Characteristics of adolescents aged 15-19 years living with vertically and horizontally acquired HIV in Nampula, Mozambique

BackgroundAdolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) 15–19 years of age are a growing proportion of all people living with HIV globally and the population includes adolescents with vertically acquired HIV (AVH) and behaviorally acquired HIV (ABH).MethodsWe conducted a survey to measure sociodemographic characteristics, educational status, health history, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among a convenience sample of ALHIV at three government health facilities in 2019 in Nampula, Mozambique. ALHIV 15–19 years on ART, including females attending antenatal care, were eligible. Routine HIV care data were extracted from medical charts. Classification of ALHIV by mode of transmission was based on medical charts and survey data. ALHIV who initiated ART <15 years or reported no sex were considered AVH; all others ABH. Frequencies were compared by sex, and within sex, by mode of transmission (AVH vs. ABH) using Chi-square, Fishers exact tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.ResultsAmong 208 ALHIV, 143 (69%) were female and median age was 18 years [interquartile range (IQR) 16–19]. Just over half of ALHIV (53%) were in or had completed secondary or higher levels of education; the most common reason for not being in school reported by 36% of females was pregnancy or having a child. Of all ALHIV, 122 (59%) had VL data, 62% of whom were <1000 copies/mL. Almost half (46%) of ALHIV reported missing ARVs ≥ 1 day in the past month (62% of males vs. 39% of females; p = 0.003). Just over half (58%) of ALHIV in relationships had disclosed their HIV status: 13% of males vs. 69% of females (p<0.001). Among sexually active males, 61% reported using a condom at last sex compared to 26% of females (p<0.001). Among female ALHIV, 50 (35%) were AVH and 93 (65%) were ABH, 67% of whom were not in school compared to 16% of ABH, (p<0.001).DiscussionData from our study underscore the high level of deprivation among ALHIV enrolled in HIV care in Mozambique, as well as important disparities by sex and mode of transmission. These data can inform the development of effective interventions for this complex and important population.

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1313. Complementary Effects of Medical Follow-up and Virologic Suppression for Reincarcerated Inmates Living with HIV

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.1176 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S474-S474

Author(s):

Melissa E Badowski ◽

R Kane Stafford ◽

Brian W Drummond ◽

Thomas D Chiampas ◽

Sarah M Michienzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Care ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Virologic Suppression ◽

Management Support ◽

Chi Square ◽

History Of ◽

Secondary Endpoints ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv 1

Abstract Background Although prison presents an opportunity to achieve virologic suppression (VS) among people living with HIV, continued success is not guaranteed upon release. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in reincarcerated Illinois prisoners from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2018. Patients were included if they were age ≥18 years, carried a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of release, and had CD4 and HIV-1 RNA labs drawn within 6 months of release and reincarceration. Potential subjects were excluded if reincarcerated within 30 days due to a technical violation and not receiving ART at the time of prison release. Primary and secondary endpoints were percent of patients achieving VS upon reincarceration and percent of patients following at an HIV clinic while released. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square, and paired t-tests. Results Among 505 patients released during the study period, 95 patients were reincarcerated and 80 were included (Figure 1). Demographic information can be found in Table 1. Fifty-one patients (64%) reported follow-up at an HIV clinic while released, whereas 29 (36%) did not. Patients who had VS at the time of prison release were more likely to make their follow-up appointment (90%) compared with those who did not (69%) (P < 0.001). In addition, patients making their follow-up appointment were also more likely to have VS at the time of reincarceration (86% vs. 10%, P < 0.001). Recidivist patients adherent to ART were less likely to experience decreases in mean CD4 count (P = 0.03) (Table 2). Subjects reporting a history of substance use were more likely not to re-engage in post-release HIV care (P = 0.001), but no difference was noted in patients with a documented psychiatric history (P = 0.2). Conclusion Patients failing to meet VS at the time of prison release should be targeted for more intensive re-entry medical and case management support to ensure adherence to follow-up and maintenance of immunologic function. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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Outcomes along the HIV continuum of care for Men who have Sex with Men in Haiti

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.738 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

W Dunbar ◽

N Sohler ◽

Y Coppieters

Keyword(s):

Viral Suppression ◽

Continuum Of Care ◽

Hiv Care ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Virologic Suppression ◽

Care Clinic ◽

Effective Interventions ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Living With Hiv

