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Bernardo EL, Nhampossa T, Clouse K, Carlucci JG, Fernández-Luis S, Fuente-Soro L, Nhacolo A, Sidat M, Naniche D, Moon TD. Patterns of mobility and its impact on retention in care among people living with HIV in the Manhiça District, Mozambique. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250844. [PMID: 34019556 PMCID: PMC8139482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Retention in HIV care is a challenge in Mozambique. Mozambique´s southern provinces have the highest mobility levels of the country. Mobility may result in poorer response to HIV care and treatment initiatives. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey to explore the impact of mobility on retention for HIV-positive adults on ART presenting to the clinic in December 2017 and January 2018. Survey data were linked to participant clinical records from the HIV care and treatment program. This study took place in Manhiça District, southern Mozambique. We enrolled self-identified migrants (moved outside of Manhiça District ≤12 months prior to survey) and non-migrants, matched by age and sex. Results 390 HIV-positive adults were included. We found frequent movement: 45% of migrants reported leaving the district 3–5 times over the past 12 months, usually for extended stays. South Africa was the most common destination (71%). Overall, 30% of participants had at least one delay (15–60 days) in ART pick-up and 11% were delayed >60 days, though no significant difference was seen between mobile and non-mobile cohorts. Few migrants accessed care while traveling. Conclusion Our population of mobile and non-mobile participants showed frequent lapses in ART pick-up. Mobility could be for extended time periods and HIV care frequently did not continue at the destination. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of Mozambique´s approach of providing 3-months ART among mobile populations and barriers to care while traveling, as is better education on how and where to access care when traveling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson L. Bernardo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Tacilta Nhampossa
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- National Institute of Health of Mozambique, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - James G. Carlucci
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sheila Fernández-Luis
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Fuente-Soro
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mohsin Sidat
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Denise Naniche
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Onoya D, Mokhele I, Sineke T, Mngoma B, Moolla A, Vujovic M, Bor J, Langa J, Fox MP. Health provider perspectives on the implementation of the same-day-ART initiation policy in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:2. [PMID: 33407574 PMCID: PMC7789550 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-00673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In September 2016, South Africa (SA) began implementing the universal-test-and-treat (UTT) policy in hopes of attaining the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets by 2020. The SA National Department of Health provided a further directive to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the day of HIV diagnosis in September 2017. We conducted a qualitative study to determine the progress in implementing UTT and examine health providers' perspectives on the implementation of the same-day initiation (SDI) policy, six months after the policy change. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with three professional nurses, and four HIV lay counsellors of five primary health clinics in the Gauteng province, between October and December 2017. In September 2018, we also conducted a focus group discussion with ten professional nurses/clinic managers from ten clinic facilities. The interviews and focus groups covered the adoption and implementation of UTT and SDI policies. Interviews were conducted in English, Sotho or Zulu and audio-recorded with participant consent. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim, translated to English and analysed thematically using NVivo 11. Results The data indicates inconsistencies across facilities and incongruities between counsellor and nursing provider perspectives regarding the SDI policy implementation. While nurses highlighted the clinical benefits of early ART initiation, they expressed concerns that immediate ART may be overwhelming for some patients, who may be unprepared and likely to disengage from care soon after the initial acceptance of ART. Accordingly, the SDI implementation was slow due to limited patient demand, provider ambivalence to the policy implementations, as well as challenges with infrastructure and human resources. The process for assessing patient readiness was poorly defined by health providers across facilities, inconsistent and counsellor dependent. Providers were also unclear on how to ensure that patients who defer treatment return for ongoing counselling. Conclusions Our results highlight important gaps in the drive to achieve the ART initiation target and demonstrate the need for further engagement with health care providers around the implementation of same-day ART initiation, particularly with regards to infrastructural/capacity needs and the management of patient readiness for lifelong ART on the day of HIV diagnosis. Additionally, there is a need for improved promotion of the SDI provision both in health care settings and in media communications to increase patient demand for early and lifelong ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Idah Mokhele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tembeka Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Aneesa Moolla
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Jacob Bor
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Departments of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America.,Departments of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Matthew P Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Departments of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America.,Departments of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Duffy C, Kenga DB, Gebretsadik T, Maússe FE, Manjate A, Zaqueu E, Fernando HF, Green AF, Sacarlal J, Moon TD. Multiple Concurrent Illnesses Associated with Anemia in HIV-Infected and HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children Aged 6-59 Months, Hospitalized in Mozambique. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:605-612. [PMID: 31933456 PMCID: PMC7056436 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anemia is an increasingly recognized problem in sub-Saharan Africa. To determine the magnitude, severity, and associated factors of anemia among hospitalized children aged 6–59 months, HIV-infected and HIV-exposed uninfected children (a child born to a known HIV-infected mother) with a documented fever or history of fever within the prior 24 hours of hospital admission (N = 413) were included in this analysis. Of 413 children enrolled, 364 (88%) were anemic, with 53% classified as mild anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] 7–9.9 g/dL). The most common diagnoses associated with hospital admission included acute respiratory illness (51%), malnutrition (47%), gastroenteritis/diarrhea (25%), malaria (17%), and bacteremia (13%). A diagnosis of malaria was associated with a decrease in Hb by 1.54 g/dL (P < 0.001). In HIV-infected patients, malaria was associated with a similar decrease in Hb (1.47 g/dL), whereas a dual diagnosis of bacteremia and malaria was associated with a decrease in Hb of 4.12 g/dL (P < 0.001). No difference was seen in Hb for patients on antiretroviral therapy versus those who were not. A diagnosis of bacteremia had a roughly 4-fold increased relative odds of death during hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio = 3.97; 95% CI: 1.61, 9.78; P = 0.003). The etiology of anemia in high-burden malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, and poor nutrition countries is multifactorial, and multiple etiologies may be contributing to one’s anemia at any given time. Algorithms used by physician and nonphysician clinicians in Mozambique should incorporate integrated and non–disease specific approaches to pediatric anemia management and should include improved access to blood culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Duffy
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Darlenne B Kenga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Tebeb Gebretsadik
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Fabião E Maússe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alice Manjate
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Ann F Green
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jahit Sacarlal
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Troy D Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Wahlfeld CC, Muicha A, Harrison P, Kipp AM, Claquin G, Silva WP, Green AF, Wester CW, Moon TD. HIV Rapid Diagnostic Test Inventories in Zambézia Province, Mozambique: A Tale of 2 Test Kits. Int J Health Policy Manag 2019; 8:292-299. [PMID: 31204445 PMCID: PMC6571497 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2019.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The first pillar of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goal seeks to accurately identify persons living with HIV (PLHIV), a process that is predicated on facilities having the necessary HIV tests available to perform the task. In many rural settings, the identification of PLHIV is accomplished through a two-step process involving the sequential use of 2 separate rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Inadequate inventory of either test has ramifications for the success of HIV-related programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inventory levels of HIV RDT kits at specific healthcare facilities in Zambézia province, Mozambique.
