scholarly journals Non-uptake of viral load testing among people receiving HIV treatment in Gomba district, rural Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Nakalega ◽  
Nelson Mukiza ◽  
George Kiwanuka ◽  
Ronald Makanga-Kakumba ◽  
Robert Menge ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Viral load (VL) testing is the gold-standard approach for monitoring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment success and virologic failure, but uptake is suboptimal in resource-limited and rural settings. We conducted a cross-sectional study of risk factors for non-uptake of VL testing in rural Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of uptake of VL testing among randomly selected people with HIV (PWH) receiving anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for at least 6 months at all eight primary health centers in Gomba district, rural Uganda. Socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records for the period January to December 2017. VL testing was routinely performed 6 months after ART initiation and 12 months thereafter for PWH stable on ART. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with non-uptake of VL testing (the primary outcome). Results Of 414 PWH, 60% were female, and the median age was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31–48). Most (62.3%) had been on ART > 2 years, and the median duration of treatment was 34 months (IQR 14–55). Thirty three percent did not receive VL testing: 36% of women and 30% of men. Shorter duration of ART (≤2 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.38; 95% CI:1.37–4.12; p = 0.002), younger age 16–30 years (AOR 2.74; 95% CI:1.44–5.24; p = 0.002) and 31–45 years (AOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.12–3.27; p = 0.017), and receipt of ART at Health Center IV (AOR 2.85; 95% CI: 1.78–4.56; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with non-uptake of VL testing. Conclusions One-in-three PWH on ART missed VL testing in rural Uganda. Strategies to improve coverage of VL testing, such as VL focal persons to flag missed tests, patient education and demand creation for VL testing are needed, particularly for recent ART initiates and younger persons on treatment, in order to attain the third Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95–95-95 target – virologic suppression for 95% of PWH on ART.

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 1481-1488
Author(s):  
Thaisa Fernanda Lourenção Tauyr ◽  
Luciano Garcia Lourenção ◽  
Maria Amélia Zanon Ponce ◽  
Francisco Rosemiro Guimarães Ximenes Neto ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes Santos ◽  
...  

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transvestite, and transsexual (LGBT) population. We aimed to identify the indidual vulnerability profile of the LGBT population ling with H/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and correlate it with the treatment situation. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 510 LGBT people living with HIV (PLHIV)/AIDS who attended the Complex of Chronic Communicable Diseases of the municipality of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, between 2008 and 2015. Results: There was a predominance of indiduals who were white (70.2%), male (98.4%), single (87.1%), aged 25–44 years (70.0%), educated up to high school (47.7%), economically acte (91.2%), under treatment (80.8%), having CD4 > 350 cells/mm3 (77.1%), and having undetectable viral load (53.3%). HIV transmission was mainly sexual (97.0%) and most people used drugs (76.5%). There was a weak correlation between the variables ‘in treatment’ and acte occupation (r = 0.148, p = 0.001), single marital status (r = 0.128, p = 0.004), white race/colour (r = 0.117, p = 0.008), high school education (r = 0.111, p = 0.012), sexual transmission (r = 0.222, p = 0.000), drug use (r = 0.087, p = 0.049), and CD4 > 350 cells/mm3 (r = 0.118, p = 0.008); and strong correlation between the variables ‘in treatment’ and undetectable viral load (r = -0.937, p = 0.113). Conclusions: The characteristics of the indidual vulnerability of LGBT people involve, among other aspects, issues of gender and social exclusion, a situation that is part of the daily life of PLHIV/AIDS in many scenarios and territories. This can be alleviated with a network of social and health support and effecte and efficient, protecte, attitudinal, and behavioural public policies.


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 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245085
Author(s):  
Tichaona Mapangisana ◽  
Rhoderick Machekano ◽  
Vinie Kouamou ◽  
Caroline Maposhere ◽  
Kathy McCarty ◽  
...  

Introduction Maintaining virologic suppression of children and adolescents on ART in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa is challenging. We explored switching drug regimens to protease inhibitor (PI) based treatment and reducing nevirapine and zidovudine use in a differentiated community service delivery model in rural Zimbabwe. Methods From 2016 through 2018, we followed 306 children and adolescents on ART in Hurungwe, Zimbabwe at Chidamoyo Christian Hospital, which provides compact ART regimens at 8 dispersed rural community outreach sites. Viral load testing was performed (2016) by Roche and at follow-up (2018) by a point of care viral load assay. Virologic failure was defined as viral load ≥1,000 copies/ml. A logistic regression model which included demographics, treatment regimens and caregiver’s characteristics was used to assess risks for virologic failure and loss to follow-up (LTFU). Results At baseline in 2016, 296 of 306 children and adolescents (97%) were on first-line ART, and only 10 were receiving a PI-based regimen. The median age was 12 years (IQR 8–15) and 55% were female. Two hundred and nine (68%) had viral load suppression (<1,000 copies/ml) and 97(32%) were unsuppressed (viral load ≥1000). At follow-up in 2018, 42/306 (14%) were either transferred 23 (7%) or LTFU 17 (6%) and 2 had died. In 2018, of the 264 retained in care, 107/264 (41%), had been switched to second-line, ritonavir-boosted PI with abacavir as a new nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). Overall viral load suppression increased from 68% in 2016 to 81% in 2018 (P<0.001). Conclusion Viral load testing, and switching to second-line, ritonavir-boosted PI with abacavir significantly increased virologic suppression among HIV-infected children and adolescents in rural Zimbabwe.


