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González Fernández L, Firima E, Gupta R, Sematle MP, Khomolishoele M, Molulela M, Bane M, Meli R, Tlahali M, Lee T, Chammartin F, Gerber F, Lejone TI, Ayakaka I, Weisser M, Amstutz A, Labhardt ND. Prevalence and determinants of cardiovascular risk factors in Lesotho: a population-based survey. Int Health 2024; 16:313-324. [PMID: 37593886 PMCID: PMC11062187 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad058] [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] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no recent data on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVDRFs) in Lesotho. This study aims to assess the prevalence of CVDRFs and their determinants. METHODS We conducted a household-based, cross-sectional survey among adults ≥18 y of age in 120 randomly sampled clusters in two districts. RESULTS Among 6061 participants, 52.2% were female and their median age was 39 y (interquartile range 27-58). The overall prevalence of overweight, diabetes, elevated blood pressure (BP) and tobacco use was 39.9%, 5.3%, 21.6% and 24.9%, respectively. Among participants, 34.6% had none, 45.2% had one and 20.2% had two or more CVDRFs. Women were more likely to have two or more CVDRFs (20.7% vs 12.3%). Overall, 7.5% of participants had elevated total cholesterol, 52.7% had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 1.6% had elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Among younger participants (18-29 y), 16.1% reported tobacco use, 28.6% were overweight, 1.5% had diabetes and 3.5% had elevated BP. Household wealth positively correlated with the prevalence of elevated BP, overweight and diabetes, whereas tobacco use was higher among people in the lowest three wealth quintiles. CONCLUSIONS CVDRFs are highly prevalent in Lesotho across age and sex groups, underlining the importance of strengthening prevention and care programs in Lesotho and similar settings in southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia González Fernández
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ravi Gupta
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | | | | | | | - Raphaela Meli
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Mosa Tlahali
- Mokhotlong District Health Management Team, Mokhotlong, Ministry of Health Lesotho
| | - Tristan Lee
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frédérique Chammartin
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Felix Gerber
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thabo Ishmael Lejone
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Irene Ayakaka
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Maja Weisser
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Basel, 4051, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Lejone TI, Mahomed O. Magnitude and Determinants of Virological Failure Among Patients >15 Years on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Rural Lesotho Between 2015 and 2019 - A Retrospective Cohort Study [Retraction]. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2023; 15:739-740. [PMID: 38149003 PMCID: PMC10750780 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s455825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/HIV.S424277.].
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Gerber F, Gupta R, Lejone TI, Tahirsylaj T, Lee T, Kohler M, Haldemann MI, Räber F, Chitja M, Manthabiseng M, Khomolishoele M, Mota M, Bane M, Sematle PM, Makabateng R, Mphunyane M, Phaaroe S, Basler D, Kindler K, Seelig E, Briel M, Chammartin F, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A. Community-based type 2 diabetes care by lay village health workers in rural Lesotho: protocol for a cluster-randomized trial within the ComBaCaL cohort study (ComBaCaL T2D TwiC). Trials 2023; 24:688. [PMID: 37875943 PMCID: PMC10598965 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07729-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes (T2D) poses a growing public health burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Task-shifting to lay village health workers (VHWs) and the use of digital clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are promising approaches to tackle the current T2D care gap in LMICs. However, evidence on the effectiveness of lay worker-led T2D care models, in which VHWs initiate and monitor drug treatment in addition to community-based screening and referral services, is lacking. METHODS We are conducting a cluster-randomized trial nested within the Community-Based Chronic Disease Care Lesotho (ComBaCaL) cohort study (NCT05596773) using the trial within cohort (TwiC) design to assess the effectiveness of a VHW-led, CDSS-assisted T2D care model in rural Lesotho. Participants are non-pregnant members of the ComBaCaL cohort study with T2D. The ComBaCaL cohort study is conducted in approximately 100 villages in two rural districts in Lesotho and is managed by trained and supervised VHWs. In intervention villages, VHWs offer a community-based T2D care package including lifestyle counselling, first-line oral antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet treatment guided by a tablet-based CDSS to participants who are clinically eligible, as well as treatment support to participants who prefer or clinically require facility-based T2D care. In control clusters, all participants will be referred to a health facility for T2D management. The primary endpoint is the mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 12 months after enrolment. Secondary endpoints include the 10-year risk for cardiovascular events estimated using the World Health Organization risk prediction tool. DISCUSSION The trial was launched on May 13, 2023, and has enrolled 226 participants at the date of submission (October 6, 2023). To our knowledge, the trial is the first to assess task-shifting of T2D care to VHWs at the community level, including the prescription of first-line antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet medication in sub-Saharan Africa, and will thus provide the missing evidence on the effectiveness of such a T2D care model in this setting. The study is operating within the established Lesotho VHW programme. Similar community health worker programmes which exist across sub-Saharan Africa may benefit from the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05743387. Registered on February 24 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Gerber