Methods: Using facility-level pharmacy stock surveillance data from October 2015 through September 2016, we assessed the inventory levels of HIV RDTs at 75 health facilities in 8 districts within Zambézia province, Mozambique. Using programmatically established categories (good, sufficient, threatened, or stockout), defined in conjunction with the provincial health authorities, descriptive statistics were performed to determine inventory control of HIV RDTs at the district and health facility levels. Monthly proportions of adequate (good + sufficient) inventory were calculated for each district to identify inventory trends over the evaluation period. To assess whether the proportion of inadequate stocks differed between RDT, a mixed-effects logistic regression was conducted, with inadequate inventory status as the outcome of interest.
Results: When viewed as a whole, the inventory of each test kit was reported as being at adequate levels more than 89% of the time across the 75 facilities. However, disaggregated analysis revealed significant variability in the inventory levels of HIV RDTs at the district level. Specifically, the districts of Inhassunge, Namacurra, and Pebane reported inadequate inventory levels (threatened + stockout), of one or both test kits, for more than 10% of the study period. In addition, a disparity between inventory levels of each test kit was identified, with the odds of reporting inadequate inventory levels of the confirmatory test (Uni-Gold™) being approximately 1.8-fold greater than the initial test (Determine™) (odds ratio: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.40-2.38).
Conclusion: As Test and Treat programs evolve, a significant emphasis should be placed on the "test" component of the strategy, beginning with assurances that health facilities have the adequate inventory of RDT necessary to meet the needs of their community. As national policy-makers rely predominantly on data from the upstream arm of the supply chain, it is unlikely the disparity between inventory levels of HIV RDTs identified at individual districts and specific health facilities would have been recognized. Moving forward, our findings point to a need for (1) renewed efforts reinforcing appropriate downstream forecasting of essential medicines and diagnostic tests in general and for Uni-Gold™ test kits specifically, and (2) simple metrics that may be routinely collected at all health facilities and which may then easily and quickly flow upstream so that policy-makers may optimally allocate resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Wahlfeld
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amina Muicha
- Friends in Global Health, Department of Pharmacy, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | | | - Aaron M Kipp
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Ann F Green
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Filimão DBC, Moon TD, Senise JF, Diaz RS, Sidat M, Castelo A. Individual factors associated with time to non-adherence to ART pick-up within HIV care and treatment services in three health facilities of Zambézia Province, Mozambique. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213804. [PMID: 30908522 PMCID: PMC6433271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mozambique has made significant gains in addressing its HIV epidemic, yet adherence to visit schedules remains a challenge. HIV programmatic gains to date could be impaired if adherence and retention to ART remains low. We investigate individual factors associated with non-adherence to ART pick-up in Mozambique. Methods This was a retrospective cohort of patients initiating ART between January 2013 and June 2014. Non-adherence to ART pick-up was defined as a delay in pick-up ≥ 15 days. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Adherence to ART pick-up was assessed using Kaplan Meier estimates. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors associated with non-adherence. Results 1,413 participants were included (77% female). Median age was 30.4 years. 19% of patients remained adherent to ART pick-up during the evaluation period, while 81% of patients were non-adherent to ART pick-up. Probability of being non-adherent to ART pick-up by 166 days following initiation was 50%. In univariate analysis, being widowed was associated with higher adherence to ART pick-up than other marital status groups (p = 0.01). After adjusting, being ≥35 years (aHR: 0.843, 95% CI: 0.738–0.964, p = 0.012); receiving efavirenz (aHR: 0.932, 95% CI: 0.875–0.992, p = 0.026); and being urban (aHR: 0.754, 95% CI: 0.661–0.861, p<0.0001) were associated with improved adherence. Non-participation in a Community ART Support Group (CASG) was associated with a 43% increased hazard of non-adherence to ART pick-up (aHR 1.431, 1.192–1.717, p<0.0001) Conclusions Interventions should focus on the first 6 months following ARV initiation for improvements. Younger persons and widows are two target groups for better understanding facilitators and barriers to visit schedule adherence. Future strategies should explore the benefits of joining CASGs earlier in one´s treatment course. Finally, greater efforts should be made to accelerate the scale-up of viral load capacity and HIV resistance monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dércio B. C. Filimão
- Provincial Directorate of Health, Zambézia Province, Quelimane, Mozambique
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Retrovirology Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jorge F. Senise
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo S. Diaz
- Retrovirology Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Adauto Castelo
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Kassie GM, Belay T, Sharma A, Feleke G. Promoting Local Ownership: Lessons Learned from Process of Transitioning Clinical Mentoring of HIV Care and Treatment in Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2018; 6:14. [PMID: 29459890 PMCID: PMC5807662 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Focus on improving access and quality of HIV care and treatment gained acceptance in Ethiopia through the work of the International Training and Education Center for Health. The initiative deployed mobile field-based teams and capacity building teams to mentor health care providers on clinical services and program delivery in three regions, namely Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. Transitioning of the clinical mentoring program (CMP) began in 2012 through capacity building and transfer of skills and knowledge to local health care providers and management. Objective The initiative explored the process of transitioning a CMP on HIV care and treatment to local ownership and documented key lessons learned. Methods A mixed qualitative design was used employing focus group discussions, individual in-depth interviews, and review of secondary data. The participants included regional focal persons, mentors, mentees, multidisciplinary team members, and International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) staff. Three facilities were selected in each region. Data were collected by trained research assistants using customized guides for interviews and with data extraction format. The interviews were recorded and fully transcribed. Open Code software was used for coding and categorizing the data. Results A total of 16 focus group discussions and 20 individual in-depth interviews were conducted. The critical processes for transitioning a project were: establishment of a mentoring transition task force, development of a roadmap to define steps and directions for implementing the transition, and signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the respective regional health bureaus and I-TECH Ethiopia to formalize the transition. The elements of implementation included mentorship and capacity building, joint mentoring, supportive supervision, review meetings, and independent mentoring supported by facility-based mechanisms: multidisciplinary team meetings, case-based discussions, and catchment area meetings. Conclusion The process of transitioning the CMP to local ownership involved signing an MOU, training of mentors, and building capacity of mentoring in each region. The experience shed light on how to transition donor-supported work to local country ownership, with key lessons related to strengthening the structures of regional health bureaus, and other facilities addressing critical issues and ensuring continuity of the facility-based activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anjali Sharma
