Healthcare Empowerment and HIV Viral Control: Mediating Roles of Adherence and Retention in Care

Abstract Background People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) struggle with the challenges of living with a chronic disease and integrating antiretroviral treatment (ART) and care into their daily lives. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to undertake the first mega-aggregation of qualitative evidence syntheses using the methods of framework synthesis and (2) make sense of existing qualitative evidence syntheses that explore the barriers and facilitators of adherence to antiretroviral treatment, linkage to care and retention in care for PLHIV to identify research gaps. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search and did all screening, data extraction and critical appraisal independently and in duplicate. We used the Kaufman HIV Behaviour Change model (Kaufman et al., 2014) as a framework to synthesise the findings using the mega-aggregative framework synthesis approach, which consists of 8 steps: (1) identify a clearly defined review question and objectives, (2) identify a theoretical framework or model, (3) decide on criteria for considering reviews for inclusion, (4) conduct searching and screening, (5) conduct quality appraisal of the included studies, (6) data extraction and categorisation, (7) present and synthesise the findings, and (8) transparent reporting. We evaluated systematic reviews up to July 2018 and assessed methodological quality, across reviews, using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews. Results We included 33 systematic reviews from low, middle- and high-income countries, which reported on 1,111,964 PLHIV. The methodological quality of included reviews varied considerably. We identified 544 unique third-order concepts from the included systematic reviews, which were reclassified into 45 fourth-order themes within the individual, interpersonal, community, institutional and structural levels of the Kaufman HIV Behaviour Change model. We found that the main influencers of linkage, adherence and retention behaviours were psychosocial and personal characteristics—perceptions of ART, desires, fears, experiences of HIV and ART, coping strategies and mental health issues—interwoven with other factors on the interpersonal, community, institutional and structural level. Using this approach, we found interdependence between factors influencing ART linkage, retention and adherence and identified the need for qualitative evidence that explores, in greater depth, the complex relationships between structural factors and adherence, sociodemographic factors such as community violence and retention, and the experiences of growing up with HIV in low- and middle-income countries—specifically in children, youth, women and key populations. Conclusions This is the first mega-aggregation framework synthesis, or synthesis of qualitative evidence syntheses using the methods of framework synthesis at the overview level. We found the novel method to be a transparent and efficient method for assessing the quality and making sense of existing qualitative systematic reviews. Systematic review registration The protocol of this overview was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017078155) on 17 December 2017.

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Contribution of HIV/AIDS-Related Human and Social Sciences Research to a Better Understanding of the Challenges of Hepatitis B Prevention, Diagnosis and Care

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9061166 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 1166

Author(s):

Charlotte Bauquier ◽

Marie Préau

Keyword(s):

Social Sciences ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Retention In Care ◽

World Health ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Human And Social Sciences ◽

Virus Research ◽

Screening And Prevention ◽

Hepatitis B Prevention ◽

Hiv Aids

Recent scientific advances in hepatitis B virus research hint at the possibility of finding a cure in the medium term. In this context, the characterization of infected persons constitutes a major public health issue in terms of implementing adapted screening and prevention strategies. Overcoming the current challenges national health systems face in hepatitis B diagnosis is essential if the World Health Organization’s target of treating 80% of infected patients by 2030 is to be reached. These challenges reflect those previously faced in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Using the knowledge produced to date in Human and Social Sciences research in the fight against HIV/AIDS, we propose avenues of reflection to support and guide the development of research in the diagnosis of hepatitis B infection. More specifically, we present theoretical, methodological and epistemological considerations for how HSS research can be optimized in the following three HBV diagnosis-related areas: (i) access to screening; (ii) retention in care; and (iii) the integration of quality of life measurement in clinical trials.

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Multilevel modelling and multiple group analysis of disparities in continuity of care and viral suppression among adolescents and youths living with HIV in Nigeria

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003269 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (11) ◽

pp. e003269

Author(s):

Okikiolu Badejo ◽

Christiana Noestlinger ◽

Toyin Jolayemi ◽

Juliette Adeola ◽

Prosper Okonkwo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Viral Suppression ◽

Group Analysis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Multilevel Modelling ◽

Retention In Care ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Individual Level ◽

