scholarly journals Using Theory of Change to inform the design of the HIV+D intervention for integrating the management of depression in routine HIV care in Uganda

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259425
Author(s):  
Joshua Ssebunnya ◽  
James Mugisha ◽  
Richard Mpango ◽  
Leticia Kyohangirwe ◽  
Geofrey Taasi ◽  
...  

There is growing recognition of the burden of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), associated with negative behavioural and clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, most HIV care providers in sub-Saharan Africa do not routinely provide mental health services to address this problem. This article describes the process of developing a model for integrating the management of depression in HIV care in Uganda. Theory of Change (ToC) methodology was used to guide the process of developing the model. Three successive ToC workshops were held with a multi-disciplinary group of 38 stakeholders within Wakiso district, in the Central region of Uganda. The first 2 workshops were for generating practical ideas for a feasible and acceptable model of integrating the management of depression in HIV care at all levels of care within the district healthcare system; while the third and final workshop was for consensus building. Following meaningful brainstorming and discussions, the stakeholders suggested improved mental wellbeing among PLWHA as the ultimate outcome of the program. This would be preceded by short-term and intermediate outcomes including reduced morbidity among persons with HIV attributable to depression, allocation of more resources towards management of depression, increased help-seeking among depressed PLWHA and more health workers detecting and managing depression. These would be achieved following several interventions undertaken at all levels of care. The participants further identified some indicators of successful implementation such as emphasis of depression management in the district healthcare plans, increased demand for anti-depressants etc; as well as various assumptions underlying the intervention. All these were graphically aligned in a causal pathway, leading to a ToC map, contextualizing and summarizing the intervention model. The ToC was a valuable methodology that brought together stakeholders to identify key strategies for development of a comprehensible contextualized intervention model for managing depression within HIV care in Uganda; allowing greater stakeholder engagement and buy-in.

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Katusiime ◽  
R Parkes-Ratanshi ◽  
A Kambugu

Background. There is limited literature on the transition of young people living with HIV/AIDS (YPLHIV) from adolescent/young adult HIV care to adult HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective. We aimed to share the experiences of HIV-seropositive young adults transitioning into adult care, to inform best practice for such transitioning. Methods. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of the transition of 30 young adults aged ≥25 years from our adolescent/young adult HIV clinic at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, to adult HIV healthcare services between January 2010 and January 2012. Results. Six major themes emerged from the evaluation: (i) adjustment to adult healthcare providers, (ii) the adult clinic logistics, (iii) positive attributes of the adult clinic, (iv) transfer to other health centres, (v) perceived sense of stigma, and (vi) patient-proposed recommendations. A model for transitioning YPLHIV to adult care was proposed. Conclusion. Th ere is a paucity of evidence to inform best practice for transitioning YPLHIV to adult care in resource-limited settings. Ensuring continuity in HIV care and treatment beyond young adult HIV programmes is essential, with provision of enhanced support beyond the transition clinic and youth-friendly approaches by adult-oriented care providers. S Afr J HIV Med 2013;14(1):20-23. DOI:10.7196/SAJHIVMED.885


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth R. Katumba ◽  
Yoko V. Laurence ◽  
Patrick Tenywa ◽  
Joshua Ssebunnya ◽  
Agata Laszewska ◽  
...  

Abstract Background It is rare to find HIV/AIDS care providers in sub-Saharan Africa routinely providing mental health services, yet 8–30% of the people living with HIV have depression. In an ongoing trial to assess integration of collaborative care of depression into routine HIV services in Uganda, we will assess quality of life using the standard EQ-5D-5L, and the capability-based OxCAP-MH which has never been adapted nor used in a low-income setting. We present the results of the translation and validation process for cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the OxCAP-MH tool for people living with HIV/AIDS and depression in Uganda. Methods The translation process used the Concept Elaboration document, the source English version of OxCAP-MH, and the Back-Translation Review template as provided during the user registration process of the OxCAP-MH, and adhered to the Translation and Linguistic Validation process of the OxCAP-MH, which was developed following the international principles of good practice for translation as per the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research’s standards. Results The final official Luganda version of the OxCAP-MH was obtained following a systematic iterative process, and is equivalent to the English version in content, but key concepts were translated to ensure cultural acceptability, feasibility and comprehension by Luganda-speaking people. Conclusion The newly developed Luganda version of the OxCAP-MH can be used both as an alternative or as an addition to health-related quality of life patient-reported outcome measures in research about people living with HIV with comorbid depression, as well as more broadly for mental health research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 238146831986821
Author(s):  
Claire E. Kendall ◽  
Janessa E. Porter ◽  
Esther S. Shoemaker ◽  
Rachel Seoyeon Kang ◽  
Michael Fitzgerald ◽  
...  

