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Lowenthal ED, Chapman J, Ohrenschall R, Calabrese K, Baltrusaitis K, Heckman B, Yin DE, Agwu AL, Harrington C, Van Solingen-Ristea RM, McCoig CC, Adeyeye A, Kneebone J, Chounta V, Smith-Anderson C, Camacho-Gonzalez A, D'Angelo J, Bearden A, Crauwels H, Huang J, Buisson S, Milligan R, Ward S, Bolton-Moore C, Gaur AH. Acceptability and tolerability of long-acting injectable cabotegravir or rilpivirine in the first cohort of virologically suppressed adolescents living with HIV (IMPAACT 2017/MOCHA): a secondary analysis of a phase 1/2, multicentre, open-label, non-comparative dose-finding study. Lancet HIV 2024; 11:e222-e232. [PMID: 38538161 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00301-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine have demonstrated safety, acceptability, and efficacy in adults living with HIV-1. The IMPAACT 2017 study (MOCHA study) was the first to use these injectable formulations in adolescents (aged 12-17 years) living with HIV-1. Herein, we report acceptability and tolerability outcomes in cohort 1 of the study. METHODS In this a secondary analysis of a phase 1/2, multicentre, open-label, non-comparative dose-finding study, with continuation of pre-study oral combination antiretroviral treatment (ART), 55 adolescents living with HIV-1 were enrolled to receive sequential doses of either long-acting cabotegravir or rilpivirine and 52 received at least two injections. Participants had a body weight greater than 35 kg and BMI less than 31·5 kg/m2 and had been on stable ART for at least 90 consecutive days with an HIV-1 viral load of less than 50 copies per mL at a participating IMPAACT study site. Participants had to be willing to continue their pre-study ART during cohort 1. The primary objectives of the study were to confirm doses for oral and injectable cabotegravir and for injectable rilpivirine in adolescents living with HIV. This analysis of participant-reported outcomes included a face scale assessment of pain at each injection and a Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at baseline and week 16 for participants in the USA, South Africa, Botswana, and Thailand. A subset of 11 adolescents and 11 parents or caregivers in the USA underwent in-depth interviews after receipt of one or two injections. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03497676. FINDINGS Between March 19, 2019, and Nov 25, 2021, 55 participants were enrolled into cohort 1. Using the six-point face scale, 43 (83%) of participants at week 4 and 38 (73%) at week 8 reported that the injection caused "no hurt" or "hurts little bit", while only a single (2%) participant for each week rated the pain as one of the two highest pain levels. Quality of life was not diminished by the addition of one injectable antiretroviral. In-depth interviews revealed that parents and caregivers in the USA frequently had more hesitancy than adolescents about use of long-acting formulations, but parental acceptance was higher after their children received injections. INTERPRETATION High acceptability and tolerability of long-acting cabotegravir or rilpivirine injections suggests that these are likely to be favoured treatment options for some adolescents living with HIV. FUNDING National Institutes of Health and ViiV Healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of General Pediatrics and Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of General Pediatrics and Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin Baltrusaitis
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Dwight E Yin
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Division of AIDS, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Allison L Agwu
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Adeola Adeyeye
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Division of AIDS, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jessica D'Angelo
- Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Allison Bearden
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Jenny Huang
- ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Shawn Ward
- Frontier Science Foundation, Amherst, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn Bolton-Moore
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia/University of Alabama Birmingham, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Aditya H Gaur
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Gaur AH, Capparelli EV, Calabrese K, Baltrusaitis K, Marzinke MA, McCoig C, Van Solingen-Ristea RM, Mathiba SR, Adeyeye A, Moye JH, Heckman B, Lowenthal ED, Ward S, Milligan R, Samson P, Best BM, Harrington CM, Ford SL, Huang J, Crauwels H, Vandermeulen K, Agwu AL, Smith-Anderson C, Camacho-Gonzalez A, Ounchanum P, Kneebone JL, Townley E, Bolton Moore C. Safety and pharmacokinetics of oral and long-acting injectable cabotegravir or long-acting injectable rilpivirine in virologically suppressed adolescents with HIV (IMPAACT 2017/MOCHA): a phase 1/2, multicentre, open-label, non-comparative, dose-finding study. Lancet HIV 2024; 11:e211-e221. [PMID: 38538160 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined intramuscular long-acting cabotegravir and long-acting rilpivirine constitute the first long-acting combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen approved for adults with HIV. The goal of the IMPAACT 2017 study (MOCHA [More Options for Children and Adolescents]) was to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of these drugs in adolescents. METHODS In this phase 1/2, multicentre, open-label, non-comparative, dose-finding study, virologically suppressed adolescents (aged 12-17 years; weight ≥35 kg; BMI ≤31·5 kg/m2) with HIV-1 on daily oral ART were enrolled at 15 centres in four countries (Botswana, South Africa, Thailand, and the USA). After 4-6 weeks of oral cabotegravir (cohort 1C) or rilpivirine (cohort 1R), participants received intramuscular long-acting cabotegravir or long-acting rilpivirine every 4 weeks or 8 weeks per the adult dosing regimens, while continuing pre-study ART. The primary outcomes were assessments of safety measures, including all adverse events, until week 4 for oral cabotegravir and until week 16 for long-acting cabotegravir and long-acting rilpivirine, and pharmacokinetic measures, including the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve during the dosing interval (AUC0-tau) and drug concentrations, at week 2 for oral dosing of cabotegravir and at week 16 for intramuscular dosing of cabotegravir and rilpivirine. Enrolment into cohort 1C or cohort 1R was based on the participant's pre-study ART, meaning that masking was not done. For pharmacokinetic analyses, blood samples were drawn at weeks 2-4 after oral dosing and weeks 4-16 after intramuscular dosing. Safety outcome measures were summarised using frequencies, percentages, and exact 95% CIs; pharmacokinetic parameters were summarised using descriptive statistics. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03497676, and is closed to enrolment. FINDINGS Between March 19, 2019, and Nov 25, 2021, 55 participants were enrolled: 30 in cohort 1C and 25 in cohort 1R. At week 16, 28 (97%, 95% CI 82-100) of the 29 dose-evaluable participants in cohort 1C and 21 (91%; 72-99) of the 23 dose-evaluable participants in cohort 1R had reported at least one adverse event, with the most common being injection-site pain (nine [31%] in cohort 1C; nine [39%] in cohort 1R; none were severe). One (4%, 95% CI 0-22) participant in cohort 1R had an adverse event of grade 3 or higher, leading to treatment discontinuation, which was defined as acute rilpivirine-related allergic reaction (self-limiting generalised urticaria) after the first oral dose. No deaths or life-threatening events occurred. In cohort 1C, the week 2 median cabotegravir AUC0-tau was 148·5 (range 37·2-433·1) μg·h/mL. The week 16 median concentrations for the every-4-weeks and every-8-weeks dosing was 3·11 μg/mL (range 1·22-6·19) and 1·15 μg/mL (<0·025-5·29) for cabotegravir and 52·9 ng/mL (31·9-148·0) and 39·1 ng/mL (27·2-81·3) for rilpivirine, respectively. These concentrations were similar to those in adults. INTERPRETATION Study data support using long-acting cabotegravir or long-acting rilpivirine, given every 4 weeks or 8 weeks, per the adult dosing regimens, in virologically suppressed adolescents aged 12 years and older and weighing at least 35 kg. FUNDING The National Institutes of Health and ViiV Healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya H Gaur
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | | | | | - Kristin Baltrusaitis
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark A Marzinke
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Adeola Adeyeye
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - John H Moye
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shawn Ward
- Frontier Science Foundation, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Allison L Agwu
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ellen Townley
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn Bolton Moore
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia; University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Japa I, Ahmed D, Fernandez A, Alvarez A, Japa SS, Cordero R, Acosta F, Steenhoff AP, Lowenthal ED. Etiologies of Mild and Moderate Diarrheal Illness among Children in Consuelo, Dominican Republic. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:339-345. [PMID: 38167390 PMCID: PMC10859810 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the rotavirus vaccine was included in the Dominican Republic's national immunization schedule in 2012, the microbiologic etiologies of acute gastroenteritis have not been described. This study aimed to determine the contribution of rotavirus as an etiology of acute gastroenteritis over a 12-month period in children under 5 years of age in both an inpatient and an outpatient setting in Consuelo, Dominican Republic. All children who were seen at Niños Primeros en Salud clinic or admitted to Hospital Municipal Dr. Angel Ponce Pinedo for acute gastroenteritis during January 2021-April 2022 were enrolled in the study. Stools were evaluated for rotavirus, enteric parasites, and pathogenic bacteria. Pathogen detection was compared between outpatients and inpatients and on the basis of child's vaccination status. From 181 children enrolled, 170 stool samples were collected, 28 (16.5%) from inpatients and 142 (83.5%) from outpatients. Rotavirus was the most commonly detected pathogen and was proportionately more common among hospitalized children, with nine (32.1%) cases among hospitalized children and 16 (11.3%) among outpatient children. (Pearson χ2 = 8.1, P = 0.004). Among patients with a positive rotavirus result, vaccination rate was lower among moderate (hospitalized) (three of six; 50%) compared with mild (outpatient) diarrhea patients (12 of 15; 80%). Giardia lamblia (10%) was the next most prevalent pathogen detected in both inpatients and outpatients using standard laboratory measures. Despite the availability of rotavirus vaccination, rotavirus remains a common cause of gastrointestinal illness among children under 5 years of age in our cohort. Incomplete vaccination status was associated with hospitalization for gastrointestinal illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Japa
- Niños Primeros en Salud, Consuelo, Dominican Republic
- Campus Universidad Central del Este, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
| | - Derartu Ahmed
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anabel Fernandez
- Niños Primeros en Salud, Consuelo, Dominican Republic
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Angie Alvarez
- Niños Primeros en Salud, Consuelo, Dominican Republic
- Campus Universidad Central del Este, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
| | - Shirley Sabino Japa
- Niños Primeros en Salud, Consuelo, Dominican Republic
- Campus Universidad Central del Este, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
| | | | | | - Andrew P. Steenhoff
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Ahmed CV, Doyle R, Gallagher D, Imoohi O, Ofoegbu U, Wright R, Yore MA, Brooks MJ, Flores DD, Lowenthal ED, Rice BM, Buttenheim AM. A Systematic Review of Peer Support Interventions for Adolescents Living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:535-559. [PMID: 37956242 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite widespread availability of life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa, AIDS remains one of the leading causes of death among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this article was to review the state of the science regarding interventions to improve ART adherence and/or HIV care retention among ALHIV throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The primary aim of this review was to describe the impact of peer support interventions in improving treatment outcomes (i.e., ART adherence and retention in HIV care) among ALHIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The secondary aim of this review was to determine whether these interventions may be efficacious at improving mental health outcomes. We identified 27 articles that met the eligibility criteria for our review, and categorized each article based on the type of peer support provided to ALHIV-individualized peer support, group-based support, and individualized plus group-based support. Results regarding the efficacy of these interventions are mixed and most of the studies included were deemed moderate in methodological quality. Although studies evaluating group-based peer support interventions were the most common, most of these studies were not associated with retention, adherence, or mental health outcomes. More robust, fully powered studies are needed to strengthen our knowledge base regarding peer support for ALHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charisse V Ahmed
