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Carides MD, Mehta R, Louw J, Mohamed F. A challenging case of a pituitary macroadenoma and toxic thyroid adenoma with inappropriate TSH secretion. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2024; 2024:23-0136. [PMID: 38642582 PMCID: PMC11046320 DOI: 10.1530/edm-23-0136] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Summary Thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas) are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all pituitary adenomas. We present a case of hyperthyroidism secondary to a likely TSHoma and coexisting functional thyroid adenoma. Laboratory errors and familial abnormalities in thyroid function tests were ruled out, and a diagnosis of the toxic thyroid adenoma was confirmed on a thyroid uptake scan. However, the triiodothyronine suppression test was contraindicated due to the patient's cardiovascular disease, and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test, measurement of glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit, and genetic testing were unavailable. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a suprasellar pituitary macroadenoma measuring 40 mm × 20.3 mm × 17 mm. The patient was initiated on carbimazole; however, thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels remained elevated. The patient declined trans-sphenoidal surgery and was treated with radioactive iodine to manage the toxic thyroid adenoma, leading to reduced thyroxine levels and symptom improvement. Unfortunately, the patient passed away before long-acting somatostatin analogs became available. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges involved in managing thyrotoxicosis with dual etiology. Learning points Hyperthyroidism can have multiple etiologies, which can coexist in the same patient. Persistent discordant thyroid function tests warrant further investigation. The gold standard for diagnosis of TSHomas remains immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Despina Carides
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Ruchika Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jaco Louw
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Farzahna Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Rosen JG, Knox JR, Rucinski KB, Mcingana M, Mulumba N, Comins CA, Shipp L, Makama S, Beckham SW, Hausler H, Baral SD, Schwartz SR. Polysubstance Use Profiles and HIV Viremia in a South African Cohort of Female Sex Workers: A Latent Class Analysis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:222-230. [PMID: 38032752 PMCID: PMC10922222 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003356] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given intersecting social and structural factors, female sex workers (FSW) exhibit elevated risk of HIV and substance use. However, there is limited study of how distinct substance use typologies influence HIV treatment outcomes among FSW. SETTING A cross-sectional survey with objective viral load assessments of 1391 FSW enrolled into a treatment optimization-focused trial in Durban, South Africa (2018-2020). METHODS We used latent class analysis to uncover discrete patterns in past-month self-reported use of the following substances: heavy alcohol use, cannabis, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, methamphetamine, heroin, and Whoonga . We used Wald tests to identify multilevel predictors of latent class membership and multivariable mixture modeling to quantify associations of substance use classes with HIV viremia (≥50 RNA copies/mL). RESULTS Substance use (87%) and HIV viremia (62%) were highly prevalent. Latent class analysis uncovered 3 polysubstance use profiles: Heavy Alcohol Use Only (∼54%); Cannabis, Heavy Alcohol, & Crack Use (∼28%); and Whoonga & Crack Use (∼18%). Whoonga & Crack Use was associated with social and structural adversities, including homelessness, outdoor/public sex work, HIV stigma, and violence. Relative to Heavy Alcohol Use Only , HIV viremia was significantly higher in the Whoonga & Crack Use class (adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 3.43), but not in the Cannabis, Heavy Alcohol, & Crack Use class (adjusted odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 0.74 to 1.86). CONCLUSION HIV viremia differed significantly across identified polysubstance use profiles among South African FSW. Integrating drug treatment and harm reduction services into HIV treatment programs is key to improving virologic outcomes in marginalized communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Justin R. Knox
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Katherine B. Rucinski
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | | | - Ntambue Mulumba
- Key Populations Programme, TB HIV Care, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carly A. Comins
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lillian Shipp
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Siyanda Makama
- Key Populations Programme, TB HIV Care, Durban, South Africa
| | - S. Wilson Beckham
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Harry Hausler
- Department of Psychiatry, Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Sheree R. Schwartz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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van Heerden JK, Meintjes G, Barr D, Zhao Y, Griesel R, Keene CM, Wiesner L, Galileya LT, Denti P, Maartens G. Relationship Between Tenofovir Diphosphate Concentrations in Dried Blood Spots and Virological Outcomes After Initiating Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir as First-Line or Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:260-267. [PMID: 38408216 PMCID: PMC7615802 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003341] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentration in dried blood spots is a marker of long-term adherence. We investigated the relationship between TFV-DP concentrations and virological outcomes in participants initiating tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir (TLD) as first-line or second-line antiretroviral therapy. SETTING Three primary care clinics in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS We conducted a post hoc analysis of 2 randomized controlled trials of participants initiating TLD. TFV-DP concentrations and viral loads were measured at 12, 24, and 48 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association with virological suppression (<50 copies/mL) per natural logarithm increase in TFV-DP concentration. Generalized estimating equations with logit link were used to assess associations with virological rebound. The Akaike Information Criterion and Quasi-likelihood Information Criteria were used to compare models built on continuous TFV-DP data to 4 previously defined concentration categories. RESULTS We included 294 participants in the analysis, 188 (64%) of whom initiated TLD as second-line therapy. Adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) of virological suppression were 2.12 (1.23, 3.75), 3.11 (1.84, 5.65), and 4.69 (2.81, 8.68) per natural logarithm increase in TFV-DP concentration at weeks 12, 24, and 48, respectively. In participants with virological suppression at week 12, the adjusted odds ratio for remaining virologically suppressed was 3.63 (95% CI: 2.21 to 5.69) per natural logarithm increase in TFV-DP concentration. Models using continuous TFV-DP data had lower Akaike Information Criterion and Quasi-likelihood Information Criteria values than those using categorical data for predicting virological outcomes. CONCLUSION TFV-DP concentrations in dried blood spots exhibit a dose-response relationship with viral load. Analyzing TFV-DP concentrations as continuous variables rather than conventional categorization may be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kate van Heerden
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Barr
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, United Kingdom and Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ying Zhao
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rulan Griesel
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claire Marriott Keene
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Systems Collaborative, NDM Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lufina Tsirizani Galileya
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paolo Denti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Maartens
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
Deon Bührs, Managing Director of Genie Health SA, on launching a hybrid healthcare delivery model in South Africa.
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Giovenco D, Pettifor A, Qayiya Y, Jones J, Bekker LG. The Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Courier HIV-Treatment Delivery and SMS Support Intervention for Young People Living With HIV in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:161-169. [PMID: 37856424 PMCID: PMC10841708 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003332] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) experience poorer rates of virological suppression compared with adults. Differentiated service delivery models for YPLWH are urgently needed to address this disparity. SETTING Participants were recruited from an HIV treatment clinic near Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal pilot study to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of a courier ART delivery and SMS support intervention to retain YPLWH (13-24 years) in care during COVID-19. YPLWH had the option to enroll in the courier service and were randomized 1:1 to receive adherence support via a weekly SMS. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate the preliminary effectiveness of the courier intervention on viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL) at months 3 and 6. RESULTS Among 215 participants, 82% elected to enroll in the courier ART service at baseline, 41% reported receiving a delivery in the past 3 months at month 3, and 49% reported receiving a delivery in the past 3 months at month 6. Among those who received a delivery, most (91%-100%) rated the intervention as acceptable. Participants who reported receiving a delivery in the past 3 months at month 3 were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.54) times as likely to have a suppressed viral load at month 3 and 1.21 (0.99, 1.48) times as likely at month 6, controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS Findings reveal high uptake and acceptability of a courier ART delivery intervention among YPLWH and promising evidence for its effectiveness in increasing the probability of viral suppression. A fully powered trial is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Giovenco
- Emory University, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jeb Jones
- Emory University, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Slogrove AL, Bovu A, de Beer S, Phelanyane F, Williams PL, Heekes A, Kalk E, Mehta U, Theron G, Abrams EJ, Cotton MF, Myer L, Davies MA, Boulle A. Maternal and birth outcomes in pregnant people with and without HIV in the Western Cape, South Africa. AIDS 2024; 38:59-67. [PMID: 37720974 PMCID: PMC10715689 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003728] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We evaluated associations of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) with birth and maternal outcomes at a province-wide-level in the Western Cape, South Africa, in a recent cohort before dolutegravir-based first-line ART implementation. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included pregnant people delivering in 2018-2019 with data in the Western Cape Provincial Health Data Centre which integrates individual-level data on all public sector patients from multiple electronic platforms using unique identifiers. Adverse birth outcomes (stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), very LBW (VLBW)) and maternal outcomes (early and late pregnancy-related deaths, early and late hospitalizations) were compared by HIV/ART status and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) calculated using log-binomial regression. RESULTS Overall 171,960 pregnant people and their singleton newborns were included, 19% (N = 32 015) identified with HIV. Amongst pregnant people with HIV (PPHIV), 60% (N = 19 157) were on ART preconception, 29% (N = 9276) initiated ART during pregnancy and 11% (N = 3582) had no ART. Adjusted for maternal age, multiparity, hypertensive disorders and residential district, stillbirths were higher only for PPHIV not on ART [aPR 1.31 (95%CI 1.04-1.66)] compared to those without HIV. However, LBW and VLBW were higher among all PPHIV, with aPRs of 1.11-1.22 for LBW and 1.14-1.54 for VLBW. Pregnancy-initiated ART was associated with early pregnancy-related death (aPR 3.21; 95%CI 1.55-6.65), and HIV with or without ART was associated with late pregnancy-related death (aPRs 7.89-9.01). CONCLUSIONS Even in the universal ART era, PPHIV experienced higher rates of LBW and VLBW newborns, and higher late pregnancy-related death regardless of ART status than pregnant people without HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Slogrove
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Worcester
| | - Andisiwe Bovu
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Worcester
| | - Shani de Beer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Florence Phelanyane
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paige L. Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexa Heekes
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gerhard Theron
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia and Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, and Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Mark F. Cotton
- Family Centre for Research with Ubuntu, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Government Health and Wellness, Cape Town, South Africa
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Geiger K, Patil A, Bergman A, Budhathoki C, Heidari O, Lowensen K, Mthimkhulu N, McNabb KC, Ndjeka N, Ngozo J, Reynolds N, Farley JE. Exploring HIV disease indicators at MDR-TB treatment initiation in South Africa. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2024; 28:42-50. [PMID: 38178293 PMCID: PMC10915896 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.23.0242] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding relationships between HIV and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is crucial for ensuring successful MDR-TB outcomes.METHODS: We used a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as correlates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, having an HIV viral load (VL) result, and HIV viral suppression in a cross-sectional sample of people with HIV (PWH) and MDR-TB enrolled in a cluster-randomized trial of nurse case management to improve MDR-TB outcomes.RESULTS: Among 1,479 PWH, the mean age was 37.1 years; 809 (54.7%) were male, and 881 (59.6%) were taking ART. Housing location, employment status, and CD4 count differed significantly between those taking vs. those not taking ART. Among the 881 taking ART, 681 (77.3%) had available HIV VL results. Housing location, CD4 count, and prior history of TB differed significantly between those with and without a VL result. Among the 681 with a VL result, 418 (61.4%) were virally suppressed. Age, education level, CD4 count, TB history, housing location, and ART type differed significantly between those with and without viral suppression.CONCLUSION: PWH presenting for MDR-TB treatment with a history of TB, taking a protease inhibitor, or living in a township may risk poor MDR-TB outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri Geiger
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amita Patil
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Durban, Republic of South Africa
| | - Alanna Bergman
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Omeid Heidari
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly Lowensen
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Durban, Republic of South Africa
| | - Nomusa Mthimkhulu
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Durban, Republic of South Africa
| | - Katherine C. McNabb
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Norbert Ndjeka
- National Department of Health, Republic of South Africa, TB Control and Management
| | - Jaqueline Ngozo
- KwaZulu Natal Department of Health, Republic of South Africa
| | - Nancy Reynolds