Abstract Background The HIV epidemic in Haiti continues, with an estimated 160,000 people living with HIV at the end of 2018. Although HIV prevalence in the general population is estimated to be 2.0%, certain groups are at a higher risk of HIV infection. The prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) is estimated to be 12.9%. As previous data have found gaps in HIV care for this population, we explored the steps in the continuum of care to determine outcomes at each step. Methods We used an observational retrospective cohort study design to follow up MSM diagnosed with HIV in the largest HIV care clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Estimates were calculated of proportions of participants reached, tested, linked to care, commencing treatment, adherent to treatment, and who achieved virologic suppression. We identified factors associated with loss to follow-up at each step using multivariable analysis. Results Data were collected between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018. 5009 MSM were reached for prevention services. Of those reached, 2499 (49.8%, 95% CI 48.5-51.3) were tested for HIV, 222 (8.8%, 95% CI 7.8-10.0) had a positive test result for HIV, and 172 (77,47%, 95% CI 71.4-82.8) were linked to HIV care. Among participants who started care, 54 (44.6 95% CI 24.5-38.9) were retained and 98 (78.4%, 95% CI 49.2-64.5) achieve a suppressed viral load. Fifty-nine (44.8%, 95% CI 27.2-41.9) were lost to follow-up. Participants who had been younger, with lower educational and economic level were significantly less likely to achieve retention and viral suppression (p = 0.001). Conclusions HIV cascade data among MSM in Haiti show very poor rates of retention in treatment although those retained had good virologic outcome. Characteristics associated with LTFU suggest an urgent need to develop and implement effective interventions to support patients in achieving retention and viral suppression among MSM living with HIV. Key messages Poor HIV outcomes for men who have sex with men in Haiti. Effective interventions to improve HIV outcomes for men who have sex with men in Haiti are urgently needed.

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Financial burdens of HIV and chronic disease on people living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire: A cross-sectional out-of-pocket expenditure study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0255074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. e0255074

Author(s):

Rachel D. Stelmach ◽

Miriam Rabkin ◽

Kouame Abo ◽

Irma Ahoba ◽

Mahena Gildas Anago ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cote D'ivoire ◽

Côte D’Ivoire ◽

Direct Costs ◽

User Fees ◽

Hiv Care ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Cote D’Ivoire ◽

Côte D'ivoire ◽

Living With Hiv

Background Although people living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) at no cost, other out-of-pocket (OOP) spending related to health can still create a barrier to care. Methods A convenience sample of 400 adults living with HIV for at least 1 year in Côte d’Ivoire completed a survey on their health spending for HIV and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In addition to descriptive statistics, we performed simple linear regression analyses with bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals. Findings 365 participants (91%) reported OOP spending for HIV care, with a median of $16/year (IQR 5–48). 34% of participants reported direct costs with a median of $2/year (IQR 1–41). No participants reported user fees for HIV services. 87% of participants reported indirect costs, with a median of $17/year (IQR 7–41). 102 participants (26%) reported at least 1 NCD. Of these, 80 (78%) reported OOP spending for NCD care, with a median of $50/year (IQR 6–107). 76 participants (95%) with both HIV and NCDs reported direct costs, and 48% reported paying user fees for NCD services. Participants had missed a median of 2 HIV appointments in the past year (IQR 2–3). Higher OOP costs were not associated with the number of HIV appointments missed. 21% of participants reported spending over 10% of household income on HIV and/or NCD care. Discussion and conclusions Despite the availability of free ART, most participants reported OOP spending. OOP costs were much higher for participants with co-morbid NCDs.

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Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Persons Living With HIV by Enrollment Status in Washington, DC: Evaluation of a Large Longitudinal HIV Cohort Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.16061 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jenevieve Opoku ◽

Rupali K Doshi ◽

Amanda D Castel ◽

Ian Sorensen ◽

Michael Horberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Disease Stage ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Disease ◽