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Doyle
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Darby Gallagher
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Olore Imoohi
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ugochi Ofoegbu
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robyn Wright
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mackensie A Yore
- VA Los Angeles and UCLA National Clinician Scholars Program, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System HSR&D Center of Innovation, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Merrian J Brooks
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Botswana UPENN Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bridgette M Rice
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alison M Buttenheim
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Garriott A, Gulubane G, Poku OB, Archibald N, Entaile P, Tshume O, Phoi O, Matshaba M, Ahmed CV, Lowenthal ED, Brooks M. Youth perspectives of working with near peer youth lay counsellors: The Safe Haven Pilot. J Community Psychol 2023; 51:3029-3043. [PMID: 37470744 PMCID: PMC10819599 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Youth living with HIV (YLWH) have higher rates of common mental disorders (CMDs) when compared with HIV-negative youth. We adapted the Friendship Bench to create a problem solving-based counselling intervention in Botswana delivered by near peer youth lay counsellors for YLWH called Safe Haven. In August 2020, and from June to August 2021, we conducted 22 semistructured interviews with youth aged 13-25 years with mild-to-moderate symptoms of CMDs. Two independent coders carried out an inductive thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews with discrepancies discussed to consensus. Safe Haven was seen as largely acceptable among the youth. Youth felt Safe Haven was a place where they had freedom of expression and could receive practical advice from well-trained and approachable counsellors. Trained youth lay peer counsellors show promise to meet the mental health needs of mild and moderately symptomatic youth, where mental health professionals are in short supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garriott
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ohemaa B. Poku
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicole Archibald
- Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Charisse V. Ahmed
- Department of General Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Global Health Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Merrian Brooks
- Botswana UPENN Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Global Health Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Mennella JA, Kan M, Lowenthal ED, Saraiva LR, Mainland JD, Himes BE, Pepino MY. Genetic Variation and Sensory Perception of a Pediatric Formulation of Ibuprofen: Can a Medicine Taste Too Good for Some? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13050. [PMID: 37685855 PMCID: PMC10487938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is wide variation in how individuals perceive the chemosensory attributes of liquid formulations of ibuprofen, encompassing both adults and children. To understand personal variation in the taste and chemesthesis properties of this medicine, and how to measure it, our first scientific strategy centered on utilizing trained adult panelists, due to the complex and time-consuming psychophysical tasks needed at this initial stage. We conducted a double-blind cohort study in which panelists underwent whole-genome-wide genotyping and psychophysically evaluated an over-the-counter pediatric medicine containing ibuprofen. Associations between sensory phenotypes and genetic variation near/within irritant and taste receptor genes were determined. Panelists who experienced the urge to cough or throat sensations found the medicine less palatable and sweet, and more irritating. Perceptions varied with genetic ancestry; panelists of African genetic ancestry had fewer chemesthetic sensations, rating the medicine sweeter, less irritating, and more palatable than did those of European genetic ancestry. We discovered a novel association between TRPA1 rs11988795 and tingling sensations, independent of ancestry. We also determined for the first time that just tasting the medicine allowed predictions of perceptions after swallowing, simplifying future psychophysical studies on diverse populations of different age groups needed to understand genetic, cultural-dietary, and epigenetic factors that influence individual perceptions of palatability and, in turn, adherence and the risk of accidental ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Mennella
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (L.R.S.); (J.D.M.)
| | - Mengyuan Kan
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Luis R. Saraiva
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (L.R.S.); (J.D.M.)
- Sidra Medicine, Doha P.O. Box 26999, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Joel D. Mainland
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (L.R.S.); (J.D.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Blanca E. Himes
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - M. Yanina Pepino
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
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Lesiapeto M, Shults J, Mmunyane M, Matshaba M, Lowenthal ED. Stunted Growth Is Associated With Dyslipidemia in Young Adults With Perinatal HIV Infection. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:343-350. [PMID: 37071712 PMCID: PMC10625796 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This risk maybe even higher in adult survivors of perinatal HIV infection because of prolonged exposure to HIV and its treatments. Nutritional deprivation in early life may further increase CVD risk. SETTING Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone. METHODS This study examined dyslipidemia in 18- to 24-year olds with perinatally-acquired HIV with and without linear growth retardation ("stunting"). Anthropometry and lipid profiles were measured following a minimum 8-hour fast. Stunting was defined by a height-for-age z-score of <2 SDs below the mean. Dyslipidemia was defined by non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of ≥130 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of ≥100 mg/dL, or HDL of <40 mg/dL for male subjects and <50 mg/dL for female subjects. We used logistic regression to determine whether dyslipidemia was associated with stunting while adjusting for demographic and HIV treatment variables. RESULTS Of 107 young adults (46 males; 61 females) enrolled, 36 (33.6%) were stunted. Prevalence of dyslipidemia was 11.2%, 24.3%, and 65.4% for high non-HDL-C, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C, respectively. In univariable analysis, being stunted was associated with elevated LDL-C (odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.02 to 6.25) but not with elevated non-HDL-C (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: = 0.65 to 7.28) or with low HDL-C (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: = 0.33 to 1.73). The association between stunting and elevated LDL-C (OR = 4.40; 95% CI: = 1.49 to 12.98) remained significant after controlling for measured confounders. CONCLUSION Dyslipidemia was common among perinatally HIV-infected youth and those with evidence of early nutritional deprivation who were more likely to have elevated LDL-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maemo Lesiapeto
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Nutrition, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, US
| | - Justine Shults
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, US
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Mogakolodi Mmunyane
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (BBCCCOE), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (BBCCCOE), Gaborone, Botswana
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US
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Brooks M, Burmen B, Olashore A, Gezmu AM, Molebatsi K, Tshume O, Phoi O, Morales K, Matshaba M, Benton T, Lowenthal ED. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide/self-injury in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Botswana. Afr J AIDS Res 2023; 22:54-62. [PMID: 37116112 PMCID: PMC10787227 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2186252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Globally, mental health problems have been reported to be more common in youth living with HIV (YLWH) than in the general population, but routine mental health screening is rarely done in high-volume HIV clinics. In 2019, YLWH in a large HIV clinic in Botswana were screened using the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in a pilot standard-of-care screening programme. Two-way ANOVA was used to describe the effects of age group (12-<16, 16-<20 and 20-25 years old) and sex on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Chi-square statistics were used to compare characteristics of YLWH with and without potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms based on question 9 in the PHQ-9. Among 1 469 YLWH, 33.1%, 44.3% and 15.0% had anxiety, depression and potential suicidality/self-harm symptoms respectively. YLWH of 20-25 years old and 16-<20 years old had higher GAD-7 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.014 and p = <0.001 respectively). Female YLWH of 20-25 years old had higher PHQ-9 scores compared to 12-<16-year-olds (p = 0.002). There were no other sex-age dynamics that were statistically significant. Female YLWH endorsed more thoughts of suicidality/self-harm than males (17% versus 13%, p = 0.03 respectively). Given the proportion of YLWH with mental health symptoms, Botswana should enhance investments in mental health services for YLWH, especially for young female adults who bear a disproportionate burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merrian Brooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Anthony Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Knashawn Morales
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Tami Benton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
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9
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Momplaisir F, McGlonn K, Grabill M, Moahi K, Nkwihoreze H, Knowles K, Laguerre R, Dowshen N, Hussen SA, Tanner AE, Lowenthal ED. Strategies to improve outcomes of youth experiencing healthcare transition from pediatric to adult HIV care in a large U.S. city. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:49. [PMID: 37004125 PMCID: PMC10064608 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The healthcare transition (HCT) from pediatric to adult HIV care can be disruptive to HIV care engagement and viral suppression for youth living with HIV (YLH). METHODS We performed qualitative interviews with 20 YLH who experienced HCT and with 20 multidisciplinary pediatric and adult HIV clinicians to assess and rank barriers and facilitators to HCT and obtain their perspectives on strategies to improve the HCT process. We used the Exploration Preparation Implementation Sustainment Framework to guide this qualitative inquiry. RESULTS The most impactful barriers identified by YLH and clinicians focused on issues affecting the patient-clinician relationship, including building trust, and accessibility of clinicians. Both groups reported that having to leave the pediatric team was a significant barrier (ranked #1 for clinicians and #2 for YLH). The most impactful facilitator included having a social worker or case manager to navigate the HCT (listed #1 by clinicians and #2 by YLH); case managers were also identified as the individual most suited to support HCT. While YLH reported difficulty building trust with their new clinician as their #1 barrier, they also ranked the trust they ultimately built with a new clinician as their #1 facilitator. Factors reported to bridge pediatric and adult care included providing a warm handoff, medical record transfer, developing relationships between pediatric clinics and a network of youth-friendly adult clinics, and having the pediatric case manager attend the first adult appointment. Longer new patient visits, increased health communication between YLH and clinicians and sharing vetted clinician profiles with YLH were identified as innovative strategies. CONCLUSION In this multi-disciplinary contextual inquiry, we have identified several determinants that may be targeted to improve HCT for YLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Momplaisir
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1201 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Kassandra McGlonn
- Institute of Public Health, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Megan Grabill