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jason E. Farley
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Durban, Republic of South Africa
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Joseph Davey DL, Nyemba DC, Mvududu R, Mashele N, Johnson L, Bekker LG, Dean SS, Bheemraj K, Coates TJ, Myer L. Pregnancy outcomes following self-reported and objective-measured exposure to oral preexposure prophylaxis in South Africa. AIDS 2024; 38:75-83. [PMID: 37720980 PMCID: PMC10715696 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003729] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare pregnancy outcomes using self-reported and objective levels of intracellular tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in pregnant women using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). DESIGN We enrolled pregnant women >15 years without HIV at first antenatal care visit in an observational cohort study to compare pregnancy outcomes by PrEP use. METHODS Exposure defined as: any PrEP use [tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine (TDF/FTC]) prescription + reported taking PrEP], or objectively-measured TFV-DP in dried blood spots in PrEP-using pregnant women. The primary outcome was a composite of pregnancy loss, preterm birth (<37weeks), low birthweight (<2500 g), small for gestational age ([SGA] ≤ tenth percentile), or neonatal death. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated individual and composite adverse outcomes by self-reported or objectively measured PrEP use adjusting for age, gestational age, gravidity and socio-economic status. RESULTS Between August 19 and February 23, we followed 1195 pregnant women and ascertained 1145 pregnancy outcomes (96%); 72% ( n = 826) reported taking PrEP while pregnant, 16% did not take PrEP ( n = 178), 12% were unconfirmed ( n = 141). Overall, 94.5% ( n = 1082) had singleton live births with a median birthweight of 3.2 kg [interquartile range (IQR) = 2.9-3.5], with no difference in pregnancy loss between self-reported PrEP exposed vs. unexposed [4.0 vs. 5.6%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.32-1.47]. Composite adverse outcomes did not differ by reported PrEP use (20% for both groups; aOR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.71-1.63). Comparing objective PrEP use (any TFV-DP vs. no TFV-DP or not on PrEP), adverse outcomes did not differ (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.39-1.04), nor did other outcomes including preterm birth nor SGA. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy outcomes did not differ by PrEP exposure (self-reported or objective), suggesting real-world efficacy that TDF/FTC as PrEP is safe in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dvora Leah Joseph Davey
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Dorothy C. Nyemba
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
| | - Rufaro Mvududu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Nyiko Mashele
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Leigh Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Sarah Schoetz Dean
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kalisha Bheemraj
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Thomas J. Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
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BALASUBRAMANIAN R, SHEARER K, MUDZENGI D, HIPPNER P, GOLUB JE, CHIHOTA V, HOFFMANN CJ, KENDALL EA. Modeling the impact of universal tuberculosis molecular testing and timing of tuberculosis preventive treatment during antiretroviral therapy initiation in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:2371-2379. [PMID: 37650763 PMCID: PMC10782927 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003707] [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] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Targeted universal tuberculosis (TB) testing can improve TB detection among people with HIV. This approach is being scaled up in South Africa through Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra testing for individuals starting antiretroviral therapy and annually thereafter. Clarity is needed on how Universal Xpert testing may affect TB preventive treatment (TPT) provision, and on whether TPT should be delayed until TB is ruled out. DESIGN State-transition microsimulation. METHODS We simulated a cohort of South African patients being screened for TB while entering HIV care. We compared clinical and cost outcomes between four TB screening algorithms: symptom-based, C-reactive protein-based, and Universal Xpert testing with either simultaneous or delayed TPT initiation. RESULTS Prompt TB treatment initiation among simulated patients with TB increased from 26% (24-28%) under symptom screening to 53% (50-56%) with Universal Xpert testing. Universal Xpert testing led to increased TPT uptake when TPT initiation was simultaneous, but to approximately 50% lower TPT uptake if TPT was delayed. Universal Xpert with simultaneous TPT prevented incident TB compared to either symptom screening (median 17 cases averted per 5000 patients) or Universal Xpert with delayed TPT (median 23 averted). Universal Xpert with Simultaneous TPT cost approximately $39 per incremental TPT course compared to Universal Xpert with delayed TPT. CONCLUSIONS Universal Xpert testing can promote timely treatment for newly diagnosed people with HIV who have active TB. Pairing universal testing with immediate TPT will improve the promptness, uptake, and preventive effects of TPT. Simultaneous improvements to TB care cascades are needed to maximize impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate SHEARER
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan E. GOLUB
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Violet CHIHOTA
- Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Christopher J HOFFMANN
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily A KENDALL
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Paredes-Ruvalcaba N, Kim AW, Ndaba N, Cele L, Swana S, Bosire E, Moolla A. Coping mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in metropolitan Johannesburg, South Africa: A qualitative study. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23958. [PMID: 37427489 PMCID: PMC10776812 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has caused prolonged stress on numerous fronts. While the acute health impacts of psychosocial stress due to the pandemic are well-documented, less is known about the resources and mechanisms utilized to cope in response to stresses during the pandemic and lockdown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify and describe the coping mechanisms adults utilized in response to the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020 South African lockdown. METHODS This study included adults (n = 47: 32 female; 14 male; 1 non-binary) from the greater Johannesburg region in South Africa. Interviews with both closed and open-ended questions were administered to query topics regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were coded and thematically analyzed to identify coping mechanisms and experiences. RESULTS Adults engaged in a variety of strategies to cope with the pandemic and the ensued lockdown. The ability to access or engage in multiple coping mechanisms were either enhanced or constrained by financial and familial situations. Participants engaged in seven major coping mechanisms: interactions with family and friends, prayer and religion, staying active, financial resources, mindset reframing, natural remedies, and following COVID-19 prevention protocols. CONCLUSIONS Despite the multiple stressors faced during the pandemic and lockdown, participants relied on multiple coping strategies which helped preserve their well-being and overcome pandemic-related adversity. The strategies participants engaged in were impacted by access to financial resources and family support. Further research is needed to examine the potential impacts these strategies may have on people's health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Wooyoung Kim
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nokubonga Ndaba
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lindile Cele
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Someleze Swana
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edna Bosire
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aneesa Moolla
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Wits Health Consortium, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Marcus ME, Mahlalela N, Drame ND, Rohr JK, Vollmer S, Tollman S, Berkman L, Kahn K, Gómez-Olivé FX, Manne-Goehler J, Bärnighausen T. Home-based HIV testing strategies for middle-aged and older adults in rural South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:2213-2221. [PMID: 37696252 PMCID: PMC10615729 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003698] [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] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than one in four adults over 40 years with HIV in South Africa are unaware of their status and not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV self-testing may offer a powerful approach to closing this gap for aging adults. Here, we report the results of a randomized comparative effectiveness trial of three different home-based HIV testing strategies for middle-aged and older adults in rural South Africa. DESIGN Two thousand nine hundred and sixty-three individuals in the 'Health and Ageing in Africa: a Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI)' cohort study were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to one of three types of home-based and home-delivered HIV testing modalities: rapid testing with counseling; self-testing, and both rapid testing with counselling and self-testing. METHOD In OLS regression analyses, we estimated the treatment effects on HIV testing and HIV testing frequency at about 1 year after delivery. Finally, we assessed the potential adverse effects of these strategies on the secondary outcomes of depressive symptom as assessed by the CESD-20, linkage to care, and risky sexual behavior. RESULTS There were no significant differences in HIV testing uptake or testing frequency across groups. However, respondents in the self-testing treatment arms were more likely to shift from testing at home and a facility [self-testing (HIVST), -8 percentage points (pp); 95% confidence interval (CI) -14 to -2 pp; self-testing plus rapid testing and counselling (ST+RT+C); -9 pp, 95% CI -15 to -3 pp] to testing only at home (HIVST 5 pp; 95% CI 2 to 9 pp; ST+RT+C: 5 pp, 95% CI 1 to 9 pp) - suggesting a revealed preference for self-testing in this population. We also found no adverse effects of this strategy on linkage to care for HIV and common comorbidities, recent sexual partners, or condom use. Finally, those in the self-testing only arm had significantly decreased depressive symptom scores by 0.58 points (95% CI -1.16 to -0.01). CONCLUSION We find HIV self-testing to be a well tolerated and seemingly preferred home-based testing option for middle-aged and older adults in rural South Africa. This approach should be expanded to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja E. Marcus
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nomsa Mahlalela
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ndeye D. Drame
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia K Rohr
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Vollmer
- Department of Economics and Centre for Modern Indian Studies, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephen Tollman
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Center for Global Health Research, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Lisa Berkman
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Center for Global Health Research, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Francesc Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Manne-Goehler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
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12
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Geiger K, Patil A, Budhathoki C, Dooley KE, Lowensen K, Ndjeka N, Ngozo J, Farley JE. Successful Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Without HIV Viral Suppression: A Missed Opportunity. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:253-261. [PMID: 37757847 PMCID: PMC10592374 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003268] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coinfection with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and HIV is common, but few published studies examine how undergoing MDR-TB treatment affects HIV disease indicators. METHODS Using data from a nested, retrospective cohort of people with HIV (PWH) and successful MDR-TB treatment outcomes, we built multivariable regression models to explore correlates of HIV viral suppression at MDR-TB treatment completion. RESULTS Among 531 PWH successfully treated for MDR-TB, mean age was 37.4 years (SD 10.2, interquartile range 30-43), 270 (50.8%) were male, 395 (74.4%) were virally suppressed at MDR-TB outcome, and 259 (48.8%) took bedaquiline. Older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.06) increased odds of viral suppression, while having a prior TB episode (aOR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.64), having a detectable viral load at MDR-TB treatment initiation (aOR 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.30), living in a township (aOR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.87), and being changed from efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) to a protease inhibitor due to bedaquiline usage (aOR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.82) or not having an ART change while on bedaquiline (aOR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.75) lowered odds of viral suppression. Changing from efavirenz to nevirapine due to bedaquiline usage did not significantly affect odds of viral suppression (aOR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.16 to 1.04). CONCLUSIONS Increased pill burden and adverse treatment effects did not significantly affect HIV viral suppression while switching ART to a protease inhibitor to accommodate bedaquiline or not changing ART while taking bedaquiline did, suggesting that PWH and MDR-TB may benefit from additional support if they must switch ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri Geiger
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amita Patil
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kelly E. Dooley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelly Lowensen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Norbert Ndjeka
- National Department of Health, Republic of South Africa, TB Control and Management
- University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jaqueline Ngozo
- KwaZulu Natal Department of Health, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jason E. Farley
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Ikobah JM, Taminiau J, Nel E, Fewtrell M. Complementary Feeding in Western Cape, South Africa: Identifying Suboptimal Practices and Potential Targets for Intervention. Cureus 2023; 15:e46512. [PMID: 37927666 PMCID: PMC10625165 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46512] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Appropriate complementary feeding is important for the normal growth and development of children. This study aimed to describe the complementary feeding practices and identify suboptimal practices that would be possible targets for intervention to improve practices among mothers of infants aged six weeks to one year in Western Cape Province, South Africa. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the emergency unit of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health of Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, between May 2017 and June 2017 among 110 mothers and their infants. Infants with minor ailments were included in the study. Patients requiring hospital admissions or severely ill infants requiring oxygen or ventilation, premature babies, and children with congenital anomalies were excluded from the study. The relationship between sociodemographic variables and the time of commencement of complementary food was described. Results The mean age of infants was 6.4±3.2 months, while the mean age of mothers was 27.6±5.5 years. On average, the age at introduction of complementary food to infants was 2.17±1.50 months. Among the complementary foods given to infants less than six months of age, cereals were the most commonly introduced (76.5%), while the least were sweet beverages (5.9%). Maternal age ≤ 34 years and first-born infant were significantly associated with early commencement of complementary food before six months of age (p=0.042 and p=0.032, respectively). Conclusion This study indicated that commencement of complementary food as early as two months of age with the use of non-nutritious and inappropriate food remains a significant problem in the region. There is a need for further education of mothers on appropriate complementary feeding practices given the importance of complementary feeding practices to the optimum growth and development of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanah M Ikobah
