Differentiated HIV care in South Africa: the effect of fast‐track treatment initiation counselling on ART initiation and viral suppression as partial results of an impact evaluation on the impact of a package of services to improve HIV treatment adherence

Abstract Background Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART), ideally initiated within twenty-four hours of diagnosis, may be crucial in efforts to increase virologic suppression and reduce HIV transmission. Recent studies, including demonstration projects in large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Francisco, California; and Washington D.C., have demonstrated that rapid ART initiation is a novel tool for expediting viral suppression in clinical settings. Here we present an evaluation of the impact of a rapid ART initiation program in a community-based clinic in Jackson, MS. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with HIV at Open Arms Healthcare Center or were linked to the clinic for HIV care by the Mississippi State Department of Health Disease Intervention Specialists from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Initial viral load, CD4+ T cell count, issuance of an electronic prescription (e-script), subsequent viral loads until suppressed and patient demographics were collected for each individual seen in clinic during the review period. Viral suppression was defined as a viral load less than 200 copies/mL. Rapid ART initiation was defined as receiving an e-script for antiretrovirals within seven days of diagnosis. Results Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, 70 individuals were diagnosed with HIV and presented to Open Arms Healthcare Center, of which 63 (90%) completed an initial HIV counseling visit. Twenty-seven percent of patients were provided with an e-script for ART within 7 days of diagnosis. The median time to linkage to care for this sample was 12 days and 5.5 days for rapid ART starters (p < 0.001). Median time from diagnosis to viral suppression was 55 days for rapid ART starters (p = 0.03), a 22 day decrease from standard time to viral suppression. Conclusion Our results provide a similar level of evidence that rapid ART initiation is effective in decreasing time to viral suppression. Evidence from this evaluation supports the use of rapid ART initiation after an initial HIV diagnosis, including same-day treatment.

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How social stigma sustains the HIV treatment gap for MSM in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Global Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/1757975917737509 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 6-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Kabelo Maleke ◽

Joseph Daniels ◽

Tim Lane ◽

Helen Struthers ◽

James McIntyre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Social Stigma ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Care Seeking ◽

Mpumalanga Province ◽

Sex With Men ◽

The Impact

There are gaps in HIV care for men who have sex with men (MSM) in African settings, and HIV social stigma plays a significant role in sustaining these gaps. We conducted a three-year research project with 49 HIV-positive MSM in two districts in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, to understand the factors that inform HIV care seeking behaviors. Semi-structured focus group discussions and interviews were conducted in IsiZulu, SiSwati, and some code-switching into English, and these were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. We used a constant comparison approach to analyze these data. HIV social stigma centered around gossip that sustained self-diagnosis and delayed clinical care with decisions to use traditional healers to mitigate the impact of gossip on their lives. More collaboration models are needed between traditional healers and health professionals to support the global goals for HIV testing and treatment.

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Clinic-Level Factors Associated With Time to Antiretroviral Initiation and Viral Suppression in a Large, Urban Cohort

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciz1098 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 71 (7) ◽

pp. e151-e158 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anne K Monroe ◽

Lindsey P Happ ◽

Nabil Rayeed ◽

Yan Ma ◽

Maria J Jaurretche ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Suppression ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Hiv Care ◽

P Values ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Art Initiation ◽

Retention In Hiv Care ◽

The Impact ◽

Medication Dispensing

Abstract Background Using the results of a site assessment survey performed at clinics throughout Washington, DC, we studied the impact of clinic-level factors on antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and viral suppression (VS) among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH). Methods This was a retrospective analysis from the District of Columbia (DC) Cohort, an observational, clinical cohort of PLWH from 2011–2018. We included data from PLWH not on ART and not virally suppressed at enrollment. Outcomes were ART initiation and VS (HIV RNA < 200 copies/mL). A clinic survey captured information on care delivery (eg, clinical services, adherence services, patient monitoring services) and clinic characteristics (eg, types of providers, availability of evenings/weekends sessions). Multivariate marginal Cox regression models were generated to identify those factors associated with the time to ART initiation and VS. Results Multiple clinic-level factors were associated with ART initiation, including retention in care monitoring and medication dispensing reviews (adjusted hazard ratios [aHRs], 1.34 to 1.40; P values < .05 for both). Furthermore, multiple factors were associated with VS, including retention in HIV care monitoring, medication dispensing reviews, and the presence of a peer interventionist (aHRs, 1.35 to 1.72; P values < .05 for all). In multivariable models evaluating different combinations of clinic-level factors, enhanced adherence services (aHR, 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–1.58), medication dispensing reviews (aHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10–1.36), and the availability of opioid treatment (aHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01–1.57) were all associated with the time to VS. Conclusions The observed association between clinic-level factors and ART initiation/VS suggests that the presence of specific clinic services may facilitate the achievement of HIV treatment goals.

