scholarly journals Deployment and Assessment of a Virtual Coaching Platform to Support Healthy Habits and Whole Health for Vulnerable People Living with HIV

Iproceedings ◽  
10.2196/15069 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e15069
Author(s):  
Ezzat Saad ◽  
Claire Kamoun
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Healthy Habits ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
Living With Hiv

Background Office of Health and Human Services of Rhode Island (0HHS-RI) provides care to the most vulnerable people in the state living with HIV. While most of their clients achieve viral load suppression, the majority of these individuals still lack the support they need to tackle mental health issues, manage comorbidities, be physically active, and address other social determinants of Health. Digital health technologies have demonstrated value to provide this support and help people manage whole health. Digital platforms can deliver tailored health interventions and improved outcomes for people with HIV. However, this vulnerable population most in need of that support lacks access to current technology and platforms designed to meet their particular needs. Objective The objective wo design, deploy, and assess an evidence-based digital health platform to support healthy habits and improve outcomes for the target population, TAVIE Red. The platform is the product of two years of patient-centered iterative design and built upon theories of behavioral medicine. The core technology is a clinically-validated virtual nurse app that delivers tailored education to users. On the patient app, clients self-manage health (eg, monitor symptoms and receive treatment reminders), access social services (eg, locate food banks and clinics) and receive evidence-based interventions to promote mental and physical health (eg, decrease stress and increase physical activity). Users receive personalized feedback and rewards that incentivize and engage during each phase of treatment. On the professional portal, case managers can monitor clients remotely, receive actionable insights, and intervene appropriately. Administrators access real-time analytics on health status and delivery of services through a set of customizable dashboards. Methods Eligible clients received an Android phone preloaded with the app. Case managers received access to the professional platform on a desktop and in some cases, tablet devices to use the app in the field. Three generations of the platform were deployed over a two-year period. Participants completed a survey at baseline and follow-up on paper and digitally through the app. Thus far, 200 people living with HIV have participated in this program along with their case managers. Results Two years into the project, users are engaged with the app, enjoying it, and benefiting from it. Seventy-seven percent of users actively engage with the app, earning points and progressing through the coaching sessions with 67% completing self-assessments through the app and most track measures including physical activity, symptoms, and CD4 count and viral load. There was a 5% increase in viral suppression in this population over two years. Eighty-eight percent of users recommend the app to others. Conclusions To date, the TAVIE platform is an engaging appealing platform. Users remain on the app over time and report great benefits of use. Formal evaluation of outcomes ongoing.

Effectiveness of a Viral Load Suppression Intervention for Highly Vulnerable People Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 2443-2452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toorjo Ghose ◽  
Virginia Shubert ◽  
Vaty Poitevien ◽  
Sambuddha Choudhuri ◽  
Robert Gross
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
Living With Hiv

Living with HIV in the Time of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7
Author(s):  
Muhammad Naveed Noor
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Associated Conditions ◽  
Living With Hiv

This commentary foregrounds the need to examine how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated conditions may be affecting the lives of people living with HIV (PLWH) in a developing country context like Pakistan. It raises some important questions on medical care and updated information regarding PLWH in the time of COVID-19. Since PLWH are at an increased risk of developing comorbid conditions – something that makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19 – it is critical that timely research and evidence-based actions are undertaken to protect their health.

scholarly journals PositiveLinks and the COVID-19 Response: Importance of Low-Barrier Messaging for PLWH in Non-urban Virginia in a Crisis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna R. Campbell ◽  
Sabrina Swoger ◽  
Alexa Tabackman ◽  
Eleanor Hilgart ◽  
Benjamin Elliott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Poisson Regression ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Patient Care Team ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Engagement In Care ◽  
Healthcare Resources ◽  
Secure Messaging ◽  
Rapport Building ◽  
Living With Hiv

AbstractPositiveLinks (PL) is an evidence-based mobile health intervention promoting engagement in care for people living with HIV. PL offers secure, in-app patient-provider messaging. We investigated messaging during the early COVID-19 pandemic, comparing messages exchanged between 01/13/2020 and 03/01/2020 (“Pre-COVID”) to messages exchanged between 03/02/2020 and 04/19/2020 (“early COVID”) using Poisson regression. We performed qualitative analysis on a subset of messages exchanged between 02/01/2020 and 03/31/2020. Between “Pre-COVID” and “early COVID” periods, weekly member and provider messaging rates increased significantly. Of the messages analyzed qualitatively, most (53.3%) addressed medical topics, and more than a fifth (21.3%) addressed social issues. COVID-related messages often focused on care coordination and risk information; half of COVID messages contained rapport-building. PL patients (“members”) and providers used in-app secure messaging to reach out to one another, identifying needs, organizing receipt of healthcare resources, and strengthening patient-care team relationships. These findings underscore the importance of low-barrier messaging during a crisis.

