scholarly journals Evaluating the outcomes of enhanced adherence counselling intervention on clients with high viral loads in selected health facilities in Monze.

Author(s):  
Martha Kaira ◽  
Tresford Sikazwe ◽  
John Simwanza ◽  
Mowa Zambwe ◽  
Peter J. Chipimo

To investigate the changes in Viral Load(VL) during Enhanced Adherence Counselling (EAC) sessions and its determinants among ART clients with unsuppressed VLs in Monze district. Method: A Cross-sectional study involving 616 HVL ART clients from 15 health facilities in Monze district which was conducted between October 1 2019 and March 30 2021. Results Out of 616 clients analysed, there was an improvement in viral load suppression following completion of EAC with a final outcome of 61% suppression. 28.7% remained unsuppressed. A total of 9.1% had no final viral load results documented and 0.2 % had been transferred out of their respective facilities and were not included in the study. Collection of repeat Viral loads was done on 84% of the clients with high viral load results while 16% had no record of sample collection. A total of 56 results were not received giving a result return of 89% from repeat samples collected. Females had a 40% likelihood of being unsuppressed at 95% CI (41% to 86%) compared to the males. Conclusion EAC improves the outcomes of HVLs and should be encouraged on all high viral clients. Programs should be developed to improve suppression in females on ART

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trudy Tholakele Mhlanga ◽  
Bart K.M Jacobs ◽  
Tom Decroo ◽  
Emma Govere ◽  
Hilda Bara ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundSince the scale-up of routine viral load (VL) testing started in 2016, there is limited evidence on VL suppression rates under programmatic settings and groups at risk of non-suppression. We conducted a study to estimate VL non-suppression (> 1000 copies/ml) and its risk factors using "routine" and "repeat after enhanced adherence counselling" VL results.MethodsWe conducted an analytic cross-sectional study using secondary VL testing data collected between 2014 and 2018 from a centrally located laboratory. We analysed data from routine tests and repeat tests after an individual received enhanced adherence counselling. Our outcome was viral load non-suppression. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with having VL non-suppression for routine and repeat VL.ResultsWe analysed 103 609 VL test results (101 725 routine and 1884 repeat tests results) collected from the country's ten provinces. Of the 101 725 routine and 1884 repeat VL tests, 13.8% and 52.9% were non-suppressed, respectively. Only one in seven (1:7) of the non-suppressed routine VL tests had a repeat test after EAC. For routine VL tests; males (vs females, adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.19, [95% CI:1.14-1.24]) and adolescents (vs adults, aOR=3.11, [95%CI:2.9-3.31]) were more at risk of VL non-suppression. The patients who received care at the secondary level (vs primary, aOR=1.21, [95%CI:1.17-1.26]) and tertiary level (vs primary, aOR=1.63, [95%CI:1.44-1.85]) had a higher risk of VL non-suppression compared to the primary level. Those that started ART in 2014-2015 (vs <2010, aOR=0.83, [95%CI:0.79-0.88]) and from 2016 onwards (vs <2010, aOR=0.84, [95%CI:0.79-0.89]) had a lower risk of VL non-suppression. For repeat VL tests; young adults (vs adults, (aOR)=3.48, [95% CI 2.16 -5.83]), adolescents (vs adults, aOR=2.76, [95% CI:2.11-3.72]) and children (vs adults, aOR=1.51, [95%CI:1.03-2.22]) were at risk of VL non-suppression.ConclusionClose to 90% suppression in routine VL shows that Zimbabwe is on track to reach the third UNAIDS target. Strategies to improve the identification of clients with high routine VL results for repeating testing after EAC and ART adherence in subpopulations (men, adolescents and young adolescents) at risk of viral non-suppression should be prioritised.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. e0211326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Talent Bvochora ◽  
Srinath Satyanarayana ◽  
Kudakwashe C. Takarinda ◽  
Hilda Bara ◽  
Prosper Chonzi ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Stirratt ◽  
Gary Marks ◽  
Christine O’Daniels ◽  
Edward R Cachay ◽  
Meg Sullivan ◽  
...  