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Hyle EP, Jani IV, Rosettie KL, Wood R, Osher B, Resch S, Pei PP, Maggiore P, Freedberg KA, Peter T, Parker RA, Walensky RP. The value of point-of-care CD4+ and laboratory viral load in tailoring antiretroviral therapy monitoring strategies to resource limitations. AIDS 2017; 31:2135-2145. [PMID: 28906279 PMCID: PMC5634708 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the clinical and economic value of point-of-care CD4 (POC-CD4) or viral load monitoring compared with current practices in Mozambique, a country representative of the diverse resource limitations encountered by HIV treatment programs in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN/METHODS We use the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications-International model to examine the clinical impact, cost (2014 US$), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [$/year of life saved (YLS)] of ART monitoring strategies in Mozambique. We compare: monitoring for clinical disease progression [clinical ART monitoring strategy (CLIN)] vs. annual POC-CD4 in rural settings without laboratory services and biannual laboratory CD4 (LAB-CD4), biannual POC-CD4, and annual viral load in urban settings with laboratory services. We examine the impact of a range of values in sensitivity analyses, using Mozambique's 2014 per capita gross domestic product ($620) as a benchmark cost-effectiveness threshold. RESULTS In rural settings, annual POC-CD4 compared to CLIN improves life expectancy by 2.8 years, reduces time on failed ART by 0.6 years, and yields an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $480/YLS. In urban settings, biannual POC-CD4 is more expensive and less effective than viral load. Compared to biannual LAB-CD4, viral load improves life expectancy by 0.6 years, reduces time on failed ART by 1.0 year, and is cost-effective ($440/YLS). CONCLUSION In rural settings, annual POC-CD4 improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective compared to CLIN. In urban settings, viral load has the greatest clinical benefit and is cost-effective compared to biannual POC-CD4 or LAB-CD4. Tailoring ART monitoring strategies to specific settings with different available resources can improve clinical outcomes while remaining economically efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P Hyle
- aMedical Practice Evaluation Center bDivision of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA cInstituto Nacional de Saùde, Maputo, Mozambique dDivision of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA eDesmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa fCenter for Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston gClinton Health Access Initiative, Boston hHarvard University Center for AIDS Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA iClinton Health Access Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana jBiostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Audet CM, Chire YM, Vaz LME, Bechtel R, Carlson-Bremer D, Wester CW, Amico KR, Gonzaléz-Calvo L. Barriers to Male Involvement in Antenatal Care in Rural Mozambique. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2016; 26:1721-31. [PMID: 25854615 PMCID: PMC4598282 DOI: 10.1177/1049732315580302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Low rates of antenatal care (ANC) service uptake limit the potential impact of mother-to-child HIV-prevention strategies. Zambézia province, Mozambique, has one of the lowest proportions of ANC uptake among pregnant women in the country, despite the availability of free services. We sought to identify factors influencing ANC service uptake (including HIV counseling and testing) through qualitative methods. In addition, we encouraged discussion about strategies to improve uptake of services. We conducted 14 focus groups to explore community views on these topics. Based on thematic coding of discourse, two main themes emerged: (a) gender inequality in decision making and responsibility for pregnancy and (b) community beliefs that uptake of ANC services, particularly, if supported by a male partner, reflects a woman's HIV-positive status. Interventions to promote ANC uptake must work to shift cultural norms through male partner participation. Potential strategies to promote male engagement in ANC services are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lara M E Vaz
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Friends in Global Health (FGH), Quelimane, Mozambique Save the Children, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Ruth Bechtel
- Friends in Global Health (FGH), Quelimane, Mozambique
| | | | | | | | - Lázaro Gonzaléz-Calvo
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Friends in Global Health (FGH), Quelimane, Mozambique
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Khademi N, Reshadat S, Zangeneh A, Saeidi S, Ghasemi SR, Rajabi-Gilan N, Zakiei A. A comparative study of the spatial distribution of HIV prevalence in the metropolis of Kermanshah, Iran, in 1996-2014 using geographical information systems. HIV Med 2016; 18:220-224. [PMID: 27535117 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Geographical information systems (GISs) have made spatiotemporal understanding of geographical patterns possible and have contributed to the identification and analysis of factors relating to health care behaviours and outcomes. The present study is the first to examine the spatial distribution of HIV prevalence in the metropolis of Kermanshah, Iran, using GISs. METHODS The research methods were descriptive, analytical and comparative. Additionally, data recorded for HIV-infected patients in 1996-2014 were used and then the loci of HIV infection in the metropolis of Kermanshah were identified and analysed spatially using ArcGIS (Esri, New York, NY, USA). RESULTS HIV prevalence in the metropolis of Kermanshah increased from 1996 to 2014. Analysis of the spatial distribution of the prevalence of HIV using ArcGIS indicated the presence of clusters of HIV infection. The findings demonstrate that there were many clusters of high HIV prevalence throughout the city of Kermanshah and that these clusters increased in size during the study period. Furthermore, the statistics are indicative of a growing number of HIV-infected women as well as a significant reduction in the mean age of the HIV-infected female population. CONCLUSIONS The spatial differences in HIV prevalence across the city of Kermanshah, as well as the identification of the resulting spatial clusters in different parts of the city, suggest that measures should be put in place to prevent the growth of these clusters and to reduce the number of women being infected with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Khademi
- CDC Department, Kermanshah Health Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - S Reshadat
- Center of Excellence for Community Oriented Medicine Education, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - A Zangeneh
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - S Saeidi
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - S R Ghasemi
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - N Rajabi-Gilan
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - A Zakiei
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Successes and Challenges of HIV Mentoring in Malawi: The Mentee Perspective. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158258. [PMID: 27352297 PMCID: PMC4924818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV clinical mentoring has been utilized for capacity building in Africa, but few formal program evaluations have explored mentee perspectives on these programs. EQUIP is a PEPFAR-USAID funded program in Malawi that has been providing HIV mentoring on clinical and health systems since 2010. We sought to understand the successes and challenges of EQUIP’s mentorship program. From June-September 2014 we performed semi-structured, in-depth interviews with EQUIP mentees who had received mentoring for ≥ 1 year. Interview questions focused on program successes and challenges and were performed in English, audio recorded, coded, and analyzed using inductive content analysis with ATLAS.ti v7. Fifty-two mentees from 32 health centers were interviewed. The majority of mentees were 18–40 years old (79%, N = 41), 69% (N = 36) were male, 50% (N = 26) were nurses, 29% (N = 15) medical assistants, and 21% (N = 11) clinical officers. All mentees felt that EQUIP mentorship was successful (100%, N = 52). The most common benefit reported was an increase in clinical knowledge allowing for initiation of antiretroviral therapy (33%, N = 17). One-third of mentees (N = 17) reported increased clinic efficiency and improved systems for patient care due to EQUIP’s systems mentoring including documentation, supply chain and support for minor construction at clinics. The most common challenge (52%, N = 27) was understaffing at facilities, with mentees having multiple responsibilities during mentorship visits resulting in impaired ability to focus on learning. Mentees also reported that medication stock-outs (42%, N = 22) created challenges for the mentoring process. EQUIP’s systems-based mentorship and infrastructure improvements allowed for an optimized environment for clinical training. Shortages of health workers at sites pose a challenge for mentoring programs because mentees are pulled from learning experiences to perform non-HIV-related clinic duties. Evaluations of existing mentoring models are needed to continue to improve mentoring strategies that result in sustainable benefits for mentees, facilities, and patients.
