the public perceptions of, and proposed and existing responses to, the phenomenon of SCY. This secondary analysis focuses on a subset of data interviews that investigated SCY's healthcare needs in relation to HIV prevention and care. We conducted 41 in-depth interviews and seven focus group discussions with 100 participants, of which 43 were SCY. In total, 48 participants were women and 52 men. RESULTS Our analysis resulted in four major themes corresponding to stages in the HIV prevention-care continuum for key populations. We identified the need for an array of strategies to engage SCY in HIV prevention and testing services that are patient-centred and responsive to the diversity of their circumstances. The use of pre-exposure prophylaxis was a biomedical prevention strategy that SCY and healthcare providers alike stressed the need to raise awareness around and access to for SCY. Several healthcare providers suggested peer-based approaches for engaging SCY throughout the continuum. However, SCY heavily debated the appropriateness of using peer-based methods. Structural interventions, such as the provision of food and housing, were suggested as strategies to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence. CONCLUSIONS This study identified contextually relevant interventions that should be adapted and piloted for use with SCY. Education and sensitization of SCY and healthcare providers alike were identified as possible strategies, along with affordable housing and anti-poverty strategies as cash transfers and provision of food. Peer-based interventions are a clear option but require SCY-specific adaptation to be implemented effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Embleton
- Centre for Global HealthDalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Pooja Shah
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | | | - David Ayuku
- Department of Mental Health and Behavioural ScienceCollege of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
| | - Paula Braitstein
- Department of EpidemiologyDalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH)EldoretKenya
- School of Public Health, College of Health SciencesMoi UniversityEldoretKenya
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Munyayi FK, van Wyk BE. Determinants and rates of retention in HIV care among adolescents receiving antiretroviral therapy in Windhoek, Namibia: a baseline cohort analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:458. [PMID: 36890540 PMCID: PMC9994767 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15356-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term engagement in HIV care is essential to achieving and maintaining viral suppression. Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) experience many barriers to remaining engaged in care and treatment programs. Higher attrition among adolescents compared to adults remains a huge concern due to unique psychosocial and health systems challenges adolescents face, and recently the COVID-19 pandemic effects. We report on determinants and rates of retention in care in adolescents aged 10-19 years enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Windhoek, Namibia. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of routine clinical data of 695 adolescents aged 10-19 years enrolled for ART at 13 Windhoek district public healthcare facilities, between January 2019 and December 2021 was conducted. Anonymized patient data were extracted from an electronic database and registers. Bivariate and Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed to determine factors associated with retention in care among ALHIV at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Retention in care trends were also described using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS The retention in care rates at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months were 97.7%, 94.1%, 92.4%, 90.2%, and 84.6%, respectively. Our study population had predominantly treatment-experienced adolescents, who initiated ART between birth and 9 years (73.5%), were on treatment for > 24 months (85.0%), and on first-line ART (93.1%). After controlling for confounders, the risk of dropping out of care was increased for older adolescents aged 15-19 years (aHR = 1.964, 95% CI 1.033-3.735); adolescents on switched ART regimens (Second line + Third line regimen) (aHR = 4.024, 95% CI 2.021-8.012); adolescents who initiated ART at 15-19 years (aHR = 2.179, 95%CI 1.100-4.316); and male adolescents receiving ART at a PHC clinic (aHR = 4.322, 1.332-14.024). Conversely, the risk of ALHIV dropping out of care decreased for adolescents whose TB screen results were negative (aHR = 0.215, 95% CI 0.095-0.489). CONCLUSION Retention in care rates among ALHIV in Windhoek do not meet the UNAIDS revised target of 95%. Gender-specific interventions are needed to keep male and older adolescents motivated and engaged in long-term care, and to promote adherence amongst those adolescents who were initiated on ART in late adolescence (15-19 years).