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kaelo Moahi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hervette Nkwihoreze
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1201 Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Kayla Knowles
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roberta Laguerre
- Department of Pediatrics, St Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nadia Dowshen
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amanda E Tanner
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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10
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Tsima BM, Lowenthal ED, Van Pelt AE, Moore TM, Matshaba M, Gur RC, Tshume O, Thuto B, Scott JC. Test-Retest Reliability of a Computerized Neurocognitive Battery in School-Age Children with HIV in Botswana. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:131-138. [PMID: 35988538 PMCID: PMC9868525 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is prevalent among children and adolescents in Botswana, but standardized neurocognitive testing is limited. The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB) attempts to streamline evaluation of neurocognitive functioning and has been culturally adapted for use among youth in this high-burden, low-resource setting. However, its reliability across measurements (i.e., test-retest reliability) is unknown. This study examined the test-retest reliability of the culturally adapted PennCNB in 65 school-age children (age 7-17) living with HIV in Botswana. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for PennCNB summary scores (ICCs > 0.80) and domain scores (ICCs = 0.66-0.88) were higher than those for individual tests, which exhibited more variability (ICCs = 0.50-0.82), with the lowest reliability on memory tests. Practice effects were apparent on some measures, especially within memory and complex cognition domains. Taken together, the adapted PennCNB exhibited adequate test-retest reliability at the domain level but variable reliability for individual tests. Differences in reliability should be considered in implementation of these tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy M Tsima
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amelia E Van Pelt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tyler M Moore
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Boitumelo Thuto
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - J Cobb Scott
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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11
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Van Pelt AE, Lowenthal ED, Phoi O, Tshume O, Matshaba M, Beidas RS. Medical stakeholder perspectives on implementing a computerized battery to identify neurocognitive impairments among youth in Botswana. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1513-1521. [PMID: 34663144 PMCID: PMC9013727 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1990202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
HIV infection and in utero exposure, common in Sub-Saharan Africa, are associated with pediatric neurocognitive impairment. Cognitive screening can identify impairments, but it is rarely used in this setting. The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB), an evidence-based cognitive screening tool, was adapted for use in Botswana. To facilitate future implementation, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit key stakeholders' perspectives on factors likely to be related to successful uptake of the PennCNB in clinical settings. An integrated analytic approach combining constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and modified grounded theory was used. Results underscore the need for cognitive screening in Botswana and the acceptability of the PennCNB. Implementation barriers include limited time and resources, whereas facilitators include standard procedures for introducing new tools into medical settings and for training implementers. Recommended implementation strategies include integrating screening into the existing workflow, implementing the tool in the medical and educational sectors, and targeting selection of children for assessment. This research addresses the research-to-practice gap by engaging in pre-implementation inquiry and designing for implementation. Results will inform the development of strategies to maximize the likelihood of successful implementation of the PennCNB to identify neurocognitive impairment in children in this high-need setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia E. Van Pelt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rinad S. Beidas
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Penn Implementation Science Center at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (PISCE@LDI), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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12
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Lowenthal ED, Ohrenshall R, Moshashane N, Bula B, Chapman J, Marukutira T, Tshume O, Gross R, Mphele S. Reasons for discordance between antiretroviral adherence measures in adolescents. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1135-1143. [PMID: 34424796 PMCID: PMC8863993 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1968998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents with suboptimal medication taking may deceive caregivers about non-adherence. We conducted a 5-year longitudinal study of adolescents monitored simultaneously with both easily manipulated (e.g., self-report) and hard to manipulate (e.g., microelectronic data) strategies. Adolescents with repeatedly high adherence on the former and low adherence on the latter were invited along with their parental figures ("parents") to participate. We conducted focus groups and semi-structured interviews, separately for adolescents and parents, to elucidate drivers of discordant measures. Forty-seven adolescents and 26 parents participated in focus groups and 4 adolescents were interviewed. Adolescents described hiding pills, discarding pills, and lying. Their motivations included fear of disappointing those who care about them, desire to avoid admonishment by parents and clinic staff, and desire to avoid remedial adherence counseling. Both adolescents and parents considered negative feedback for prior poor adherence to be key motivation to hide current poor adherence from clinic staff. Providing positive feedback for truth-telling, rather than for "evidence" of excellent adherence, might help adolescent patients and their parents to develop stronger treatment alliances with each other and with clinic staff. Such alliances would allow adherence interventions to be better targeted and more fruitful in increasing adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rachel Ohrenshall
- Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Boineelo Bula
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tafireyi Marukutira
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Robert Gross
- Departments of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seipone Mphele
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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13
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Dunn MG, Close RM, McKee SG, Cordero R, Japa IF, Lowenthal ED. Evaluation of iron intake in preschool children in a setting with high anemia burden. Int Health 2022; 14:450-451. [PMID: 31974577 PMCID: PMC9248053 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anemia affects millions of children worldwide. Iron intake assessments can inform targeted interventions. METHODS This cross-sectional study describes diet and hemoglobin levels of children 1-5 y of age in a resource-limited setting in the Dominican Republic. The study team performed meal observations and measurements, dietary questionnaires, and point-of-care hemoglobin testing. RESULTS Iron intake and bioavailability were low, with liberal estimates indicating that not more than 40% of subjects consumed the recommended daily allowance for iron. Forty of 80 children had anemia, with 23% demonstrating moderate or severe anemia. CONCLUSIONS Poor observed iron intake likely contributes to the high prevalence of anemia in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Dunn
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Health Center, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan M Close
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Health Center, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven G McKee
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Health Center, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ramona Cordero
- Centro de Salud Divina Providencia, Consuelo, Dominican Republic
| | - Ingrid F Japa
- Centro de Salud Divina Providencia, Consuelo, Dominican Republic
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Health Center, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Van Pelt AE, Moore TM, Scott JC, Phoi O, Mbakile-Mahlanza L, Morales KH, Gur RC, Rampa S, Matshaba M, Lowenthal ED. Predictive Validity of a Computerized Battery for Identifying Neurocognitive Impairments Among Children Living with HIV in Botswana. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2758-2767. [PMID: 35182282 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03620-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Children living with HIV (HIV+) experience increased risk of neurocognitive deficits, but standardized cognitive testing is limited in low-resource, high-prevalence settings. The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB) was adapted for use in Botswana. This study evaluated the criterion validity of a locally adapted version of the PennCNB among a cohort of HIV+ individuals aged 10-17 years in Botswana. Participants completed the PennCNB and a comprehensive professional consensus assessment consisting of pencil-and-paper psychological assessments, clinical interview, and review of academic performance. Seventy-two participants were classified as cases (i.e., with cognitive impairment; N = 48) or controls (i.e., without cognitive impairment; N = 24). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the area under receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated. Discrimination was acceptable, and prediction improved as the threshold for PennCNB impairment was less conservative. This research contributes to the validation of the PennCNB for use among children affected by HIV in Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia E Van Pelt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Blockley Hall Office 107, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tyler M Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lifespan Brain Institute, Philadelphia, USA
| | - J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lifespan Brain Institute, Philadelphia, USA
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Knashawn H Morales
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Blockley Hall Office 107, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn-CHOP Lifespan Brain Institute, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Shathani Rampa
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Pediatrics, Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Blockley Hall Office 107, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Van Pelt AE, Scott JC, Morales KH, Matshaba M, Gur RC, Tshume O, Thuto B, Lowenthal ED, Moore TM. Structural validity of a computerized neurocognitive battery for youth affected by human immunodeficiency virus in Botswana. Psychol Assess 2021; 34:139-146. [PMID: 34516163 DOI: 10.1037/pas0001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Children born to mothers infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during pregnancy experience increased risk of neurocognitive impairment. In Botswana, HIV infection is common among youth, but standardized cognitive screening is limited. The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB), a tool that streamlines evaluation of neurocognitive functioning, was culturally adapted for use among youth in this high-burden, low-resource setting. The present study examined the structural validity of the culturally adapted PennCNB. A cohort of 7-17-year-old children living with HIV (HIV +) and HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU) children were enrolled from the Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence in Gaborone, Botswana. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed on speed, accuracy, and efficiency measures for 13 PennCNB tests. Fit of the confirmatory factor analysis was acceptable, which supports the design of the battery measuring four neurocognitive domains: Executive functioning, episodic memory, complex cognition, and sensorimotor/processing speed. However, the model revealed high interfactor correlation. Exploratory factor analysis suggested that tests assessing executive functioning and sensorimotor/processing speed clustered together rather than forming differentiable factors. Overall, this research provides valuable insight into the structural validity of a neurocognitive battery adapted for use in a non-Western setting, suggesting that the PennCNB could serve as a useful tool for the assessment of neurocognitive function in Botswana and, potentially, other resource-limited settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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16