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | | | - Thabo Ishmael Lejone
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thesar Tahirsylaj
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tristan Lee
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Maurus Kohler
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Ines Haldemann
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Räber
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dave Basler
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Kindler
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Seelig
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Briel
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Frédérique Chammartin
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Lejone TI, Mahomed O. Magnitude and Determinants of Virological Failure Among Patients >15 Years on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Rural Lesotho Between 2015 and 2019 - A Retrospective Cohort Study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2023; 15:611-620. [PMID: 37849794 PMCID: PMC10577259 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s424277] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lesotho has the second-highest HIV prevalence globally at an estimated 23%, with approximately 87% of the population between 15 and 59 years of age reported to be receiving antiretroviral treatment. There is an urgent need to increase access to effective ART due to increasing rates of first- and second-line treatment failure. Sustaining successful treatment and limiting the development of virological failure is essential, hence the need for early detection of increased viral load indicating drug resistance or rapid progression of viral replication. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of patients with HIV with virological failure and to identify factors associated with virological failure in two districts of Lesotho. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two districts (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong) in Lesotho. Data for all patients (age ≥15 years) in the viral load (VL) monitoring database with at least two consecutive viral load results between December 2015 and December 2019 from 22 health facilities were extracted. Descriptive data were presented using tables and figures. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A p-value < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. Results Only 4% (n = 913) of the study participants had virological failure. Longer time on treatment >65 months (AOR: 1.85 CI: 1.59-2.15) and being on second-line ART regimen (AOR: 75.23 95% CI: 75.00-99.15) were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with virological failure. Conclusion Virological failure among the study participants is lower compared to other settings. The study identified duration on treatment, treatment regimen as high risk for virological failure. Targeted interventions should be developed for these high-risk group individuals, with continuous monitoring of virological response and appropriate drug switching to clients to achieve improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabo Ishmael Lejone
- SolidarMed, Lesotho, South Africa
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Scherrer R, Tschumi N, Lejone TI, Kopo M, Motaboli L, Mothobi B, Amstutz A, Deml MJ, Lerotholi M, Labhardt ND. eHealth supported multi-months dispensing of antiretroviral therapy: a mixed-methods preference assessment in rural Lesotho. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:61. [PMID: 35277206 PMCID: PMC8913859 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01019-x] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-month dispensing (MMD) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) represents one approach of differentiated service delivery (DSD) aiming to improve quality and cost-effectiveness for HIV services in resource-limited settings. However, reduction in clinic visits for people living with HIV (PLWH) should go along with out-of-clinic care tailored to PLWH`s preferences and comorbidities to maintain quality of care. eHealth supported MMD offers a potential solution. METHODS Between October 2019 and January 2020 we assessed preferences on an eHealth supported MMD package among adult PLWH attending routine ART care at a rural clinic in Lesotho using a mixed-methods approach. Participants reported their preferences among different refill and eHealth options. They were invited to test automated text messages (SMS) informing about their viral load results, an automated tuberculosis symptoms screening call and telemedical support by an expert nurse. Telemedical service comprised a call-back option if participants required any additional support and adherence counselling for closer follow-up of participants with unsuppressed viral loads. After 6 weeks, participants were followed-up to assess perception of the chosen eHealth support using a qualitative approach. RESULTS Among 112 participants (median age = 43 years; 74% female), 83/112 (75%) preferred MMD for 6-12 months (median = 9 months, IQR = [5, 12]). Neither sex, age, employment, costs and time for travel to clinic, nor the duration of taking ART correlated with the MMD preference. All 17 participants attending routine viral load measurement wished to receive the result via SMS. Fifteen (19.2%) participants requested a telemedical nurse call-back during the study period. All participants with recent unsuppressed viral load (N = 13) requested telemedical adherence counselling for closer follow-up. Among 78 participants followed-up, 76 (97%) would appreciate having the call-back option in future. Seventy-five participants (67%) received and evaluated the automated symptomatic tuberculosis screening call, overall 71 (95%) appreciated it. CONCLUSIONS The great majority of PLWH in this study preferred 6-12 months MMD and appreciated the additional eHealth support, including viral load results via SMS, telemedical nurse consultations and automated tuberculosis symptom screening calls. eHealth supported MMD packages appear to be a promising approach for DSD models and should be assessed for clinical endpoints and cost-effectiveness in larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Scherrer