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Affiliation(s)
- Farai K. Munyayi
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian E. van Wyk
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Long-Term Post-Transition Outcomes of Adolescents and Young Adults Living With Perinatally and Non-perinatally Acquired HIV in Southeast Asia. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:471-479. [PMID: 36535867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed factors associated with clinical, social, and behavioral outcomes of adolescents and young adults with HIV (AYHIV) in Southeast Asia after transition from pediatric to adult HIV care. METHODS AYHIV in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam were prospectively followed through annual clinical assessments and laboratory testing. Data were described descriptively and a generalized estimating equation was used to calculate independent predictors for HIV viremia (>40 copies/mL). RESULTS A total of 93 AYHIV were followed until February 2019: 60% female, 94% acquired HIV perinatally, 81% Thai, median age 20 (interquartile range, 18-21) years. The median follow-up time was 94 (91-100) weeks; 88% completed the study. At week 96, median CD4 was 557 cells/mm3 (interquartile range, 337-786), 77% had suppressed HIV viral load, 39% reported recent alcohol use, 49% had been sexually active, 53% of females and 36% of males intended to have children, and 23% screened positive for moderate depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥9) or reported suicidal ideation. HIV viremia was associated with <90% adherence to HIV treatment (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 2.2 [1.28-3.78]), CD4 count ≤500 cells/mm3 (aIRR 4.75 [2.11-10.69]), and being on a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor regimen (vs. protease inhibitor aIRR 2.71 [1.13-6.49]). Having a trusted person to talk with about their feelings was protective (vs. never; usually or always, aIRR 0.41 [0.18-0.92]). DISCUSSION After transition to adult HIV care, there were indications of social isolation and mental health problems that could prevent these AYHIV from maintaining control over their HIV infection and hinder progress toward social independence.
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11
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Hlophe LD, Tamuzi JL, Shumba CS, Nyasulu PS. Barriers and facilitators to anti-retroviral therapy adherence among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0276411. [PMID: 37200399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) significantly affects adolescents globally, with the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reporting a high burden of the disease. HIV testing, treatment, and retention to care are low among adolescents. We conducted a mixed-method systematic review to assess anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence; barriers and facilitators to ART adherence and ART outcomes among adolescents living with HIV and on ART in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We conducted searches in four scientific databases for studies conducted between 2010 and March 2022 to identify relevant primary studies. Studies were screened against inclusion criteria and assessed for quality, and data was extracted. Meta-analysis of rates and odd ratios was used to plot the quantitative studies and meta-synthesis summarized the evidence from qualitative studies. RESULTS A total of 10 431 studies were identified and screened against the inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Sixty-six studies met the inclusion criteria (41 quantitative, 16 qualitative, and 9 mixed-methods study designs). Fifty-three thousand two hundred and seventeen (53 217) adolescents (52 319 in quantitative studies and 899 in qualitative studies) were included in the review. Thirteen support focused interventions for improved ART adherence were identified from quantitative studies. The plotted results from the meta-analysis found an ART adherence rate of 65% (95%CI 56-74), viral load suppression was 55% (95%CI 46-64), un-suppressed viral load rate of 41% (95%CI 32-50), and loss to follow up of 17% (95%CI 10-24) among adolescents. Meta-synthesis found six themes of barriers to ART (social, patient-based, economic, health system-based, therapy-based, and cultural barriers) in both the qualitative and quantitative studies, and three themes of facilitators to ART were also identified (social support, counselling, and ART education and secrecy or confidentiality) from qualitative studies. CONCLUSION ART adherence remains low among adolescents in SSA despite multiple interventions implemented to improve ART adherence. The low adherence rate may hinder the attainment of the UNAIDS 2030 targets. Additionally, various barriers to ART adherence due to lack of support have been reported among this age group. However, interventions aimed at improving social support, educating, and counselling adolescents may improve and sustain ART adherence. TRIAL REGISTRATION Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021284891.