Persons Living With Hiv ◽

Living With Hiv

BACKGROUND HIV cohort studies have been used to assess health outcomes and inform the care and treatment of people living with HIV disease. However, there may be similarities and differences between cohort participants and the general population from which they are drawn. OBJECTIVE The objective of this analysis was to compare people living with HIV who have and have not been enrolled in the DC Cohort study and assess whether participants are a representative citywide sample of people living with HIV in the District of Columbia (DC). METHODS Data from the DC Health (DCDOH) HIV surveillance system and the DC Cohort study were matched to identify people living with HIV who were DC residents and had consented for the study by the end of 2016. Analysis was performed to identify differences between DC Cohort and noncohort participants by demographics and comorbid conditions. HIV disease stage, receipt of care, and viral suppression were evaluated. Adjusted logistic regression assessed correlates of health outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS There were 12,964 known people living with HIV in DC at the end of 2016, of which 40.1% were DC Cohort participants. Compared with nonparticipants, participants were less likely to be male (68.0% vs 74.9%, P<.001) but more likely to be black (82.3% vs 69.5%, P<.001) and have a heterosexual contact HIV transmission risk (30.3% vs 25.9%, P<.001). DC Cohort participants were also more likely to have ever been diagnosed with stage 3 HIV disease (59.6% vs 47.0%, P<.001), have a CD4 <200 cells/µL in 2017 (6.2% vs 4.6%, P<.001), be retained in any HIV care in 2017 (72.9% vs 59.4%, P<.001), and be virally suppressed in 2017. After adjusting for demographics, DC Cohort participants were significantly more likely to have received care in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.70-2.00) and to have ever been virally suppressed (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.20-1.40). CONCLUSIONS These data have important implications when assessing the representativeness of patients enrolled in clinic-based cohorts compared with the DC-area general HIV population. As participants continue to enroll in the DC Cohort study, ongoing assessment of representativeness will be required.

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Depressive Symptoms, Gender, Disclosure, and HIV Care Stage Among People Living with HIV in Cameroon

AIDS and Behavior ◽

10.1007/s10461-021-03425-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Angela M. Parcesepe ◽

Molly Remch ◽

Anastase Dzudie ◽

Rogers Ajeh ◽

Denis Nash ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Hiv Care ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Living With Hiv

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The Utilisation of Payment Models Across the HIV Continuum of Care: Systematic Review of Evidence

AIDS and Behavior ◽

10.1007/s10461-021-03329-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tiago Rua ◽

Daniela Brandão ◽

Vanessa Nicolau ◽

Ana Escoval

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Relative Magnitude ◽

Hiv Care ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Continuum Of Care ◽

Clinical Conditions ◽

Study Designs ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Payment Models

AbstractThe increasing chronicity and multimorbidities associated with people living with HIV have posed important challenges to health systems across the world. In this context, payment models hold the potential to improve care across a spectrum of clinical conditions. This study aims to systematically review the evidence of HIV performance-based payments models. Literature searches were conducted in March 2020 using multiple databases and manual searches of relevant papers. Papers were limited to any study design that considers the real-world utilisation of performance-based payment models applied to the HIV domain. A total of 23 full-text papers were included. Due to the heterogeneity of study designs, the multiple types of interventions and its implementation across distinct areas of HIV care, direct comparisons between studies were deemed unsuitable. Most evidence focused on healthcare users (83%), seeking to directly affect patients' behaviour based on principles of behavioural economics. Despite the variability between interventions, the implementation of performance-based payment models led to either a neutral or positive impact throughout the HIV care continuum. Moreover, this improvement was likely to be cost-effective or, at least, did not compromise the healthcare system’s financial sustainability. However, more research is needed to assess the durability of incentives and its appropriate relative magnitude.

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Free access to antiretroviral treatment and protection against the risk of catastrophic health expenditure in people living with HIV: evidence from Cameroon

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-06331-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marwân-al-Qays Bousmah ◽

Marie Libérée Nishimwe ◽

Christopher Kuaban ◽

Sylvie Boyer

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Health Expenditure ◽

Antiretroviral Treatment ◽

Catastrophic Health Expenditure ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Free Access ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Art Policy ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background To foster access to care and reduce the burden of health expenditures on people living with HIV (PLHIV), several sub-Saharan African countries, including Cameroon, have adopted a policy of removing HIV-related fees, especially for antiretroviral treatment (ART). We investigate the impact of Cameroon’s free antiretroviral treatment (ART) policy, enacted in May 2007, on catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) risk according to socioeconomic status, in PLHIV enrolled in the country’s treatment access program. Methods Based on primary data from two cross-sectional surveys of PLHIV outpatients in 2006–2007 and 2014 (i.e., before and after the policy’s implementation, respectively), we used inverse propensity score weighting to reduce covariate imbalances between participants in both surveys, combined with probit regressions of CHE incidence. The analysis included participants treated with ART in one of the 11 HIV services common to both surveys (n = 1275). Results The free ART policy was associated with a significantly lower risk of CHE only in the poorest PLHIV while no significant effect was found in lower-middle or upper socioeconomic status PLHIV. Unexpectedly, the risk of CHE was higher in those with middle socioeconomic status after the policy’s implementation. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Cameroon’s free ART policy is pro-poor. As it only benefitted PLHIV with the lowest socioeconomic status, increased comprehensive HIV care coverage is needed to substantially reduce the risk of CHE and the associated risk of impoverishment for all PLHIV.