- Clinical Research Unit, Department Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Tschumi
- Clinical Research Unit, Department Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Lipontso Motaboli
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Buoang Mothobi
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Deml
- Institute of Sociological Research, Department of Sociology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Gils T, Lynen L, Muhairwe J, Mashaete K, Lejone TI, Joseph P, Ngubane T, Keter AK, Reither K, van Heerden A. Feasibility of implementing the advanced HIV disease care package as part of community-based HIV/TB activities: a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057291. [PMID: 35131835 PMCID: PMC8823294 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057291] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the advanced HIV disease (AHD) care package reduces morbidity and mortality in people with AHD (defined in people living with HIV as WHO stage 3 or 4, CD4 count <200 cells/µL or age <5 years), it is barely implemented in many countries. A novel point-of-care CD4 test rapidly identifies AHD. We evaluate the feasibility of implementing the AHD care package as part of community-based HIV/tuberculosis services. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This two-phased study is guided by the Medical Research Council framework for evaluation of complex interventions. Stage 1 is a stakeholder consultation to define tools and indicators to assess feasibility of the AHD care package. Stage 2 is the implementation of the AHD care package during a facility-based tuberculosis diagnostic accuracy study in high-burden HIV/tuberculosis settings. Consenting adults with tuberculosis symptoms in two sites in Lesotho and South Africa are eligible for inclusion. HIV-positive participants are included in the feasibility study and are offered a CD4 test, a tuberculosis-lipoarabinomannan assay and those with CD4 count of ≤200 cells/µL a cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay. Participants are referred for clinical management following national guidelines. The evaluation includes group discussions, participant observation (qualitative strand) and a semistructured questionnaire to assess acceptability among implementers. The quantitative strand also evaluates process compliance (process rating and process cascade) and early outcomes (vital and treatment status after twelve weeks). Thematic content analysis, descriptive statistics and data triangulation will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The National Health Research and Ethics Committee, Lesotho, the Human Sciences Research Council Research Ethics Committee and Provincial Department of Health, South Africa and the Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz, Switzerland, approved the protocol. Dissemination will happen locally and internationally at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04666311.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinne Gils
- Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Philip Joseph
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Thulani Ngubane
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | | | - Klaus Reither
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Medical Outpatient Department, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Kopo M, Kao M, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Räber F, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. Offering ART refill through community health workers versus clinic-based follow-up after home-based same-day ART initiation in rural Lesotho: The VIBRA cluster-randomized clinical trial. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003839. [PMID: 34673765 PMCID: PMC8568187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) dispensing by lay workers is an important differentiated service delivery model in sub-Sahara Africa. However, patients new in care are generally excluded from such models. Home-based same-day ART initiation is becoming widespread practice, but linkage to the clinic is challenging. The pragmatic VIBRA (Village-Based Refill of ART) trial compared ART refill by existing lay village health workers (VHWs) versus clinic-based refill after home-based same-day ART initiation. METHODS AND FINDINGS The VIBRA trial is a cluster-randomized open-label clinical superiority trial conducted in 249 rural villages in the catchment areas of 20 health facilities in 2 districts (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong) in Lesotho. In villages (clusters) randomized to the intervention arm, individuals found to be HIV-positive during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign were offered same-day ART initiation with the option of refill by VHWs. The trained VHWs dispensed drugs and scheduled clinic visits for viral load measurement at 6 and 12 months. In villages randomized to the control arm, participants were offered same-day ART initiation with clinic-based ART refill. The primary outcome was 12-month viral suppression. Secondary endpoints included linkage and 12-month engagement in care. Analyses were intention-to-treat. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03630549). From 16 August 2018 until 28 May 2019, 118 individuals from 108 households in 57 clusters in the intervention arm, and 139 individuals from 130 households in 60 clusters in the control arm, were enrolled (150 [58%] female; median age 36 years [interquartile range 30-48]; 200 [78%] newly diagnosed). In the intervention arm, 48/118 (41%) opted for VHW refill. At 12 months, 46/118 (39%) participants in the intervention arm and 64/139 (46%) in the control arm achieved viral suppression (adjusted risk difference -0.07 [95% CI -0.20 to 0.06]; p = 0.256). Arms were similar in linkage (adjusted risk difference 0.03 [-0.10 to 0.16]; p = 0.630), but engagement in care was non-significantly lower in the intervention arm (adjusted risk difference -0.12 [-0.23 to 0.003]; p = 0.058). Seven and 0 deaths occurred in the intervention and control arm, respectively. Of the intervention participants who did not opt for drug refill from the VHW at enrollment, 41/70 (59%) mentioned trust or conflict issues as the primary reason. Study limitations include a rather small sample size, 9% missing viral load measurements in the primary endpoint window, the low uptake of the VHW refill option in the intervention arm, and substantial migration among the study population. CONCLUSIONS The offer of village-based ART refill after same-day initiation led to similar outcomes as clinic-based refill. The intervention did not amplify the effect of home-based same-day ART initiation alone. The findings raise concerns about acceptance and safety of ART delivered by lay health workers after initiation in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03630549).