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Laycock KM, Eby J, Arscott-Mills T, Argabright S, Caiphus C, Kgwaadira B, Lowenthal ED, Steenhoff AP, Enane LA. Towards quality adolescent-friendly services in TB care. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2021; 25:579-583. [PMID: 34183104 PMCID: PMC8259119 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.21.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K M Laycock
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, The Children´s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - J Eby
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children´s Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women´s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - T Arscott-Mills
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children´s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - S Argabright
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Caiphus
- Botswana National TB Programme, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - B Kgwaadira
- Botswana National TB Programme, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - E D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children´s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - A P Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, The Children´s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - L A Enane
- The Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Turner C, Powell MA, Finalle RR, Westmoreland K, Osterhoudt K, Cordero Paulino R, Lowenthal ED. Talking trash: Perspectives on community environmental health in the Dominican Republic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248843. [PMID: 33780494 PMCID: PMC8007031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A safe and healthy natural and built environment is fundamental to children’s health and represents a significant determinant of community well-being. We aimed to identify and prioritize environmental health concerns within resource-poor neighborhoods in the Dominican Republic using free-listing and semi-structured focus groups composed of parents and caregivers in the perirural community of Consuelo, Dominican Republic. Transcripts were coded and relevant themes identified using qualitative content analysis. Demographic data and information regarding trash disposal practices were also collected. Participants described common health concerns, including respiratory infections, asthma, vector-borne illnesses, and diarrheal diseases and linked them to environmental hazards in their communities, such as air quality and sanitation. Interventional priorities that emerged included reduction of trash accumulation and trash burning as well as improvement of sanitation facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Turner
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Maura A. Powell
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rodney R. Finalle
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kate Westmoreland
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kevin Osterhoudt
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ramona Cordero Paulino
- Niños Primeros en Salud Program (Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Consuelo, Dominican Republic
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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18
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Japa I, Ancha B, Custodio A, Ohrenschall R, Cordero R, Deverlis A, Chapman J, Hickson MR, Steenhoff AP, Lowenthal ED. Effectiveness of Deworming with Single-Dose Albendazole for Preschool-Aged Children in the Dominican Republic. Glob Pediatr Health 2021; 8:2333794X211002949. [PMID: 33796636 PMCID: PMC7983463 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x211002949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The World Health Organization recommends biannual deworming with single-dose albendazole for all children over 1 year in regions where soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are endemic. There are limited data from the Dominican Republic (DR) on the effectiveness of deworming programs. Methods. Between January and June 2019, we enrolled 63 preschool-aged children at a community clinic in the DR. Participants received albendazole at enrollment. Stool samples were collected and examined for parasites at enrollment, 2 to 4 and 12 to 16 weeks post-albendazole. Caregivers were surveyed on home hygiene practices and children’s symptoms. Findings. At enrollment, 1 or more parasites were noted in 89% of samples. Ascaris lumbricoides (68%) was the most common species, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (35%) and Giardia intestinalis (8%). Two-to-four weeks post-albendazole, fewer than half of those with A. lumbricoides infections at baseline had cleared the infection. STH symptoms significantly improved between enrollment and 2 to 4 weeks. By 12 to 16 weeks after treatment, A. lumbricoides infections were as high as baseline. Interpretation. Although limited by size and available technology, our study contributes data on STH in the DR. Single-dose deworming with albendazole did not reduce Ascaris lumbricoides infections in our sample. As STH are the most common neglected tropical diseases and negatively impact children’s health globally, further studies on both effective deworming programs and interventions to prevent STH are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Japa
- Niños Primeros en Salud, Consuelo, Dominican Republic.,Universidad Central del Este, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
| | - Bhavya Ancha
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Global Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Antonio Custodio
- Universidad Central del Este, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic
| | | | | | - Adriana Deverlis
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Global Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Global Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meredith R Hickson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Global Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew P Steenhoff
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Global Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Van Pelt AE, Lipow MI, Scott JC, Lowenthal ED. Interventions for Children with Neurocognitive Impairments in Resource-Limited Settings: A Systematic Review. Child Youth Serv Rev 2020; 118:105393. [PMID: 32968334 PMCID: PMC7505233 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many children and adolescents around the world suffer from neurocognitive deficits due to chronic disorders, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and malaria. Resource-limited settings exacerbate the risk of negative cognitive outcomes due to high prevalence of associated disorders, poverty, and limited access to interventions. Current literature does not provide consensus regarding the efficacy of interventions to support children with cognitive impairments in low-resource settings. This research aimed to identify and evaluate interventions for youth with neurocognitive deficits in resource-limited settings. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted within five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and WHO Index Medicus). Cognitive impairment was broadly defined to be inclusive of aspects of intellectual and cognitive functioning (e.g., working memory, attention, executive function). The income status of the country or countries in which each study was located was determined according to World Bank Income Status. Studies conducted in countries classified as low- or middle-income were included. Since low-resource areas exist within high-income countries, the resource availability within study settings in high-income countries was systematically evaluated for inclusion. The search yielded 19 articles that met all inclusion criteria. Interventions included strategies involving caregiver training, computerized and non-computerized cognitive training, physical activity, and nutritional supplementation. Interventions were administered in medical facilities, educational facilities, or the home. The majority of the interventions targeted the domains of memory and attention. Overall, the efficacy of interventions was inconsistent. Further, results indicated that the relationship between cognitive improvement and intervention types was not consistent across cognitive domains. However, when evaluating studies on an individual basis, some strategies demonstrated clinically- and statistically-significant improvement in cognitive function among specific groups of children. The low article yield highlights that few researchers have evaluated pediatric cognitive support interventions in low-resource contexts. This review suggests support strategies that should be considered for future studies as neurocognitive screening capacity improves in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia E. Van Pelt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 19104-6021
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health Center), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 19104
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Colonial Penn Center, 3461 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 19104-6218
| | - Matthew I. Lipow
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health Center), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 19104
- Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 19129
| | - J. Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Richards Building, 5th Floor, 3700 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-6085 United States
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, MC116, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 19104-6021
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health Center), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 19104
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20
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Okatch H, Morales K, Rogers R, Chapman J, Marukutira T, Tshume O, Matshaba M, Gross R, Lowenthal ED. Trends in HIV Treatment Adherence Before and After HIV Status Disclosure to Adolescents in Botswana. J Adolesc Health 2020; 67:502-508. [PMID: 32340848 PMCID: PMC8594633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine if disclosure of HIV status to adolescents impacted their medication adherence and how medication autonomy might explain observed effects. METHODS Three hundred adolescents on HIV treatment using electronic medication monitors were followed for 24 months while undergoing routine care. One hundred six of the adolescents were HIV disclosure-naïve and HIV status disclosure in this group was assessed quarterly. Analyses included data from the 75 adolescents who experienced disclosure during the study providing adherence and autonomy data both predisclosure and postdisclosure. Segmented generalized estimating equations were used to examine the trend of adherence and autonomy predisclosure and postdisclosure. Covariates assessed include age at disclosure, sex, and orphan status. RESULTS Median age at study entry was 12.2 years (interquartile range 11.6-12.9). Incident disclosure occurred in 75 (71%) of the adolescents at a median age of 13.1 years (interquartile range 12.5-13.9). Adherence decreased by 11% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7-15, p < .001) during the predisclosure period and by 22% (95% CI 9-36, p = .001) during the postdisclosure period. Adolescents' autonomy over their medication-taking increased over time, but disclosure did not impact the rate of increase in measured medication-taking autonomy. On a scale of 1-4 assessing autonomy (1 = receiving directly observed therapy and 4 = taking medicines mostly without supervision), autonomy increased by an average of .03 units/month (95% CI .02-.03, p < .001) predisclosure and by .05 units/month (95% CI -.01 to .11, p = .42) postdisclosure. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that, among perinatally HIV infected adolescents, HIV status disclosure may adversely impact treatment adherence. Postdisclosure support to HIV infected adolescents should be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Okatch
- Biology Department, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania, Center for Public Health Initiatives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Knashawn Morales
- University of Pennsylvania, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics 423 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rachel Rogers
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2714 South St, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2714 South St, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tafireyi Marukutira
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, 1836 Hospital Way, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, 1836 Hospital Way, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, 1836 Hospital Way, Gaborone, Botswana,Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, 77030, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert Gross