Background. Electronic consultation (eConsultation) is a potential strategy to improve access to specialist expertise and facilitate collaborative care models. The Champlain BASE eConsult service allows for asynchronous communication between primary care providers (PCP) and specialists on a secure, web-based system. HIV experts accessible include HIV physician specialists, HIV pharmacists, and social workers with expertise in HIV. Objective. This study aims to describe the use, value, and utility of this eConsultation service in the care of people living with HIV and to characterize the common question types and clinical topics asked by PCPs. Methods. We analyzed the data from eConsults sent to the HIV specialty group in Ontario’s Champlain Local Health Integration Network between February 2015 and December 2017. Usage data and close-out survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, eConsults were classified using a predefined list of validated taxonomy, and a thematic analysis was performed on the consultation logs to identify common clinical themes. Results. Among the 46 eConsults, the most common question type related to drug treatment (58.7%, n = 27) and management (19.6%, n = 9). The main clinical themes involved the care of significant complexities in people living with HIV, such as comorbidities and drug interactions, and suggestions of coordinated patient care. As well, eConsult was used for advice regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-negative patients at risk of HIV infection. PCPs highly valued the eConsult service (average rating 4.8/5). Conclusion. Overall, this study demonstrates that eConsult provides an efficient and valuable service to PCPs caring for patients living with or at risk for HIV by improving access to HIV specialists and facilitating the delivery of team-based comprehensive care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Leenen ◽  
C. J. P. A. Hoebe ◽  
R. P. Ackens ◽  
D. Posthouwer ◽  
I. H. M. van Loo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Not all men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection currently receive sexual healthcare. To increase the coverage of high-quality HIV/STI care for MSM, we developed a home-care programme, as extended STI clinic care. This programme included home sampling for testing, combined with treatment and sexual health counselling. Here, we pilot implemented the programme in a hospital setting (HIV-positive MSM) to determine the factors for the successful implementation of STI home sampling strategies. Methods Healthcare providers from the HIV hospital treatment centre (Maastricht) were invited to offer free STI sampling kits (syphilis, hepatitis B, [extra]genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea laboratory testing) to their HIV-positive MSM patients (March to May 2018). To evaluate implementation of the program, quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess adoption (HIV care providers offered sampling kits to MSM), participation (MSM accepted the sampling kits) and sampling-kit return, STI diagnoses, and implementation experiences. Results Adoption was 85.3% (110/129), participation was 58.2% (64/110), and sampling-kit return was 43.8% (28/64). Of the tested MSM, 64.3% (18/28) did not recently (< 3 months) undergo a STI test; during the programme, 17.9% (5/28) were diagnosed with an STI. Of tested MSM, 64.3% (18/28) was vaccinated against hepatitis B. MSM reported that the sampling kits were easily and conveniently used. Care providers (hospital and STI clinic) considered the programme acceptable and feasible, with some logistical challenges. All (100%) self-taken chlamydia and gonorrhoea samples were adequate for testing, and 82.1% (23/28) of MSM provided sufficient self-taken blood samples for syphilis screening. However, full syphilis diagnostic work-up required for MSM with a history of syphilis (18/28) was not possible in 44.4% (8/18) of MSM because of insufficient blood sampled. Conclusion The home sampling programme increased STI test uptake and was acceptable and feasible for MSM and their care providers. Return of sampling kits should be further improved. The home-care programme is a promising extension of regular STI care to deliver comprehensive STI care to the home setting for MSM. Yet, in an HIV-positive population, syphilis diagnosis may be challenging when using self-taken blood samples.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annet Nannungi ◽  
Glenn Wagner ◽  
Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar

Background. Clinical benefits of ART are well documented, but less is known about its effects on economic outcomes such as work status and income in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods. Data were examined from 482 adult clients entering HIV care (257 starting ART; 225 not yet eligible for ART) in Kampala, Uganda. Self-reported data on work status and income were assessed at baseline, months 6 and 12. Multivariate analysis examined the effects of ART over time, controlling for change in physical health functioning and baseline covariates.Results. Fewer ART patients worked at baseline compared to non-ART patients (25.5% versus 34.2%); 48.8% of those not working at baseline were now working at month 6, and 50% at month 12, with similar improvement in both the ART and non-ART groups. However, multivariate analysis revealed that the ART group experienced greater improvement over time. Average weekly income did not differ between the groups at baseline nor change significantly over time, among those who were working; being male gender and having any secondary education were predictive of higher income.Conclusions. ART was associated with greater improvement in work status, even after controlling for change in physical health functioning, suggesting other factors associated with ART may influence work.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S31-S32 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Hegerl ◽  
E. Arensman ◽  
C. van Audenhove ◽  
T. Baader ◽  
R. Gusmão ◽  
...  

The community-based 4-level-intervention concept developed within the “European Alliance against Depression” (http://www.eaad.net/) combines two important aims: to improve the care and treatment of patients with depression and to prevent suicidal behavior. It has been shown to be effective concerning the prevention of suicidal behavior [1–4] and is worldwide the most broadly implemented community-based intervention targeting depression and suicidal behavior. The 4-level intervention concept comprises training and support of primary care providers (level 1), a professional public relation campaign (level 2), training of community facilitators (teacher, priests, geriatric caregivers, pharmacists, journalists) (level 3), and support for self-help of patients with depression and for their relatives (level 4). In order to deepen the understanding of factors influencing the effectiveness of the intervention, a systematic implementation research and process analysis was performed within the EU-funded study “Optimizing Suicide Prevention Programs and Their Implementation in Europe” (http://www.ospi-europe.com/; 7th Framework Programme) [5]. These analyses were based on data from four intervention and four control regions from four European countries. In addition to intervention effects on suicidal behaviour, a variety of intermediate outcomes (e.g. changes in attitude or knowledge in different populations) were considered. Strong synergistic as well as catalytic effects were identified as a result of being active simultaneously at four different levels. Predictable and unpredictable obstacles to a successful implementation of such community-based programs will be discussed. Via the EAAD, the intervention concept and materials (available in eight different languages) are offered to interested region in and outside of Europe.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ogbuagu Chukwuanugo Nkemakonam ◽  
Ogbuagu Ekenechukwu Nkiloka ◽  
Okoh Emeka Emmanuel