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896. Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Delivery of HIV Care and Prevention Services Among Patients in a Ryan White Clinic

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab466.1091 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S539-S539

Author(s):

Michelle Zhang ◽

Sharlay Butler ◽

Jason Kennedy ◽

Molly McKune ◽

Ghady Haidar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Load ◽

Viral Suppression ◽

Retention In Care ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Viral Load Suppression ◽

Sti Prevention ◽

Prevention Services ◽

The Impact ◽

Non Parametric

Abstract Background We sought to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV-related outcomes in a cohort of patients by examining rates of viral load (VL) suppression, retention-in-care, PrEP access, and STIs. Methods This was a single center, retrospective study of adults receiving HIV treatment or HIV/STI prevention services from 01/2019 - 12/2020. HIV outpatient visits were identified through HRSA’s CareWARE. Visits (in-person, telehealth) only included HIV primary care. HRSA core performance measures were utilized (Table 1). STI positivity rates and descriptive characteristics were calculated. New and refill PrEP prescriptions were tabulated. Chi-square tests compared unmatched non-parametric variables; McNemar’s test matched non-parametric variables. Multivariable logistic regression identified variables associated with retention in care and viral suppression. Results 1721 patients received care; 1234 were seen in both years, 334 only in 2019, 153 only in 2020. The number of telehealth visits increased significantly: video (0% to 31%, < 0.001), phone (0% to 0.4%, p < 0.001). Though the proportion of kept appointments increased (57.2% vs 61.2%), the annual retention in care rate decreased from 74.5% to 70.9% (p = 0.002). Overall, 9.7% of patients had detectable VLs at any point. Compared to 2019, a lower proportion of patients maintained VL suppression in 2020, (91.6% vs 83.5% p = 0.075). More patients did not have a VL drawn in 2020 than in 2019 (10.3% vs 2.0 %, p < 0.001). Patients with detectable VLs in 2019 were more likely than those who were undetectable to have detectable VLs in 2020 (OR 18.2, 95% CI 9.91-33.42). Black race was associated with higher likelihood of lack of VL suppression (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.10-3.66). There were no significant differences between gender or age groups in rates of viral suppression, number screened for bacterial STIs or positive results. Visits for new and refill PrEP prescriptions decreased by 59% and 7%, respectively. Conclusion Rates of viral load suppression and retention in care decreased in 2020 compared to 2019. The proportion of clinic visits attended increased after the integration of telemedicine in 2020. These data may be used to inform evidence-based interventions to improve the HIV continuum of care through telehealth. Disclosures Ghady Haidar, MD, Karuys (Grant/Research Support)

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Estimating the impact of disruptions due to COVID-19 on HIV transmission and control among men who have sex with men in China

10.1101/2020.10.08.20209072 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ross. D. Booton ◽

Gengfeng Fu ◽

Louis MacGregor ◽

Jianjun Li ◽

Jason J. Ong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Condom Use ◽

Viral Suppression ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Art Initiation ◽

Sex With Men ◽

One Year ◽

And Control ◽

The Impact

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is impacting HIV care globally, with gaps in HIV treatment expected to increase HIV transmission and HIV-related mortality. We estimated how COVID-19-related disruptions could impact HIV transmission and mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM) in four cities in China.MethodsRegional data from China indicated that the number of MSM undergoing facility-based HIV testing reduced by 59% during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside reductions in ART initiation (34%), numbers of sexual partners (62%) and consistency of condom use (25%). A deterministic mathematical model of HIV transmission and treatment among MSM in China was used to estimate the impact of these disruptions on the number of new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths. Disruption scenarios were assessed for their individual and combined impact over 1 and 5 years for a 3-, 4- or 6-month disruption period.ResultsOur China model predicted that new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths would be increased most by disruptions to viral suppression, with 25% reductions for a 3-month period increasing HIV infections by 5-14% over 1 year and deaths by 7-12%. Observed reductions in condom use increased HIV infections by 5-14% but had minimal impact (<1%) on deaths. Smaller impacts on infections and deaths (<3%) were seen for disruptions to facility testing and ART initiation, but reduced partner numbers resulted in 11-23% fewer infections and 0.4-1.0% fewer deaths. Longer disruption periods of 4 and 6 months amplified the impact of combined disruption scenarios. When all realistic disruptions were modelled simultaneously, an overall decrease in new HIV infections was always predicted over one year (3-17%), but not over 5 years (1% increase-4% decrease), while deaths mostly increased over one year (1-2%) and 5 years (1.2 increase – 0.3 decrease).ConclusionsThe overall impact of COVID-19 on new HIV infections and HIV-related deaths is dependent on the nature, scale and length of the various disruptions. Resources should be directed to ensuring levels of viral suppression and condom use are maintained to mitigate any adverse effects of COVID-19 related disruption on HIV transmission and control among MSM in China.