- University of Pennsylvania, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics 423 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- University of Pennsylvania, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics 423 Guardian Dr, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA,Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2714 South St, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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21
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Scott JC, Van Pelt AE, Port AM, Njokweni L, Gur RC, Moore TM, Phoi O, Tshume O, Matshaba M, Ruparel K, Chapman J, Lowenthal ED. Development of a computerised neurocognitive battery for children and adolescents with HIV in Botswana: study design and protocol for the Ntemoga study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e041099. [PMID: 32847928 PMCID: PMC7451956 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurodevelopmental delays and cognitive impairments are common in youth living with HIV. Unfortunately, in resource-limited settings, where HIV infection impacts millions of children, cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders commonly go undetected because of a lack of appropriate assessment instruments and local expertise. Here, we present a protocol to culturally adapt and validate the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB) and examine its validity for detecting both advanced and subtle neurodevelopmental problems among school-aged children affected by HIV in resource-limited settings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a prospective, observational cohort study. The venue for this study is Gaborone, Botswana, a resource-limited setting with high rates of perinatal exposure to HIV and limited neurocognitive assessment tools and expertise. We aim to validate the PennCNB in this setting by culturally adapting and then administering the adapted version of the battery to 200 HIV-infected, 200 HIV-exposed uninfected and 240 HIV-unexposed uninfected children. A series of analyses will be conducted to examine the reliability and construct validity of the PennCNB in these populations. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This project received ethical approval from local and university Institutional Review Boards and involved extensive input from local stakeholders. If successful, the proposed tools will provide practical screening and streamlined, comprehensive assessments that could be implemented in resource-limited settings to identify children with cognitive deficits within programmes focused on the care and treatment of children affected by HIV. The utility of such assessments could also extend beyond children affected by HIV, increasing general access to paediatric cognitive assessments in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cobb Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amelia E Van Pelt
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison M Port
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lucky Njokweni
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tyler M Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Baylor College of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kosha Ruparel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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22
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Lowenthal ED, Matshaba M. Rapid initiation of dolutegravir for adults in Botswana. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e523-e524. [PMID: 32763211 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA.
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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23
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Casilang CG, Stonbraker S, Japa I, Halpern M, Messina L, Steenhoff AP, Lowenthal ED, Fleisher L. Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Mobile Health in Development of an Exclusive Breastfeeding Tool: Focus Group Study With Caregivers and Health Promoters in the Dominican Republic. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2020; 3:e20312. [PMID: 32821063 PMCID: PMC7474414 DOI: 10.2196/20312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest in the use of technology to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), local attitudes toward mobile health (mHealth) use in these settings are minimally understood. This is especially true in the Dominican Republic, where mHealth interventions are starting to emerge. This information is critical for developing effective mHealth interventions to address public health issues, such as low exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates, which can lead to poor outcomes. With an EBF rate of 5% in the first 6 months of life, the Dominican Republic has one of the lowest EBF rates worldwide. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the current use of information and communication technology (ICT) and to analyze the attitudes and perceptions related to using mHealth interventions among caregivers of children aged ≤5 years and health promoters in the Dominican Republic. Findings can inform mHealth strategies aimed at improving EBF in this, and other, LMICs. METHODS Participants were recruited from 3 outpatient sites: the Niños Primeros en Salud program at Centro de Salud Divina Providencia in Consuelo (rural setting) and Clínica de Familia La Romana and its program Módulo de Adolescentes Materno Infantil in La Romana (urban setting). Focus groups were conducted with caregivers and community health promoters to identify the use, attitudes, perceptions, and acceptability of mHealth as well as barriers to EBF. Discussions were conducted in Spanish, guided by semistructured interview guides. All sessions were audio-recorded and later transcribed. Thematic content analysis was conducted in Spanish by two bilingual researchers and was structured around a hybrid behavioral theory framework to identify salient themes. RESULTS All participants (N=35) reported having a mobile phone, and 29 (83%) participants had a smartphone. Sources for obtaining health information included the internet, physicians and clinic, family and friends, health promoters, and television. Barriers to mHealth use included the cost of internet service, privacy concerns, and perceived credibility of information sources. Participants indicated the desire for, and willingness to use, an mHealth intervention to support breastfeeding. The desired features of a possible mHealth intervention included offering diverse methods of information delivery such as images and video content, text messages, and person-to-person interaction as well as notifications for appointments, vaccines, and feeding schedules. Other important considerations were internet-free access and content that included maternal and child health self-management topics beyond breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS There is a high level of acceptance of ICT tools for breastfeeding promotion among caregivers in urban and rural areas of the Dominican Republic. As mHealth tools can contribute to increased breastfeeding self-efficacy, identifying desirable features of such a tool is necessary to create an effective intervention. Participants wanted to receive trusted and reliable information through various formats and were interested in information beyond breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse G Casilang
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Health Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Centro de Salud Divina Providencia, Consuelo, Dominican Republic.,Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic.,Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Samantha Stonbraker
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic.,School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ingrid Japa
- Centro de Salud Divina Providencia, Consuelo, Dominican Republic
| | - Mina Halpern
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Luz Messina
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Andrew P Steenhoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Health Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Global Health Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Linda Fleisher
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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24
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Enane LA, Eby J, Arscott-Mills T, Argabright S, Caiphus C, Kgwaadira B, Steenhoff AP, Lowenthal ED. TB and TB-HIV care for adolescents and young adults. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2020; 24:240-249. [PMID: 32127110 PMCID: PMC7307717 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.19.0416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING: Nine high-burden public tuberculosis (TB) clinics in Gaborone, Botswana.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the challenges encountered, healthcare worker (HCW) approaches, and supported interventions in TB and TB-HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) care for adolescents and young adults (AYA, aged 10-24 years).DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews with HCW in TB clinics, analyzed using thematic analysis.RESULTS: Sixteen HCWs were interviewed. AYA developmental needs included reliance on family support for care, increasing autonomy, attending school or work, building trust in HCWs, and intensive TB education and adherence support. Stigma strongly influenced care engagement, including clinic attendance and HIV testing. Health system barriers to optimal AYA TB care included limited staffing and resources to follow-up or support. HCWs utilized intensive education and counseling, and transitioned AYA to community-based directly observed therapy whenever feasible. HCWs supported implementation of youth-friendly services, such as AYA-friendly spaces or clinic days, training in AYA care, use of mobile applications, and peer support interventions, in addition to health system strengthening.CONCLUSION: HCWs utilize dedicated approaches for AYA with TB, but have limited time and resources for optimal care. They identified several strategies likely to improve care and better retain AYAs in TB treatment. Further work is needed to study interventions to improve AYA TB care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Enane
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - J Eby
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - T Arscott-Mills
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
| | - S Argabright
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Caiphus
- Botswana National TB Programme, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - B Kgwaadira
- Botswana National TB Programme, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - A P Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
| | - E D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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25
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Gladding SP, Suchdev PS, Kiguli S, Lowenthal ED. Increasing Impact: Evaluation in Global Child Health Education, Clinical Practice, and Research. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2018-3716. [PMID: 31719123 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-3716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia P Gladding
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota;
| | - Parminder S Suchdev
- Department of Pediatrics and Emory Global Health Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarah Kiguli
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; and
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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26
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Ekhaguere OA, Oluwafemi RO, Badejoko B, Oyeneyin LO, Butali A, Lowenthal ED, Steenhoff AP. Automated phone call and text reminders for childhood immunisations (PRIMM): a randomised controlled trial in Nigeria. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001232. [PMID: 31139442 PMCID: PMC6509606 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa has high under-5 mortality and low childhood immunisation rates. Vaccine-preventable diseases cause one-third of under-5 deaths. Text messaging reminders improve immunisation completion in urban but not rural settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Low adult literacy may account for this difference. The feasibility and impact of combined automated voice and text reminders on immunisation completion in rural sub-Saharan Africa is unknown. Methods We randomised parturient women at the Mother and Child Hospitals Ondo State, Nigeria, owning a mobile phone and planning for child immunisation at these study sites to receive automated call and text immunisation reminders or standard care. We assessed the completion of the third pentavalent vaccine (Penta-3) at 18 weeks of age, immunisation completion at 12 months and within 1 week of recommended dates. We assessed selected demographic characteristics associated with completing immunisations at 12 months using a generalised binomial linear model with ‘log’ link function. Feasibility was assessed as proportion of reminders received. Results Each group had 300 mother−baby dyads with similar demographic characteristics. At 18 weeks, 257 (86%) and 244 (81%) (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.13; p=0.15) in the intervention and control groups received Penta-3 vaccine. At 12 months, 220 (74%) and 196 (66%) (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.25; p=0.04) in the intervention and control groups received the measles vaccine. Infants in the intervention group were more likely to receive Penta-3 (84% vs 78%, RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.17; p=0.04), measles (73% vs 65%, RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.26; p=0.02) and all scheduled immunisations collectively (57% vs 47%, RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.26; p=0.01) within 1 week of the recommended date. No demographic character predicted immunisation completion. In the intervention group, 92% and 86% reported receiving a verification reminder and at least one reminder during the study period, respectively. Conclusion Paired automated call and text reminders significantly improved immunisation completion and timeliness. Trial registration number NCT02819895.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osayame A Ekhaguere