Multiple Group ◽

Facility Level

IntroductionSubstantial disparities in care outcomes exist between different subgroups of adolescents and youths living with HIV (AYLHIV). Understanding variation in individual and health facility characteristics could be key to identifying targets for interventions to reduce these disparities. We modelled variation in AYLHIV retention in care and viral suppression, and quantified the extent to which individual and facility characteristics account for observed variations.MethodsWe included 1170 young adolescents (10–14 years), 3206 older adolescents (15–19 years) and 9151 young adults (20–24 years) who were initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) between January 2015 and December 2017 across 124 healthcare facilities in Nigeria. For each age group, we used multilevel modelling to partition observed variation of main outcomes (retention in care and viral suppression at 12 months after ART initiation) by individual (level one) and health facility (level two) characteristics. We used multiple group analysis to compare the effects of individual and facility characteristics across age groups.ResultsFacility characteristics explained most of the observed variance in retention in care in all the age groups, with smaller contributions from individual-level characteristics (14%–22.22% vs 0%–3.84%). For viral suppression, facility characteristics accounted for a higher proportion of variance in young adolescents (15.79%), but not in older adolescents (0%) and young adults (3.45%). Males were more likely to not be retained in care (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.28; p<0.001 young adults) and less likely to achieve viral suppression (aOR=0.69; p<0.05 older adolescent). Increasing facility-level viral load testing reduced the likelihood of non-retention in care, while baseline regimen TDF/3TC/EFV or NVP increased the likelihood of viral suppression.ConclusionsDifferences in characteristics of healthcare facilities accounted for observed disparities in retention in care and, to a lesser extent, disparities in viral suppression. An optimal combination of individual and health services approaches is, therefore, necessary to reduce disparities in the health and well-being of AYLHIV.

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Bijou: Engaging Young MSM in HIV Care Using a Mobile Health Strategy

Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC) ◽

10.1177/23259582211030805 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

pp. 232595822110308

Author(s):

Tiffany Chenneville ◽

Hunter Drake ◽

Kemesha Gabbidon ◽

Carina Rodriguez ◽

Lisa Hightow-Weidman

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Retention In Care ◽

Knowledge Retention ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Ehealth Literacy ◽

Literacy Engagement ◽

Southeastern Us ◽

Post Test ◽

Living With Hiv

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) living with HIV experience challenges with retention in care, which negatively affects viral suppression. To address this, researchers piloted Bijou, a program designed to provide health education through electronically delivered behavior and risk reduction modules. Participants were 29 YMSM aged 19-24 living with HIV from the southeastern US. Participants completed pre, post, and 3-month follow-up (3MFU) surveys assessing knowledge, intervention acceptability, satisfaction, self-efficacy, ehealth literacy, and usability. Findings revealed significant improvement in knowledge and e-health literacy from pre-test to post-test but lost significance at 3MFU. Self-efficacy scores did not show significant differences from pre-test to post-test or 3MFU. Participants who completed all modules considered Bijou usable and acceptable; however, many did not complete the program. Findings suggest a need for adaptations to promote knowledge retention, e-health literacy, engagement over time, and research with a larger, more representative sample.

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Efficacy of Mobile phone use on adherence to Nevirapine prophylaxis and retention in care among the HIV-exposed infants in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s12887-021-02660-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lilian M. N. Kebaya ◽

Dalton Wamalwa ◽

Nyambura Kariuki ◽

Bashir Admani ◽

Philip Ayieko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mobile Phone ◽

Infant Feeding ◽

Retention In Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Hiv Exposed Infants ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Phone Calls ◽

Hiv Exposed ◽

To Receive

Abstract Background HIV is a major contributor to infant mortality. A significant gap remains between the uptake of infant and maternal antiretroviral regimens and only a minority of HIV-exposed infants receives prophylaxis and safe infant feeding. Losses to follow-up of HIV-exposed infants are associated with shortcomings of facility-based PMTCT models with weak community support of linkages. Use of mobile phones offers an opportunity for improving care and promoting retention assessed by timely attendance of scheduled appointments for the mother-baby pairs and achievement of an HIV-free generation. The objective of this study was to compare self-reported adherence to infant Nevirapine (NVP) prophylaxis and retention in care assessed by timely attendance of scheduled appointments over 10 weeks in HIV exposed infants randomized to 2-weekly mobile phone calls (intervention) versus no phone calls (control). Methods In this open label randomized controlled study, one hundred and fifty HIV infected women drawn from 3 health facilities in Western Kenya and their infants were randomly assigned to receive either phone-based reminders on PMTCT messages or standard health care messages (no calls) within 24 h of delivery. Women in the intervention arm continued to receive fortnightly phone calls. At 6- and 10-weeks following randomization we collected data on infant adherence to Nevirapine, mode of infant feeding, early HIV testing and retention in care in both study arms. All analyses were intention to treat. Results At 6 weeks follow-up, 90.7% (n = 68) of participants receiving phone calls reported adherence to infant NVP prophylaxis, compared with 72% (n = 54) of participants in the control group (p = 0.005). Participants in the intervention arm were also significantly more likely to remain in care than participants in the control group [78.7% (n = 59) vs. 58.7% (n = 44), p = 0.009 at 6 weeks and 69.3% (n = 52) vs. 37.3% (n = 28), p < 0.001 at 10 weeks]. Conclusions These results suggest that phone calls are potentially an important tool to improve adherence to infant NVP prophylaxis and retention in care for HIV-exposed infants. Trial registration PACTR202007654729602. Registered 6 June 2018 - Retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=3449