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, NGA
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, ZAF
| | - Jan Taminiau
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, NLD
| | - Etienne Nel
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, ZAF
| | - Mary Fewtrell
- Department of Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, GBR
- Department of Paediatrics, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
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14
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Teuteberg N, Barnard MM, Fernandez A, Cloete K, Mukosi M, Pitcher R. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Utilization of Public Sector Radiological Services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Cureus 2023; 15:e47616. [PMID: 38021905 PMCID: PMC10667617 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47616] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus (COVID-19) was officially declared a pandemic in March 2020 and has had a major impact on global healthcare services, including radiology. However, little is known about the full impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of diagnostic imaging in Africa's public healthcare sector. Objectives The objective of this study was to compare public sector diagnostic imaging utilization by modality for the whole Western Cape Province (WCP) of South Africa (SA), as well as its metropolitan and rural areas, in 2019 and 2020 in terms of the absolute number of investigations and investigations per 1000 people. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness and Stats SA District Council 2021 Mid-Year Population Estimates data. All diagnostic imaging investigations performed in 2019 and 2020 were collated and stratified by imaging modality, geographic region (metropolitan/rural), and calendar year. Data are presented as the total number of investigations and investigations per 1000 people. We calculated mammography utilization for women aged 40-70 years and compared data for 2019 and 2020. Results Between 2019 and 2020, the provincial population increased by 1.9%, while total imaging investigations and investigations per 1000 people decreased by 19% (1,384,941 vs. 1,123,508, -261,433) and 20% (262/103 vs. 208/103), respectively. Total numerical decline was highest in plain radiographs (1,005,545 vs. 800,641, -204,904), accounting for more than three-quarters (78%) of the total reduction. Percentage decline was most pronounced for mammography, as utilization was almost halved (15.7/103 vs. 8.9/103, -43%), whereas computed tomography was the least impacted (17.9/103 vs. 16.7/103, -12%) with the remaining modalities decreasing between approximately one-quarter and one-fifth (magnetic resonance imaging = 26%, fluoroscopy = 25%, general radiographs = 23%, ultrasound = 16%, chest radiographs = 18%). Proportional metropolitan (-18.7%) and rural decreases (-19.3%) were similar. Conclusion COVID-19 had a substantial impact on WCP imaging services, decreasing overall radiological investigations by almost one-fifth. The greatest impact was on elective investigations, particularly mammography. Although the proportional impact was similar for the metropolitan and rural areas, COVID-19 nonetheless exacerbated existing discrepancies in imaging utilization between the geographical regions. The medium- and long-term clinical impacts of decreased imaging are still to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolene Teuteberg
- Division of Radiodiagnosis, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, ZAF
| | - Michelle M Barnard
- Sub-Directorate Medical Imaging Services, Directorate: Health Technology, Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness, Cape Town, ZAF
| | - Amanda Fernandez
- Sub-Directorate Medical Imaging Services, Directorate: Health Technology, Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness, Cape Town, ZAF
| | - Keith Cloete
- Department of Health and Wellness, Western Cape Government, Cape Town, ZAF
| | - Matodzi Mukosi
- Department of Health and Wellness, Western Cape Government, Cape Town, ZAF
| | - Richard Pitcher
- Division of Radiodiagnosis, Department of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, ZAF
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15
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Rodriguez VJ, Alfonso D, VanLandingham H, Kozlova S, Resch ZJ, Soble JR, Jones DL. Prevalence of neurodevelopmental delays in infants with perinatal HIV infection in comparison with HIV exposure in rural South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:1239-1245. [PMID: 36939070 PMCID: PMC10511653 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003553] [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] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing neurodevelopmental functioning in early infancy is essential as this is a critical period for infant development. Infants born to mothers with HIV are at a greater risk of developmental delays than those born to mothers without HIV. In this study, we analyzed differences in early neurodevelopmental functioning for infants with HIV exposure versus HIV infection to inform infant screening and early intervention. METHODS Participants were recruited from community health centers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Prenatally, mothers completed baseline demographic assessment at 8 to 24-week gestation periods. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener (BINS) 12 months postnatally. Five areas of development were assessed: cognition, receptive communication, expressive communication, fine motor ability, and gross motor ability. FINDINGS Postnatal infant assessment using the BINS revealed that infants were at risk for neurodevelopmental delays across all domains assessed. Notably, infants exposed to HIV, regardless of HIV status, were 'at emerging risk' or 'at clear risk' for cognitive (43.5%), receptive communication (38.2%), expressive communication (53.1%), fine motor (49.9%), and gross motor delays (55.6%). Differences were noted by HIV status in the cognition domain, such that HIV-exposed infants were more likely to be at emerging or clear risk than HIV-infected infants. There was a different trend with gross motor delays, such that HIV-infected infants were at a greater risk for motor delays than HIV-exposed, uninfected infants. CONCLUSION Screening tools for this vulnerable population provide valuable early life assessment to determine infant needs for intervention and treatment planning. Such interventions may mitigate the impact of HIV status on neurodevelopmental health generally and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta J. Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Georgia, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Demy Alfonso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Sofia Kozlova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Zachary J. Resch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jason R. Soble
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA
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16
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Myers B, Carney T, Rooney J, Malatesta S, Ragan EJ, White LF, Natcheva H, Bouton TC, Weber SE, Farhat M, McIlleron H, Theron D, Parry CDH, Horsburgh CR, Warren RM, Jacobson KR. Smoked drug use in patients with TB is associated with higher bacterial burden. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:444-450. [PMID: 37231597 PMCID: PMC10407961 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Smoking of illicit drugs may lead to more rapid TB disease progression or late treatment presentation, yet research on this topic is scant. We examined the association between smoked drug use and bacterial burden among patients newly initiated on drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB) therapy.METHODS: Data from 303 participants initiating DS-TB treatment in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, were analyzed. Smoked drug use was defined as self-reported or biologically verified methamphetamine, methaqualone and/or cannabis use. Proportional hazard and logistic regression models (adjusted for age, sex, HIV status and tobacco use) examined associations between smoked drug use and mycobacterial time to culture positivity (TTP), acid-fast bacilli sputum smear positivity and lung cavitation.RESULTS: People who smoked drugs (PWSD) comprised 54.8% (n = 166) of the cohort. TTP was faster for PWSD (hazard ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.10-1.97; P = 0.008). Smear positivity was higher among PWSD (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.22-4.34; P = 0.011). Smoked drug use (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.62-1.87; P = 0.799) was not associated with increased cavitation.CONCLUSIONS: PWSD had a higher bacterial burden at diagnosis than those who do not smoke drugs. Screening for TB among PWSD in the community may facilitate earlier linkage to TB treatment and reduce community transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Myers
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - T Carney
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J Rooney
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Malatesta
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Boston University, MA, USA
| | - E J Ragan
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L F White
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Boston University, MA, USA
| | - H Natcheva
- Department of Radiology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - T C Bouton
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S E Weber
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Farhat
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - H McIlleron
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - D Theron
- Western Cape Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - C D H Parry
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C R Horsburgh
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA, Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R M Warren
- Department of Science and Technology, National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South Africa Medical Research Council for Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - K R Jacobson
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Slogrove AL, Davies MA, Phelanyane F, De Beer S, Theron G, Williams PL, Abrams EJ, Cotton MF, Boulle A. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and HIV: analysis of a province-wide cohort during 2018 and 2019. AIDS 2023; 37:1047-1055. [PMID: 36779497 PMCID: PMC10155679 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the prevalence of de novo hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (dnHDP) in pregnant people with HIV (PPHIV) in the Western Cape Province, South Africa in 2018-2019 by HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) status. METHODS All people with a pregnancy outcome from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019 in the Western Cape Provincial Health Data Centre (WCPHDC) were included. The WCPHDC integrates data from multiple electronic platforms according to unique identifiers. dnHDP was classified by ICD-10 code or first-time prescription of antihypertensive drugs less than 140 days before delivery. Pregnant people with preexisting hypertension without superimposed preeclampsia/eclampsia were not considered to have dnHDP. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for dnHDP by HIV/ART status were calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS Among 180 553 pregnant people studied, 13 677 (7.6%) had dnHDP and 33 978 (18.8%) were PPHIV. Among PPHIV, 11.3% ( N = 3827) had no evidence of ART, 59.7% ( N = 20 283) initiated ART preconception and 29.0% ( N = 9868) had ART initiated during pregnancy. Compared to those without HIV (7.7%), dnHDP prevalence was lower in PPHIV with preconception [6.9%; aPR 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-0.83] or pregnancy-initiated ART (7.0%; aPR 0.83; 95% CI 0.75-0.92) and higher in PPHIV without ART (9.8%; aPR 1.17; 95% CI 1.06-1.29) adjusted for maternal age, multiparity, multigestation pregnancy and preexisting hypertension. ART duration by delivery of at least 100 weeks versus pregnancy-initiated ART of 20-<40 weeks was protective (aPR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78-0.98). CONCLUSIONS In the context of universal ART, these findings are reassuring for most PPHIV. ART was not associated with increased dnHDP prevalence and longer ART duration was protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Slogrove
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Worcester
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Government Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Florence Phelanyane
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Government Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shani De Beer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gerhard Theron
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paige L. Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elaine J. Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark F. Cotton
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Family Centre for Research with Ubuntu, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
- Health Intelligence Directorate, Western Cape Government Health, Cape Town, South Africa
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Scheunemann A, Moolla A, Mongwenyana C, Mkize N, Rassool M, Jezile V, Evans D. The lived experiences of Tuberculosis survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and government lockdown in South Africa: a qualitative analysis. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2857896. [PMID: 37205375 PMCID: PMC10187427 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2857896/v1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern in South Africa, where prior to COVID-19 it was associated with more deaths than any other infectious disease. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted gains made in the global response to TB, having a serious impact on the most vulnerable. COVID-19 and TB are both severe respiratory infections, where infection with the one place individuals at increased risk for negative health outcomes for the other. Even after completing TB treatment, TB survivors remain economically vulnerable and continue to be negatively affected by TB. Methods This cross-sectional qualitative study, which was part of a larger longitudinal study in South Africa, explored how TB survivors' experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions. Participants were identified through purposive sampling and were recruited and interviewed at a large public hospital in Gauteng. Data were analyzed thematically, using a constructivist research paradigm and both inductive and deductive codebook development. Results Participants (n = 11) were adults (24-74 years of age; more than half male or foreign nationals) who had successfully completed treatment for pulmonary TB in the past two years. Participants were generally found to be physically, socioeconomically, and emotionally vulnerable, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating or causing a recurrence of many of the same stressors they had faced with TB. Coping strategies during COVID similarly mirrored those used during TB diagnosis and treatment, including social support, financial resources, distraction, spirituality, and inner strength. Conclusions Implications and suggestions for future directions include fostering and maintaining a strong network of social support for TB survivors.
