Observational study of the populations accessing rapid point-of-care HIV testing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, through a retrospective chart review of site records

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Blain Johnston ◽  
Joss N Reimer ◽  
John L Wylie ◽  
Jared Bullard
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Test

ObjectivesHIV point-of-care testing (POCT) has been available in Manitoba since 2008. This study evaluated the effectiveness of POCT at identifying individuals with previously unknown HIV status, its effects on clinical outcomes and the characteristics of the populations reached.MethodsA retrospective database review was conducted for individuals who received HIV POCT from 2011 to 2014. Time to linkage to care and viral load suppression were compared between individuals who tested positive for HIV using POCT and controls identified as positive through standard screening. Testing outcomes for labouring women with undocumented HIV status accessing POCT during labour were also assessed.Results3204 individuals received POCT (1055 females (32.9%) and 2149 males (67.1%)), being the first recorded HIV test for 2205 (68.8%). Males were more likely to be targeted with POCT as their first recorded HIV test (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.40). Between the two main test sites (Main Street Project (MSP) and Nine Circles Community Health Centre), MSP tested relatively fewer males (AOR 0.79) but a higher proportion of members of all age groups over 30 years old (AOR 1.83, 2.51 and 3.64 for age groups 30–39, 40–49 and >50, respectively). There was no difference in time to linkage to care (p=0.345) or viral load suppression (p=0.405) between the POCT and standard screening cohorts. Of 215 women presenting in labour with unknown HIV status, one was identified as HIV positive.ConclusionsPOCT in Manitoba has been successful at identifying individuals with previously unknown HIV-positive status. Demographic differences between the two main testing sites support that this intervention is reaching unique populations. Given that we observed no significant difference in time to clinical outcomes, it is reasonable to continue using POCT as a targeted intervention.MeSH termsHIV infection; rapid HIV testing; vertical infectious disease transmission; community outreach; service delivery; marginalised populations.

scholarly journals What gaps remain in the HIV cascade of care? Results of a population-based survey in Nsanje District, Malawi

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0248410
Author(s):  
Nolwenn Conan ◽  
Cyrus P. Paye ◽  
Reinaldo Ortuno ◽  
Alexander Chijuwa ◽  
Brown Chiwandira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Hiv Rna ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Cascade Of Care

Introduction The Malawi Ministry of Health (MoH) has been in collaboration with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) to increase access to quality HIV care through decentralization of antiretroviral therapy (ART) diagnosis and treatment from hospital to clinics in Nsanje District since 2011. A population-based household survey was implemented to provide information on HIV prevalence and cascade of care to inform and prioritize community-based HIV interventions in the district. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September 2016 and January 2017. Using two-stage cluster sampling, eligible adult individuals aged ≥15 years living in the selected households were asked to participate. Participants were interviewed and tested for HIV at home. Those tested HIV-positive had their HIV-RNA viral load (VL) measured, regardless of their ART status. All participants tested HIV-positive at the time of the survey were advised to report their HIV test result to the health facility of their choice that MSF was supported in the district. HIV-RNA VL results were made available in this health facility. Results Among 5,315 eligible individuals, 91.1% were included in the survey and accepted an HIV test. The overall prevalence was 12.1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 11.2–13.0) and was higher in women than in men: 14.0% versus 9.5%, P<0.001. Overall HIV-positive status awareness was 80.0% (95%CI: 76.4–83.1) and was associated with sex (P<0.05). Linkage to care was 78.0% (95%CI: 74.3–81.2) and participants in care 76.2% (95%CI: 72.4–79.5). ART coverage among participants aware of their HIV-positive status was 95.3% (95%CI: 92.9–96.9) and was not associated with sex (P = 0.55). Viral load suppression among participants on ART was 89.9% (95%CI: 86.6–92.4) and was not statistically different by sex (p = 0.40). Conclusions Despite encouraging results in HIV testing coverage, cascade of care, and UNAIDS targets in Nsanje District, some gap remains in the first 90, specifically among men and young adults. Enhanced community engagement and new strategies of testing, such as index testing, could be implemented to identify those who are still undiagnosed, particularly men and young adults.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KPs), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group. Results: Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion: Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Low engagement in HIV services and progress through the treatment cascade among key populations living with HIV in Mozambique: alarming gaps in knowledge of status