scholarly journals Predictors of virological failure among people living with HIV receiving first line antiretroviral treatment in Myanmar: retrospective cohort analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Mesic ◽  
Alexander Spina ◽  
Htay Thet Mar ◽  
Phone Thit ◽  
Tom Decroo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Virological Failure ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
First Line ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Loss To Follow Up ◽  
History Of ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Progress toward the global target for 95% virological suppression among those on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is still suboptimal. We describe the viral load (VL) cascade, the incidence of virological failure and associated risk factors among people living with HIV receiving first-line ART in an HIV cohort in Myanmar treated by the Médecins Sans Frontières in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sports Myanmar. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including adult patients with at least one HIV viral load test result and having received of at least 6 months’ standard first-line ART. The incidence rate of virological failure (HIV viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL) was calculated. Multivariable Cox’s regression was performed to identify risk factors for virological failure. Results We included 25,260 patients with a median age of 33.1 years (interquartile range, IQR 28.0–39.1) and a median observation time of 5.4 years (IQR 3.7–7.9). Virological failure was documented in 3,579 (14.2%) participants, resulting in an overall incidence rate for failure of 2.5 per 100 person-years of follow-up. Among those who had a follow-up viral load result, 1,258 (57.1%) had confirmed virological failure, of which 836 (66.5%) were switched to second-line treatment. An increased hazard for failure was associated with age ≤ 19 years (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 1.51; 95% confidence intervals, CI 1.20–1.89; p < 0.001), baseline tuberculosis (aHR 1.39; 95% CI 1.14–1.49; p < 0.001), a history of low-level viremia (aHR 1.60; 95% CI 1.42–1.81; p < 0.001), or a history of loss-to-follow-up (aHR 1.24; 95% CI 1.41–1.52; p = 0.041) and being on the same regimen (aHR 1.37; 95% CI 1.07–1.76; p < 0.001). Cumulative appointment delay was not significantly associated with failure after controlling for covariates. Conclusions VL monitoring is an important tool to improve programme outcomes, however limited coverage of VL testing and acting on test results hampers its full potential. In our cohort children and adolescents, PLHIV with history of loss-to-follow-up or those with low-viremia are at the highest risk of virological failure and might require more frequent virological monitoring than is currently recommended.

scholarly journals Community Viral Load and CD4 Count Distribution Among People Living With HIV in a South African Township

2013 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Kranzer ◽  
Stephen D. Lawn ◽  
Leigh F. Johnson ◽  
Linda-Gail Bekker ◽  
Robin Wood
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
South African ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Count Distribution ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
South African Township

scholarly journals Perceptions, Facilitators And Barriers of Physical Activity Among People Living With HIV: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Kitilya ◽  
Erica Sanga ◽  
George PrayGod ◽  
Robert Peck ◽  
Bazil B Kavishe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Gender Stereotypes ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract BackgroundPeople Living with HIV (PLWH) have low levels of physical activity. Understanding of perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity in this population is of importance for future perspectives in developing contextual based intervention to improve physical activity in PLWH. MethodThis study explored perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity in PLWH using sixteen in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania. The interviews and discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Transcripts were coded and analysed deductively using thematic content analysis. The themes were interpreted and presented using the social ecological model. ResultsForty-three PLWH age 23-61 years old participated in this study. The findings showed that, PLWH perceived physical activity was beneficial to their health and that their perceptions and practices were rooted within the existing gender stereotypes and roles in the community. In addition to that, house-chores and income generating activities were perceived as sufficient physical activity to achieve adequate levels of physical activity. As facilitators, social support and interactions from family and friends were appraised positively as motivating factors of physical activity in this population. Indeed, at individual to community/environmental levels, PLWH reported barriers of physical activity were lack of time, money, and availability of facilities, as well as lack of social groups participating in physical activity in the communities and inadequate information on physical activity from health care providers at ART clinics. HIV disease was not reported as a main barrier of physical activity but rather stipulated from family members as a reason not to support physical activity in PLWH. ConclusionThe findings demonstrated differing perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity among PLWH. Interventions addressing physical activity awareness, gender stereotypes and roles relating to physical activity performances from individual to community level, building supportive environment and infrastructures are needed to elevate physical activity levels in PLWH particularly in low and -middle income countries.