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Video-Based Intervention for Improving Maternal Retention and Adherence to HIV Treatment: Patient Perspectives and Experiences

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041737 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1737

Author(s):

Steven Masiano ◽

Edwin Machine ◽

Mtisunge Mphande ◽

Christine Markham ◽

Tapiwa Tembo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Low Cost ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Art Initiation ◽

Retention In Hiv Care

VITAL Start is a video-based intervention aimed to improve maternal retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi. We explored the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) not yet on ART who received VITAL Start before ART initiation to assess the intervention’s acceptability, feasibility, fidelity of delivery, and perceived impact. Between February and September 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 34 PWLHIV within one month of receiving VITAL Start. The participants reported that VITAL Start was acceptable and feasible and had good fidelity of delivery. They also reported that the video had a positive impact on their lives, encouraging them to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners who, in turn, supported them to adhere to ART. The participants suggested using a similar intervention to provide health-related education/counseling to people with long term conditions. Our findings suggest that video-based interventions may be an acceptable, feasible approach to optimizing ART retention and adherence amongst PWLHIV, and they can be delivered with high fidelity. Further exploration of the utility of low cost, scalable, video-based interventions to address health counseling gaps in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.

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1311. Ryan White HIV Care Continuum Model Doubled the Rate of Community HIV Viral Suppression for Newly Diagnosed Patients: A 10-Year Review

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1174 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S473-S473

Author(s):

Christina Rizk ◽

Alice Zhao ◽

Janet Miceli ◽

Portia Shea ◽

Merceditas Villanueva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Suppression ◽

Linkage To Care ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Hiv Care Continuum ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

New Haven ◽

Care Continuum ◽

Art Initiation ◽

Ryan White ◽

Hiv Viral Suppression

Abstract Background It is estimated that 1,295 per 100,000 are people living with HIV (PLWH) in New Haven, which is the second highest rate of HIV prevalence in Connecticut. Since 2009, New Haven has established the Ryan White (RW) HIV Care Continuum. The main goals of HIV care are early linkage to care, ART initiation, and HIV viral suppression. This study is designed to understand the trends and outcomes in newly diagnosed PLWH in New Haven County. Methods This study is a retrospective medical record review of all newly diagnosed RW eligible PLWH from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. The data were collected in REDCap database and included demographics, HIV risk factor, presence of mental health and/or substance abuse disorder, date of diagnosis, date of initial visit, and ART initiation. Health outcomes such as AIDS at diagnosis and rate of viral suppression were evaluated. The data were then analyzed to show the trends over 10 years. Results From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018 there were 420 newly diagnosed RW PLWH. Sixty-seven percent of those were male, 56% were non-white, 47% self-identified as Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), and 41% were heterosexual. Twenty-nine percent had AIDS-defining condition at the time of the diagnosis. Thirty-four percent of the 420 patients had a mental health and/or substance use disorder; 53% of those were MSM and 51% were non-white. Over the 10-year period, it was noted that the duration between date of HIV diagnosis and linkage to care as well as ART initiation decreased. This decline was associated with a substantial increase in viral suppression. The average time between the dates of HIV diagnosis and initial visit decreased from 269 days in 2009 to 13 days in 2018. Moreover, the average time between the dates of diagnosis and ART initiation dropped from 308 days in 2009 to 15 days in 2018. The 1-year HIV viral suppression rate subsequently doubled from 44% in 2009 to 87% in 2018 (P < 0.01). Conclusion The Ryan White HIV Care Continuum Model with emphasis on early linkage to care and ART initiation can have a significant impact on HIV viral suppression at a community level for newly diagnosed patients. Another important observation in this study was the alarming high rate of AIDS at diagnosis, which highlights the need for universal HIV testing, and early diagnosis. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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Gaps in the Continuum of HIV Care: Long Pretreatment Waiting Time between HIV Diagnosis and Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Leads to Poor Treatment Adherence and Outcomes