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini A. S. Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011–2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group. Results Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group.Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

scholarly journals Same-Day CD4 Testing to Improve Uptake of HIV Care and Treatment in South Africa: Point-of-Care Is Not Enough

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce A. Larson ◽  
Kathryn Schnippel ◽  
Alana Brennan ◽  
Lawrence Long ◽  
Thembi Xulu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Retention In Care ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Care And Treatment ◽  
Cd4 Testing

Background. We evaluated whether a pilot program providing point-of-care (POC), but not rapid, CD4 testing (BD FACSCount) immediately after testing HIV-positive improved retention in care.Methods. We conducted a retrospective record review at the Themba Lethu Clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. We compared all walk-in patients testing HIV-positive during February, July 2010 (pilot POC period) to patients testing positive during January 2008–February 2009 (baseline period). The outcome for those with a≤250cells/mm3when testing HIV-positive was initiating ART<16weeks after HIV testing.Results. 771 patients had CD4 results from the day of HIV testing (421 pilots, 350 baselines). ART initiation within 16 weeks was 49% in the pilot period and 46% in the baseline period. While all 421 patients during the pilot period should have been offered the POC test, patient records indicate that only 73% of them were actually offered it, and among these patients only 63% accepted the offer.Conclusions. Offering CD4 testing using a point-of-care, but not rapid, technology and without other health system changes had minor impacts on the uptake of HIV care and treatment. Point-of-care technologies alone may not be enough to improve linkage to care and treatment after HIV testing.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Key Population ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Hiv Treatment Cascade

Abstract Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises estimate that key populations (KPs) and their partners account for about one third of all new infections due to their sexual and drug use behaviors. The Fast Track Targets monitor key indicators along the treatment cascade. Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique in order to assess HIV service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and people who inject drugs (PWID). Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group. Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. All key population groups fell below the global targets of the HIV treatment cascade. Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

HIV-Positive Out-of-Treatment Drug Users Who are Unaware of Their HIV Status: Predictors of Who Gets Tested and Who Returns for Test Results

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1017-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiela M. Strauss ◽  
Sherry Deren ◽  
David M. Rindskopf ◽  
Gregory P. Falkin
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Biological Specimen ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Using Data

Many HIV positive drug users are unaware that they have the virus, either because they never obtained testing for HIV or because they submitted a biological specimen for testing but never returned to obtain the result of the test. Using data collected from a large multi-site sample of out-of-treatment HIV positive drug users (N=1,544), we identify a variety of socio-demographic characteristics and drug use and sexual risk behaviors that differentiate HIV-positive individuals who had obtained HIV testing in the past and those who had not and, among those who had been tested, what differentiates individuals who had returned to obtain their HIV test results and those who had failed to return. Results of the analyses suggest that there is a need to target different subgroups of high risk drug users for interventions to obtain HIV testing as compared with those that need encouragement to obtain the results of this testing.

scholarly journals SURPRISING RESULTS: HIV TESTING AND CHANGES IN CONTRACEPTIVE PRACTICES AMONG YOUNG WOMEN IN MALAWI

2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 174-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christie Sennott ◽  
Sara Yeatman
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Unexpected Result ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
New Information ◽  
Hiv Test

SummaryThis study uses eight waves of data from the population-based Tsogolo la Thanzi study (2009–2011) in rural Malawi to examine changes in young women’s contraceptive practices, including the use of condoms, non-barrier contraceptive methods and abstinence, following positive and negative HIV tests. The analysis factors in women’s prior perceptions of their HIV status that may already be shaping their behaviour and separates surprise HIV test results from those that merely confirm what was already believed. Fixed-effects logistic regression models show that HIV testing frequently affects the contraceptive practices of young Malawian women, particularly when the test yields an unexpected result. Specifically, women who are surprised to test HIV positive increase their condom use and are more likely to use condoms consistently. Following an HIV-negative test (whether a surprise or expected), women increase their use of condoms and decrease their use of non-barrier contraceptives; the latter may be due to an increase in abstinence following a surprise negative result. Changes in condom use following HIV testing are robust to the inclusion of potential explanatory mechanisms, including fertility preferences, relationship status and the perception that a partner is HIV positive. The results demonstrate that both positive and negative tests can influence women’s sexual and reproductive behaviours, and emphasize the importance of conceptualizing of HIV testing as offering new information only insofar as results deviate from prior perceptions of HIV status.