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Moniek Bresser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Amstutz A, Matsela L, Lejone TI, Kopo M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. Reaching Absent and Refusing Individuals During Home-Based HIV Testing Through Self-Testing-at What Cost? Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:653677. [PMID: 34268321 PMCID: PMC8276095 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.653677] [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: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In the HOSENG trial (NCT03598686), the secondary distribution of oral self-tests for persons absent or refusing to test during a home-based HIV testing campaign in rural Lesotho resulted in an increase in testing coverage of 21% compared to a testing campaign without secondary distribution. This study aims to determine the per patient costs of both HOSENG trial arms. Method: We conducted a micro-costing study to estimate the cost of home-based HIV testing with (HOSENG intervention arm) and without (HOSENG control arm) secondary self-test distribution from a provider's perspective. A mixture of top-down and bottom-up costing was used. We estimated both the financial and economic per patient costs of each possible testing cascade scenario. The costs were adjusted to 2018 US$. Results: The overall provider cost for delivering the home-based HIV testing with secondary distribution was US$36,481 among the 4,174 persons enumerated and 3,094 eligible for testing in the intervention villages compared to US$28,620 for 3,642 persons enumerated and 2,727 eligible for testing in the control. The cost per person eligible for testing was US$11.79 in the intervention vs. US$10.50 in the control. This difference was mainly driven by the cost of distributed oral self-tests. The cost per person tested was, however, lower in intervention villages (US$15.70 vs. US$22.15) due to the higher testing coverage achieved through self-test distribution. The cost per person confirmed new HIV+ was US$889.79 in the intervention and US$753.17 in the control. Conclusion: During home-based HIV testing in Lesotho, the secondary distribution of self-tests for persons absent or refusing to test during the visit reduced the costs per person tested and thus presents a promising add-on for such campaigns. Trial Registration:https://ClinicalTrials.gov/, identifier: NCT03598686
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lineo Matsela
- Health Economics Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Amstutz A, Brown JA, Ringera I, Muhairwe J, Lejone TI, Klimkait T, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. Engagement in Care, Viral Suppression, Drug Resistance, and Reasons for Nonengagement After Home-Based Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Lesotho: A Two-Year Follow-up of the CASCADE Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:2608-2614. [PMID: 31781759 PMCID: PMC7745003 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The CASCADE trial showed that compared with usual care (UC), offering same-day (SD) antiretroviral therapy (ART) during home-based human immunodeficiency virus testing improved engagement in care and viral suppression 12 months after diagnosis. However, questions remain regarding long-term outcomes and the risk of propagating drug resistance. Methods After completion of the primary endpoint at 12 months, participants not in care in both arms were traced and encouraged to access care. At 24 months, the following outcomes were assessed in both arms: engagement in care, viral suppression, and reasons for nonengagement. Furthermore, we explored the acquisition of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) among SD arm nonlinkers. Results At 24 months, 64% (88/137) in the SD arm vs 59% (81/137) in the UC arm were in care (absolute difference [AD], 5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −6 to16; P = .38) and 57% (78/137) vs 54% (74/137) had documented viral suppression (AD, 3%; 95% CI, −9 to 15; P = .28). Among 36 participants alive and not in care at 24 months with ascertained status, the majority rejected contact with the health system or were unwilling to take ART. Among 8 interviewed SD arm nonlinkers, 6 had not initiated ART upon enrollment, and no acquired DRMs were detected. Two had taken the initial 30-day ART supply and acquired DRMs. Conclusions SD ART resulted in higher rates of engagement in care and viral suppression at 12 months but not at 24 months. Leveling off between both arms was driven by linkage beyond 12 months in the UC arm. We did not observe compensatory long-term disengagement in the SD arm. These long-term results endorse SD ART initiation policies. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02692027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Anne Brown
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Vanobberghen F, Kopo M, Kao M, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND, Glass TR. Home-based oral self-testing for absent and declining individuals during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign in rural Lesotho (HOSENG): a cluster-randomised trial. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e752-e761. [PMID: 33045193 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, home-based HIV testing is validated and accepted, but coverage is low because household members are often absent during home-based testing campaigns. We aimed to measure the effect of a secondary distribution of oral-fluid HIV self-tests on coverage during home-based testing in rural Lesotho. METHODS The Home-Based Self-Testing (HOSENG) trial was a cluster-randomised, non-blinded superiority trial in rural villages in the catchment area of 20 health facilities of two districts in Lesotho (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong). Eligible villages had a consenting village chief and at least one registered village health worker; eligible households had a consenting representative aged 18 years or older. The HOSENG trial provided a recruitment platform for the interlinked Village-Based Refill of Antiretroviral Therapy (VIBRA) trial. Villages were randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 with block sizes of four to one of four groups: VIBRA control and HOSENG control; VIBRA control and HOSENG intervention; VIBRA intervention and HOSENG control; and VIBRA intervention and HOSENG intervention. Randomisation was stratified by district, village size, and access to the nearest health facility. An independent statistician was responsible for the computer-generated randomisation list. In the intervention group, oral-fluid HIV self-tests were left for absent or declining household members (aged ≥12 years) during a home visit from the HIV testing campaign team. One present household member was trained on self-test use. Distributed self-tests were followed up by village health workers. In control village clusters, absent or declining household members were referred to the clinic for HIV testing. The primary outcome was HIV testing coverage among all household members aged 12 years or older within 120 days, defined as a confirmed HIV test result or known status, reported in testing registers at the health facilities or on the follow-up forms of the village health worker. Adjusted random-effects logistic regression with individuals as the unit of analysis was used. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03598686. FINDINGS Between July 26, 2018, and Dec 12, 2018, 3091 consenting households with 7816 household members aged 12 years or older were enrolled and randomly assigned (intervention: 57 village clusters, 1620 households, 4174 household members; control: 49 village clusters, 1471 households, 3642 household members). In the control group, 38 (3%) of 1455 initially absent or declining household members tested at a clinic within 120 days. In the intervention group, 841 (53%) of 1601 initially absent or declining household members had a confirmed status within 120 days; 12 (1%) of 841 tested at the clinic and 829 (99%) used their self-test kit. This resulted in a testing coverage of 2201 (60%) of 3642 in the control group versus 3386 (81%) of 4174 in the intervention group (odds ratio 3·00 [95% CI 2·52-3·59]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Secondary distribution of oral-fluid HIV self-tests during home-based testing increases testing coverage substantially and thus presents a promising add-on during testing campaigns. FUNDING Swiss National Science Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Lejone TI, Kopo M, Bachmann N, Brown JA, Glass TR, Muhairwe J, Matsela T, Scherrer R, Chere L, Namane T, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A. PEBRA trial - effect of a peer-educator coordinated preference-based ART service delivery model on viral suppression among adolescents and young adults living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:425. [PMID: 32228531 PMCID: PMC7106615 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08535-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite tremendous progress in controlling the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-related mortality continues to increase among adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV). Globally, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the AYPLHIV. Overall outcomes along the HIV care cascade are worse among AYPLHIV as compared to all other age groups due to various challenges in accessing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). New, innovative multicomponent packages of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, are required to address the specific needs of AYPLHIV. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multicomponent DSD model (PEBRA model) designed for AYPLHIV and coordinated by a peer-educator. Methods PEBRA (Peer-Educator Based Refill of ART) is a cluster randomized, open-label, superiority trial conducted at 20 health facilities in three districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. The clusters (health facilities) are randomly assigned to either the PEBRA model or standard of care in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by district. AYPLHIV aged 15–24 years old in care and on ART at one of the clusters are eligible. In the PEBRA model, a peer-educator coordinates the antiretroviral therapy (ART) services - such as medication pick-up, SMS notifications and support options - according to the preferences of the AYPLHIV. The peer-educator delivers this personalized model using a tablet-based application called PEBRApp. The control clusters continue to offer standard of care: ART services coordinated by the nurse. The primary endpoint is viral suppression at 12 months. Secondary endpoints include self-reported adherence to ART, quality of life, satisfaction with care and engagement in care. The target sample size is 300 AYPLHIV. Statistical analyses are conducted and reported in line with CONSORT guidelines for cluster randomized trials. Discussion The PEBRA trial will provide evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of an inclusive, holistic and preference-based DSD model for AYPLHIV that is coordinated by a peer-educator. Many countries in SSA have an existing peer-educator program. If proven effective, the PEBRA model and PEBRApp have the potential to be scaled up to similar settings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03969030. Registered on 31 May 2019. More information: www.pebra.info
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nadine Bachmann
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Anne Brown
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ramona Scherrer
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tilo Namane
- Motebang Government Hospital, Leribe, Lesotho
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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12