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Affiliation(s)
- Londiwe D Hlophe
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eswatini, Mbabane, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | - Jacques L Tamuzi
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Peter S Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Meya DB, Kiragga AN, Nalintya E, Banturaki G, Akullo J, Kalyesubula P, Sessazi P, Bitakalamire H, Kabanda J, Kalamya JN, Namale A, Bateganya M, Kagaayi J, Gutreuter S, Adler MR, Mitruka K. Impact of an intensive facility-community case management intervention on 6-month HIV outcomes among select key and priority populations in Uganda. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:62. [PMID: 36471321 PMCID: PMC9724352 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00486-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Key and priority populations (with risk behaviours and health inequities) are disproportionately affected by HIV in Uganda. We evaluated the impact of an intensive case management intervention on HIV treatment outcomes in Kalangala District, predominantly inhabited by fisher folk and female sex workers. METHODS This quasi-experimental pre-post intervention evaluation included antiretroviral therapy naïve adults aged ≥ 18 years from six health facilities in the pre-intervention (Jan 1, 2017-December 31, 2017) and intervention phase (June 13, 2018-June 30, 2019). The primary outcomes were 6-month retention and viral suppression (VS) before and after implementation of the intervention involving facility and community case managers who supported participants through at least the first three months of ART. We used descriptive statistics to compared the characteristics, overall outcomes (i.e., retention, lost to follow up, died), and VS of participants by phase, and used mixed-effects logistic regression models to determine factors associated with 6-month retention in care. Marginal (averaging over facilities) probabilities of retention were computed from the final multivariable model. RESULTS We enrolled 606 and 405 participants in the pre-intervention and intervention phases respectively. Approximately 75% of participants were aged 25-44 years, with similar age and gender distributions among phases. Approximately 46% of participants in the intervention were fisher folk and 9% were female sex workers. The adjusted probability of 6-month retention was higher in the intervention phase, 0.83 (95% CI: 0.77-0.90) versus pre-intervention phase, 0.73 (95% CI: 0.69-0.77, p = 0.03). The retention probability increased from 0.59 (0.49-0.68) to 0.73 (0.59-0.86), p = 0.03 among participants aged 18-24 years, and from 0.75 (0.71-0.78) to 0.85 (0.78-0.91), p = 0.03 among participants aged ≥ 25 years. VS (< 1,000 copies/mL) was approximately 87% in both phases. CONCLUSIONS After implementation of the case management intervention, we observed significant improvement in 6-month retention in all age groups of a highly mobile population of predominantly fisher folk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Meya
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, 22418 Kampala, Uganda ,grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Medicine and International Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA ,grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes N. Kiragga
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, 22418 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Nalintya
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, 22418 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grace Banturaki
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, 22418 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan Akullo
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, 22418 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phillip Kalyesubula
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, 22418 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Sessazi
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Mulago Hill Road, 22418 Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joseph Kabanda
- grid.512457.0U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius N. Kalamya
- grid.512457.0U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alice Namale
- grid.512457.0U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Bateganya
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Joseph Kagaayi
- grid.452655.50000 0004 8340 6224Rakai Health Sciences, Program, Rakai Uganda ,grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Makerere School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steve Gutreuter
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Michelle R. Adler
- grid.512457.0U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kiren Mitruka
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
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Impact of conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing on health outcomes of adolescents living with HIV in Anambra State, Nigeria: A cluster-randomised trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 30:100997. [PMID: 36147247 PMCID: PMC9486535 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) have had worse outcomes compared to adults. They face enormous difficulty in accessing HIV care services. We hypothesize that conditional economic incentives (CEI) and motivational interviewing could increase retention in care, medication adherence and ultimately viral load suppression. Therefore, we evaluated the one-year impact of conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing on the health outcomes of ALHIV in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods Using a cluster-randomised design, we examined the one-year (from December 1, 2018, to November 30, 2019), individual-level impact of an Incentive Scheme comprising conditional economic incentives and motivational interviewing on achieving undetectable viral load (primary outcome), CD4+ count, adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in care (secondary outcomes) by ALHIV in Anambra State, Nigeria. Twelve HIV treatment hospitals were stratified according to the type of clinic (secondary or tertiary) and randomly assigned to the intervention arm or control arm to receive the Incentive Scheme or routine care, respectively. ALHIV aged 10–19 years, initiated into HIV care for a minimum of 6 months, and who adhered poorly to medications (<100% adherence rate) were eligible for the study. Participants in the intervention arm received motivational interviewing at the study baseline and every visit. They also received US$5.6 when HIV viral load (VL) was <20 copies/mL at month 3, US$2.8 if the VL remained suppressed at months 6 and 9, and US$5.6 if the VL remained <20 copies/mL at month 12. Results Of the 246 trial participants, 119 were in the intervention while 127 were in the control arm. There was no difference in the baseline characteristics of the participants between the intervention and control arm except for the number of participants with undetectable viral load and the number of participants with ≥95% adherence. Although participants in the intervention arm had a 10.1% increase while those in the control arm had a 1.6% decrease in proportion with undetectable viral load (≤20 copies/ml) after 12 months, the change in the primary outcome was not statistically significant. Similarly, the differences in the secondary outcomes were not statistically significant. Conclusion The Incentive Scheme did not improve the virologic outcome of ALHIV after 12 months. Differences in the secondary outcomes after 12 months were also not significantly different from the baseline. Trial registration We registered the trial retrospectively with The Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/(PACTR201806003040425) on 2/2/2018.