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Dorward J, Sookrajh Y, Khubone T, van der Molen J, Govender R, Phakathi S, Lewis L, Bottomley C, Maraj M, Lessells RJ, Naidoo K, Butler CC, Van Heerden R, Garrett N. Implementation and outcomes of dolutegravir-based first-line antiretroviral therapy for people with HIV in South Africa: a retrospective cohort study. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e284-e294. [PMID: 37001536 PMCID: PMC10288006 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00047-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few data assessing the uptake of first-line dolutegravir among men and women living with HIV in low-income and middle-income countries, and subsequent clinical outcomes in non-trial settings. We aimed to determine dolutegravir uptake in women, and the effect of dolutegravir on clinical outcomes in routine care in South Africa. METHODS In this cohort study, we analysed deidentified data from adults receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 59 South African clinics from Dec 1, 2019, to Feb 28, 2022, using two distinct cohorts. In the initiator cohort, we used Poisson regression models to assess the outcome of initiation with dolutegravir-based ART by gender, and associations between dolutegravir use and the outcomes of 12-month retention in care and viral suppression at less than 50 copies per mL. In the transition cohort, comprising adults who received non-dolutegravir-based first-line ART in December, 2019, we used Cox proportional hazards models to assess the outcome of transition to first-line dolutegravir by gender. We then used time-dependent propensity score matching to compare the outcomes of subsequent 12-month retention in care and viral suppression between people who transitioned to dolutegravir and those who had not yet transitioned at the same timepoint. In both the initiation and transition cohort, the primary viral load analysis was an intention-to-treat analysis, with a secondary as-treated analysis that excluded people who changed their ART regimen after baseline. FINDINGS In the initiator cohort, between Dec 1, 2019, and Feb 28, 2022, 45 392 people were initiated on ART. 23 945 (52·8%) of 45 392 were non-pregnant women, 4780 (10·5%) were pregnant women, and 16 667 (36·7%) were men. The median participant age was 31·0 years (IQR 26·0-38·0) and 2401 (5·3%) were receiving tuberculosis treatment at time of ART initiation. 31 264 (68·9%) of 45 392 people were initiated on dolutegravir, 14 102 (31·1%) on efavirenz, and 26 (0·1%) on nevirapine. In a univariable Poisson regression model, pregnant women (risk ratio [RR] 0·57, 95% CI 0·49 to 0·66; risk difference -35·4%, 95% CI -42·3 to -28·5) and non-pregnant women (RR 0·78, 0·74 to 0·82; risk difference -18·4%, -21·6 to -15·2) were less likely to be initiated on dolutegravir than were men. In Poisson models adjusted for age, gender (including pregnancy), time, tuberculosis status, and initiation CD4 count, people initiated on dolutegravir were more likely to be retained in care at 12 months (adjusted RR 1·09, 95% CI 1·04 to 1·14; adjusted risk difference 5·2%, 2·2 to 8·4) and virally suppressed (adjusted RR 1·04, 95% CI 1·01 to 1·06; adjusted risk difference 3·1%, 1·2 to 5·1) compared with those initiated on non-dolutegravir-based regimens. For the transition cohort, on Dec 1, 2019, 180 956 people were receiving non-dolutegravir-based first-line ART at the study clinics, of whom 124 168 (68·6%) were women. The median age was 38 years (IQR 32-45), and the median time on ART was 3·9 years (2·0-6·4) years, with most people receiving efavirenz (178 624 [98·7%] people) and tenofovir (178 148 [98·4%]). By Feb 28, 2022, 121 174 (67·0%) of 180 956 people had transitioned to first-line dolutegravir at a median of 283 days (IQR 203-526). In a univariable Cox regression model the hazard of being transitioned to dolutegravir was lower in women than in men (hazard ratio 0·56, 95% CI 0·56 to 0·57). Among 92 318 propensity score matched people, the likelihood of retention in care was higher among the dolutegravir group compared with matched controls (adjusted RR 1·03, 95% CI 1·02 to 1·03; risk difference 2·5%, 95% CI 2·1 to 2·9). In the dolutegravir group, 33 423 (90·5%) of 36 920 people were suppressed at less than 50 copies per mL compared with 31 648 (89·7%) of 35 299 matched controls (adjusted RR 1·01, 95% CI 1·00 to 1·02; risk difference 0·8%, 95% CI 0·3 to 1·4). INTERPRETATION Women were less likely to receive dolutegravir than men. As dolutegravir was associated with improved outcomes, roll-out should continue, with a particular emphasis on inclusion of women. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, Africa Oxford Initiative, International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. TRANSLATION For the isiZulu translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jienchi Dorward
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Yukteshwar Sookrajh
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thokozani Khubone
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Johan van der Molen
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Riona Govender
- Health Informatics Directorate, South African National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sifiso Phakathi
- Health Informatics Directorate, South African National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Munthra Maraj
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard J Lessells
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kogieleum Naidoo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council-Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa-TB-HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose Van Heerden
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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20
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Rao A, Lesko C, Mhlophe H, Rucinski K, Mcingana M, Pretorius A, Mcloughlin J, Baral S, Beyrer C, Hausler H, Schwartz S. Longitudinal patterns of initiation, persistence, and cycling on preexposure prophylaxis among female sex workers and adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:977-986. [PMID: 36723509 PMCID: PMC10079574 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Female sex workers (FSW) and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face a disproportionately high risk of HIV in South Africa. Oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can avert new infections, but its effectiveness is linked to consistent use. Early discontinuation of PrEP in this population is high, but less is known about longitudinal patterns of PrEP use, including patterns of re-initiation and cycling. DESIGN Longitudinal descriptive analysis of routine program data. METHODS Between 2016 and 2021, 40 681 FSW and AGYW initiated PrEP at TB HIV Care, the largest PrEP provider to this population in South Africa and were included. Using survival analyses and group-based trajectory modeling, we described patterns of initiation, discontinuation, re-initiation, and cycling. RESULTS Total initiations increased over the life of the program for both FSW and AGYW. About 40% of FSW [0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.40-0.42]] and AGYW (0.38, 95% CI [0.37-0.38]) remained on PrEP at one month. FSW were more likely to restart PrEP, however <10% restarted PrEP within a year of initiation. Three latent trajectory groups of PrEP use were identified for FSW (low use, early cycling, and ongoing cycling) and two for AGYW (low use and ongoing cycling). Persistence was negatively associated with initiation among AGYW, but there was no clear relationship among FSW. Those initiating later in the program and older women had a reduced risk of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Persistence on PrEP was low, but cycling on and off PrEP was common, with early missed visits and inconsistent, but ongoing use. A push to increase PrEP initiations needs to factor in readiness and persistence support, to achieve public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Rao
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine Lesko
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Katherine Rucinski
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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21
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Li K, Li F, Jaspan H, Nyemba D, Myer L, Aldrovandi G, Joseph-Davey D. Changes in the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy and the postpartum period in South African women: a longitudinal study. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2617869. [PMID: 37131718 PMCID: PMC10153297 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2617869/v1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
African women have more diverse vaginal microbiota than women of European descent, and there is interest in the impact of this diversity on maternal health, including HIV and STI acquisition. We characterized the vaginal microbiota in a cohort of women ≥ 18 years with and without HIV in a longitudinal cohort over two visits during pregnancy and one visit postpartum. At each visit we obtained HIV testing and self-collected vaginal swabs for point of care testing for STIs and microbiome sequencing. We categorized microbial communities and evaluated changes over pregnancy and associations with HIV status and STI diagnosis. Across 242 women (mean age 29, 44% living with HIV, 33% diagnosed with STIs), we identified four main community state types (CSTs): two lactobacillus-dominant CSTs (dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners respectively) and two diverse, non-lactobacillus-dominant CSTs (one dominated by Gardnerella vaginalis and one by other facultative anaerobes). From first antenatal visit to third trimester (24-36 weeks gestation), 60% of women in the Gardnerella -dominant CST shifted to L actobacillus -dominant CSTs. From third trimester to postpartum (mean 17 days post-delivery), 80% of women in Lactobacillus -dominant CSTs shifted to non-lactobacillus-dominant CSTs with a large proportion in the facultative anaerobe-dominant CST. Microbial composition differed by STI diagnosis (PERMANOVA R 2 = 0.002, p = 0.004), and women diagnosed with an STI were more likely to be categorized with L. iners -dominant or Gardnerella -dominant CSTs. Overall we found a shift toward lactobacillus dominance during pregnancy, and the emergence of a distinct, highly diverse anaerobe-dominant microbiome population in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Li
- UCLA Health System: University of California Los Angeles Health System
| | - Fan Li
- UCLA Medical School: University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Landon Myer
- University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences
| | - Grace Aldrovandi
- UCLA Medical School: University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
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22
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Stoner MCD, Kelly NK, Gomez-Olive FX, Kahn K, Wagner D, Bhushan NL, Aiello AE, Pettifor AE. Relationships Between Stress-Responsive Biomarkers, ART Adherence, and Viral Suppression Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Living With HIV in South Africa: An HPTN 068 Analysis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:349-358. [PMID: 36729676 PMCID: PMC10006401 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003149] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living with HIV who have higher stress levels may be at risk of stress-related biological alterations, which could influence HIV progression and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). SETTING We aimed to estimate associations among stress-responsive biomarkers, ART adherence, and viral suppression in AGYW living with HIV in South Africa. We also hypothesized that psychosocial stressors [eg, depression, food insecurity, low socioeconomic status (SES), and HSV-2] would be associated with higher biomarker levels. METHODS We used 2018/2019 data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network 068 cohort to assess associations between stress-responsive biomarkers and viral suppression (<1000 copies/mL) and ART adherence measured using dried blood spot cards. Stress-responsive biomarkers included C-reactive protein, herpes simplex virus type 1, and cytomegalovirus infection and reactivation. Associations were estimated using unadjusted log-binomial or ordinal logistic regression models. RESULTS In 166 AGYW living with HIV, there was no association between stress-responsive biomarkers and viral suppression or ART adherence. However, increased C-reactive protein levels were associated with higher HSV-2 infection [odds ratio (OR) 1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 3.52], being a government grant recipient (OR 3.21; 95% CI: 1.30, 7.92), lower food insecurity (OR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.90), and increased body mass index (OR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.14). CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of psychosocial stressors and persistent herpesviruses in AGYW living with HIV has the potential to lead to poorer health outcomes. More research is needed to untangle relationships between economic stability, chronic disease, and chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C D Stoner
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA
| | - Nicole K Kelly
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - F Xavier Gomez-Olive
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Danielle Wagner
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA
| | - Nivedita L Bhushan
- Center for Communication Science, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Allison E Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, USA
| | - Audrey E Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Zewdie K, Pickles M, Floyd S, Fidler S, Ayles H, Bock P, Hoddinott G, Mandla N, Shanaube K, Simwinga M, Fraser C, Seeley J, Piwowar-Manning E, Hayes R, Donnell D. Uptake of medical male circumcision with household-based testing, and the association of traditional male circumcision and HIV infection. AIDS 2023; 37:795-802. [PMID: 36727597 PMCID: PMC10023451 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003463] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is an important component of combination HIV prevention. Inclusion of traditionally circumcised HIV negative men in VMMC uptake campaigns may be important if traditional male circumcision is less protective against HIV acquisition than VMMC. METHODS We used data from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 071 (PopART) study. This cluster-randomized trial assessed the impact of a combination prevention package on population-level HIV incidence in 21 study communities in Zambia and South Africa. We evaluated uptake of VMMC, using a two-stage analysis approach and used discrete-time survival analysis to evaluate the association between the types of male circumcision and HIV incidence. RESULTS A total of 10 803 HIV-negative men with self-reported circumcision status were included in this study. At baseline, 56% reported being uncircumcised, 26% traditionally circumcised and 18% were medically circumcised. During the PopART intervention, 11% of uncircumcised men reported uptake of medical male circumcision. We found no significant difference in the uptake of VMMC in communities receiving the PopART intervention package and standard of care {adj. rate ratio=1·10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82, 1.50, P = 0.48]}. The rate of HIV acquisition for medically circumcised men was 70% lower than for those who were uncircumcised adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR) = 0.30 (95% CI 0.16-0.55; P < 0.0001). There was no difference in rate of HIV acquisition for traditionally circumcised men compared to those uncircumcised adjHR = 0.84 (95% CI 0.54, 1.31; P = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS Household-based delivery of HIV testing followed by referral for medical male circumcision did not result in substantial VMMC uptake. Traditional circumcision is not associated with lower risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kidist Zewdie
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael Pickles
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London
| | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Ayles
- ZAMBART, University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Nomtha Mandla
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Kwame Shanaube
- ZAMBART, University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Musonda Simwinga
- ZAMBART, University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Ridgeway Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Deborah Donnell