ObjectivesViral load and sexual risk behaviour contribute to HIV transmission risk. High HIV viral loads present greater transmission risk than transient viral ‘blips’ above an undetectable level. This paper therefore characterises sexual risk behaviour among patients with HIV in care with viral loads>1500 copies/mL and associated demographic characteristics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at six HIV outpatient clinics in USA. The study sample comprises 1315 patients with HIV with a recent viral load >1500 copies/mL. This study sample was drawn from a larger sample of individuals with a recent viral load >1000 copies/mL who completed a computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) regarding sexual risk practices in the last 2 months. The study sample was 32% heterosexual men, 38% men who have sex with men (MSM) and 30% women.ResultsNinety per cent of the sample had their viral load assay within 60 days of the CASI. Thirty-seven per cent reported being sexually active (vaginal or anal intercourse) in the last 2 months. Most of the sexually active participants reported always using condoms (56.9%) or limiting condomless sex to seroconcordant partners (serosorting; 29.2% overall and 42.9% among MSM). Among sexually active participants who reported condomless anal or vaginal sex with an at-risk partner (14%), most had viral loads>10 000 copies/mL (62%).ConclusionsA relatively small number of patients with HIV in care with viral loads above 1500 copies/mL reported concurrent sexual transmission risk behaviours. Most of the individuals in this small group had markedly elevated viral loads, increasing the probability of transmission. Directing interventions to patients in care with high viral loads and concurrent risk behaviour could strengthen HIV prevention and reduce HIV infections.Trial registration numberNCT02044484, completed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 1408-1414
Author(s):  
Ayfer Bakir ◽  
Tugrul Hosbul ◽  
Ferhat Cuce ◽  
Cumhur Artuk ◽  
Gurhan Taskin ◽  
...  

Introduction: In this study, we aimed investigate the relationship of SARS-CoV-2 viral load cycle threshold (Ct) values with pneumonia. Methodology: A total of 158 patients in whom SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in upper respiratory tract (URT) samples with molecular method and who had computed tomography (CT) of the chest, between April 2020 and June 2020 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Results: Mean age of 158 PCR positive patients was 45.22 ± 17.89 and 60.8% of them were male. Pneumonia was detected in 40.5% of the patients on their chest CT. A weak but significant correlation was found between SARS-CoV-2 Ct value detected with PCR in analysis of oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal (OP/NP) samples and chest CT score (Pearson’s r: 0.197, p = 0.01). No correlation was found between the first detected viral load Ct value and age, gender and mortality. There was no significant correlation between chest CT score and mortality. While the areas remaining under ROC curve for Ct value in analysis of OP/NP samples in prediction of chest CT score ≥ 1, ≥ 5 and ≥ 10 were 0.564, 0.640 and 0.703 respectively. Conclusions: We found that the amount of SARS-CoV-2 viral load (inverse relationship with Ct) detected in OP/NP samples of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia did not reflect the increasing severity of pulmonary lesions on chest CT. Although primary target of SARS-CoV-2 is all epithelial cells of the respiratory tract we believe studies comparing viral loads in lower respiratory tract samples are needed to determine the severity of pulmonary disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1193
Author(s):  
Pallavi Shidhaye ◽  
Nilima Lokhande ◽  
Smita Kulkarni ◽  
Shraddha Gurav ◽  
Pramod Deoraj ◽  
...  

Background: It is important to identify and manage determinants of virological failure among HIV infected individuals on treatment for achieving viral suppression. This study aimed to identify proportion and factors associated with virological failure among HIV infected individuals receiving first line antiretroviral therapy (ART).Methods: A total of 2670 adult HIV infected individuals attending ART centre at ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, between January 2005 and June 2019 and having their recent viral load done after implementation of guidelines on routine viral load testing were included. Data were reviewed and analysed.Results: Of the 2670 people living with HIV (PLHIV) on first line antiretroviral therapy, 48% were male and 69% were more than 40 years of age. Mean baseline CD4 count at ART initiation was 252 cells/mm3 (SD:210, IQR 116-313) Overall, 13% (340/2670) of the participants showed virological failure. In multivariate analyses, participants with younger age and males retained significant association. Those with baseline CD4 counts of less than or equal to 500 cells/mm3 at treatment initiation (adjusted OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.08-2.70; p=0.022) and ART adherence ≤95% within last three months of recent viral load determination (adjusted OR 1.55, 95% CI of AOR 1.04-2.32; p=0.031) had higher risk for virological failure as compared to others. PLHIV with ART substitution due to various reasons were almost twice as likely to have virological failure (adjusted OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.44-2.33; p<0.001).Conclusions: It is crucial to focus on factors leading to virological failure among HIV infected individuals attending ART centre. Early linkage to treatment and ART initiation along with adherence counselling at every follow up visit play an important role in mitigating virological failure.