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2016/2648923 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shu Su ◽

Shifu Li ◽

Shunxiang Li ◽

Liangmin Gao ◽

Ying Cai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Adherence ◽

Waiting Time ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Current Treatment ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Hiv Diagnosis ◽

Treatment Data ◽

Poor Treatment

Background.Criteria for antiretroviral treatment (ART) were adjusted to enable early HIV treatment for people living HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in China in recent years. This study aims to determine how pretreatment waiting time after HIV confirmation affects subsequent adherence and outcomes over the course of treatment.Methods.A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted using treatment data from PLHIV in Yuxi, China, between January 2004 and December 2015.Results.Of 1,663 participants, 348 were delayed testers and mostly initiated treatment within 28 days. In comparison, 1,315 were nondelayed testers and the median pretreatment waiting time was 599 days, but it significantly declined over the study period. Pretreatment CD4 T-cell count drop (every 100 cells/mm3) contributed slowly in CD4 recovery after treatment initiation (8% less,P<0.01) and increased the risk of poor treatment adherence by 15% (ARR = 1.15, 1.08–1.25). Every 100 days of extensive pretreatment waiting time increased rates of loss to follow-up by 20% (ARR = 1.20, 1.07–1.29) and mortality rate by 11% (ARR = 1.11, 1.06–1.21), based on multivariable Cox regression.Conclusion.Long pretreatment waiting time in PLHIV can lead to higher risk of poor treatment adherence and HIV-related mortality. Current treatment guidelines should be updated to provide ART promptly.

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Engaging the ‘Missing Men’ in the HIV Treatment Cascade: Creating a Tailored Intervention to Improve Men’s Uptake of HIV Care Services in Rural South Africa: A Study Protocol

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073709 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3709

Author(s):

Oluwafemi Adeagbo ◽

Kammila Naidoo

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Treatment Cascade ◽

Hiv Care Cascade ◽

Care Services ◽

The Social ◽

Hiv Treatment Cascade ◽

Male Specific

Men, especially young men, have been consistently missing from the HIV care cascade, leading to poor health outcomes in men and ongoing transmission of HIV in young women in South Africa. Although these men may not be missing for the same reasons across the cascade and may need different interventions, early work has shown similar trends in men’s low uptake of HIV care services and suggested that the social costs of testing and accessing care are extremely high for men, particularly in South Africa. Interventions and data collection have hitherto, by and large, focused on men in relation to HIV prevention in women and have not approached the problem through the male lens. Using the participatory method, the overall aim of this study is to improve health outcomes in men and women through formative work to co-create male-specific interventions in an HIV-hyper endemic setting in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

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Impact of the Ebola epidemic on clinical outcomes of HIV-infected soldiers and their dependents in Sierra Leone

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462418797843 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 106-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Elizabeth Nagel ◽

Michael J Blackowicz ◽

Foday Sahr ◽

Olamide D Jarrett

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Sierra Leone ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Disease Outbreaks ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Republic ◽

The Impact

The impact of the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment in Sierra Leone is unknown, especially for groups with higher HIV prevalence such as the military. Using a retrospective study design, clinical outcomes were evaluated prior to and during the epidemic for 264 HIV-infected soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and their dependents receiving HIV treatment at the primary RSLAF HIV clinic. Medical records were abstracted for baseline clinical data and clinic attendance. Estimated risk of lost to follow-up (LTFU), default, and number of days without antiretroviral therapy (DWA) were calculated using repeated measures general estimating equations adjusted for age and gender. Due to missing data, 262 patients were included in the final analyses. There was higher risk of LTFU throughout the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone compared to the pre-Ebola baseline, with the largest increase in LTFU risk occurring at the peak of the epidemic (relative risk: 3.22, 95% CI: 2.22–4.67). There was an increased risk of default and DWA during the Ebola epidemic for soldiers but not for their dependents. The risk of LTFU, default, and DWA stabilized once the epidemic was largely resolved but remained elevated compared to the pre-Ebola baseline. Our findings demonstrate the negative and potentially lasting impact of the Ebola epidemic on HIV care in Sierra Leone and highlight the need to develop strategies to minimize disruptions in HIV care with future disease outbreaks.

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