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.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Ganesh Salvi ◽  
Rakhi Luthra

AIM: To assess the knowledge regarding Tuberculosis cause, spread, types and duration of treatment among rural and urban population of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted during January to March 2020 in OPD’s of PHC and UHC of Udaipur city. Total of 216 participants were included. Results: Our study showed that 30.09% were believed that Tb spread form Air, 42.22% were aware about Pulmonary tuberculosis and 53.24% were know that treatment of Tb lasts for 6 months. Conclusion: There is a need to aware people more about Tuberculosis risk factors, symptoms and treatment.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luan Nguyen Quang Vo ◽  
Andrew James Codlin ◽  
Rachel Jeanette Forse ◽  
Hoa Trung Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Nguyen Vu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of avoidable deaths. Economic migrants represent a vulnerable population due to their exposure to medical and social risk factors. These factors expose them to higher risks for TB incidence and poor treatment outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated WHO-defined TB treatment outcomes among economic migrants in an urban district of Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. We measured the association of a patient’s government-defined residency status with treatment success and loss to follow-up categories at baseline and performed a comparative interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess the impact of community-based adherence support on treatment outcomes. Key measures of interest of the ITS were the differences in step change (β6) and post-intervention trend (β7). Results: Short-term, inter-province migrants experienced lower treatment success (aRR=0.95 [95% CI: 0.92-0.99], p=0.010) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=1.98 [95% CI: 1.44-2.72], p<0.001) than permanent residents. Intra-province migrants were similarly more likely to be lost to follow-up (aOR=1.86 [95% CI: 1.03-3.36], p=0.041). There was evidence that patients >55 years of age (aRR=0.93 [95% CI: 0.89-0.96], p<0.001), relapse patients (aRR=0.89 [95% CI: 0.84-0.94], p<0.001), and retreatment patients (aRR=0.62 [95% CI: 0.52-0.75], p<0.001) had lower treatment success rates. TB/HIV co-infection was also associated with lower treatment success (aRR=0.77 [95% CI: 0.73-0.82], p<0.001) and higher loss to follow-up (aOR=2.18 [95% CI: 1.55-3.06], p<0.001). The provision of treatment adherence support increased treatment success (IRR(β6)=1.07 [95% CI: 1.00, 1.15], p=0.041) and reduced loss to follow-up (IRR(β6)=0.17 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.69], p=0.013) in the intervention districts. Loss to follow-up continued to decline throughout the post-implementation period (IRR(β7)=0.90 [95% CI: 0.83, 0.98], p=0.019). Conclusions: Economic migrants, particularly those crossing provincial borders, have higher risk of poor treatment outcomes and should be prioritized for tailored adherence support. In light of accelerating urbanization in many regions of Asia, implementation trials are needed to inform evidence-based design of strategies for this vulnerable population.


Author(s):  
Swathi Karanth M.P ◽  
Somashekar M ◽  
Anushree Chakraborty ◽  
Swapna R ◽  
Akshata J.S ◽  
...  

Background: The shorter regimen was widely accepted and advocated for MDR-TB treatment compared tothe conventional longer regimen. Evaluating the performance of both regimens in a programmatic setting will help in tailoring the treatment regimen of MDR-TB. Objectives: 1. To estimate the duration of sputum smear conversion in the shorter MDR-TB regimen. 2. To compare the treatment outcomes of the shorter MDR-TB regimen with that of the longer conventional MDR regimen in a programmatic set up in India. 3. To estimate the adverse drug reactions in the shorter MDR-TB regimen. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 patients enrolled under programmatic management of drug resistant tuberculosis (PMDT) from April 2017 to May 2019 at a nodal DRTB center and a tertiary care hospital in India. Demographic and clinical characteristics of those who received a shorter MDR-TB regimen were recorded. Treatment outcomes of both regimens were recorded. Treatment success is defined as ‘disease cured and treatment completed’, whereas treatment failure was considered when the treatment was either terminated or changed due to lack of bacteriological conversion at the end of an extended intensive phase or culture reversion in the continuation phase. Results: The treatment success observed in the shorter MDR-TB regimen was 61.25%, which was significantly higher than the conventional longer regimen (p=0.0007). Treatment failures were higher with a shorter MDR-TB regimen (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Treatment success with the shorter MDR-TB regimen though higher than the conventional regimen, is still way behind the target treatment success rate. Improving treatment adherence remains pivotal for achieving end TB targets.


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