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Audet CM, Groh K, Moon TD, Vermund SH, Sidat M. Poor-quality health services and lack of programme support leads to low uptake of HIV testing in rural Mozambique. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2015; 11:327-35. [PMID: 25860191 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2012.754832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mozambique has one of the world's highest burdens of HIV infection. Despite the increase in HIV-testing services throughout the country, the uptake has been low. To identify barriers to HIV testing we conducted a study in six rural districts in Zambézia Province. We recruited a total of 124 men and women from the community through purposeful sampling to participate in gender-specific focus group discussions about barriers to HIV testing. The participants noted three main barriers to HIV testing: 1) poor conduct by clinicians, including intentional disclosure of patients' HIV status to other community members; 2) unintentional disclosure of patients' HIV status through clinical practices; and, 3) a widespread fatalistic belief that HIV infection will result in death, particularly given poor access to adequate food. Improving quality and confidentiality within clinical service delivery, coupled with the introduction of food-supplement programmes should increase people's willingness to test and remain in care for HIV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- a Department of Preventive Medicine , Vanderbilt University , Village at Vanderbilt, 1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 2100 , Nashville , Tennessee , 37212 , United States
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Abstract
Within Mozambique's current HIV care system, there are numerous opportunities for a person to become lost to follow-up (LTFU) prior to initiating antiretroviral therapy (pre-ART). We explored pre-ART LTFU in Zambézia province utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. Patients were deemed LTFU if they were more than 60 days late for either a scheduled appointment or a CD4+ cell count blood draw, according to national guidelines. Among 13,968 adult patients registered for care, 211 (1.8 %) died, one transferred, 2,196 (15.7 %) initiated ART, and 9,195 (65.8 %) were LTFU during the first year. Being male, younger, less educated, and/or having no home electricity were associated with LTFU. Qualitative interviews revealed that poor clinical care, logistics and competing priorities contribute to attrition. In addition, many expressed fears of stigma and/or rejection by family or community members because they were HIV-infected. At 66 %, pre-ART LTFU in Zambézia, Mozambique is a significant problem. This study highlights characteristics of lost patients and discusses barriers requiring consideration to improve retention.
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Edwards LJ, Moisés A, Nzaramba M, Cassimo A, Silva L, Mauricio J, Wester CW, Vermund SH, Moon TD. Implementation of a health management mentoring program: year-1 evaluation of its impact on health system strengthening in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. Int J Health Policy Manag 2015; 4:353-61. [PMID: 26029894 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avante Zambézia is an initiative of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Friends in Global Health, LLC (FGH) and the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) to provide technical assistance to the Mozambican Ministry of Health (MoH) in rural Zambézia Province. Avante Zambézia developed a district level Health Management Mentorship (HMM) program to strengthen health systems in ten of Zambézia's 17 districts. Our objective was to preliminarily analyze changes in four domains of health system capacity after the HMM's first year: accounting, Human Resources (HRs), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), and transportation management. METHODS Quantitative metrics were developed in each domain. During district visits for weeklong, on-site mentoring, the health management mentoring teams documented each indicator as a success ratio percentage. We analyzed data using linear regressions of each indicator's mean success ratio across all districts submitting a report over time. RESULTS Of the four domains, district performance in the accounting domain was the strongest and most sustained. Linear regressions of mean monthly compliance for HR objectives indicated improvement in three of six mean success ratios. The M&E capacity domain showed the least overall improvement. The one indicator analyzed for transportation management suggested progress. CONCLUSION Our outcome evaluation demonstrates improvement in health system performance during a HMM initiative. Evaluating which elements of our mentoring program are succeeding in strengthening district level health systems is vital in preparing to transition fiscal and managerial responsibility to local authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Edwards
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Abú Moisés
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Laura Silva
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Buehler CP, Blevins M, Ossemane EB, González-Calvo L, Ndatimana E, Vermund SH, Sidat M, Olupona O, Moon TD. Assessing spatial patterns of HIV knowledge in rural Mozambique using geographic information systems. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 20:353-364. [PMID: 25430042 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a cross-sectional mapping analysis of HIV knowledge in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, and to examine spatial patterns of HIV knowledge and associated household characteristics. METHODS A population-based cluster survey was administered in 2010; data were analysed from 201 enumeration areas in three geographically diverse districts: Alto Molócuè, Morrumbala and Namacurra. We assessed HIV knowledge scores (0-9 points) using previously validated assessment tools. Using geographic information systems (GIS), we mapped hot spots of high and low HIV knowledge. Our multivariable linear regression model estimated HIV knowledge associations with distance to nearest clinic offering antiretroviral therapy, respondent age, education, household size, number of children under five, numeracy, literacy and district of residence. RESULTS We found little overall HIV knowledge in all three districts. People in Alto Molócuè knew comparatively most about HIV, with a median score of 3 (IQR 2-5) and 22 of 51 (43%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 of 9 points. Namacurra district, closest to the capital city and expected to have the best HIV knowledge levels, had a median score of 1 (IQR 0-3) and only 3 of 57 (5%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 points. More HIV knowledge was associated with more education, age, household size, numeracy and proximity to a health facility offering antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS HIV knowledge is critical for its prevention and treatment. By pinpointing areas of poor HIV knowledge, programme planners can prioritize educational resources and outreach initiatives within the context of antiretroviral therapy expansion.