Author(s):  
Rwibasira GN ◽  
◽  
Rutayisire E ◽  

Despite the global achievements to control HIV epidemic and end AIDS by 2030, there is still a discrepancy in accessing HIV services. Men are among the population that are lagging behind when it comes to consuming available services to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS. We conducted this study to determine the level of Rwandan men engagement in HIV services delivery. We used cross- sectional design to analyze data from a Population- based HIV impact assessment, a household-based survey conducted in Rwanda from October 2018 to March 2019. Cascade from awareness of the HIV status, linkage to ART and Viral load suppression were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to establish relationship between independent variables and outcomes. Data cleaning and analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4. 13. A total of 821 males aged 15 to 64 years participated in the survey, 302 (2.1%) of them tested positive, 92.2% (95% CI: 89.2-95.2) reported tested once for HIV. Overall, 78.2% (95% CI: 72.4-84) reported to be aware of their status and on ART. 70.5% (95% CI: 63.8-77.2) reported to have suppressed viral load. Married or living together with a partner showed to be 7 times more likely to be on ART vs single or never married (OR: 7.42, 95% CI: (1.75;31.38), P <0.01). Odds of viral load suppression increases with age, and those aged above 55 years showed to be more suppressing their virus (OR: 3.94, (95% CI: 0.92-16.9), P=0.07). Findings from this study revealed the gaps to be closed to include all population in maximizing HIV service delivery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atwau Pius ◽  
Najjuma Nambi Josephine ◽  
Sibo Erick ◽  
Agoa Winifred ◽  
Mukashyaka Rita ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among adults and children in Uganda is 6.2% and 0.5% respectively. The prevalence of viral load suppression in Uganda among all adults and children living with HIV is 59.6% and 39.3% respectively. High viral load compromises on the quality of life of an individual, and as well increases on the risk of transmission of the virus to the unborn for pregnant mothers and to the spouse. The UNAID 90-90-90 campaign recommends that 90% know their status, 90% get treatment and 90% have viral suppression. Non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is one of the causes of the high viral load. The world health organization recommends Intensified Adherence Counselling (IAC) be given to all individuals with a high viral load. The perceptions, attitudes and practices of people receiving IAC is important in understanding how best IAC should be implemented. Methods A qualitative study was done among 30 purposively selected individuals/guardians of children receiving ART and IAC at Kyabugimbi Health Center Four [HC IV (mini-hospital headed by a medical doctor)]. Data collected from Focus Group Discussion as audio-recordings in local language (Runyankole) was transcribed and later translated into English. Translated transcripts were analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. Results The major themes identified include: adherence to ART; change of attitude towards ART after IAC, IAC expectation and outcomes, IAC and stigma, and improving social support through IAC for PLWHIV. Conclusion Participating in IAC to be informative and led to change in their perceptions of HIV and better understanding the reasons for adherence to ART. IAC influenced the change in attitude and behavior thus seeking social support and mitigate stigma, which lead to a better ART adherence. However, there is need to improve on the way it is delivered both in structural setting and break down and packaging of information.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Aliyu ◽  
Babatunde Adelekan ◽  
Nifarta Andrew ◽  
Eunice Ekong ◽  
Stephen Dapiap ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to improved HIV/AIDS treatment outcomes in Nigeria, however, increasing rates of loss to follow-up among those on ART is threatening optimal standard achievement. Therefore, this retrospective cross-sectional study is aimed at identifying correlates and predictors of loss to follow-up in patients commencing ART in a large HIV program in Nigeria. Methods Records of all patients from 432 US CDC Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supported facilities across 10 States and FCT who started ART from 2004 to 2017 were used for this study. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of the demographic and clinical parameters of all patients was conducted using STATA version 14 to determine correlates and predictors of loss to follow-up. Results Within the review period, 245,257 patients were ever enrolled on anti-retroviral therapy. 150,191 (61.2%) remained on treatment, 10,960 (4.5%) were transferred out to other facilities, 6926 (2.8%) died, 2139 (0.9%) self-terminated treatment and 75,041 (30.6%) had a loss to follow-up event captured. Males (OR: 1.16), Non-pregnant female (OR: 4.55), Patients on ≥ 3-monthly ARV refills (OR: 1.32), Patients with un-suppressed viral loads on ART (OR: 4.52), patients on adult 2nd line regimen (OR: 1.23) or pediatric on 1st line regimen (OR: 1.70) were significantly more likely to be lost to follow-up. Conclusion Despite increasing access to anti-retroviral therapy, loss to follow-up is still a challenge in the HIV program in Nigeria. Differentiated care approaches that will focus on males, non-pregnant females and paediatrics is encouraged. Reducing months of Anti-retroviral drug refill to less than 3 months is advocated for increased patient adherence.