scholarly journals ‘It is not fashionable to suffer nowadays’: Community motivations to repeatedly participate in outreach HIV testing indicate UHC potential in Tanzania

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261408
Author(s):  
Josien de Klerk ◽  
Arianna Bortolani ◽  
Judith Meta ◽  
Tusajigwe Erio ◽  
Tobias Rinke de Wit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Multidisciplinary Study ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Hiv Negative

Objective This study examined people’s motivations for (repeatedly) utilizing HIV testing services during community-based testing events in urban and rural Shinyanga, Tanzania and potential implications for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Methods As part of a broader multidisciplinary study on the implementation of a HIV Test and Treat model in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania, this ethnographic study focused on community-based testing campaigns organised by the implementing partner. Between April 2018 and December 2019, we conducted structured observations (24), short questionnaires (42) and in-depth interviews with HIV-positive (23) and HIV-negative clients (8). Observations focused on motivations for (re-)testing, and the counselling and testing process. Thematic analysis based on inductive and deductive coding was completed using NVivo software. Results Regular HIV testing was encouraged by counsellors. Most participants in testing campaigns were HIV-negative; 51.1% had tested more than once over their lifetimes. Testing campaigns provided an accessible way to learn one’s HIV status. Motivations for repeat testing included: monitoring personal health to achieve (temporary) reassurance, having low levels of trust toward sexual partners, feeling at risk, seeking proof of (ill)-health, and acting responsibly. Repeat testers also associated testing with a desire to start treatment early to preserve a healthy-looking body, should they prove HIV positive. Conclusions Community-based testing campaigns serve three valuable functions related to HIV prevention and treatment: 1) enable community members to check their HIV status regularly as part of a personalized prevention strategy that reinforces responsible behaviour; 2) identify recently sero-converted clients who would not otherwise be targeted; and 3) engage community with general prevention and care messaging and services. This model could be expanded to include routine management of other (chronic) diseases and provide an entry for scaling up UHC.

scholarly journals Low Engagement in HIV Services and Progress through the Treatment Cascade among Key Populations Living with HIV in Mozambique: Alarming Gaps in Knowledge of Status

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makini Boothe ◽  
Isabel Sathane ◽  
Cynthia Semá Baltazar ◽  
Noela Chicuecue ◽  
Roberta Horth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background. Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic of 13.5% among the general population. Early modeling exercises in Mozambique estimate that key populations (KP), defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID), along with their partners account for about one third of all new infections. There is limited data describing the engagement of KP living with HIV in testing, care and treatment services. Methods. We conducted a secondary data analysis of HIV-positive participants in the first Bio-behavioral Surveillance (BBS) surveys in Mozambique conducted 2011-2014 in order to assess service uptake and progress though the HIV treatment cascade among MSM, FSW, and PWID. Unweighted pooled estimates were calculated for each key population group.Results. Among HIV-positive MSM, 63.2% of participants had ever received an HIV test, 8.8% were aware of their status, 6.1% reported having been linked to care, while 3.5% initiated ART and were currently on treatment. Of the HIV-infected FSW participants, 76.5% reported a previous HIV test and 22.4% were previously aware of their status. Linkage to care was reported by 20.1%, while 12.7% reported having initiated ART and 11.8% reported being on treatment at the time of the survey. Among HIV-infected PWID participants, 79.9% had previously received an HIV test, 63.2% were aware of their HIV status, and 49.0% reported being linked to care for their HIV infection. ART initiation was reported by 42.7% of participants, while 29.4% were on ART at the time of the survey. Conclusion. Among the three high risk populations in Mozambique, losses occurred throughout critical areas of service uptake with the most alarming breakpoint occurring at knowledge of HIV status. Special attention should be given to increasing HIV testing and linkage to ART treatment. Future surveys will provide the opportunity to monitor improvements across the cascade in line with global targets and should include viral load testing to guarantee a more complete picture of the treatment cascade.

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