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Blevins M, José E, Bilhete FR, Vaz LM, Shepherd BE, Audet CM, Vermund SH, Moon TD. Two-year death and loss to follow-up outcomes by source of referral to HIV care for HIV-infected patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in rural Mozambique. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015; 31:198-207. [PMID: 25381732 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied patient outcomes by type of referral site following 2 years of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) during scale-up from June 2006 to July 2011 in Mozambique's rural Zambézia Province. Loss to follow-up (LTFU) was defined as no contact within 60 days after scheduled medication pickup. Endpoints included LTFU, mortality, and combined mortality/LTFU; we used Kaplan-Meier and cumulative incidence estimates. The referral site was the source of HIV testing. We modeled 2-year outcomes using Cox regression stratified by district, adjusting for sociodemographics and health status. Of 7,615 HIV-infected patients ≥15 years starting cART, 61% were female and the median age was 30 years. Two-year LTFU was 38.1% (95% CI: 36.9-39.3%) and mortality was 14.2% (95% CI 13.2-15.2%). Patients arrived from voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) sites (51%), general outpatient clinics (21%), antenatal care (8%), inpatient care (3%), HIV/tuberculosis/laboratory facilities (<4%), or other sources of referral (14%). Compared with VCT, patients referred from inpatient, tuberculosis, or antenatal care had higher hazards of LTFU. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHR; 95% CI) for 2-year mortality by referral site (VCT as referent) were inpatient 1.87 (1.36-2.58), outpatient 1.44 (1.11-1.85), and antenatal care 0.69 (0.43-1.11) and for mortality/LTFU were inpatient 1.60 (1.34-1.91), outpatient 1.17 (1.02-1.33), tuberculosis care 1.38 (1.08-1.75), and antenatal care 1.24 (1.06-1.44). That source of referral was associated with mortality/LTFU after adjusting for patient characteristics at cART initiation suggests that (1) additional unmeasured factors are influential, and (2) retention programs may benefit from targeting patient populations based on source of referral with focused counseling and/or social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eurico José
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Lara M.E. Vaz
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Carolyn M. Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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Correlates of suboptimal entry into early infant diagnosis in rural north central Nigeria. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 67:e19-26. [PMID: 24853310 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an estimated 59,000 incident pediatric HIV infections in 2012 in Nigeria, rates of early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV service uptake remain low. We evaluated maternal factors independently associated with EID uptake in rural North Central Nigeria. METHODS We performed a cohort study using HIV/AIDS program data of HIV-infected pregnant women enrolled into HIV care/treatment on or before December 31, 2012 (n = 712). We modeled the probability of initiation of EID using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Three hundred fifty-seven HIV-infected pregnant women enrolled their infants in EID across the 4 study sites. Women who enrolled their infants in EID vs. those who did not were similar across age, occupation, referral source, and select laboratory variables. Clinic of enrollment and date of enrollment were strong predictors for EID entry (P < 0.001). Women enrolled more recently were less likely to have their infants undergo EID than those enrolled at the beginning of the project (January 2011 vs. January 2010, adjusted odds ratio = 0.35, 95% confidence interval: 0.22 to 0.56; January 2012 vs. January 2010, adjusted odds ratio = 0.30, 95% confidence interval: 0.14 to 0.61). Women who received care in the more urban setting of Umaru Yar Adua Hospital were more likely to have their infants enrolled in EID than those who received care in the other 3 clinics. CONCLUSIONS HIV-infected women in our prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission program were more likely to bring in their infants for EID if they were enrolled in a more urbanized clinic location, and if they presented during an earlier phase of the program. The need for more intensive family engagement and program quality improvement is apparent, especially in rural settings.
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Vermund SH, Blevins M, Moon TD, José E, Moiane L, Tique JA, Sidat M, Ciampa PJ, Shepherd BE, Vaz LME. Poor clinical outcomes for HIV infected children on antiretroviral therapy in rural Mozambique: need for program quality improvement and community engagement. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110116. [PMID: 25330113 PMCID: PMC4203761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Residents of Zambézia Province, Mozambique live from rural subsistence farming and fishing. The 2009 provincial HIV prevalence for adults 15-49 years was 12.6%, higher among women (15.3%) than men (8.9%). We reviewed clinical data to assess outcomes for HIV-infected children on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in a highly resource-limited setting. METHODS We studied rates of 2-year mortality and loss to follow-up (LTFU) for children <15 years of age initiating cART between June 2006-July 2011 in 10 rural districts. National guidelines define LTFU as >60 days following last-scheduled medication pickup. Kaplan-Meier estimates to compute mortality assumed non-informative censoring. Cumulative LTFU incidence calculations treated death as a competing risk. RESULTS Of 753 children, 29.0% (95% CI: 24.5, 33.2) were confirmed dead by 2 years and 39.0% (95% CI: 34.8, 42.9) were LTFU with unknown clinical outcomes. The cohort mortality rate was 8.4% (95% CI: 6.3, 10.4) after 90 days on cART and 19.2% (95% CI: 16.0, 22.3) after 365 days. Higher hemoglobin at cART initiation was associated with being alive and on cART at 2 years (alive: 9.3 g/dL vs. dead or LTFU: 8.3-8.4 g/dL, p<0.01). Cotrimoxazole use within 90 days of ART initiation was associated with improved 2-year outcomes Treatment was initiated late (WHO stage III/IV) among 48% of the children with WHO stage recorded in their records. Marked heterogeneity in outcomes by district was noted (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS We found poor clinical and programmatic outcomes among children taking cART in rural Mozambique. Expanded testing, early infant diagnosis, counseling/support services, case finding, and outreach are insufficiently implemented. Our quality improvement efforts seek to better link pregnancy and HIV services, expand coverage and timeliness of infant diagnosis and treatment, and increase follow-up and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Eurico José
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Linda Moiane
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - José A. Tique
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- School of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Philip J. Ciampa
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Lara M. E. Vaz
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
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Antiretroviral therapy program expansion in Zambézia Province, Mozambique: geospatial mapping of community-based and health facility data for integrated health planning. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109653. [PMID: 25329169 PMCID: PMC4201452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To generate maps reflecting the intersection of community-based Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) delivery points with facility-based HIV program demographic information collected at the district level in three districts (Ile, Maganja da Costa and Chinde) of Zambézia Province, Mozambique; in order to guide planning decisions about antiretroviral therapy (ART) program expansion. METHODS Program information was harvested from two separate open source databases maintained for community-based VCT and facility-based HIV care and treatment monitoring from October 2011 to September 2012. Maps were created using ArcGIS 10.1. Travel distance by foot within a 10 km radius is generally considered a tolerable distance in Mozambique for purposes of adherence and retention planning. RESULTS Community-based VCT activities in each of three districts were clustered within geographic proximity to clinics providing ART, within communities with easier transportation access, and/or near the homes of VCT volunteers. Community HIV testing results yielded HIV seropositivity rates in some regions that were incongruent with the Ministry of Health's estimates for the entire district (2-13% vs. 2% in Ile, 2-54% vs. 11.5% in Maganja da Costa, and 23-43% vs. 14.4% in Chinde). All 3 districts revealed gaps in regional disbursement of community-based VCT activities as well as access to clinics offering ART. CONCLUSIONS Use of geospatial mapping in the context of program planning and monitoring allowed for characterizing the location and size of each district's HIV population. In extremely resource limited and logistically challenging settings, maps are valuable tools for informing evidence-based decisions in planning program expansion, including ART.