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Kizito S, Namuwonge F, Brathwaite R, Neilands TB, Nabunya P, Bahar OS, Damulira C, Mwebembezi A, Mellins C, McKay MM, Ssewamala FM. Monitoring adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents in Southern Uganda: comparing Wisepill to Self-report in predicting viral suppression in a cluster-randomized trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25990. [PMID: 36052462 PMCID: PMC9437555 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is crucial for improved patient outcomes; however, ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) is low. Also, the performance of various adherence measures among ALHIV is under contention. We monitored ART adherence and compared Self-report (SR) and Wisepill electronic monitoring (EM) performance in measuring ART adherence and predicting HIV viral suppression among ALHIV. METHODS Between January 2014 and December 2015, we recruited 702 ALHIV aged 10-16 years into our cluster-randomized controlled trial (2012-2018) in 39 clinics in Uganda. The intervention included a long-term savings child development account, four micro-enterprise workshops and 12 mentorship sessions. Using the entire sample, we performed multilevel logistic regression to predict monthly ART adherence trends for the first year of follow-up. Since it is possible that the intervention had different effects on SR and EM adherence, we used participants in the control arm only to compare adherence using SR and EM and to calculate their sensitivity and specificity in predicting viral suppression. RESULTS There was a significant decline in adherence for each month throughout the entire follow-up period regardless of the group assigned. Good ART adherence was measured at 79.2% (75.2-82.6%) and 97.0% (95.4-98.1%) using EM and SR, respectively. Overall, 64.3% (60.6-67.9%) had suppressed viral loads. The specificities for EM and SR in predicting viral non-suppression were 80.4% (73.6-85.7%) and 96.7% (93.3-98.4%), while the sensitivities were 22.9% (15.0-33.3%) and 1.8% (0.4-6.9%), respectively. The area under the curve was low for both EM and SR, at 53.6% (45.7-61.5%) and 56.2% (53.2-59.3%), respectively. There was high agreement (78%) between SR and EM in monitoring adherence. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlighted the need for strategies for sustained optimal adherence. SR and EM measure adherence with a considerable agreement; however, neither is an accurate predictor of virological outcome. There is still a need for an acceptable, feasible and affordable method that predicts viral suppression among ALHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kizito
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and DevelopmentMasakaUganda
| | - Rachel Brathwaite
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- Division of Prevention ScienceUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Christopher Damulira
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | - Claude Mellins
- Columbia University, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral StudiesDepartment of PsychiatryNew York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Mary M. McKay
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- International Center for Child Health and Development, Brown SchoolWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
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15
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Okonji EF, Wyk BV, Mukumbang FC. Two-year retention in care for adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Ehlanzeni district, South Africa: a baseline cohort analysis. AIDS Care 2022; 35:374-384. [PMID: 35357245 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2057409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) struggle to remain engaged in HIV-related care and adhere to antiretroviral treatment (ART) due to a myriad of physical, psychological and cognitive-developmental challenges. We report on the profile of ALHIV aged 10-19 years on ART and the clinical factors associated with their retention in care. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted with 16,108 ALHIV, aged 10-19 years, who were enrolled in 136 ART clinics in the Ehlanzeni district. Anonymised data were obtained from electronic medical records (Tier.net). Trends in retention in care among adolescents on ART was described using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. Cox proportional analysis was performed to identify factors associated with retention in care over 2 years. More than half (53%) were females, and median duration on ART was 8 months. Retention in care among adolescents at months 6, 12, 18 and 24 was 90.5%, 85.4%, 80.8% and 76.2%, respectively. After controlling for confounders, risk of dying or lost to follow up increased for female adolescents (aHR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.49); being initiated on ART while pregnant (aHR = 2.72, 95% CI 1.99-3.69); history of TB infection (aHR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.65); and started ART at age 10-14 years (aHR = 2.45, 95% CI 1.96-3.05), and 15-19 years (aHR = 9.67, 95% CI 7.25-12.89). Retention in care among adolescents on ART over two-year period was considerably lower than the UNAIDS 2030 target of 95%. Of particular concern for intervention is the lower rates of retention in care among females and pregnant adolescents and starting ART between the ages of 10 and 19 years. Family or caregivers and peer support groups centred interventions designed to promote early initiation and retention in care through early case identification are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka F Okonji