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Labhardt ND, Ringera I, Lejone TI, Amstutz A, Klimkait T, Muhairwe J, Glass TR. Effect and cost of two successive home visits to increase HIV testing coverage: a prospective study in Lesotho, Southern Africa. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1441. [PMID: 31676001 PMCID: PMC6825349 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Home-based HIV testing and counselling (HB-HTC) is frequently used to increase awareness of HIV status in sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas acceptance of HB-HTC is usually high, testing coverage may remain low due to household members being absent during the home visits. This study assessed whether two consecutive visits, one during the week, one on the weekend, increase coverage. Methods The study was a predefined nested-study of the CASCADE-trial protocol and conducted in 62 randomly selected villages and 17 urban areas in Butha-Buthe district, Lesotho. HB-HTC teams visited each village/urban area twice: first during a weekday, followed by a weekend visit to catch-up for household members absent during the week. Primary outcome was HTC coverage after first and second visit. Coverage was defined as all individuals who knew their HIV status out of all household members (present and absent). Results HB-HTC teams visited 6665 households with 18,286 household members. At first visit, 69.2 and 75.4% of household members were encountered in rural and urban households respectively (p < 0.001) and acceptance for testing was 88.5% in rural and 79.5% in urban areas (p < 0.001), resulting in a coverage of 61.8 and 61.5%, respectively. After catch-up visit, the HTC coverage increased to 71.9% in rural and 69.4% in urban areas. The number of first time testers was higher at the second visit (47% versus 35%, p < 0.001). Direct cost per person tested and per person tested HIV positive were lower during weekdays (10.50 and 335 USD) than during weekends (20 and 1056 USD). Conclusions A catch-up visit on weekends increased the proportion of persons knowing their HIV status from 62 to 71% and reached more first-time testers. However, cost per person tested during catch-up visits was nearly twice the cost during first visit. Trial registration NCT02692027 (prospectively registered on February 21, 2016).
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Isaac Ringera
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Alain Amstutz
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tracy Renee Glass
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Glass TR, Motaboli L, Nsakala B, Lerotholi M, Vanobberghen F, Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Muhairwe J, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND. The viral load monitoring cascade in a resource-limited setting: A prospective multicentre cohort study after introduction of routine viral load monitoring in rural Lesotho. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220337. [PMID: 31461455 PMCID: PMC6713472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine viral load (VL) monitoring. We report on the cascade of care in individuals with unsuppressed VL after introduction of routine VL monitoring in a district in Lesotho. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Butha-Buthe district 12 clinics (11 rural, 1 hospital) send samples for VL testing to the district laboratory. We included data from patients aged ≥15 years from Dec 1, 2015 to November 1, 2018. As per WHO guidelines VL <1000 copies/mL are considered suppressed, those ≥1000copies/mL unsuppressed. Patients with unsuppressed VL receive adherence counseling and follow-up VL within 8-12 weeks. Two consecutively unsuppressed VLs should trigger switch to second-line ART. For analysis of the VL monitoring cascade we defined care to be "according to guidelines" if patients with unsuppressed VL received a follow-up VL within <180 days and follow-up VL was either re-suppressed, or again unsuppressed and the individual was switched to second-line within 90 days. RESULTS For 9,949 individuals 24,948 VL tests were available. The majority were female (73%), median age 41 years (interquartile range 33-52), and 58% seen at rural clinics. Overall, 25% (260/1028) of individuals were managed according to guidelines: 40% (410/1028) had a follow-up VL within 180 days of their initial unsuppressed VL and 25% (260/1028) of those either re-suppressed or switched to second-line within 90 days. Female patients were more likely to have a follow-up VL done, (p = 0.015). In rural clinics rates of two consecutively unsuppressed VLs were higher than in the hospital (64% vs. 44%, p<0.001), and rural clinics were less likely to switch these patients to second-line (35% vs. 66%, p<0001). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that in a real-life setting availability of routine VL monitoring may not be exploited to its potential. A lack of timely follow-up after a first unsuppressed VL and reluctance to switch patients with confirmed virological failure, reduce the benefit of VL monitoring, i.e. in the rural clinics. Future studies will have to assess models of care which ensure that VL results are met with an action and make use of scalable innovative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Renee Glass
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lipontso Motaboli
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | - Bienvenu Nsakala
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | | | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital
Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel,
Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital
Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Bresser M, Tediosi F, Kopo M, Kao M, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. VIBRA trial - Effect of village-based refill of ART following home-based same-day ART initiation vs clinic-based ART refill on viral suppression among individuals living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho. Trials 2019; 20:522. [PMID: 31439004 PMCID: PMC6704675 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for evaluating community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models to improve overall performance of HIV programs, specifically in populations that may have difficulties to access continuous care. This cluster-randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent differentiated ART delivery model (VIBRA model) after home-based same-day ART initiation in remote villages in Lesotho, southern Africa. METHODS/DESIGN The VIBRA trial (VIllage-Based Refill of ART) is a cluster-randomized parallel-group superiority clinical trial conducted in two districts in Lesotho, southern Africa. Clusters (i.e., villages) are randomly assigned to either the VIBRA model or standard care. The clusters are stratified by district, village size, and village access to the nearest health facility. Eligible individuals (HIV-positive, aged 10 years or older, and not taking ART) identified during community-based HIV testing campaigns are offered same-day home-based ART initiation. The intervention clusters offer a differentiated ART delivery package with two features: (1) drug refills and follow-ups by trained and supervised village health workers (VHWs) and (2) the option of receiving individually tailored adherence reminders and notifications of viral load results via SMS. The control clusters will continue to receive standard care, i.e., collecting ART refills from a clinic and no SMS notifications. The primary endpoint is viral suppression 12 months after enrolment. Secondary endpoints include linkage to and engagement in care. Furthermore, safety and cost-effectiveness analyses plus qualitative research are planned. The minimum target sample size is 262 participants. The statistical analyses will follow the CONSORT guidelines. The VIBRA trial is linked to another trial, the HOSENG (HOme-based SElf-testiNG) trial, both of which are within the GET ON (GETing tOwards Ninety) research project. DISCUSSION The VIBRA trial is among the first to evaluate the delivery of ART by VHWs immediately after ART initiation. It assesses the entire HIV care cascade from testing to viral suppression. As most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have cadres like the VHW program in Lesotho, this model-if shown to be effective-has the potential to be scaled up. The system impact evaluation will provide valuable cost estimations, and the qualitative research will suggest how the model could be further modified to optimize its impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03630549 . Registered on 15 August 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Bresser M, Vanobberghen F, Kopo M, Kao M, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND, Glass TR. The HOSENG trial - Effect of the provision of oral self-testing for absent and refusing individuals during a door-to-door HIV-testing campaign on testing coverage: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho. Trials 2019; 20:496. [PMID: 31409421 PMCID: PMC6693145 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3469-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-testing coverage remains below the targeted 90% despite efforts and resources invested. Home-based HIV-testing is a key approach endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), especially to reach individuals who might not seek testing otherwise. Although acceptance of testing during such campaigns is high, coverage remains low due to absent household members. This cluster-randomized trial aims to assess increase in testing coverage using oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) among individuals who are absent or decline testing during home-based HIV-testing. METHODS The HOSENG (HOme-based SElf-testiNG) trial is a cluster-randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial in two districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. Clusters are stratified by district, village size, and village access to the nearest health facility. Cluster eligibility criteria include: village is in catchment area of one of the study facilities, village authority provides consent, and village has a registered, capable, and consenting village health worker (VHW). In intervention clusters, HIV self-tests are provided for eligible household members who are absent or decline HIV-testing in the presence of the campaign team. In control clusters, standard of care for absent and refusing individuals applies, i.e., referral to a health facility. The primary outcome is HIV-testing coverage among individuals aged 12 years or older within 120 days after enrollment. Secondary objectives include HIV-testing coverage among other age groups, and uptake of the different testing modalities. Statistical analyses will be conducted and reported in line with CONSORT guidelines. The HOSENG trial is linked to the VIBRA (Village-Based Refill of ART) trial. Together, they constitute the GET ON (GETting tOwards Ninety) research project. DISCUSSION The HOSENG trial tests whether oral HIVST may be an add-on during door-to-door testing campaigns towards achieving optimal testing coverage. The provision of oral self-test kits, followed up by VHWs, requires little additional human resources, finances and logistics. If cost-effective, this approach should inform home-based HIV-testing policies not only in Lesotho, but in similar high-prevalence settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, (ID: NCT03598686 ). Registered on 25 July 2018. More information is available at www.getonproject.wordpress.com .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
- Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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Labhardt ND, Bader J, Lejone TI, Ringera I, Hobbins MA, Fritz C, Ehmer J, Cerutti B, Puga D, Klimkait T. Should viral load thresholds be lowered?: Revisiting the WHO definition for virologic failure in patients on antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e3985. [PMID: 27428189 PMCID: PMC4956783 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000003985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on antiretroviral therapy (ART) define treatment failure as 2 consecutive viral loads (VLs) ≥1000 copies/mL. There is, however, little evidence supporting 1000 copies as an optimal threshold to define treatment failure. Objective of this study was to assess the correlation of the WHO definition with the presence of drug-resistance mutations in patients who present with 2 consecutive unsuppressed VL in a resource-limited setting.In 10 nurse-led clinics in rural Lesotho children and adults on first-line ART for ≥6 months received a first routine VL. Those with plasma VL ≥80 copies/mL were enrolled in a prospective study, receiving enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) and a follow-up VL after 3 months. After a second unsuppressed VL