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Victor B, Blevins M, Green AF, Ndatimana E, González-Calvo L, Fischer EF, Vergara AE, Vermund SH, Olupona O, Moon TD. Multidimensional poverty in rural Mozambique: a new metric for evaluating public health interventions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108654. [PMID: 25268951 PMCID: PMC4182519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon and unidimensional measurements have proven inadequate to the challenge of assessing its dynamics. Dynamics between poverty and public health intervention is among the most difficult yet important problems faced in development. We sought to demonstrate how multidimensional poverty measures can be utilized in the evaluation of public health interventions; and to create geospatial maps of poverty deprivation to aid implementers in prioritizing program planning. METHODS Survey teams interviewed a representative sample of 3,749 female heads of household in 259 enumeration areas across Zambézia in August-September 2010. We estimated a multidimensional poverty index, which can be disaggregated into context-specific indicators. We produced an MPI comprised of 3 dimensions and 11 weighted indicators selected from the survey. Households were identified as "poor" if were deprived in >33% of indicators. Our MPI is an adjusted headcount, calculated by multiplying the proportion identified as poor (headcount) and the poverty gap (average deprivation). Geospatial visualizations of poverty deprivation were created as a contextual baseline for future evaluation. RESULTS In our rural (96%) and urban (4%) interviewees, the 33% deprivation cut-off suggested 58.2% of households were poor (29.3% of urban vs. 59.5% of rural). Among the poor, households experienced an average deprivation of 46%; thus the MPI/adjusted headcount is 0.27 ( = 0.58×0.46). Of households where a local language was the primary language, 58.6% were considered poor versus Portuguese-speaking households where 73.5% were considered non-poor. Living standard is the dominant deprivation, followed by health, and then education. CONCLUSIONS Multidimensional poverty measurement can be integrated into program design for public health interventions, and geospatial visualization helps examine the impact of intervention deployment within the context of distinct poverty conditions. Both permit program implementers to focus resources and critically explore linkages between poverty and its social determinants, thus deriving useful findings for evidence-based planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Victor
- Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Ann F. Green
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | | | | | - Edward F. Fischer
- Vanderbilt Center for Latin American Studies and Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Alfredo E. Vergara
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Omo Olupona
- World Vision International, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- * E-mail:
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Symptomatic HIV-positive persons in rural Mozambique who first consult a traditional healer have delays in HIV testing: a cross-sectional study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 66:e80-6. [PMID: 24815853 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Delays in HIV diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy are common even among symptomatic individuals in Africa. We hypothesized that antiretroviral therapy delays might be more common if traditional healers (THs) were the first practitioners consulted. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS We interviewed 530 newly diagnosed HIV-infected adults (≥18 years of age) who were clinically symptomatic at the time of HIV testing in 2 rural districts in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. We ascertained their previous health care seeking behavior, duration of their symptoms, CD4 cell counts at the time of entry into care, and treatment provided by TH(s). RESULTS Of 517 patients (97.5%) with complete histories, 62% sought care from a healer before presenting to the local health facility. The median time to first health facility visit from first relevant symptom was 2 months [interquartile range (IQR): 1-4.5] for persons who had not visited a healer, 3 months (IQR: 2-6) for persons visiting 1 healer, and 9 months (IQR: 5-12) for persons visiting >1 healer (P < 0.001). Healers diagnosed 56% of patients with a social or ancestral curse and treated 66% with subcutaneous herbal remedies. A nonsignificant trend toward lower CD4 cells for persons who had seen multiple healers was noted. CONCLUSIONS Seeking initial care from healers was associated with delays in HIV testing among symptomatic HIV-seropositive persons. We had no CD4 evidence that sicker patients bypass THs, a potential inferential bias. Engaging THs in a therapeutic alliance may facilitate the earlier diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.
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Moon TD, Jequicene T, Blevins M, José E, Lankford JR, Wester CW, Fuchs MC, Vermund SH. Mobile clinics for antiretroviral therapy in rural Mozambique. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 92:680-4. [PMID: 25378759 PMCID: PMC4208568 DOI: 10.2471/blt.13.129478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem Despite seven years of investment from the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the expansion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related services continues to challenge Mozambique’s health-care infrastructure, especially in the country’s rural regions. Approach In 2012, as part of a national acceleration plan for HIV care and treatment, Namacurra district employed a mobile clinic strategy to provide temporary manpower and physical space to expand services at four rural peripheral clinics. This paper describes the strategy deployed, the uptake of services and the key lessons learnt in the first 18 months of implementation. Local setting In 2012, Namacurra´s adult population was estimated to be 125 425, and of those 15 803 were estimated to be HIV infected. Although there is consistent government support of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes, national coverage remains low, with less than 15% of those eligible having received ART by December 2012. Relevant changes Between April 2012 and September 2013, Namacurra district enrolled 4832 new patients into HIV care and treatment. By using the mobile clinic strategy for ART expansion, the district was able to expand provision of ART from two to six (of a desired seven) clinics by September 2013. Lessons learnt Mobile clinic strategies could rapidly expand HIV care and treatment in under-funded settings in ways that both build local capacity and are sustainable for local health systems. The clinics best serve as a transition to improved capacity at fixed-site services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
| | - Tito Jequicene
- Friends in Global Health, Limited Liability Corporation, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
| | - Eurico José
- Friends in Global Health, Limited Liability Corporation, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Julie R Lankford
- Friends in Global Health, Limited Liability Corporation, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
| | | | - Sten H Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