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly increased the lifespan of people living with HIV. Currently, fixed dosed combination therapy (Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir) is being introduced in most countries in the Sub- Saharan Africa. There is need for a clinical and immunological assessment of HIV patients transitioned to this new therapy over a period of 2 years. Objectives: To determine the proportion of patients whose viral load was suppressed to <20 copies/ml following two years therapy with Dolutegravir-based fixed-dose combination therapy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was carried out in a Comprehensive Healthcare Centre (CHC), a facility affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nigeria. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients whose viral load was suppressed to <20 copies/ml. The plasma viral load (HIV-RNA) assay was done using real time PCR and CD4+ T- lymphocyte (CD4+) counts were estimated using Flow Cytometry. The exclusion criteria were patients who has invalid data base and patients with comorbidities associated with HIV. Results: A total of 537 HIV1 sero-positive patients were enrolled for ART care over a period of 2 years (2017-2018). Females in the age group (41-50 years) constituted the bulk (36.9%) of the patients whilst the least (5.3%) were males in the age group (8 to 30 years). The mean CD4 count of patients was 847.35cells/mm3. More females (45.9%) had CD4+counts over 500cells/mm3 whilst the percentage of males with CD4+ cell counts over 500cells/mm3 was 43.8%. Majority, 405 constituting 75.4% of the patients have suppressed viral load (<20 copies/ml) signifying that the centre is achieving success with respect to service delivery and ART. Patients with unsuppressed viral loads were more among Females with CD4+ counts in the range of 200-499 cells/mm3and this may be as a result of other associated factors which will be elucidated in future studies. Conclusion: Dolutegravir-based fixed-dose combination therapy suppressed viral load to <20 copies/ml in more than 75% of patients receiving the therapy. Enhanced adherence and effective doctor-patient relationship could be associated with the viral suppression observed in this study. Key words: Immunology, virology, HIV Outcome, Dolutegravir-based combination therapy, anti retroviral therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S462-S463
Author(s):  
Daniel Sack ◽  
Ariano Matino ◽  
Graves Erin ◽  
Almiro Emilio ◽  
Bryan Shepherd ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Depression contributes to HIV treatment outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 15% of people living with HIV have comorbid depression. HoPS+, a cluster randomized trial among seroconcordant couples living with HIV, assesses male partner involvement during antenatal HIV care and HIV outcomes. We describe predictors of depressive symptoms among pregnant partners living with HIV in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. Methods This baseline cross-sectional analysis includes 1079 female HoPS+ participants. We show demographic (age, enrollment date, relationship status, education, and occupation) and clinical (WHO HIV stage, body mass index [BMI], and antiretroviral therapy [ART] use history) factors. We model females’ depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) using proportional odds models with continuous covariates as restricted cubic splines (enrollment date, age, BMI, partner’s PHQ-9 score), categorical covariates (district, relationship status, education, occupation, WHO stage), and ART use history. Missing covariates were imputed 20 times. Results Participants’ median age was 23 (interquartile range [IQR] 20-28). Most women reported no or &lt; 7 years of education (84.1%), were farmers (61.3%), and were WHO stage I (81.9%). They had a median PHQ-9 score of 3 (IQR 0-5) and 47 (43.6%) had moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms, with 19.6% missing PHQ-9 scores. Among 867 pregnant partners with PHQ-9s, demographic and clinical covariates were not meaningful predictors of PHQ-9 score. Male partner’s PHQ-9 score, however, was associated with (covariate-adjusted Spearman’s rho 0.58, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.51-0.65) and strongly predictive of a pregnant partner’s score (Figure). An increase in a male partner’s PHQ-9 score from 9 to 10 was associated with 1.47 times increased odds (95% CI: 1.37-1.58) of a ≥1-point increase in a woman’s PHQ-9 score Figure: Female Partner's Depressive Symptoms Conclusion Depressive symptoms are highly correlated among pregnant people and their partners, which may have implications for pregnancy care. Interventions aimed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve HIV-related outcomes during pregnancy may have greater success when focused on addressing both partners’ depressive symptoms. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Odala Sande ◽  
Doris Burtscher ◽  
Daneck Kathumba ◽  
Hannock Tweya ◽  
Sam Phiri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Differentiated models of care (DMOC) are used to make antiretroviral therapy (ART) accessible to people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Malawi, Lighthouse Trust has piloted various DMOCs aimed at providing quality care while reducing personal and logistical barriers when accessing clinic-based healthcare. One of the approaches was community-based provision of ART by nurses to stable patients. Methods To explore how the nurse-led community ART programme (NCAP) is perceived, we interviewed eighteen purposively selected patients receiving ART through NCAP and the four nurses providing the community-based health care. Information obtained from them was complemented with observations by the study team. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data was analysed using manual coding and thematic analysis. Results Through the NCAP, patients were able to save money on transportation and the time it took them to travel to a health facility. Caseloads and waiting times were also reduced, which made patients more comfortable and gave nurses the time to conduct thorough consultations. Closer relationships were built between patients and care providers, creating a space for more open conversations (although this required care providers to set clear boundaries and stick to schedule). Patients’ nutritional needs and concerns related to stigma remain a concern, while operational issues affect the quality of the services provided in the community. Considerations for community-led healthcare programmes include the provision of transportation for care providers; the physical structure of community sites (in regard to private spaces); the timely consolidation of data collected in the field to a central database; and the need for care providers to cover multiple facility-based staff roles. Conclusions The patients interviewed in this study preferred the NCAP approach to the facility-based model of care because it saved them money on transport, reduced waiting-times, and allowed for a more thorough consultation, while continuing to provide quality HIV care. However, when considering a community-level DMOC approach, certain factors – including staff transportation and workload – must be taken into consideration and purposefully planned.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document