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1042. The Attitude of Patients With HIV about Telehealth for Their HIV Care

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1228 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S550-S551

Author(s):

Dima Dandachi ◽

Bich Dang ◽

Thomas Giordano Giordano

Keyword(s):

Hiv Transmission ◽

Personal Information ◽

Critical Role ◽

Retention In Care ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Structural Factors ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Response Distribution ◽

Related Factors ◽

Clinic Visits

Abstract Background The world is facing a pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 that disrupted our healthcare system and the way we deliver healthcare. For people with HIV (PWH), the ability to be retained in care plays a critical role in improving health outcomes and in preventing HIV transmission. Several definitions exist for retention in care, but they are centered around outpatient clinic visits. It is now more important than ever to understand PWH’s attitudes about using telemedicine for HIV care instead of face-to face clinic visits. Methods We administered a one-time survey to PWH presenting to an outpatient HIV center in Houston, Texas, from February–June 2018. The survey items were used to assess PWH’s attitudes towards and concerns for telehealth and explanatory variables. Results 371 participants completed the survey; median age was 51, 36% were female, and 63% African-American. Overall, 57% of respondents were more likely to use telehealth for their HIV care if available, as compared to one-on-one in-person care, and 37% would use telehealth frequently or always as an alternative to clinic visits. Participants reported many benefits including ability to fit better their schedule, decreasing travel time, and privacy but expressed concerns about the ability to effective communication and examination and the safety of personal information. Factors associated with likelihood of using telehealth include personal factors (US-born, men who have sex with men, higher educational attainment, higher HIV-related stigma perception), HIV-related factors (long standing HIV), and structural factors (having difficulty attending clinic visits, not knowing about or not having the necessary technology). There was no association between participants with uncontrolled HIV, medication adherence, and likelihood of using telehealth. Survey items and response distribution Conclusion Telehealth programs for PWH can improve retention in care. A modification of the definition for retention in care, incorporating telehealth, should be considered. Availability and confidence using various telehealth technologies need to be addressed to increase acceptability and usage of telehealth among PWH. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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962. Linkage to Care Outcomes among Known HIV-Positive Patients at a High Prevalence Urban Hospital Emergency Department

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1148 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S511-S511

Author(s):

Alexander W Sudyn ◽

Jeffrey M Paer ◽

Swetha Kodali ◽

Samuel Maldonado ◽

Amesika Nyaku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Risk ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Linkage To Care ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Retention In Care ◽

Patient Navigator ◽

Urban Hospital ◽

Opt Out ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Retention in care of persons with HIV (PWH) is essential for achieving viral suppression and decreasing community transmission. CDC estimates that the 23% of known PWH not retained in care account for 43% of all new transmissions. This study seeks to describe the impact of an opt-out ED screening with navigator-assisted linkage to care (LTC) protocol for out of care PWH. Methods An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was conducted among PWH (prior positive) inadvertently retested in the ED between 2015 and 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with LTC with patient navigator (PN) support. Factors with p ≤ 0.1 were included in the multivariate analysis as were age and sex at birth. Patients who died were excluded from statistical analyses. Results Among 464 patients who tested positive, 338 (73%) were known positive with 120 (35%) of those out of care at the time of screening. Mean age for this group was 47 (SD 11.9); 57% male, 81% non-Hispanic black, 10% Hispanic, and 6% non-Hispanic white. Fifty-five (46%) patients were successfully LTC, 54 (45%) referred to the state for linkage, and 11 (9%) died. A total of 109 patients were included in the analysis. Univariate analysis was performed for age (F(1, 107) = 0.98, p = 0.324) and female sex at birth (OR = 1.42 [95% CI 0.66, 3.05], p = 0.373) as well as Hispanic race (OR = 3.33 [95% CI 0.84, 13.04], p = 0.085), heterosexual HIV risk (OR = 2.76 [95% CI 1.27, 5.99], p = 0.011), IDU (OR = 0.49 [95% CI 0.21, 1.11], p = 0.088), and other SUD (OR = 0.42 [95% CI 0.19, 0.94], p = 0.035). Only heterosexual HIV risk (OR = 3.01 [95% CI 1.23, 7.32], p = 0.015) maintained significance in the final multivariate model. Conclusion Opt-out ED screening revealed >30% of known positive PWH were out of care at the time of testing; of whom nearly 50% were LTC with PN support. It is possible that persons reporting heterosexual HIV risk may feel less stigmatized and therefore are more likely to LTC. Similarly, the association with SUD, albeit non-significant, may reflect underrepresentation of individuals with SUD in remission among patient navigators. Future opt-out ED screening protocols should build upon diverse care teams to further engage patients with SUD and those at risk for non-heterosexual HIV transmission. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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