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Psychosocial Determinants of HIV Stigma among Men Who Have Sex with Men in San Francisco, California

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18158031 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 8031

Author(s):

Dharma N. Bhatta ◽

Jennifer Hecht ◽

Shelley N. Facente

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

San Francisco ◽

Age Groups ◽

Hiv Stigma ◽

Hiv Care ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adjusted Risk ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Living With Hiv

Background: Stigma and discrimination are major challenges faced by people living with HIV (PLWH), and stigma continues to be prevalent among PLWH. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 584 men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV between July 2018 and December 2020, designed to better understand which demographic and behavioral characteristics of MSM living with HIV in San Francisco, California are associated with experience of stigma, so that programs and initiatives can be tailored appropriately to minimize HIV stigma’s impacts. Methods: This analysis was conducted with data from San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) encompassing services from multiple different locations in San Francisco. Data about the level of HIV-related stigma experienced were collected through a single question incorporated into programmatic data collection forms at SFAF as part of the client record stored in SFAF’s electronic health record. We performed linear regression to determine the associations between self-reported experiences of HIV stigma and other characteristics among MSM living with HIV. Results: HIV stigma was low overall among MSM living with HIV who are actively engaged in HIV care in San Francisco; however, it was significantly higher for the age groups of 13–29 years (adjusted risk difference (ARD): 0.251, 95% CI: 0.012, 0.489) and 30–49 years (ARD: 0.205, 95% CI: 0.042, 0.367) when compared to the age group of 50 years and older, as well as people who were homeless (ARD: 0.844, 95% CI: 0.120, 1.568), unstably housed (ARD: 0.326, 95% CI: 0.109, 0.543) and/or having mental health concerns (ARD: 0.309, 95% CI: 0.075, 0.544), controlling for race, injection history, and viral load. Conclusions: These findings highlight an opportunity to develop culturally, socially, and racially appropriate interventions to reduce HIV stigma among MSM living with HIV, particularly for younger men and those struggling with housing stability and/or mental health.

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Clinical and biological profiles of older adults aged 50 and over compared to those under 50 in people living with HIV attending Kinshasa University Teaching Hospital (DR Congo)

International Journal of Clinical Virology ◽

10.29328/journal.ijcv.1001040 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 087-095

Author(s):

Mbula MMK ◽

Longo-Mbenza B ◽

Situakibanza HNT ◽

Mananga GL ◽

Makulo JRR ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Teaching Hospital ◽

University Teaching ◽

People Living With Hiv ◽

Chi Square ◽

Stage 4 ◽

History Of ◽

Student’S T ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Student’S T Test

Background: The survival of people living with HIV (PLWHIVs) is increased and Health systems will have to deal with the early-aging-associated medical conditions. Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the clinical and biological profiles of PLWHIVs aged 50 and over and those aged less than 50 years. Material and methods: This study conducted at Kinshasa University Teaching Hospital (KUTH) covers 6 years. The clinical and biological characteristics of PLWHIVs aged 50 and over were compared with those under 50. Statistical analysis used the means ± SD, the calculation of frequencies, Student’s t-test and Chi-square. Results: PLWHIVs aged 50 or over represented 35.1%. Their average age was 58.0 ± 4.8 years. Women predominate among those under 50 and men among those 50 and over. Married people were more numerous (54% among those under 50). There were more unemployed (50% of PLHIV under 50). Patients 50 years and older were significantly classified as WHO stage 4 with a high frequency of history of tuberculosis, genital herpes, high blood pressure, smoking, vomiting, hepatomegaly, moderate elevation of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and sytolic blood pressure (SBP), tuberculosis and anemia. Those under 50 had a significantly increased frequency of shingles, hepatitis B-hepatitis C, headaches and more survivals. The mean of Hb, HDL-C, and CD4s+ were significantly lower in patients 50 years and older, and urea, LDL-C, and ALAT levels were significantly higher. Conclusion: The average age was higher from 50 years old. These PLWHIVs were more frequently in WHO stage 4 with more common TB and anemia. Their Hb, HDL-C, and CD4s+ levels were lower while their urea, LDL-C and ALAT levels were significantly elevated.

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