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Singh U, Olivier S, Cuadros D, Castle A, Moosa Y, Edwards JA, Kim HY, Siedner MJ, Tanser F, Wong EB. Quantifying met and unmet health needs for HIV, hypertension and diabetes in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2702048. [PMID: 36993494 PMCID: PMC10055615 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2702048/v1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa poses a challenge to health systems. Here we establish a framework to quantify met and unmet health needs for individuals living with infectious and NCDs. In this study, we screened adult residents >15 years of age within the uMkhanyakude district in KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa for HIV, hypertension (HPTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). For each condition, individuals were defined as having no unmet health needs (absence of condition), met health need (condition that is well controlled), or one or more unmet health needs (including diagnosis, engagement in care, or treatment optimization). We analyzed met and unmet health needs for individual and combined conditions and investigated their geospatial distribution. We found that of 18,041 participants, 9,898 (55%) had at least one chronic condition. 4,942 (50%) of these individuals had at least one unmet health need (18% needed treatment optimization, 13% needed engagement in care, and 19% needed diagnosis). Unmet health needs varied by disease: 93% of people with DM, 58% of people with HPTN and 21% of people with HIV had unmet health needs. Geospatially, met health needs for HIV were widely distributed, unmet health needs had specific sites of concentration whilst the need for diagnosis for all three conditions was co-located. Whilst people living with HIV are predominantly well-controlled, there is a high burden of unmet health needs for people living with HPTN and DM. Adaptation of HIV models of care to integrate HIV and NCD services is of high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urisha Singh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, SA
| | - Stephen Olivier
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Diego Cuadros
- Digital Epidemiology Laboratory, Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, USA
| | - Alison Castle
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yumna Moosa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Alex Edwards
- International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hae-Young Kim
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Mark J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, SA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Emily B Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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25
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Lippman SA, de Kadt J, Ratlhagana MJ, Agnew E, Gilmore H, Sumitani J, Grignon J, Gutin SA, Shade SB, Gilvydis JM, Tumbo J, Barnhart S, Steward WT. Impact of short message service and peer navigation on linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy initiation in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:647-657. [PMID: 36468499 PMCID: PMC9994809 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003453] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examine the efficacy of short message service (SMS) and SMS with peer navigation (SMS + PN) in improving linkage to HIV care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). DESIGN I-Care was a cluster randomized trial conducted in primary care facilities in North West Province, South Africa. The primary study outcome was retention in HIV care; this analysis includes secondary outcomes: linkage to care and ART initiation. METHODS Eighteen primary care clinics were randomized to automated SMS ( n = 7), automated and tailored SMS + PN ( n = 7), or standard of care (SOC; n = 4). Recently HIV diagnosed adults ( n = 752) were recruited from October 2014 to April 2015. Those not previously linked to care ( n = 352) contributed data to this analysis. Data extracted from clinical records were used to assess the days that elapsed between diagnosis and linkage to care and ART initiation. Cox proportional hazards models and generalized estimating equations were employed to compare outcomes between trial arms, overall and stratified by sex and pregnancy status. RESULTS Overall, SMS ( n = 132) and SMS + PN ( n = 133) participants linked at 1.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.61] and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.29-1.99) times the rate of SOC participants ( n = 87), respectively. SMS + PN significantly improved time to ART initiation among non-pregnant women (hazards ratio: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.25) and men (hazards ratio: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.03-3.26) as compared with SOC. CONCLUSION Results suggest SMS and peer navigation services significantly reduce time to linkage to HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa and that SMS + PN reduced time to ART initiation among men and non-pregnant women. Both should be considered candidates for integration into national programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02417233, registered 12 December 2014; closed to accrual 17 April 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri A. Lippman
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julia de Kadt
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Mary J. Ratlhagana
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Emily Agnew
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hailey Gilmore
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeri Sumitani
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jessica Grignon
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah A. Gutin
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Starley B. Shade
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gilvydis
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - John Tumbo
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
| | - Scott Barnhart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wayne T. Steward
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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MILLER AP, SHOPTAW S, MOUCHERAUD C, MVUDUDU R, ESSACK Z, GORBACH PM, MYER L, DAVEY DLJ. Recent Alcohol Use Is Associated With Increased Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Continuation and Adherence Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:204-211. [PMID: 36413977 PMCID: PMC9928886 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003133] [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: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South African women experience high levels of alcohol use and HIV infection during the perinatal period. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at reducing HIV risk. We examined associations between alcohol use and PrEP use during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS The PrEP in Pregnant and Postpartum women study is a prospective observational cohort of 1200 HIV-negative pregnant women enrolled at first antenatal care visit and followed through 12 months' postpartum in Cape Town, South Africa. The analytic sample comprised pregnant women who initiated PrEP at baseline and were not censored from study follow-up before 3-month follow-up. We examined associations between any or hazardous alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption score ≥3) in the year before pregnancy and PrEP continuation and adherence during pregnancy (self-report of missing <2 doses in past 7 days and biomarker-confirmed with tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spots). RESULTS Of 943 women on PrEP (median age of 26 years), 50% reported alcohol use before pregnancy, and 33% reported hazardous use. At 3-month follow-up, 58% of women were still using PrEP; 41% reported recent adherence, and 23% were biomarker-confirmed adherent. In multivariable models, hazardous alcohol use was associated with increased odds of continuing PrEP [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-2.06], self-reported PrEP adherence (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07-1.87), and biomarker-confirmed PrEP adherence (aOR = 1.35 95% CI: 0.98, 1.87). Associations were similar in models of any alcohol use and PrEP continuation/adherence. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant and postpartum women who reported recent alcohol use had increased odds of continuing to take PrEP, indicating that higher risk women may continue on oral PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P. MILLER
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven SHOPTAW
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Corrina MOUCHERAUD
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rufaro MVUDUDU
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Zaynab ESSACK
- Centre for Community-Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa
| | - Pamina M. GORBACH
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Landon MYER
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Dvora L. Joseph DAVEY
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa; Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Cluver LD, Zhou S, Orkin M, Rudgard W, Meinck F, Langwenya N, Vicari M, Edun O, Sherr L, Toska E. Impacts of intimate partner violence and sexual abuse on antiretroviral adherence among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:503-511. [PMID: 36695360 PMCID: PMC9894135 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003440] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We are failing to reach 95-95-95 for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). Sexual abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV) may impact antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, with high rates of 17.4 and 29.7%, respectively, across the southern sub-Saharan African region. However, evidence on their associations with adolescent ART adherence remains limited, with only three cross-sectional studies globally. DESIGN A prospective cohort of ALHIV (sample N = 980, 55% female individuals, baseline mean age 13.6 years) were recruited from 53 health facilities in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province and responded to a structured questionnaire at 18-month and 36-month follow-up (2015-2016, 2017-2018). METHODS A repeated-measures random effects model assessed multivariable associations of self-reported sexual abuse and IPV with past-week ART adherence, controlling for individual, socioeconomic, and HIV-related factors. Past-week adherence was defined based on currently taking ART and not having missed any doses in the past 7 days (including weekends). We further fitted a moderation model by sex. RESULTS Fifty-one percent of adolescents reported consistent ART adherence at both time points. Exposure to IPV was associated with lower odds of self-reported ART adherence (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.72, P = 0.003), as was sexual abuse (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29-0.99, P = 0.048). The marginal predicted probability of ART adherence for adolescents with no exposure to either IPV or sexual abuse was 72% (95% CI 70-74%) compared with 38% (95% CI 20-56%) for adolescents with exposure to both IPV and sexual abuse. Moderation results showed similar associations between sexual violence and ART adherence by sex. CONCLUSION Sexual violence prevention and postviolence care may be essential components of supporting adolescent ART adherence. Integration of HIV and violence prevention services will require accessible services and simple referral systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie D. Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health and Centre for Social Science Research
| | - Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Sciences Research, Faculty of Humanities
- Division of Socio-Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Mark Orkin
- Wits/Medical Research Council Development Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - William Rudgard
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
- North-West University, Optentia Research Focus Area, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Nontokozo Langwenya
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Social Sciences Research, Faculty of Humanities
| | | | - Olanrewaju Edun
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elona Toska
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Social Sciences Research, Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gift RM, Bag S, Pretorius JHC. Modeling the Barriers of a Circular Economy for Enhancing Competitiveness: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach. JGBC 2023. [PMCID: PMC9923664 DOI: 10.1007/s42943-023-00070-6] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to identify the critical barriers to the circular economy (CE) within South African manufacturing companies and further model the barriers. A literature review was done to identify the barriers of CE in the context of South Africa and used as an input in the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique. This study discovered that the key challenges to CE adoption in the South African manufacturing industry are a lack of proper communication of the CE objectives, which dramatically impacts the whole system, indicating that it should be prioritized. The removal of all the CE obstacles will enhance the firm’s competitiveness in the market. The unique contribution of this study is the alternate approach used in theory building. The CE barriers were identified in the context of South Africa and further the interrelationships among the barriers were presented. The findings will be helpful for managers and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratema Mpho Gift
- Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Surajit Bag
- Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad, Delhi-NCR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - J. H. C. Pretorius
- Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Rudgard WE, Saminathen MG, Banougnin BH, Shenderovich Y, Toska E. The role of structural factors for preventing HIV risk practices among adolescents in South Africa: A three-wave analysis of caregiving, education, food security, and social protection. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-2164051. [PMID: 36798325 PMCID: PMC9934770 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2164051/v1] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural interventions are endorsed to enhance biomedical and behavioural HIV prevention programmes for adolescents. Aiming to inform future interventions, we evaluated longitudinal associations between six structural factors and five HIV risk practices in a cohort of adolescents in South Africa. METHODS We used three rounds of data between 2014-2018 on 1046 adolescents living with HIV and 483 age-matched community peers in South Africa's Eastern Cape (Observations = 4402). We used multivariable random effects within-between logistic regression to estimate sex-specific associations between six time-varying structural factors - number of social grants, education enrolment, days with enough food, caregiver supervision, positive caregiving, and adolescent-caregiver communication - and five HIV risk practices - multiple sexual partners, transactional sex, age-disparate sex, condomless sex, and sex on substances. We calculated probability differences, contrasting predicted probabilities at average and maximum values of structural factors associated with multiple risk practices. FINDINGS The sample mean age was 15.29 (SD: 3.23) years and 58% were female. In females, compared to average, maximum positive caregiving scores were associated with lower probability of transactional sex (-1.06 percentage points [ppts], 95%CI=-1.60; -0.52ppts), and age-disparate sex (-0.73ppts; 95%CI=-1.26; -0.19ppts); maximum caregiver supervision scores were associated with lower probability of multiple sexual partners (-3.11ppts; 95%CI=-3.87; -2.35ppts) transactional sex (-1.07ppts, 95%CI=-1.42; -0.71ppts), age-disparate sex (-0.67ppts; 95%CI=-1.08; -0.25ppts), condomless sex (-3.96ppts; 95%CI=-5.65; -2.26ppts), and sex on substances (-0.93ppts; 95%CI=-1.50; -0.37ppts); and, seven days with enough food was associated with lower probability of multiple sexual partners (-1.18ppts, 95%CI=-2.06; -0.30ppts), and transactional sex (-0.91ppts; 95%CI=-1.41; -0.42ppts). Relative to non-enrolment, education enrolment was associated with lower probability of age-disparate sex (-3.18ppts; 95%CI=-5.35; -1.01ppts), and condomless sex (-11.32ppts; 95%CI=-19.15; -3.49ppts). In males, compared to average, maximum caregiver supervision scores were associated with lower probability of multiple sexual partners (-2.83ppts; 95%CI=-3.66; -2.00ppts), transactional sex (-0.90ppts; 95%CI=-1.20; -0.60ppts), age-disparate sex (-0.46ppts; 95%CI=-0.77; -0.15ppts), and sex on substances (-1.42ppts; 95%CI=-2.06; -0.78ppts). No other structural factors were associated with multiple risk practices. INTERPRETATION Structural interventions to improve food security and education enrolment among adolescent girls, and positive and supervisory caregiving among adolescent girls and boys are likely to translate into crucial reductions in HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elona Toska
- University of Cape Town Centre for Social Science Research
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Morar NS, Mansoor LE, Naidoo K, Katz AWK, Garcia M, Duma C, Tshbalala T, Naidoo S, Montgomery ET. Male Partner Opinions of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring Used During an Open-Label Extension HIV Prevention Trial in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:127-133. [PMID: 36302179 PMCID: PMC9839591 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003119] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dapivirine vaginal ring ("the ring") reduced HIV acquisition by about 35% in phase III trials, with modeling from open-label extension trials estimating 50% HIV protection with consistent use. The ring may be used without male partner knowledge. The Assessment of ASPIRE and HOPE Adherence (AHA) substudy aimed to understand the impact of sociocontextual issues on ring adherence. This subanalysis provides insight into disclosure and male partner influence on ring acceptability. METHODS Data were collected using 4 focus group discussions with 18 male partners of phase III trial participants at 2 sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Qualitative data were coded, summarized by urban vs. rural location, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Male partners aged 23-49 years wanted to be informed about the ring use to maintain the trust in their relationships. Their initial response to the ring was characterized by fear due to perceived impact of the ring on their female partner's reproductive system, their penile safety, and that the ring would encourage women to engage in unprotected sex and infidelity. Over time and with information and experience with having a partner who had used the vaginal ring, this fear transformed to support for women to have their own HIV prevention option. CONCLUSION Male partners supported the ring as an HIV prevention method for women but wanted to be informed about its use. Engaging male partners on female-initiated HIV prevention methods and increased education among rural men may contribute to improved partner support and facilitate women's consistent use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetha S Morar