- School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Van Wyk
- School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ferdinand C Mukumbang
- School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of global Health, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Mayasi N, Situakibanza H, Mbula M, Longokolo M, Maes N, Bepouka B, Ossam JO, Moutschen M, Darcis G. Retention in care and predictors of attrition among HIV-infected patients who started antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DRC, before and after the implementation of the 'treat-all' strategy. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000259. [PMID: 36962315 PMCID: PMC10022330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The retention of patients in care is a key pillar of the continuum of HIV care. It has been suggested that the implementation of a "treat-all" strategy may favor attrition (death or lost to follow-up, as opposed to retention), specifically in the subgroup of asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLWH) with high CD4 counts. Attrition in HIV care could mitigate the success of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. We performed a retrospective study of PLWH at least 15 years old initiating ART in 85 HIV care centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between 2010 and 2019, with the objective of measuring attrition and to define factors associated with it. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics recorded at ART initiation included sex, age, weight, height, WHO HIV stage, pregnancy, baseline CD4 cell count, start date of ART, and baseline and last ART regimen. Attrition was defined as death or loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU was defined as "not presenting to an HIV care center for at least 180 days after the date of a last missed visit, without a notification of death or transfer". Kaplan-Meier curves were used to present attrition data, and mixed effects Cox regression models determined factors associated with attrition. The results compared were before and after the implementation of the "treat-all" strategy. A total of 15,762 PLWH were included in the study. Overall, retention in HIV care was 83% at twelve months and 77% after two years of follow-up. The risk of attrition increased with advanced HIV disease and the size of the HIV care center. Time to ART initiation greater than seven days after diagnosis and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk of attrition. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy modified the clinical characteristics of PLWH toward higher CD4 cell counts and a greater proportion of patients at WHO stages I and II at treatment initiation. Initiation of ART after the implementation of the 'treat all" strategy was associated with higher attrition (p<0.0001) and higher LTFU (p<0.0001). Attrition has remained high in recent years. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy was associated with higher attrition and LTFU in our study. Interventions to improve early and ongoing commitment to care are needed, with specific attention to high-risk groups to improve ART coverage and limit HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mayasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Hippolyte Situakibanza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Marcel Mbula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Murielle Longokolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ben Bepouka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Jérôme Odio Ossam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Michel Moutschen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
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Anukam O, Blanco N, Jumare J, Lo J, Babatunde E, Odafe S, Onotu D, Ene U, Fagbamigbe J, Carpenter D, Rivadeneira ED, Omoigberale AI, Charurat M, Swaminathan M, Stafford KA. Outcomes of HIV Positive Children and Adolescents Initiated on Antiretroviral Treatment in Nigeria (2007-2016). J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2022; 21:23259582221117009. [PMID: 35929105 PMCID: PMC9358598 DOI: 10.1177/23259582221117009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This manuscript aimed to examine treatment outcomes of HIV-positive children and adolescents. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of a sample of patients aged 0–19 years who initiated ART (October 2007–September 2016) in participating sites in 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria. Results: Among 4006 patients alive at the end of the follow up period, 138 (3.4%) were LTFU. Adolescents had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU than children aged 3–5 years (HR 2.47 [95% CI 1.40-4.34]). Patients with advanced disease had a significantly higher risk of being LTFU (Stage IV HR, 3.66 [95% CI: 2.00-6.68]). On average, optimal ART refill adherence was met by 67.3% of patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that focusing on preventing and managing advanced disease and interventions supporting adolescents when transferring to adult care is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julia Lo
- 12265University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Solomon Odafe
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Dennis Onotu
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Uzoma Ene
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Johnson Fagbamigbe