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Rosena O Oluwafemi
- Department of Pediatrics, Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Bolaji Badejoko
- Department of Pediatrics, Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Lawal O Oyeneyin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Azeez Butali
- Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew P Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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27
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Riva K, Allen-Taylor L, Schupmann WD, Mphele S, Moshashane N, Lowenthal ED. Prevalence and predictors of alcohol and drug use among secondary school students in Botswana: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1396. [PMID: 30572874 PMCID: PMC6302490 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6263-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and illicit drug use has been recognized as a growing problem among adolescents in Botswana. Little is known about factors affecting alcohol and drug use among Botswana's secondary school students. To aid the design and implementation of effective public health interventions, we sought to determine the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in secondary school students in urban and peri-urban areas of Botswana, and to evaluate risk and protective factors for substance use. METHODS We performed a 72-item cross-sectional survey of students in 17 public secondary schools in Gaborone, Lobatse, Molepolole and Mochudi, Botswana. The World Health Organization's (WHO) Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to define hazardous drinking behavior. Using Jessor's Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) as our conceptual framework, we culturally-adapted items from previously validated tools to measure risk and protective factors for alcohol and drug use. Between-group differences of risk and protective factors were compared using univariate binomial and multinomial-ordinal logit analysis. Relative risks of alcohol and drug use by demographic, high risks and low protections were calculated. Multivariate ordinal-multinomial cumulative logit analysis, multivariate nominal-multinomial logit analysis, and binominal logit analysis were used to build models illustrating the relationship between risk and protective factors and student alcohol and illicit drug use. Clustered data was adjusted for in all analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) methods. RESULTS Of the 1936 students surveyed, 816 (42.1%) reported alcohol use, and 434 (22.4%) met criteria for hazardous alcohol use. Illicit drug use was reported by 324 students (16.7%), with motokwane (marijuana) being the most commonly used drug. Risk factors more strongly associated with alcohol and drug use were reported alcohol availability, individual and social vulnerability factors, and poor peer modeling. Individual and social controls protections appear to mitigate risk of student alcohol and drug use. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol and illicit drug use is prevalent among secondary school students in Botswana. Our data suggest that interventions that reduce the availability of alcohol and drugs and that build greater support networks for adolescents may be most helpful in decreasing alcohol and drug use among secondary school students in Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Riva
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Lynne Allen-Taylor
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 516B Blockley Hall, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Will D Schupmann
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 2716 South St, Room 11242, Philadelphia, PA, 19146, USA
| | - Seipone Mphele
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 2716 South St, Room 11242, Philadelphia, PA, 19146, USA
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Enane LA, Mokete K, Joel D, Daimari R, Tshume O, Anabwani G, Mazhani L, Steenhoff AP, Lowenthal ED. "We did not know what was wrong"-Barriers along the care cascade among hospitalized adolescents with HIV in Gaborone, Botswana. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195372. [PMID: 29630654 PMCID: PMC5890999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High mortality among adolescents with HIV reflects delays and failures in the care cascade. We sought to elucidate critical missed opportunities and barriers to care among adolescents hospitalized with HIV at Botswana's tertiary referral hospital. We enrolled all HIV-infected adolescents (aged 10-19 years) hospitalized with any diagnosis other than pregnancy from July 2015 to January 2016. Medical records were reviewed for clinical variables and past engagement in care. Semi-structured interviews of the adolescents (when feasible) and their caregivers explored delays and barriers to care. Twenty-one eligible adolescents were identified and 15 were enrolled. All but one were WHO Clinical Stage 3 or 4. Barriers to diagnosis included lack of awareness about perinatal HIV infection, illness or death of the mother, and fear of discrimination. Barriers to adherence to antiretroviral therapy included nondisclosure, isolation, and mental health concerns. The number of hospitalized HIV-infected adolescents was lower than expected. However, among those hospitalized, the lack of timely diagnosis and subsequent gaps in the care cascade elucidated opportunities to improve outcomes and quality of life for this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A. Enane
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- * E-mail:
| | - Keboletse Mokete
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Dipesalema Joel
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rahul Daimari
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Gabriel Anabwani
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Loeto Mazhani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Andrew P. Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Center for Global Health, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Center for Global Health, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Enane LA, Lowenthal ED, Arscott-Mills T, Matlhare M, Smallcomb LS, Kgwaadira B, Coffin SE, Steenhoff AP. Loss to follow-up among adolescents with tuberculosis in Gaborone, Botswana. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2018; 20:1320-1325. [PMID: 27725042 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.16.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING Nine high-burden public tuberculosis (TB) clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. OBJECTIVE To describe clinical characteristics and outcomes among adolescents with TB and compare loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates with that among youth and adult cases. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of TB cases registered from 2012 to 2014. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared among adolescents (age 10-19 years), youth (20-24 years) and a systematic sample of adults (⩾25 years). RESULTS We analyzed 120 adolescent, 210 youth, and 548 adult cases. Adolescents had twice the risk of LTFU over adults (RR 2.0, 95%CI 1.1-3.7, P = 0.03), and higher LTFU than youth; this was not significant (RR 1.4, 95%CI 0.7-2.9, P = 0.32). Of those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, 8/35 (22.9%) adolescents were LTFU, compared with 3/51 (5.9%) youth, and 25/407 (6.1%) adults (P = 0.001). In a multivariable model, adolescence (OR 3.0, 95%CI 1.3-6.5, P < 0.01), HIV positivity (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.1-4.5, P = 0.02), and extra-pulmonary TB (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.2-4.0, P = 0.01) were each associated with LTFU. CONCLUSION Adolescents treated for TB had greater LTFU than youth and adults, particularly in the setting of TB-HIV coinfection. Further work should clarify the generalizability of these findings and investigate poor outcomes among adolescents with TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Enane
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - E D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana, Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - T Arscott-Mills
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - M Matlhare
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - L S Smallcomb
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - B Kgwaadira
- Botswana National TB Programme, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - S E Coffin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - A P Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
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Mennella JA, Mathew PS, Lowenthal ED. Use of Adult Sensory Panel to Study Individual Differences in the Palatability of a Pediatric HIV Treatment Drug. Clin Ther 2017; 39:2038-2048. [PMID: 28923290 PMCID: PMC5654675 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The recommended first-line treatment for young children infected with HIV includes the liquid formulation of the co-formulated protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra® [Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois]). Clinical reports indicate that some children readily accept the taste of Kaletra, whereas others strongly reject it, which can deter therapeutic adherence and outcomes. METHODS As a proof-of-concept approach, a sensory panel of genotyped adults was used to document the range of individual differences in the taste and palatability (hedonics) of the liquid formulation of Kaletra and other taste stimuli, including common excipients. Panelists rated taste sensations using generalized labeled magnitude scales to determine genotype-phenotype relationships. Several months later, the panelists were retested to assess response reliability. FINDINGS Not all panelists had the same sensory experience when tasting Kaletra. Palatability ratings varied widely, from moderate like to strongest imaginable dislike, and were reliable over time. The more irritating and bitter Kaletra tasted, the more disliked by the panelist. The more they disliked the taste of Kaletra, the more they disliked the taste of its excipient ethanol and the bitter stimulus denatonium. Those who experienced less bitter and sweeter taste sensations had a different genetic signature than the other panelists. Bitterness and irritation ratings of Kaletra varied by the orphaned bitter receptor gene (TAS2R60), whereas sweetness ratings of Kaletra varied according to the cold receptor gene (TRPM8), which is activated by menthol, an excipient of Kaletra. Neither genotype related to ratings for ethanol or denatonium, however. IMPLICATIONS The use of a sensory panel holds promise as a first step in determining the nature of individual differences in the palatability of existing pediatric drug formulations and sources of variation. In this era of personalized medicine, the need is great to develop psychophysical tools to determine which drugs will show variation in acceptance by children and whether patterns of individual variation in taste as assessed by adults mirror those of young patients. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01841710.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Ioannides KL, Chapman J, Marukutira T, Tshume O, Anabwani G, Gross R, Lowenthal ED. Patterns of HIV Treatment Adherence do not Differ Between Male and Female Adolescents in Botswana. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:410-414. [PMID: 27631365 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1530-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that longer and more frequent dosing gaps among boys in Botswana taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to girls could account for previously seen gender-specific differences in outcomes. We monitored 154 male and 134 female adolescents for 2 years with medication event monitoring systems (MEMS). Median adherence was 95.6 % for males and 95.7 % for females (p = 0.40). There were no significant gender differences in the number of ≥7 day (p = 0.55) and ≥14 day (p = 0.48) dosing gaps. The median maximal gap was 7.7 days for males and 8.0 days for females (p = 0.47). These findings are not consistent with clinically meaningful gender differences in adherence.