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa
| | - Leila E Mansoor
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kalendri Naidoo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ariana WK Katz
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Morgan Garcia
- Global Health Population and Nutrition, FHI 360, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cebo Duma
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Themba Tshbalala
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa
| | - Sarita Naidoo
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth T Montgomery
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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Spies G, Deist M, Suliman S, Seedat S. Screening for HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment: Development and validation of an abbreviated neuropsychological test battery for use in South African clinical settings. Neuropsychology 2023; 37:166-180. [PMID: 36442008 PMCID: PMC9992844 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000872] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center International Neurobehavioral Battery is a culturally valid battery sensitive to the neurocognitive (NC) effects of HIV-infection. However, its lengthy administration time makes the battery impractical in resource-limited settings, like South Africa, which are often faced with an overwhelming disease burden, a lack of neurological and neuropsychological (NP) expertise, and staff shortages. The present study therefore sought to develop an abbreviated version of the HNRC Battery and validate this battery in a sample of people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa. OBJECTIVE The present study therefore sought to develop an abbreviated version of the HNRC battery and validate this battery in a sample of people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa. METHOD Six measures were selected based on the NC test performances of 103 HIV-positive and 135 HIV-negative South African adults. For the validation, a subgroup of 103 PWH completed the full version of the battery, while the other subgroup of 52 PWH completed only the abbreviated version. Deficit scores of each participant were calculated. These scores were used as the gold standard against which the abbreviated battery was compared. RESULTS There was a reduction of 81% in administration time when compared to the full version of the battery. The abbreviated battery demonstrated good sensitivity (75.0%) and excellent specificity (94.9%) when compared with the full version. The abbreviated battery showed good diagnostic accuracy in identifying NC impairment in an HIV-positive South African sample with a significant reduction in administration time, making it a more practical option in busy South African clinic settings. CONCLUSION The results of this study may facilitate the growth of neuroAIDS research and aid initial identification of HIV-related NC impairment in resource-constrained settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Spies
- NRF/DSI South African Research Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melanie Deist
- NRF/DSI South African Research Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharain Suliman
- NRF/DSI South African Research Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- NRF/DSI South African Research Chair in PTSD (SARChI), Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Toit JDD, Kapaon D, Crowther NJ, Abrahams-Gessel S, Fabian J, Kabudula CW, Wade AN, Tollman S, Gaziano TA. Estimating population level 24-h sodium excretion using spot urine samples in older adults in rural South Africa. J Hypertens 2023; 41:280-287. [PMID: 36583353 PMCID: PMC10198169 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003327] [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] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has introduced regulations to reduce sodium in processed foods. Assessing salt consumption with 24-h urine collection is logistically challenging and expensive. We assess the accuracy of using spot urine samples to estimate 24-h urine sodium (24hrUNa) excretion at the population level in a cohort of older adults in rural South Africa. METHODS 24hrUNa excretion was measured and compared to that estimated from matched spot urine samples in 399 individuals, aged 40-75 years, from rural Mpumalanga, South Africa. We used the Tanaka, Kawasaki, International Study of Sodium, Potassium, and Blood Pressure (INTERSALT), and Population Mean Volume (PMV) method to predict 24hrUNa at the individual and population level. RESULTS The population median 24hrUNa excretion from our samples collected in 2017 was 2.6 g (interquartile range: 1.53-4.21) equal to an average daily salt intake of 6.6 g, whereas 65.4% of participants had a salt excretion above the WHO recommended 5 g/day. Estimated population median 24hrUNa derived from the INTERSALT, both with and without potassium, showed a nonsignificant difference of 0.25 g (P = 0.59) and 0.21 g (P = 0.67), respectively. In contrast, the Tanaka, Kawasaki, and PMV formulas were markedly higher than the measured 24hrUNa, with a median difference of 0.51 g (P = 0.004), 0.99 g (P = 0.00), and 1.05 g (P = 0.00) respectively. All formulas however performed poorly when predicting an individual's 24hrUNa. CONCLUSION In this population, the INTERSALT formulas are a well suited and cost-effective alternative to 24-h urine collection for the evaluation of population median 24hrUNa excretion. This could play an important role for governments and public health agencies in evaluating local salt regulations and identifying at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques D. Du Toit
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David Kapaon
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nigel J. Crowther
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shafika Abrahams-Gessel
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston Massachusetts, USA
| | - June Fabian
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chodziwadziwa W. Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alisha N. Wade
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Thomas A. Gaziano
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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de Voux A, Mvududu R, Happel A, Jaspan HB, Nyemba DC, Mashele N, Myer L, Davey DLJ. Point-of-Care Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Improves HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Initiation in Pregnant Women in Antenatal Care in Cape Town, South Africa, 2019 to 2021. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:92-97. [PMID: 36630416 PMCID: PMC9906800 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs present a platform for diagnostic STI testing in low- and middle-income countries, and availability of targeted STI testing has been hypothesized to influence PrEP use. We evaluated the association of STI testing modality and PrEP uptake among pregnant women in antenatal care. Methods We enrolled pregnant, HIV-uninfected women (≥16 years) at their first antenatal visit with follow-up through 12 months postpartum. Women were offered oral PrEP and tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) using a point-of-care (Cepheid, August 2019–November 2020) or laboratory-based (Thermofisher, December 2020–October 2021) test. We compared the proportion of women initiating and continuing PrEP by STI test adjusting for confounders. Results We evaluated 1194 women (median age=26 years [IQR:22–31]) with a STI result (46% POC and 54% laboratory-based). The prevalence of any STI was the same in POC-tested (28%) and laboratory-tested (28%) women — 25% versus 23% for CT (p-value=0.35) and 7% versus 9% for NG (p-value=0.11). Mean time from testing to result was 0 for POC and 26 days for laboratory testing and mean time from testing to treatment was 3 for POC and 38 days for laboratory testing. Receiving a POC STI test was associated with higher PrEP initiation compared to women receiving a laboratory-based test (90% versus 78%; adjusted odds ratio=2.1; 95% CI:1.5–2.9), controlling for age, gravidity, STI diagnosis, intimate partner violence, gestational age, employment, HIV risk perception, and cohabiting status. Conclusion POC STI testing, offering same-day results and treatment initiation, may increase PrEP initiation among pregnant women in antenatal care. A study of HIV-uninfected pregnant women in South Africa found that women offered point-of-care STI testing had a higher odds of initiating HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis than women offered laboratory-based testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex de Voux
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rufaro Mvududu
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna Happel
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Dorothy Chiwoniso Nyemba
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nyiko Mashele
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dvora Leah Joseph Davey
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Ngepah N, Makgalemele T, Saba CS. The relationship between education and vulnerability to poverty in South Africa. Econ Change Restruct 2023; 56:633-656. [PMCID: PMC9510347 DOI: 10.1007/s10644-022-09439-8] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between education and poverty vulnerability in South Africa by using the disaggregated approach. The study uses the National Income Dynamics Study dataset captured from 2008 to 2017 of a balanced panel consisting of 10,800 South African households. We applied batteries of econometric techniques. The results reveal a significant negative relationship between education and vulnerability to poverty especially to those whose future consumption lies below the food poverty line. Therefore, policymakers should use education as a tool to reduce poverty vulnerability by increasing its quality so that students can compete fairly in the global labor market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ngepah
- School of Economics and Econometrics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park, PO Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tsholofelo Makgalemele
- School of Economics and Econometrics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park, PO Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Charles Shaaba Saba
- School of Economics and Econometrics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park, PO Box 524, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Shantel Lewis. TWO YEARS ON AND FOUR WAVES LATER- JOHANNESBURG DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHERS’ EXPERIENCES OF COVID-19. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2022. [ DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction At the onset of COVID-19 diagnostic radiographers from Gauteng, South Africa, shared their experiences of the new workflow and operations, their well-being and their resilience during this time. They experienced emotional, physical and financial fatigue. It is now over two years later, and South Africa has experienced four waves of COVID-19. Therefore, this study explored diagnostic radiographers' experience of COVID-19 after two years and four waves. Methods A qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted collecting data through nine virtual individual in-depth interviews. Responses from the diagnostic radiographers in Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa, underwent thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis revealed two themes and related categories. Theme one: participants shared synchronistic experiences with the four COVID-19 waves, the heterogeneous vaccination ideologies and their support and coping skills. Theme two: lessons learnt and the way forward. Conclusion Participants shared feeling overwhelmed at the onset of COVID-19 and feared infecting their family, friends and colleagues. However, their anxiety and fear decreased with time. They experienced the Delta variant as the worst and felt supported by their colleagues more than by management. They recounted observations of vaccine hesitancy but acknowledged that vaccination had alleviated some of the fear and anxiety. Participants' coping skills varied, and reflecting on their experience, they shared the lessons learnt and the way forward.
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Steinert JI, Shenderovich Y, Smith M, Zhou S, Toska E, Cluver L. Economic Well-being and Associated Mediating Pathways to Improved Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adolescents Living With HIV: A Prospective Cohort Study in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:343-352. [PMID: 35969470 PMCID: PMC9592174 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003071] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents living with HIV exhibit lower levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) than other age groups. Poverty is a key barrier to ART adherence. This study aims at understanding how alleviating poverty through structural and internal pathways can help increase ART adherence among adolescents. SETTING Eastern Cape province, South Africa. METHODS One thousand forty-six adolescents living with HIV were recruited from 53 public health care facilities and interviewed at 3 data collection waves with a retention rate of 89% and a mortality rate of 3%. Data were collected by face-to-face, device-assisted interviews. Hybrid probit regressions and a structural equation path analysis were used to estimate the association between poverty reduction (increased access to basic necessities) and the pathways by which it could improve ART adherence. RESULTS Self-reported ART adherence ranged from an average of 66% (n = 615) at baseline to 75% (n = 700) in the last wave. Within-person and between-person improvements in economic well-being were associated with significant increases in adolescent ART adherence. On average, adolescents with access to 3 additional basic needs experienced a 4 percentage-point increase in the probability of ART adherence. Structural pathways to improved ART adherence included participants having enough money to travel to the clinic and sufficient food to eat when taking medication. Internal pathways included improved psychological well-being and reduced internalized HIV stigma. CONCLUSION Poverty reduction programs such as HIV-sensitive social protection can address structural and psychological pathways to increase ART adherence among economically disadvantaged adolescents by incentivizing demand-side interventions and the provision of quality essential services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Isabel Steinert
- TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yulia Shenderovich
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Smith
- United Nations World Food Programme, Nutrition Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Siyanai Zhou
- Centre for Social Science Research
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine; and
| | - Elona Toska
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Social Science Research
- Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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Janse van Vuuren MR, Mans-kemp N, Viviers S. Who monitors the monitors? An examination of listed companies in an emerging market context. Int J Discl Gov 2022. [DOI: 10.1057/s41310-022-00165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The growing number of corporate scandals globally highlights the importance of effective corporate governance mechanisms. Many of the corporate governance frameworks that are rooted in the agency theory advocate the election of independent non-executive directors, an independent chairperson, and a lead independent director. Shareholder voting on the election or re-election of directors (hereafter referred to as ‘director re-elections’) has been largely unexplored in South Africa—a country widely recognised as a pioneer in the corporate governance field and yet marred by several corporate scandals in recent years. In this study, an unbalanced panel data set was thus constructed comprising voting outcomes and board-level characteristics of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2020. Significant positive relationships were noted between shareholder voting opposition to director re-elections and both board size and board tenure. Shareholders who cast opposing votes mainly did so because of their concerns about the lack of director independence, at board, committee, and nominee level. The findings of this study were explained in the context of the agency, stakeholder, stewardship, and resource dependence theories. It is recommended that nomination committees use more robust selection criteria for directors. Shareholders are also encouraged to vote more actively on director re-elections to monitor these monitors.