genotypic resistance testing was performed. Viruses with major mutations against ≥2 drugs of the current regimen were classified as "resistant".A total of 1563 adults and 191 children received a first routine VL. Of the 138 adults and 53 children with unsuppressed VL (≥80 copies/mL), 165 (116 adults; 49 children) had a follow-up VL after EAC; 108 (74 adults; 34 children) remained unsuppressed and resistance testing was successful. Ninety of them fulfilled the WHO definition of treatment failure (both VL ≥1000 copies/mL); for another 18 both VL were unsuppressed but with <1000 copies/mL. The positive predictive value (PPV) for the WHO failure definition was 81.1% (73/90) for the presence of resistant virus. Among the 18 with VL levels between 80 and 1000 copies/mL, thereby classified as "non-failures", 17 (94.4%) harbored resistant viruses. Lowering the VL threshold from 1000 copies/mL to 80 copies/mL at both determinations had no negative influence on the PPV (83.3%; 90/108).The current WHO-definition misclassifies patients who harbor resistant virus at VL below 1000 c/mL as "nonfailing." Lowering the threshold to VL ≥80 copies/mL identifies a significantly higher number of patients with treatment-resistant virus and should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklaus D Labhardt
- Medical Services and Diagnostic, Clinical Research Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute University of Basel Molecular Virology, Department Biomedicine-Petersplatz, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru, Lesotho SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Luzern, Switzerland Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Labhardt ND, Ringera I, Lejone TI, Masethothi P, Thaanyane T, Kamele M, Gupta RS, Thin K, Cerutti B, Klimkait T, Fritz C, Glass TR. Same day ART initiation versus clinic-based pre-ART assessment and counselling for individuals newly tested HIV-positive during community-based HIV testing in rural Lesotho - a randomized controlled trial (CASCADE trial). BMC Public Health 2016; 16:329. [PMID: 27080120 PMCID: PMC4832467 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-2972-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achievement of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets in Sub-Sahara Africa is challenged by a weak care-cascade with poor linkage to care and retention in care. Community-based HIV testing and counselling (HTC) is widely used in African countries. However, rates of linkage to care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in individuals who tested HIV-positive are often very low. A frequently cited reason for non-linkage to care is the time-consuming pre-ART assessment often requiring several clinic visits before ART-initiation. METHODS This two-armed open-label randomized controlled trial compares in individuals tested HIV-positive during community-based HTC the proposition of same-day community-based ART-initiation to the standard of care pre-ART assessment at the clinic. Home-based HTC campaigns will be conducted in catchment areas of six clinics in rural Lesotho. Households where at least one individual tested HIV positive will be randomized. In the standard of care group individuals receive post-test counselling and referral to the nearest clinic for pre-ART assessment and counselling. Once they have started ART the follow-up schedule foresees monthly clinic visits. Individuals randomized to the intervention group receive on the spot point-of-care pre-ART assessment and adherence counselling with the proposition to start ART that same day. Once they have started ART, follow-up clinic visits will be less frequent. First primary outcome is linkage to care (individual presents at the clinic at least once within 3 months after the HIV test). The second primary outcome is viral suppression 12 months after enrolment in the study. We plan to enrol a minimum of 260 households with 1:1 allocation and parallel assignment into both arms. DISCUSSION This trial will show if in individuals tested HIV-positive during community-based HTC campaigns the proposition of same-day ART initiation in the community, combined with less frequent follow-up visits at the clinic could be a pragmatic approach to improve the care cascade in similar settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02692027 , registered February 21, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- />Clinical Research Unit, Medical Services and Diagnostics, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- />University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isaac Ringera
- />SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Premium House #224, Kingsway, P.O.Box 0254, Maseru West, 105 Lesotho
| | - Thabo Ishmael Lejone
- />SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Premium House #224, Kingsway, P.O.Box 0254, Maseru West, 105 Lesotho
| | - Phofu Masethothi
- />SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Premium House #224, Kingsway, P.O.Box 0254, Maseru West, 105 Lesotho
| | - T’sepang Thaanyane
- />SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Premium House #224, Kingsway, P.O.Box 0254, Maseru West, 105 Lesotho
| | - Mashaete Kamele
- />SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Premium House #224, Kingsway, P.O.Box 0254, Maseru West, 105 Lesotho
| | - Ravi Shankar Gupta
- />District Health Management Team Butha-Buthe, Ministry of Health of Lesotho, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Kyaw Thin
- />Research Coordination Unit, Room Number 326, Ministry of Health of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Bernard Cerutti
- />Faculty of Medicine, UDREM, University of Geneva, 1 Rue Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- />Department of Biomedicine – Petersplatz, Molecular Virology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Fritz
- />SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Premium House #224, Kingsway, P.O.Box 0254, Maseru West, 105 Lesotho
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- />Clinical Research Unit, Medical Services and Diagnostics, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- />University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- />Biostatistics Department, Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box 4002, Basel, Switzerland
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