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Moon TD, Silva WP, Buene M, Morais L, Valverde E, Vermund SH, Brentlinger PE. Bacteremia as a cause of fever in ambulatory, HIV-infected Mozambican adults: results and policy implications from a prospective observational study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83591. [PMID: 24386229 PMCID: PMC3875454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fever is typically treated empirically in rural Mozambique. We examined the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens isolated from blood-culture specimens, and clinical characteristics of ambulatory HIV-infected febrile patients with and without bacteremia. This analysis was nested within a larger prospective observational study to evaluate the performance of new Mozambican guidelines for fever and anemia in HIV-infected adults (clinical trial registration NCT01681914, www.clinicaltrials.gov); the guidelines were designed to be used by non-physician clinicians who attended ambulatory HIV-infected patients in very resource-constrained peripheral health units. In 2012 (April-September), we recruited 258 HIV-infected adults with documented fever or history of recent fever in three sites within Zambézia Province, Mozambique. Although febrile patients were routinely tested for malaria, blood culture capacity was unavailable in Zambézia prior to study initiation. We confirmed bacteremia in 39 (15.1%) of 258 patients. The predominant organisms were non-typhoid Salmonella, nearly all resistant to multiple first-line antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Features most associated with bacteremia included higher temperature, lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, lower hemoglobin, and headache. Introduction of blood cultures allowed us to: 1) confirm bacteremia in a substantial proportion of patients; 2) tailor specific antimicrobial therapy for confirmed bacteremia based on known susceptibilities; 3) make informed choices of presumptive antibiotics for patients with suspected bacteremia; and 4) construct a preliminary clinical profile to help clinicians determine who would most likely benefit from presumptive bacteremia treatment. Our findings demonstrate that in resource-limited settings, there is urgent need to expand local microbiologic capacity to better identify and treat cases of bacteremia in HIV-infected and other patients, and to support surveillance. Data on the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of important pathogens can guide national formulary and prescribing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Luís Morais
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
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Abstract
HIV research has identified approaches that can be combined to be more effective in transmission reduction than any 1 modality alone: delayed adolescent sexual debut, mutual monogamy or sexual partner reduction, correct and consistent condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis with oral antiretroviral drugs or vaginal microbicides, voluntary medical male circumcision, antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention (including prevention of mother to child HIV transmission [PMTCT]), treatment of sexually transmitted infections, use of clean needles for all injections, blood screening prior to donation, a future HIV prime/boost vaccine, and the female condom. The extent to which evidence-based modalities can be combined to prevent substantial HIV transmission is largely unknown, but combination approaches that are truly implementable in field conditions are likely to be far more effective than single interventions alone. Analogous to PMTCT, "treatment as prevention" for adult-to-adult transmission reduction includes expanded HIV testing, linkage to care, antiretroviral coverage, retention in care, adherence to therapy, and management of key co-morbidities such as depression and substance use. With successful viral suppression, persons with HIV are far less infectious to others, as we see in the fields of sexually transmitted infection control and mycobacterial disease control (tuberculosis and leprosy). Combination approaches are complex, may involve high program costs, and require substantial global commitments. We present a rationale for such investments and cite an ongoing research agenda that seeks to determine how feasible and cost-effective a combination prevention approach would be in a variety of epidemic contexts, notably that in a sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sten H Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health and Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
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Audet CM, Blevins M, Moon TD, Sidat M, Shepherd BE, Pires P, Vergara A, Vermund SH. HIV/AIDS-related attitudes and practices among traditional healers in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. J Altern Complement Med 2012; 18:1133-41. [PMID: 23171035 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To document HIV knowledge, treatment practices, and the willingness of traditional healers to engage with the health system in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. SETTINGS/LOCATION Traditional healers offer culturally acceptable services and are more numerous in Mozambique than are allopathic providers. Late presentation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is reported among persons who have first sought care from traditional healers. DESIGN One hundred and thirty-nine (139) traditional healers were interviewed in their native languages (Chuabo or Lomwe) in Zambézia Province. Furthermore, 24 traditional healers were observed during patient encounters. Healers answered a semistructured questionnaire regarding their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, general treatment practices, attitudes toward the allopathic health system, and their beliefs in their abilities to cure AIDS. RESULTS Traditional healers were older and had less formal education than the general population. Razor cutting in order to rub herbs into blooded skin was observed, and healers reported razor cutting as a routine practice. Healers stated that they did not refer HIV patients to clinics for two principal reasons: (1) patient symptoms/signs of HIV were unrecognized, and (2) practitioners believed they could treat the illness effectively themselves. Traditional healers were far more likely to believe in a spiritual than an infectious origin of HIV disease. Prior HIV/AIDS training was not associated with better knowledge or referral practices, though 81% of healers were interested in engaging allopathic providers. CONCLUSIONS It was found that the HIV-related practices of traditional healers probably increase risk for both HIV-infected and uninfected persons through delayed care and reuse of razors. Mozambican traditional healers attribute HIV pathogenesis to spiritual, not infectious, etiologies. Healers who had received prior HIV training were no more knowledgeable, nor did they have better practices. The willingness expressed by 4 in 5 healers to engage local formal health providers in HIV/AIDS care suggests a productive way forward, though educational efforts must be effective and income concerns considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Audet
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
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Ciampa PJ, Vaz LME, Blevins M, Sidat M, Rothman RL, Vermund SH, Vergara AE. The association among literacy, numeracy, HIV knowledge and health-seeking behavior: a population-based survey of women in rural Mozambique. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39391. [PMID: 22745747 PMCID: PMC3382184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited literacy skills are common in the United States (US) and are related to lower HIV knowledge and worse health behaviors and outcomes. The extent of these associations is unknown in countries like Mozambique, where no rigorously validated literacy and numeracy measures exist. METHODS A validated measure of literacy and numeracy, the Wide Range Achievement Test, version 3 (WRAT-3) was translated into Portuguese, adapted for a Mozambican context, and administered to a cross-section of female heads-of-household during a provincially representative survey conducted from August 8 to September 25, 2010. Construct validity of each subscale was examined by testing associations with education, income, and possession of socioeconomic assets, stratified by Portuguese speaking ability. Multivariable regression models estimated the association among literacy/numeracy and HIV knowledge, self-reported HIV testing, and utilization of prenatal care. RESULTS Data from 3,557 women were analyzed; 1,110 (37.9%) reported speaking Portuguese. Respondents' mean age was 31.2; 44.6% lacked formal education, and 34.3% reported no income. Illiteracy was common (50.4% of Portuguese speakers, 93.7% of non-Portuguese speakers) and the mean numeracy score (10.4) corresponded to US kindergarten-level skills. Literacy or numeracy was associated (p<0.01) with education, income, age, and other socioeconomic assets. Literacy and numeracy skills were associated with HIV knowledge in adjusted models, but not with HIV testing or receipt of clinic-based prenatal care. CONCLUSION The adapted literacy and numeracy subscales are valid for use with rural Mozambican women. Limited literacy and numeracy skills were common and associated with lower HIV knowledge. Further study is needed to determine the extent to which addressing literacy/numeracy will lead to improved health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Ciampa
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America.