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Mthombeni TC, Burger JR, Lubbe MS, Julyan M. Antibiotic consumption by Access, Watch and Reserve index in public sector of Limpopo province, South Africa: 2014–2018. S Afr J Infect Dis 2022; 37:463. [PMID: 36338191 PMCID: PMC9634851 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v37i1.463] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) classified antibiotics into three categories in 2017 – Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) – intending to reduce the consumption of Watch and Reserve antibiotics while increasing the use of Access antibiotics. Antibiotic consumption by AWaRe in South Africa is undetermined because of data and research scarcity. Objectives The aim of this study was to quantify, describe and track antibiotic consumption between 2014 and 2018 in the public sector of the Limpopo province, South Africa, using the WHO’s AWaRe classification for 2021. Method Antibiotic consumption was quantified from pharmaceutical sales data for 2014–2018 by defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) and described according to the AWaRe classification. The change in antibiotic consumption was measured by compound annual growth rate (CAGR), Access-to-Watch index (AW-I), 75% drug utilisation index (DU75%) and amoxicillin index (AI). Results The absolute consumption of Access antibiotics decreased by a 4.0% CAGR from 3.7 DID in 2014 to 3.0 DID in 2018, with relative consumption remaining above 80.0%. Relative consumption of Watch antibiotics increased by 15.8% CAGR from 7.8% in 2014 to 19.7% by 2018. The AW-I decreased from 10.4 in 2015 to 4.1 in 2018. The AI increased from 17.8% in 2015 to 42.0% in 2018. Parenteral formulations’ DU75% comprised one Watch (ceftriaxone) and two Access (metronidazole and benzylpenicillin) antibiotics. Conclusion In Limpopo province’s public sector, the consumption of Watch antibiotics increased, while Access antibiotics consumption decreased, as reflected by both relative consumption and the decrease in the AW-I. The determinants of the Watch antibiotics increase require research attention. Contribution Our study addressed the paucity of surveillance and research data on antibiotic consumption in the Limpopo province, South Africa, according to the WHO AWaRe classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiyani C. Mthombeni
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Johanita R. Burger
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Martha S. Lubbe
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Marlene Julyan
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Kruger-Swanepoel GE, Lubbe MS, Rakumakoe DM, Vorster M. Adherence and clinical outcomes of HIV patients switching to a fixed-dose combination regimen. S Afr J Infect Dis 2022; 37:464. [PMID: 36338195 PMCID: PMC9634951 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v37i1.464] [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: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is monitored using clinical markers such as viral load (VL) and CD4 counts. Adherence to ART has been associated with viral suppression and improved clinical outcomes. Objectives To determine the relationship between adherence status with multiple-tablet regimens (MTR) and fixed-dose combination (FDC) regimens, to weight, CD4 count and VL of patients living with HIV. Method An observational, descriptive study was conducted on a closed cohort of patients living with HIV and attending a primary health care clinic in Northern Cape in South Africa between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2015. Patients were on an MTR and changed to an FDC regimen. Adherence was measured using the medicine possession ratio (MPR). Results Statistically significant differences exist between the mean MPR of the 30-day (p = 0.0308) and 28-day supply (p < 0.0001) of the MTR when compared to FDC regimen. No statistically significant differences could be found between adherence and clinical outcomes such as weight, CD4 count and VL for either MTR or FDC regimens. The suppressed VL values measured for MTR were n = 299 (89.25%) and n = 415 (93.05%) for FDC regimen. Conclusion Adherence improved when patients were switched to FDC, but no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes measured as weight, CD4 count and VL between adherence status and regimen type could be found. Contribution This study contributes to much-needed information about ART adherence and clinical outcomes (such as weight, CD4 count and VL) of adult HIV-positive patients in a public healthcare clinic in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geziena E. Kruger-Swanepoel
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Martie S. Lubbe
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Dorcas M. Rakumakoe
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Martine Vorster
- Medicine Usage in South Africa (MUSA), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Steegen K, Levin L, Evans D, Technau KG, Hans L. Minimal Cross-resistance to Tenofovir in Children and Adolescents Failing ART Makes Them Eligible for Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir Treatment. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:827-34. [PMID: 35895893 DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fixed-dose combination of dolutegravir (DTG) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and lamivudine (3TC) likely improves adherence and has a favorable resistance profile. We evaluated predicted efficacy of TLD (TDF-3TC-DTG) in children and adolescents failing abacavir (ABC), zidovudine (AZT), or TDF containing regimens. METHODS Drug resistance mutations were analyzed in a retrospective dataset of individuals <19 years of age, failing ABC (n = 293) AZT (n = 288) or TDF (n = 69) based treatment. Pol sequences were submitted to Stanford HIVdb v8.9. Genotypic susceptibility scores were calculated for various DTG-containing regimens. RESULTS Genotypes were assessed for 650 individuals with a median age of 14 years (IQR 10-17 years). More individuals failed a protease inhibitor (PI)-based (78.3%) than a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI)-based (21.7%) regimen. Most individuals in the AZT group (n = 288; 94.4%) failed a PI-based regimen, compared with 71.0% and 64.2% in the TDF (n = 69) and ABC group (n = 293). Genotypic sensitivity scores <2 to TLD were observed in 8.5% and 9.4% of ABC- and AZT-exposed individuals, compared with 23.2% in the TDF group. The M184V mutation was most often detected in the ABC group (70.6%) versus 60.0% and 52.4% in TDF and AZT groups. The presence of K65R was rare (n = 13, 2.0%) and reduced TLD susceptibility was commonly caused by accumulation of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) mutations. CONCLUSIONS Cross-resistance to TDF was limited, further reducing concerns about use of transition to TLD in children and adolescents. The NADIA trial has subsequently shown that patients failing a TDF/3TC/EFV regimen can safely be transitioned to a TLD regimen but we do not have data for patients failing an ABC/3TC/NNRTI or PI regimens. Frequent virological monitoring is recommended after switch to DTG, especially in children continuing ABC in the backbone. Clinical studies correlating predicted resistance with clinical outcomes, especially in settings without access to genotyping, are required.
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Beesham I, Parikh UM, Mellors JW, Joseph Davey DL, Heffron R, Palanee-Phillips T, Bosman SL, Beksinska M, Smit J, Ahmed K, Makkan H, Selepe P, Louw C, Kotze P, Hofmeyr GJ, Singata‐Madliki M, Rees H, Baeten JM, Wallis C. High Levels of Pretreatment HIV-1 Drug Resistance Mutations Among South African Women Who Acquired HIV During a Prospective Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:130-137. [PMID: 36094478 PMCID: PMC9651927 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003027] [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: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pretreatment HIV drug resistance (PDR) undermines individual treatment success and threatens the achievement of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. In many African countries, limited data are available on PDR as detection of recent HIV infection is uncommon and access to resistance testing is limited. We describe the prevalence of PDR among South African women with recent HIV infection from the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial. METHODS HIV-uninfected, sexually active women, aged 18-35 years, and seeking contraception were enrolled in the ECHO Trial at sites in South Africa, from 2015 to 2018. HIV testing was done at trial entry and repeated quarterly. We tested stored plasma samples collected at HIV diagnosis from women who seroconverted during follow-up and had a viral load >1000 copies/mL for antiretroviral resistant mutations using a validated laboratory-developed population genotyping assay, which sequences the full protease and reverse transcriptase regions. Mutation profiles were determined using the Stanford Drug Resistance Database. RESULTS We sequenced 275 samples. The median age was 23 years, and majority (98.9%, n = 272) were infected with HIV-1 subtype C. The prevalence of surveillance drug resistance mutations (SDRMs) was 13.5% (n = 37). Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations were found in 12.4% of women (n = 34). Few women had NRTI (1.8%, n = 5) and protease inhibitor (1.1%, n = 3) mutations. Five women had multiple NRTI and NNRTI SDRMs. CONCLUSIONS The high levels of PDR, particularly to NNRTIs, strongly support the recent change to the South African national HIV treatment guidelines to transition to a first-line drug regimen that excludes NNRTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Beesham
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Urvi M. Parikh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John W. Mellors
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dvora L. Joseph Davey
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health and Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shannon L. Bosman
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Smit
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Khatija Ahmed
- Setshaba Research Centre, Soshanguve, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Heeran Makkan
- The Aurum Institute, Klerksdorp, South Africa
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Public Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cheryl Louw
- Madibeng Centre for Research, Brits, South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Philip Kotze
- Qhakaza Mbokodo Research Clinic, Ladysmith, South Africa
| | - G. Justus Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, Universities of the Witwatersrand, Walter Sisulu and Fort Hare and Eastern Cape Department of Health, East London, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mandisa Singata‐Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, Universities of the Witwatersrand, Walter Sisulu and Fort Hare and Eastern Cape Department of Health, East London, South Africa
- Effective Care Research Unit, Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare and Eastern Cape Department of Health, East London, South Africa
| | - Helen Rees
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, Department of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Currently, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA; and
| | - Carole Wallis
- BARC-SA and Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Chimoyi L, Matsena-Zingoni Z, Charalambous S, Marinda E, Manda S, Musenge E. Assessing spatial patterns of HIV prevalence and interventions in semi-urban settings in South Africa. Implications for spatially targeted interventions. Geospat Health 2022; 17:10.4081/gh.2022.1084. [PMID: 36047343 PMCID: PMC9892013 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2022.1084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Equitable allocation of resources targeting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at the local level requires focusing interventions in areas of the greatest need. Understanding the geographical variation in the HIV epidemic and uptake of selected HIV prevention and treatment programmes are necessary to identify such areas. Individual-level HIV data were obtained from a 2012 national HIV survey in South Africa. Spatial regression models on each outcome measure (HIV infection, sub-optimal condom use or non-anti-retroviral treatment (ART) adjusted for spatial random effects at the ward level were fitted using WINBUGS software. In addition, ward-level data was utilized to estimate condom use coverage and ART initiation rates which were obtained from routinely collected data in 2012. Ordinary Kriging was used to produce smoothed maps of HIV infection, condom use coverage and ART initiation rates. HIV infection was associated with individuals undertaking tertiary education [posterior odds ratio (POR): 19.53; 95% credible intervals (CrI): 3.22- 84.93]. Sub-optimal condom use increased with age (POR: 1.09; 95%CrI: 1.06-1.11) and was associated with being married (POR: 4.14; 95%CrI: 1.23-4.28). Non-ART use was associated with being married (POR: 6.79; 95%CrI: 1.43-22.43). There were clusters with high HIV infection, sub-optimal condom use, and non- ART use in Ekurhuleni, an urban and semi-urban district in Gauteng province, South Africa. Findings show the need for expanding condom programmes and/or strengthening other HIV prevention programmes such as pre-exposure prophylaxis and encouraging sustained engagement in HIV care and treatment in the identified areas with the greatest need in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Chimoyi
- Implementation Research Division, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
| | | | - Salome Charalambous
- Implementation Research Division, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
| | - Edmore Marinda
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria.