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Lowenthal ED, Marukutira T, Tshume O, Chapman J, Anabwani GM, Gross R. Prediction of HIV Virologic Failure Among Adolescents Using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:2044-8. [PMID: 25855047 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychosocial dysfunction is a risk factor for treatment non-adherence among children and adolescents. A previous study showed that high scores on the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) were associated with a history of HIV virologic failure. We assessed whether high scores on the PSC could predict virologic failure in HIV-infected youth. Caregivers of 234 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 16 years were asked to complete a PSC at baseline. Elevated PSC scores were associated with virologic failure in the subsequent 6 months. PSC scores may help guide resource utilization when viral load monitoring is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, Room 1513, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA.
| | - Tafireyi Marukutira
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, Room 1513, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA
| | - Gabriel M Anabwani
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Robert Gross
- Departments of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lowenthal ED, Marukutira T, Tshume O, Chapman J, Nachega JB, Anabwani G, Gross R. Parental absence from clinic predicts human immunodeficiency virus treatment failure in adolescents. JAMA Pediatr 2015; 169:498-500. [PMID: 25822083 PMCID: PMC4420689 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.3785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia2Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana3Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana4Children’s Hospit
| | - Tafireyi Marukutira
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Gabriel Anabwani
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Robert Gross
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana6Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Lazarus JR, Rutstein RM, Lowenthal ED. Treatment initiation factors and cognitive outcome in youth with perinatally acquired HIV infection. HIV Med 2015; 16:355-61. [PMID: 25604610 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although cognitive outcomes among perinatally infected youth have improved with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the impact of the age of initiation of treatment and the central nervous system (CNS) penetration effectiveness (CPE) of the regimen on cognitive outcomes is unknown. We aimed to describe the association between initiation age/regimen CPE score and cognitive outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected youth. METHODS Linear regression was used to retrospectively assess the association between full-scale IQ score (FSIQ) and age of initiation of HAART, regimen CPE, and the presence/absence of an AIDS diagnosis before initiation of HAART in an urban US cohort. RESULTS A total of 88 of 181 subjects (48.6%) had an AIDS diagnosis. In 69, AIDS preceded the start of HAART. Mean FSIQ (mean age 155.4 months) was 86.3 [standard deviation (SD) 15.6]. Neither age of initiation of HAART (P = 0.45) nor regimen CPE score (P = 0.33) was associated with FSIQ. Mean FSIQ for patients with an AIDS diagnosis before HAART initiation [82 (SD 17.0)] was significantly lower than for patients initiating HAART before an AIDS diagnosis [90 (SD 13)] (P = 0.001). Of the 129 subjects without AIDS by age 5 years, 41 (31.8%) initiated HAART before age 5 years; four of 41 later developed AIDS, compared with 32 of 88 of those who did not initiate HAART before age 5 years. The relative risk of AIDS if HAART was initiated before age 5 years was 0.19 (95% confidence interval 0.05-0.60). CONCLUSIONS Earlier age at HAART initiation and higher CPE score of a regimen did not improve cognitive outcomes. However, initiating HAART prior to AIDS protected against AIDS and was associated with a significantly higher FSIQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rutstein Lazarus
- Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA.,Special Immunology Family Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R M Rutstein
- Special Immunology Family Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E D Lowenthal
- Special Immunology Family Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lowenthal ED, Marukutira TC, Chapman J, Mokete K, Riva K, Tshume O, Eby J, Matshaba M, Anabwani GM, Gross R, Glanz K. Psychosocial assessments for HIV+ African adolescents: establishing construct validity and exploring under-appreciated correlates of adherence. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109302. [PMID: 25279938 PMCID: PMC4184864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Study Objectives Psychosocial factors such as outcome expectancy, perceived stigma, socio-emotional support, consideration of future consequences, and psychological reactance likely influence adolescent adherence to antiretroviral treatments. Culturally-adapted and validated tools for measuring these factors in African adolescents are lacking. We aimed to identify culturally-specific factors of importance to establishing local construct validity in Botswana. Methods Using in-depth interviews of 34 HIV+ adolescents, we explored how the psychosocial factors listed above are perceived in this cultural context. We evaluated six scales that have been validated in other contexts. We also probed for additional factors that the adolescents considered important to their HIV medication adherence. Analyses were conducted with an analytic framework approach using NVivo9 software. Results While the construct validity of some Western-derived assessment tools was confirmed, other tools were poorly representative of their constructs in this cultural context. Tools chosen to evaluate HIV-related outcome expectancy and perceived stigma were well-understood and relevant to the adolescents. Feedback from the adolescents suggested that tools to measure all other constructs need major modifications to obtain construct validity in Botswana. The scale regarding future consequences was poorly understood and contained several items that lacked relevance for the Batswana adolescents. They thought psychological reactance played an important role in adherence, but did not relate well to many components of the reactance scale. Measurement of socio-emotional support needs to focus on the adolescent-parent relationship, rather than peer-support in this cultural context. Denial of being HIV-infected was an unexpectedly common theme. Ambivalence about taking medicines was also expressed. Discussion In-depth interviews of Batswana adolescents confirmed the construct validity of some Western-developed psychosocial assessment tools, but demonstrated limitations in others. Previously underappreciated factors related to HIV medication adherence, such as denial and ambivalence, should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of General Pediatrics, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Jennifer Chapman
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of General Pediatrics, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Keboletse Mokete
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Katherine Riva
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine Doris Duke Clinical Research Program, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jessica Eby
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of General Pediatrics, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Villanova University, Villanova, PA, United States of America
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Gabriel M. Anabwani
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Robert Gross
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Karen Glanz
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and School of Nursing, Departments of Epidemiology and Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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Abstract
Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1998, its indication was recently extended to include children as young as 3 months of age. The World Health Organization and many national guidelines consider efavirenz to be the preferred NNRTI for first-line treatment of children over the age of 3 years. Clinical outcomes of patients on three-drug antiretroviral regimens which include efavirenz are as good as or better than those for patients on all other currently approved HIV medications. Efavirenz is dosed once daily and has pediatric-friendly formulations. It is usually well tolerated, with central nervous system side effects being of greatest concern. Efavirenz increases the risk of neural tube defects in nonhuman primates and therefore its use during the first trimester of pregnancy is limited in some settings. With minimal interactions with antituberculous drugs, efavirenz is preferred for use among patients with HIV/tuberculosis coinfection. Efavirenz can be rendered inactive by a single point mutation in the reverse transcriptase enzyme. Newer NNRTI drugs such as etravirine, not yet approved for use in children under the age of 6 years, may maintain their activity following development of efavirenz resistance. This review highlights key points from the existing literature regarding the use of efavirenz in children and suggests directions for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Larru
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia
| | - Jessica Eby
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia ; Villanova University, Villanova
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mburu G, Hodgson I, Kalibala S, Haamujompa C, Cataldo F, Lowenthal ED, Ross D. Adolescent HIV disclosure in Zambia: barriers, facilitators and outcomes. J Int AIDS Soc 2014; 17:18866. [PMID: 24629845 PMCID: PMC3956312 DOI: 10.7448/ias.17.1.18866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As adolescents living with HIV gain autonomy over their self-care and begin to engage in sexual relationships, their experiences of being informed about their HIV status and of telling others about their HIV status may affect their ability to cope with having the disease. METHODS In 2010, we conducted a qualitative study among adolescents aged 10-19 living with HIV in Zambia, and with their parents and health care providers. Through interviews and focus group discussions, we explored the disclosure of HIV status to adolescents living with HIV; adolescents' disclosure of their status to others; and the impact of both forms of disclosure on adolescents. RESULTS Our study identified three main barriers to disclosure of HIV status: local norms that deter parents from communicating with their children about sexuality; fear of HIV stigma; and an underlying presumption that adolescents would not understand the consequences of a HIV diagnosis on their lives and relationships. With regard to adolescents' disclosure of their HIV status to their sexual partners, our study identified fear of rejection as a common barrier. In rare cases, open family conversations about HIV helped adolescents come to terms with a HIV diagnosis. Findings indicated that disclosure had various outcomes at the individual and interpersonal levels. At the individual level, some adolescents described being anxious, depressed and blaming themselves after being told they had HIV. At the interpersonal level, disclosure created opportunities for adolescents to access adherence support and other forms of psychosocial support from family members and peers. At the same time, it occasionally strained adolescents' sexual relationships, although it did not always lead to rejection. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for public health interventions that guide adolescents living with HIV, their parents and families through the disclosure process. Such interventions should help parents to assess and understand the evolving cognitive capacity and maturity of their adolescents in order to determine the appropriate time to inform them of their HIV-positive status. Such interventions should also mitigate the risk of HIV stigma, as well as local norms that may prevent discussions of sexuality within families. Adolescents who have been informed of their HIV status should be provided with on-going support to prevent disclosure from negatively affecting their psychological and sexual wellbeing. Further research is needed to explore the potential role of trusted family members in contributing to the disclosure process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitau Mburu
- International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Hove, UK; Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, UK;
| | - Ian Hodgson
- Center for Global Health, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, UK
| | | | | | - Fabian Cataldo
- Research Department, Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Ross
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Lowenthal ED, Bakeera-Kitaka S, Marukutira T, Chapman J, Goldrath K, Ferrand RA. Perinatally acquired HIV infection in adolescents from sub-Saharan Africa: a review of emerging challenges. Lancet Infect Dis 2014; 14:627-39. [PMID: 24406145 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(13)70363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, more than three million children are infected with HIV, 90% of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. As the HIV epidemic matures and antiretroviral treatment is scaled up, children with HIV are reaching adolescence in large numbers. The growing population of adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV infection living within this region presents not only unprecedented challenges but also opportunities to learn about the pathogenesis of HIV infection. In this Review, we discuss the changing epidemiology of paediatric HIV and the particular features of HIV infection in adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Longstanding HIV infection acquired when the immune system is not developed results in distinctive chronic clinical complications that cause severe morbidity. As well as dealing with chronic illness, HIV-infected adolescents have to confront psychosocial issues, maintain adherence to drugs, and learn to negotiate sexual relationships, while undergoing rapid physical and psychological development. Context-specific strategies for early identification of HIV infection in children and prompt linkage to care need to be developed. Clinical HIV care should integrate age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health and psychological, educational, and social services. Health-care workers will need to be trained to recognise and manage the needs of these young people so that the increasing numbers of children surviving to adolescence can access quality care beyond specialist services at low-level health-care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tafireyi Marukutira
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jennifer Chapman
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn Goldrath
- Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rashida A Ferrand
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.