2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242097594
Author(s):  
Guilherme B Shimocomaqui ◽  
Craig S Meyer ◽  
Maria L Ikeda ◽  
Elson Romeu Farias ◽  
Tonantzin R Gonçalves ◽  
...  

In 2018, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) had some of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in Brazil, and we did not find any studies about the HIV care and treatment cascade (HCTC) related to this state. We aimed to estimate the indicators of HCTC of RS, Brazil, and associated factors. A cross-sectional study with all people living with HIV (PLWH) in RS between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017 was conducted using a national database which registers all HIV notifications, CD4 and viral load laboratory data and antiretroviral therapy (ART) usage in the public health system. We considered sex, age, education, race, year of HIV diagnosis, and health region as predictor factors, and defined linkage to care, retention to care, being on ART, and having undetectable viral load as the HCTC indicators. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed using Stata 15.2. A total of 116,121 PLWH were diagnosed, 79,959 were linked to care, 72,117 retained in care, 69,219 on ART, and 54,857 had undetectable viral load from 2014 to 2017. We observed greatest attrition for younger age, non-white, and lower education in all HCTC indicators. Women are more likely to have undetectable viral load (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), even though they are less likely to be retained to care (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.89–0.96) and on ART (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.78–0.86). Although all HCTC indicators have increased over the period and the “test and treat” policy indicates improvements in ART and in undetectable viral load outcomes, evidence suggests specific attrition and disparities such as those related to HIV healthcare facilities should be addressed. These findings may be used by researchers, health professionals, and policymakers in order to investigate and implement interventions to better engage PLWH across the HCTC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Degu Abate Mengiste ◽  
Abebe Tolera Dirbsa ◽  
Behailu Hawulte Ayele ◽  
Tewodros Tesfa Hailegiyorgis

Abstract Background The risk of hepatitis B virus infection among medical waste handlers who undergo collection, transportation, and disposal of medical wastes in the health institutions is higher due to frequent exposure to contaminated blood and other body fluids. There is limited evidence on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among medical waste handlers in eastern Ethiopia. The study was aimed at studying the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and associated risk factors among medical waste collectors at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected medical waste collectors from public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia from March to June 2018. A pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and hepatitis B infection risk factors. A2.5ml venous blood was also collected, centrifuged and the serum was analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using the instant hepatitis B surface antigen kit. Descriptive summary measures were done. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the risk of association. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted with 95% CI and all value at P-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. Results From a total of 260 (97.38%) medical waste collectors participated, HBV was detected in 53 (20.4%) of the participants [95%CI; 15.8, 25.6]. No significant differences were observed in the detection rates of HBV with respect to socio-demographic characteristics. In both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, being unvaccinated (AOR = 6.35; 95%CI = [2.53–15.96], P = 0.001), history of blood transfusion (receiving) (AOR; 3.54; 95%CI; [1.02–12.24], P = 0.046), history of tattooing (AOR = 2.86; 95%CI = [1.12–7.27], p = 0.03), and history of multiple sexual partner (AOR = 10.28; 95%CI = [4.16–25.38], P = 0.001) remained statistically significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. Conclusion This cross-sectional study identified that HBV infection is high among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia. Immunization and on job health promotion and disease prevention measures should be considered in order to control the risk of HBV infection among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia.


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