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Deborah Carpenter
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emilia D Rivadeneira
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Austin I Omoigberale
- Paediatric Association of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Child Health, 251350University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | | | - Mahesh Swaminathan
- Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, Nigeria
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Aderemi-Williams RI, Razaq AR, Abah IO, Opanuga OO, Akanmu AS. Adolescents and Young Adults Knowledge, Adherence and Experiences While on Antiretroviral Therapy in a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria: A Mixed-Method Study. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 20:23259582211062754. [PMID: 34881662 PMCID: PMC8832484 DOI: 10.1177/23259582211062754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In Nigeria, there is a paucity of data on knowledge and experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with HIV and ART, as well as their challenges maintaining optimal adherence. A mixed-method study was carried out between August and September 2018 among AYAs attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data collection was via AYAs' hospital records, standardized questionnaires, and in-depth interviews (IDIs). The 4-day ACTG tool was used to measure adherence. Collected data were analyzed descriptively. Assessment of 34 AYAs comprising 18 (52.9%) males with 28 (82.4%) students revealed an overall knowledge score about ART and its effect of 73.6%. Twenty-five (73.5%) had poor knowledge of the development of resistant strains of HIV due to non-adherence recorded. Optimal adherence (≥95%) was recorded in 20 (58.8%) AYAs. IDI produced 4 themes: (i) reasons for non-adherence, (ii) ensuring optimal adherence, (iii) Social support systems and disclosure, and (iv) stigmatization. Our study provided formative data and revealed areas for intervention to improve knowledge and adherence to ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alani Sulaimon Akanmu
- University of Lagos, CMUL Campus, Lagos, Nigeria.,291389Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria
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Taiwo BO, Kuti KM, Kuhns LM, Omigbodun O, Awolude O, Adetunji A, Berzins B, Janulis P, Johnson AK, Okonkwor O, Oladeji BD, Muldoon A, Adewumi OM, Amoo P, Atunde H, Kapogiannis B, Garofalo R. Effect of Text Messaging Plus Peer Navigation on Viral Suppression Among Youth With HIV in the iCARE Nigeria Pilot Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1086-1092. [PMID: 34153015 PMCID: PMC8496997 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consistent with the global trend, youth with HIV (YWH) in Nigeria have high rates of viral nonsuppression. Hence, novel interventions are needed. SETTING Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS In a single-arm trial, participants aged 15-24 years received 48 weeks of a combination intervention, comprising daily 2-way text message medication reminders plus peer navigation. The primary outcome measure was viral suppression less than 200 copies/mL. The secondary outcome measures included self-reported adherence on a visual analog scale and medication possession ratio, each dichotomized as ≥90% (good) or <90% (poor) adherence. The outcomes were analyzed using McNemar test. Retention in care, intervention feasibility and acceptability, and participants' satisfaction were also assessed. RESULTS Forty YWH (50% male participants) were enrolled: mean age 19.9 years (SD = 2.5), 55% perinatally infected, and 35% virologically suppressed at baseline. Compared with baseline, the odds of virologic suppression was higher at 24 weeks (odds ratio = 14.00, P < 0.001) and 48 weeks (odds ratio = 6.00, P = 0.013). Self-reported adherence (≥90%) increased from baseline at 24 weeks (63%, P = 0.008) and 48 weeks (68%, P = 0.031). Medication possession ratio ≥90% increased at weeks 24 and 48 (85% and 80%, respectively), achieving statistical significance at 24 weeks alone (P = 0.022). Retention in care at 48 weeks was 87.5%. All (37/37) participants at week 48 were fully or mostly satisfied with the intervention. CONCLUSION Daily 2-way text message reminders plus peer navigation is a promising combination intervention to improve viral suppression among YWH in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babafemi O. Taiwo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Kehinde M. Kuti
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Lisa M. Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, USA
| | - Olayinka Omigbodun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olutosin Awolude
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adedotun Adetunji
- Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Baiba Berzins
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Patrick Janulis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Amy K. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, USA
| | - Ogochukwu Okonkwor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Bibilola D. Oladeji
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Abigail Muldoon
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, USA
| | | | - Paul Amoo
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Hannah Atunde
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bill Kapogiannis
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, USA
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