| | - Samuel Manda
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria; Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
| | - Eustasius Musenge
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
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Browne EN, Brown ER, Palanee-Phillips T, Reddy K, Naidoo L, Jeenarain N, Nair G, Husnik MJ, Singh D, Scheckter R, Soto-Torres L, Baeten JM, van der Straten A. Patterns of Adherence to a Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV-1 Prevention Among South African Women in a Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:418-424. [PMID: 35344520 PMCID: PMC9342948 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002990] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent use of HIV prevention methods can be a challenge, particularly for some younger women. The long-acting, discreet, woman-centric dapivirine vaginal ring offers promise as a prevention method with less user burden, which could support continued use. We assessed dapivirine vaginal ring use to understand adherence patterns and identify characteristics influencing patterns. SETTING Participants enrolled in South Africa in the MTN-020/ASPIRE randomized placebo-controlled trial. METHODS We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify clusters of participants with similar longitudinal patterns of adherence in the last year of participation and potential predictors of group membership. Women with at least 1 year of follow-up were included (n = 626). RESULTS Five adherence patterns were identified: (1) consistently high, 34%, (2) consistently moderate, 34%, (3) consistently low, 16%, (4) decreasing, 9%, and (5) increasing, 7%. Women younger than 22 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0 to 3.0], using an intrauterine device (AOR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4 to 7.8) or oral contraceptives (AOR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.7 to 8.9), experiencing menses (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.0), and who reported inconsistent condom use (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0 to 3.3) were more likely to be classified as consistently low compared to consistently high (referent). CONCLUSIONS Most South African women successfully persisted with a moderate or high level of use. Encouraging ring replacement with completion of menses may help to decrease concerns about hygiene and improve persistence. Associations between contraception and persistent low adherence suggest efforts may be needed to ensure contraceptive method choice does not interfere with ring use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica N Browne
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA
| | - Elizabeth R Brown
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Thesla Palanee-Phillips
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health, Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and
| | - Krishnaveni Reddy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health, Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Devika Singh
- University of Pittsburgh, and Magee-Women's Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Lydia Soto-Torres
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Current, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- ASTRA consulting, Kensington, CA
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Bengu N, Mchunu N, Mokhethi S, Fillis R, Cromhout G, van Lobenstein J, Graza Y, Kapongo C, Chinniah K, Bhoola R, Adland E, Puertas MC, Ndung’u T, Martinez-Picado J, Archary M, Goulder PJR. Next-generation point-of-care testing in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection facilitates diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29228. [PMID: 35801794 PMCID: PMC9259159 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029228] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care (PoC) testing facilitates early infant diagnosis (EID) and treatment initiation, which improves outcome. We present a field evaluation of a new PoC test (Cepheid Xpert® HIV-1 Qual XC RUO) to determine whether this test improves EID and assists the management of children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We compared 2 PoC tests with the standard-of-care (SoC) test used to detect HIV infection from dry blood spots in newborn infants at high risk of in utero infection. We also evaluated the ability of the PoC tests to detect HIV total nucleic acid (TNA) in children living with HIV infection who had maintained undetectable plasma viremia following very early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation. Qualitative (Qual) detection of HIV using the Xpert® HIV-1 Qual XC RUO ("RUO") and Xpert® HIV-1 Qual ("Qual") PoC tests was compared in 224 infants with the SoC DBS Roche COBAS® HIV-1/HIV-2 qualitative test. The same 2 PoC tests were also evaluated in 35 older children who had initiated cART before 21 days of age and maintained undetectable plasma viremia for a mean of 25 months. No discrepancies were observed in detection of HIV infection via the 2 PoC tests or the SoC test in the 224 neonates studied, but only 95% of the SoC test results were generated compared with 100% of the PoC test results (P = .0009). The cycle threshold values for the research use only (RUO) assay were the lowest of the 3 assays (P < .0001 in each case). In 6 of the 35 early-treated aviremic children, HIV TNA was detected by RUO but not Qual. The RUO assay outperforms Qual in detecting HIV-1 infection. RUO would therefore potentially improve EID and assist in identifying cART-adherent early-treated children with the lowest HIV TNA levels and the highest HIV cure potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomonde Bengu
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Nandi Regional Hospital, Empangeni, South Africa
| | - Noxolo Mchunu
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, Edendale Hospital, Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Sijabulile Mokhethi
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- HIV and TB Clinic, General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Rowena Fillis
- Department of Paediatrics, Edendale Hospital, Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Gabriela Cromhout
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Gabriela Cromhout, HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, KwaZulu Natal 4001, South Africa (e-mail: )
| | - Jeroen van Lobenstein
- HIV and TB Clinic, General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Yeney Graza
- HIV and TB Clinic, General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Constant Kapongo
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Nandi Regional Hospital, Empangeni, South Africa
| | - Kogielambal Chinniah
- Department of Paediatrics, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Phoenix, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Roopesh Bhoola
- Department of Paediatrics, Edendale Hospital, Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Emily Adland
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Chariteplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Javier Martinez-Picado
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Moherndran Archary
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Philip J. R Goulder
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Kim J, Yang S, Moodie EEM, Obida M, Bornman R, Eskenazi B, Chevrier J. Prenatal Exposure to Insecticides and Weight Trajectories Among South African Children in the VHEMBE Birth Cohort. Epidemiology 2022; 33:505-513. [PMID: 35394964 PMCID: PMC9156531 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001487] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) or pyrethroid insecticides are sprayed inside dwellings for malaria vector control, resulting in high exposure to millions of people, including pregnant women. These chemicals disrupt endocrine function and may affect child growth. To our knowledge, few studies have investigated the potential impact of prenatal exposure to DDT or pyrethroids on growth trajectories. METHODS We investigated associations between gestational insecticide exposure and child growth trajectories in the Venda Health Examination of Mothers, Babies and their Environment, a birth cohort of 751 children born between 2012 and 2013 in South Africa. Based on child weight measured at follow-up and abstracted from medical records, we modeled weight trajectories from birth to 5 years using SuperImposition, Translation and Rotation, which estimated two child-specific parameters: size (average weight) and tempo (age at peak weight velocity). We estimated associations between peripartum maternal concentrations of serum DDT, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, or urinary pyrethroid metabolites and SuperImposition, Translation and Rotation parameters using marginal structural models. RESULTS We observed that a 10-fold increase in maternal concentrations of the pyrethroid metabolite trans-3-(2,2,-dicholorvinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane carboxylic acid was associated with a 21g (95% confidence interval = -40, -1.6) smaller size among boys but found no association among girls (Pinteraction = 0.07). Estimates suggested that pyrethroids may be associated with earlier tempo but were imprecise. We observed no association with serum DDT or dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene. CONCLUSIONS Inverse associations between pyrethroids and weight trajectory parameters among boys are consistent with hypothesized disruption of androgen pathways and with our previous research in this population, and support the endocrine-disrupting potential of pyrethroids in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Kim
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Seungmi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Erica E. M. Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Muvhulawa Obida
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Riana Bornman
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Chevrier
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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O’Donnell MR, Padayatchi N, Wolf A, Zelnick J, Daftary A, Orrell C, Nimmo C, Baldwin M, Boodhram R, Maharaj B, Amico KR, Friedland G. Bedaquiline Adherence Measured by Electronic Dose Monitoring Predicts Clinical Outcomes in the Treatment of Patients With Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:325-332. [PMID: 35195572 PMCID: PMC11077859 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002940] [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: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel regimens have revolutionized multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment; however, medication adherence remains challenging and poorly characterized. We hypothesized that bedaquiline adherence, measured using electronic dose monitoring, would predict MDR-TB treatment outcomes. SETTING This is a prospective cohort study conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS Adults with MDR-TB and HIV initiating bedaquiline and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were eligible. Separate electronic dose monitoring devices measured bedaquiline and ART adherence through 6 months, calculated as observed versus expected doses. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify bedaquiline resistance-associated variants. RESULTS From November 2016 through February 2018, 199 participants with MDR-TB and HIV were enrolled and followed up through treatment completion (median 17.2 months interquartile range 12.2-19.6). The median bedaquiline adherence was higher than ART adherence (97 vs. 89%, P < 0.001) but correlated (r2 = 0.68, P < 0.001). High bedaquiline adherence (≥90%) compared with lower adherence was associated with improved end of treatment successful outcome (83.4% vs. 46.3%, P < 0.001), decreased mortality (11.0% vs. 29.6% P = 0.004), and improved retention in care through end of treatment (94.5% vs. 79.6% P = 0.002). Modeling identified a highly significant but linear association between bedaquiline adherence and outcome. On multivariable analysis, bedaquiline adherence was independently associated with mortality and outcome. Bedaquiline resistance-associated variants were seen in 12% (7/57) of sequenced isolates (7% baseline, 5% emergent) with only 28.6% experiencing successful treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS Bedaquiline adherence through 6 months independently predicted end of MDR-TB treatment outcome, but a specific bedaquiline adherence threshold was not identified. Interventions to optimize bedaquiline adherence are urgently needed to improve MDR-TB HIV treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max R O’Donnell
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, USA
- CAPRISA MRC- HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nesri Padayatchi
- CAPRISA MRC- HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Allison Wolf
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, USA
| | - Jennifer Zelnick
- Graduate School of Social Work, Touro College and University System, New York City, USA
| | - Amrita Daftary
- Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, School of Global Health, York University Toronto, Canada
- CAPRISA MRC- HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Camus Nimmo
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
| | - Matt Baldwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, USA
| | - Resha Boodhram
- CAPRISA MRC- HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Bhavna Maharaj
- CAPRISA MRC- HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - K. Rivet Amico
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Kogieleum Naidoo CAPRISA MRC- HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
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George G, Beckett S, Reddy T, Govender K, Cawood C, Khanyile D, Kharsany AB. Role of Schooling and Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Reducing HIV and Pregnancy Among Adolescents in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:270-275. [PMID: 35302969 PMCID: PMC9177157 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002951] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) seeks to reduce risky sexual behaviour and subsequent incidence of unintended pregnancy and HIV among schoolgoing adolescents. This study estimates the association between exposure to CSE and key biomedical and behavioural indicators among adolescent girls in South Africa. SETTING Four DREAMS implementation districts in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces in South Africa. METHODS Data from a household-based representative sample of adolescent girls (between the ages 12-18 years) (n = 9673) was collected. Independent variables included school attendance and exposure to CSE, with outcome variables measuring prevalence of HIV, pregnancy, and sexual risky behaviour, including condom use, incidence of age-disparate relationships, and transactional sex. RESULTS Adolescent girls in school and who had attended CSE classes in the previous 12 months were associated with reduced adjusted odds of being HIV-positive [full sample: adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61 to 0.95, P < 0.05; sexually active sample: AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.96, P < 0.05]. Those in school who attended CSE in the previous 12 months were also more likely to get tested for HIV (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.65, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that school attendance and exposure to CSE is associated with a reduction in risky sexual behaviour. Exposure to CSE is also associated with increased access to HIV testing for adolescent girls both in and out of school. Keeping adolescent girls in school produces the greatest positive sexual behavioural effect; this, coupled with the delivery of quality CSE, is a key strategy for reducing HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin George
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sean Beckett
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Durban, South Africa
| | - Kaymarlin Govender
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Cherie Cawood
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, Durban, South Africa; and
| | - David Khanyile
- Epicentre AIDS Risk Management (Pty) Limited, Durban, South Africa; and
| | - Ayesha B.M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Bingham J, Cable R, Coleman C, Glatt TN, Grebe E, Mhlanga L, Nyano C, Pieterson N, Swanevelder R, Swarts A, Sykes W, van den Berg K, Vermeulen M, Welte A. Estimates of prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among blood donors in South Africa in March 2022. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1687679. [PMID: 36575763 PMCID: PMC9793839 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1687679/v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In line with previous instalments of analysis from this ongoing study to monitor 'Covid Seroprevalence' among blood donors in South Africa, we report on an analysis of 3395 samples obtained in mid-March 2022 from all provinces of South Africa - a timepoint just after the fourth (primarily omicron) wave of infections. As in our previous analyses, we see no evidence of age and sex dependence of prevalence, but significant variation by race. Differences between provinces have largely disappeared, as prevalence appears to have saturated. In contrast to previous estimates from this study, which reported only prevalence of anti-nucleocapsid antibodies, this present work also reports results from testing for anti-spike antibodies. This addition allows us to categorise those donors whose only antibodies are from vaccination. Our race-weighted national extrapolation is that 98% of South Africans have some antibodies, noting that 10% have anti-spike antibodies but not anti-nucleocapsid antibodies - a reasonable proxy for having both 1) been vaccinated and 2) avoided infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Bingham
- South African DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch University
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alex Welte
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis
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Jansen van Vuuren J, Pillay S, Naidoo A. Circulating Biomarkers in Long-Term Stroke Prognosis: A Scoping Review Focusing on the South African Setting. Cureus 2022; 14:e23971. [PMID: 35547443 PMCID: PMC9090128 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease, including both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes, remains one of the highest causes of global morbidity and mortality. Developing nations, such as South Africa (SA), are affected disproportionately. Early identification of stroke patients at risk of poor clinical prognosis may result in improved outcomes. In addition to conventional neuroimaging, the role of predictive biomarkers has been shown to be important. Little data exist on their applicability within SA. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the currently available data pertaining to blood biomarkers that aid in the long-term prognostication of patients following stroke and its potential application in the South African setting. This scoping review followed a 6-stage process to identify and critically review currently available literature pertaining to prognostic biomarkers in stroke. An initial 1191 articles were identified and, following rigorous review, 41 articles were included for the purposes of the scoping review. A number of potential biomarkers were identified and grouped according to the function or origin of the marker. Although most biomarkers showed great prognostic potential, the cost and availability will likely limit their application within SA. The burden of stroke is increasing worldwide and appears to be affecting developing countries disproportionately. Access to neuroradiological services is not readily available in all settings and the addition of biomarkers to assist in the long-term prognostication of patients following a stroke can be of great clinical value. The cost and availability of many of the reviewed biomarkers will likely hinder their use in the South African setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jansen van Vuuren
- Department of Neurology, Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- School of Clinical Medicine, PhD programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- Member, Royal Society of South Africa, Cape Town, ZAF
| | | | - Ansuya Naidoo
- Neurology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- Department of Neurology, Grey's Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
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Shangase N, Edwards J, Pence B, Aiello A, Hussong A, Gómez-Olivé X, Kahn K, Stoner M, Pettifor A. Effect of Quality of Caregiver-Adolescent Relationship on Sexual Debut, Transactional Sex, and on Age-Disparate Relationships Among Young Women in Rural South Africa Enrolled in HPTN 068. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:366-373. [PMID: 35202045 PMCID: PMC8887792 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remain burdened by the HIV epidemic. Positive caregiver-child relationships are associated with safe sexual behaviors in young people; yet, this literature often highlights the role of parent-child communication and parental monitoring, neglecting the importance of emotional relationships between a caregiver and adolescent. SETTING We used longitudinal data from HIV Prevention Trial Network 068-conducted among 2533 AGYW (13-20 years) over a period of 5 years in Agincourt, South Africa. METHOD Kaplan-Meier and Cox models were used to estimate the effect of quality of caregiver-adolescent relationships (caring and closeness) on sexual debut, and log-binomial models with generalized estimating equations were used to examine the relationship between our exposures and transactional sex and age-disparate relationships. RESULTS Sexual debut was delayed among those who reported high levels of caregiver caring [hazard ratio: 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69 to 0.93] and caregiver closeness (hazard ratio: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.95). AGYW who reported high quality caregiver-adolescent relationships had a lower risk of transactional sex [caring: risk ratio (RR): 0.67, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.78; closeness: RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.67]. Similarly, those with high-quality caregiver-adolescent relationships were less likely to be in an age-disparate relationship (caring: RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.79; closeness: RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.90). CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate high-quality caregiver-adolescent relationships are associated with delayed sexual debut, a lower risk of transactional sex, and having an older partner. Family-centered interventions are needed to improve relationships between AGYW and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosipho Shangase
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jess Edwards
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Brian Pence
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Allison Aiello
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Andrea Hussong
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Marie Stoner
- Women’s Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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