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Lowenthal ED, Marukutira TC. Editorial Commentary: Disclosure of HIV Status to HIV-Infected Children in Areas With High HIV Prevalence. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2013; 2:144-6. [PMID: 26619461 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/pit026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Lowenthal ED, Ellenberg JH, Machine E, Sagdeo A, Boiditswe S, Steenhoff AP, Rutstein R, Anabwani G, Gross R. Association between efavirenz-based compared with nevirapine-based antiretroviral regimens and virological failure in HIV-infected children. JAMA 2013; 309:1803-9. [PMID: 23632724 PMCID: PMC3748602 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2013.3710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Worldwide, the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) efavirenz and nevirapine are commonly used in first-line antiretroviral regimens in both adults and children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Data on the comparative effectiveness of these medications in children are limited. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether virological failure is more likely among children who initiated 1 or the other NNRTI-based HIV treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort study of children (aged 3-16 years) who initiated efavirenz-based (n = 421) or nevirapine-based (n = 383) treatment between April 2002 and January 2011 at a large pediatric HIV care setting in Botswana. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was time from initiation of therapy to virological failure. Virological failure was defined as lack of plasma HIV RNA suppression to less than 400 copies/mL by 6 months or confirmed HIV RNA of 400 copies/mL or greater after suppression. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis compared time to virological failure by regimen. Multivariable Cox regression controlled for age, sex, baseline immunologic category, baseline clinical category, baseline viral load, nutritional status, NRTIs used, receipt of single-dose nevirapine, and treatment for tuberculosis. RESULTS With a median follow-up time of 69 months (range, 6-112 months; interquartile range, 23-87 months), 57 children (13.5%; 95% CI, 10.4%-17.2%) initiating treatment with efavirenz and 101 children (26.4%; 95% CI, 22.0%-31.1%) initiating treatment with nevirapine had virological failure. There were 11 children (2.6%; 95% CI, 1.3%-4.6%) receiving efavirenz and 20 children (5.2%; 95% CI, 3.2%-7.9%) receiving nevirapine who never achieved virological suppression. The Cox proportional hazard ratio for the combined virological failure end point was 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4-2.7; log rank P < .001, favoring efavirenz). None of the measured covariates affected the estimated hazard ratio in the multivariable analyses. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among children aged 3 to 16 years infected with HIV and treated at a clinic in Botswana, the use of efavirenz compared with nevirapine as initial antiretroviral treatment was associated with less virological failure. These findings may warrant additional research evaluating the use of efavirenz and nevirapine for pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Ndiaye M, Nyasulu P, Nguyen H, Lowenthal ED, Gross R, Mills EJ, Nachega JB. Risk factors for suboptimal antiretroviral therapy adherence in HIV-infected adolescents in Gaborone, Botswana: a pilot cross-sectional study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2013; 7:891-5. [PMID: 24049440 PMCID: PMC3775698 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s47628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about factors associated with suboptimal antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence among adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to determine the level of ART adherence and predictors of non-adherence among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adolescents at the Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence in Gaborone, Botswana. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 82 HIV-infected adolescents receiving ART and their caregivers were administered a structured questionnaire. The patient's clinical information was retrieved from medical records. Outcome measures included excellent pill count ART adherence (>95%) and virologic suppression (HIV viral load <400 copies/mL). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of ART non-adherence. RESULTS The overall median (interquartile range) ART adherence was 99% (96.5-100) (N = 82). Seventy-six percent of adolescents had excellent pill count ART adherence levels and 94% achieved virologic suppression. Male adolescents made up 65% of the non-adherent group (P = 0.02). Those who displayed suboptimal ART adherence were more likely to report having ever missed ART doses due to failure to pick up medication at the pharmacy (30.0% versus 9.7%, P = 0.03). In the multivariate logistic regression model, male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-9.54; P = 0.03) was the only factor which was independently associated with suboptimal ART adherence. CONCLUSIONS A high proportion of HIV-infected adolescents studied had excellent ART adherence and virologic suppression, with male adolescents at higher risk of suboptimal adherence than females. Further research to investigate how sex relates to suboptimal adherence may aid in the design of targeted intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maimouna Ndiaye
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Central Medical Stores, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Peter Nyasulu
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hoang Nguyen
- Departments of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Tay Ho Clinics, Department of Medicine, Hanoi Health Services, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert Gross
- Departments of Medicine and Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edward J Mills
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean B Nachega
- Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research Program, Pittsburgh University Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Departments of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Jean B Nachega, Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA, Tel +1 4 410-800 7803, Fax +1 4 410-502 6733, Email ;
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Lowenthal ED, Szalda D, Harari N, Finalle R, Mazhani L. Relationship of training to self-reported competency and care of adolescents in an African health care setting. J Adolesc Health 2011; 49:431-3. [PMID: 21939876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescent medicine is not a recognized specialty in most African countries and African healthcare providers receive little adolescent-specific training. We explored the association between training, self-reported competence, and clinical practice related to adolescent health in an African setting. METHODS A total of 119 healthcare providers of various disciplines who work with adolescent patients in Francistown, Botswana were surveyed regarding their adolescent-specific training, self-reported competence, and counseling practices. Self-reported competence and practices related to counseling adolescents about sexual activity, alcohol and/or drug use, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific issues, and mental health were explored. RESULTS In all, 50.4% of respondents had received HIV training with an adolescent-specific component. Fewer had received adolescent-specific training outside the context of HIV prevention and management. Respondents were significantly more likely to report higher competence for all items except for counseling adolescents about depression and anxiety if they had received any adolescent-specific training. Respondents who reported higher competence were significantly more likely to report more frequent counseling of their adolescent clients. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that adolescent-focused training is important for ensuring that adolescents receive counseling when presenting for routine healthcare in our setting. The mental health needs of adolescents do not seem to be adequately addressed by current training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- General Pediatrics and Global Health, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Jeha GS, Lowenthal ED, Chan WY, Wu SM, Karaviti LP. Variable presentation of precocious puberty associated with the D564G mutation of the LHCGR gene in children with testotoxicosis. J Pediatr 2006; 149:271-4. [PMID: 16887451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2006.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2005] [Revised: 02/27/2006] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We report on a family with familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP) due to a D564G mutation of the LHCGR gene. Family members show a varied phenotypic expression from severe precocity unresponsive to therapy with compromise of the predicted final height in some members, to attainment of tall final stature in other members who never received medical treatment. DNA amplification and sequencing of exon 11 of the LHCGR gene was done for the three affected male members and their mother. DNA analysis revealed a D564G mutation in the third cytoplasmic loop of the LHCGR receptor. All three males had precocious puberty with elevated testosterone levels. The index case developed central precocious puberty and evidence of compromised final height while on therapy. In contrast, the untreated older siblings attained a tall final height. This report underscores the possibility that the effects of the mutant luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor on phenotypic expression of FMPP, such as adult final height, are modified by other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Jeha
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Abstract
No abstract available.
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