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Abstract
Global AIDS programs such as the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) face a challenging health care management transition. HIV care must evolve from vertically-organized, externally-supported efforts to sustainable, locally controlled components that are integrated into the horizontal primary health care systems of host nations. We compared four southern African nations in AIDS care, financial, literacy, and health worker capacity parameters (2005 to 2009) to contrast in their capacities to absorb the huge HIV care and prevention endeavors that are now managed with international technical and fiscal support. Botswana has a relatively high national income, a small population, and an advanced HIV/AIDS care program; it is well poised to take on management of its HIV/AIDS programs. South Africa has had a slower start, given HIV denialism philosophies of the previous government leadership. Nonetheless, South Africa has the national income, health care management, and health worker capacity to succeed in fully local management. The sheer magnitude of the burden is daunting, however, and South Africa will need continuing fiscal assistance. In contrast, Zambia and Mozambique have comparatively lower per capita incomes, many fewer health care workers per capita, and lower national literacy rates. It is improbable that fully independent management of their HIV programs is feasible on the timetable being contemplated by donors, nor is locally sustainable financing conceivable at present. A tailored nation-by-nation approach is needed for the transition to full local capacitation; donor nation policymakers must ensure that global resources and technical support are not removed prematurely.
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Implementation of cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid in rural Mozambique: successes and challenges using HIV care and treatment programme investments in Zambézia Province. J Int AIDS Soc 2012; 15:17406. [PMID: 22713260 PMCID: PMC3499800 DOI: 10.7448/ias.15.2.17406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to maximize the benefits of HIV care and treatment investments in sub-Saharan Africa, programs can broaden to target other diseases amenable to screening and efficient management. We nested cervical cancer screening into family planning clinics at select sites also receiving PEPFAR support for antiretroviral therapy (ART) rollout. This was done using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) by maternal child health nurses. We report on achievements and obstacles in the first year of the program in rural Mozambique. METHODS VIA was taught to clinic nurses and hospital physicians, with a regular clinical feedback loop for quality evaluation and retraining. Cryotherapy using carbon dioxide as the refrigerant was provided at clinics; loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and surgery were provided at the provincial hospital for serious cases. No pathology services were available. RESULTS Nurses screened 4651 women using VIA in Zambézia Province in year one of the program, more than double the Ministry of Health service target. VIA was judged positive for squamous intraepithelial lesions in 8% (n=380) of the women (9% if age ≥ 30 years (n=3154) and 7% if age <30 years (n=1497); p=0.02). Of the 380 VIA-positive women, 4% (n=16) had lesions (0.3% of 4651 total screened) requiring referral to Quelimane Provincial Hospital. Fourteen (88%) of these 16 women were seen at the hospital, but records were inadequate to judge outcomes. Of women screened, 2714 (58%) either had knowledge of their HIV status prior to VIA or were subsequently sent for HIV testing, of which 583 (21%) were HIV positive. CONCLUSIONS Screening and clinical services were successfully provided on a large scale for the first time ever in these rural clinics. However, health manpower shortages, equipment problems, poor paper record systems and a limited ability to follow-up patients inhibited the quality of the cervical cancer screening services. Using prior HIV investments, chronic disease screening and management for cervical cancer is feasible even in severely resource-constrained rural Africa.
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Groh K, Audet CM, Baptista A, Sidat M, Vergara A, Vermund SH, Moon TD. Barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence in rural Mozambique. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:650. [PMID: 21846344 PMCID: PMC3171727 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV is treated as a chronic disease, but high lost-to-follow-up rates and poor adherence to medication result in higher mortality, morbidity, and viral mutation. Within 18 clinical sites in rural Zambézia Province, Mozambique, patient adherence to antiretroviral therapy has been sub-optimal. METHODS To better understand barriers to adherence, we conducted 18 community and clinic focus groups in six rural districts. We interviewed 76 women and 88 men, of whom 124 were community participants (CP; 60 women, 64 men) and 40 were health care workers (HCW; 16 women, 24 men) who provide care for those living with HIV. RESULTS While there was some consensus, both CP and HCW provided complementary insights. CP focus groups noted a lack of confidentiality and poor treatment by hospital staff (42% CP vs. 0% HCW), doubt as to the benefits of antiretroviral therapy (75% CP vs. 0% HCW), and sharing medications with family members (66% CP vs. 0%HCW). Men expressed a greater concern about poor treatment by HCW than women (83% men vs. 0% women). Health care workers blamed patient preference for traditional medicine (42% CP vs. 100% HCW) and the side effects of medication for poor adherence (8% CP vs. 83% CHW). CONCLUSIONS Perspectives of CP and HCW likely reflect differing sociocultural and educational backgrounds. Health care workers must understand community perspectives on causes of suboptimal adherence as a first step toward effective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Groh
- Department of Medicine, D-3100, Medical Center North, Nashville, TN 37232-2358, USA
| | - Carolyn M Audet
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2100,1500 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, 2525 West End Ave, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Alberto Baptista
- Department of Pediatrics, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Ministry of Health, Av. Quelimane: Av. 1 de Julho, Predio deo Monte Giro, Quelimane, Moçambique
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, PO Box 257, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Alfredo Vergara
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2100,1500 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Ave, Suite 750, 2525 West End Ave, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2100,1500 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, PO Box 257, Maputo, Moçambique
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida dos Trabalhadores N°424, Quelimane, Moçambique
| | - Troy D Moon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Village at Vanderbilt, Suite 2100,1500 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, PO Box 257, Maputo, Moçambique
- Friends in Global Health, Avenida dos Trabalhadores N°424, Quelimane, Moçambique
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Predictors of successful early infant diagnosis of HIV in a rural district hospital in Zambézia, Mozambique. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2011; 56:e104-9. [PMID: 21266912 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e318207a535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key challenge inhibiting the timely initiation of pediatric antiretroviral treatment is the loss to follow-up of mothers and their infants between the time of mothers' HIV diagnoses in pregnancy and return after delivery for early infant diagnosis of HIV. We sought to identify barriers to follow-up of HIV-exposed infants in rural Zambézia Province, Mozambique. METHODS We determined follow-up rates for early infant diagnosis and age at first test in a retrospective cohort of 443 HIV-infected mothers and their infants. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with successful follow-up. RESULTS Of the 443 mother-infant pairs, 217 (49%) mothers enrolled in the adult HIV care clinic, and only 110 (25%) infants were brought for early infant diagnosis. The predictors of follow-up for early infant diagnosis were larger household size (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.53), independent maternal source of income (OR, 10.8; 95% CI, 3.42-34.0), greater distance from the hospital (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.01-4.51), and maternal receipt of antiretroviral therapy (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.02-9.73). The median age at first test among 105 infants was 5 months (interquartile range, 2-7); 16% of the tested infants were infected. CONCLUSIONS Three of four HIV-infected women in rural Mozambique did not bring their children for early infant HIV diagnosis. Maternal receipt of antiretroviral therapy has favorable implications for maternal health that will increase the likelihood of early infant diagnosis. We are working with local health authorities to improve the linkage of HIV-infected women to HIV care to maximize early infant diagnosis and care.
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