Digital health technologies for long term self-management of osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghada Alhussein ◽  
Leontios Hadjileontiadis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Common Chronic Disease ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Management Interventions

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is the fourth most common chronic disease in the world. Adopting preventative measures and effective self-management interventions help in improving bone health. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies can play a key role in osteoporosis patient care and self- management. OBJECTIVE This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the currently available mHealth applications targeting osteoporosis self-management, aiming to determine the current status, gaps and challenges the future research could address, proposing appropriate recommendations. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and IEEExplore databases between Jan 1, 2010 and May 31, 2021, for all English publications that describe apps dedicated to or being useful for osteoporosis, targeting self-management, nutrition, physical activity, risk assessment, delivered on smartphone devices for young and older adults. In addition, a survey of all osteoporosis-related apps available in iOS and Android app stores as of May 31, 2021 was also conducted. Primary outcomes of interest were the prevention or reduction of unhealthy behaviours or improvement in healthy behaviours of the six behaviours. Outcomes were summarised in a narrative synthesis and combined using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS In total, 3906 unique articles were identified. Of these, 32 articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in depth. The 32 studies were comprising 14 235 participants, of whom on average 69.5% were female, with a mean age of 49.8 years (SD 17.8). The app search identified 23 relevant apps for osteoporosis self-management. The meta-analysis revealed that mHealth supported interventions resulted in a significant reduction in pain (Hedge’s g -1.09, 95%CI -1.68 to -0.45) and disability (Hedge’s g -0.77, 95%CI -1.59 to 0.05). The post-treatment effect of the digital intervention was significant for physical function (Hedge’s g 2.54, 95%CI -4.08 to 4.08); yet nonsignificant for wellbeing (Hedge’s g 0.17, 95% CI -1.84 to 2.17), physical activity (Hedges’ g 0.09, 95%CI -0.59 to 0.50), anxiety (Hedge’s g -0.29, 95%CI -6.11 to 5.53), fatigue (Hedge’s g -0.34, 95%CI -5.84 to 5.16), calcium (Hedge’s g -0.05, 95%CI -0.59 to 0.50) and vitamin D (Hedge’s g 0.10, 95% CI -4.05 to 4.26) intake, and trabecular score (Hedge’s g 0.06, 95%CI -1.00 to 1.12). CONCLUSIONS Osteoporosis apps have the potential to support and improve the management of the disease and its symptoms; they also appear to be a valuable tool for patients and health professionals. However, the majority of the apps that are currently available lack clinically validated evidence of their efficacy and they most focus on a limited number of symptoms. A more holistic and personalized approach, within a co-creation design ecosystem, is needed.

scholarly journals EBV AND HHV-6 CIRCULATING SUBTYPES IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN BURKINA FASO, IMPACT ON CD4 T CELL COUNT AND HIV VIRAL LOAD

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2017049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lassina TRAORE ◽  
Ouéogo NIKIEMA ◽  
Abdoul Karim OUATTARA ◽  
Tegwindé Rébéca COMPAORE ◽  
Serge Théophile SOUBEIGA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Cd4 T Cell ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv 1 ◽  
Cd4 T Cell Count

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) are responsible for severe diseases, particularly in immunocompromised persons. There are poor data on the infection with these opportunistic viruses in Burkina Faso.The purpose of this study is to characterize EBV and HHV-6 subtypes and to assess their impact on CD4 T cell count, HIV-1 viral load and antiretroviral treatment in people living with HIV-1.The study population consisted of 238 HIV-positive patients with information on CD4 count, HIV-1 viral load and HAART. Venous blood samples collected on EDTA tubes were used for EBV and HHV-6 Real Time PCR subtyping.An infection rate of 6.7% (16/238) and 7.1% (17/238) were found respectively for EBV and HHV-6 in the present study. Among EBV infections, similar prevalences were noted for both subtypes (3.9% [9/238] for EBV-1 vs 4.6% [11/238] for EBV-2) with 2.1% (5/238) of co-infection. HHV-6A infection represented 6.3% (15/238) of the study population against 5.0% (12/238) for HHV-6B. . EBV-2 infection was significantly higher in patients with CD4 count ≥ 500 compared to those with CD4 count less than 500 cells (1.65% vs 8.56%, p = 0,011). The prevalence of EBV and HHV-6 infections were almost similar in HAART-naive and HAART-experienced patients.The present study provides information on the prevalence of EBV and HHV-6 subtypes in people living with HIV-1 in Burkina Faso. The study also suggests that HAART treatment has no effect on infection with these opportunistic viruses in people living with HIV-1.

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