Longitudinal analysis of HIV outcomes for persons living with HIV in non-urban areas in southern Alberta, Canada

Author(s):  
Geneviève Kerkerian ◽  
Hartmut B Krentz ◽  
M John Gill

BACKGROUND: Many challenges remain in successfully engaging people with HIV (PWH) into lifelong HIV care. Living in non-urban or rural areas has been associated with worse outcomes. Uncertainties remain regarding how to provide optimal HIV care in non-urban areas. METHODS: Using a retrospective descriptive analysis framework, we compared multiple measurable HIV care metrics over time on the basis of urban versus non-urban residency, under a centralized HIV care model. We examined rates of HIV diagnosis, access to and retention in HIV care, and longitudinal outcomes for all newly diagnosed PWH between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2020, categorized by their home location at the time of HIV diagnosis in southern Alberta. RESULTS: Of 719 newly diagnosed PWH, 619 (86%) lived in urban areas and 100 (14%) lived in non-urban areas. At HIV diagnosis, the groups had no significant differences in initial CD4 count or clinical characteristics ( p = 0.73). Non-urban PWH, however, had slightly longer times to accessing HIV care and initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) ( p < 0.01). Non-urban PWH showed trends toward slightly lower retention in care and lower sustained ART use, with higher rates of unsuppressed viral loads at 12, 24, and 36 months after diagnosis ( p < 0.01). However, by 2020 both cohorts had suppression rates above 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained retention in care was more challenging for non-urban PWH; however, adherence to ART and viral suppression rates was more than 90%. Although encouraging, challenges remain in identifying and reducing unique barriers for optimal care of PWH living in non-urban areas.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S477-S477
Author(s):  
Maria J Jaurretche ◽  
Morgan Byrne ◽  
Lindsey J Powers Happ ◽  
Matthew E Levy ◽  
Michael A Horberg ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In 2019, the US Administration announced the Ending the HIV Epidemic plan to decrease new infections. A key component is the Test and Treat plan to diagnose early, treat rapidly and achieve viral suppression (VS) among persons living with HIV (PLWH). We assessed retention in care (RIC), antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and VS among newly diagnosed PLWH in Washington, DC. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the DC Cohort, an observational longitudinal cohort of PLWH in care in 14 clinics in DC. We included participants enrolled from 2011 to 2016 whose HIV diagnosis was within 1 year of enrollment and with at least 12 months follow-up. RIC was defined as ≥2 visits or HIV lab results 90 days apart in the first year of follow-up. ART initiation was defined as being prescribed ART, VS was defined as HIV RNA <200 copies/mL, and both these outcomes were assessed at 2 time points: by 3 and 12 months. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with RIC, ART initiation and VS. Results Among the 455 newly diagnosed participants (6% of all enrollees), median age was 33 years (IQR 25, 45), 69% were Black, 79% male, 60% MSM. Median duration of HIV at enrollment was 4.9 months (IQR 2.3, 7.7). Median nadir CD4 count was 346 cells/μL (IQR 224, 494). Of the 455, 38% had a history of AIDS, 92% were RIC, 65% initiated ART by 3 months and 17% had VS by 3 months. There were no differences by sex or race for RIC, ART initiation and VS. An AIDS diagnosis at enrollment was associated with RIC (aOR 2.28; 1.01–5.15), ART initiation by 3 months (aOR 2.41; 1.54–3.76), and VS by 12 months (aOR 1.92; 1.06–3.46). Lower nadir CD4 (aOR 0.89 per 50 cell increase; 0.84–0.94) and younger age (aOR 0.747 per 10-year increase; 0.584–0.995) were associated with ART initiation by 12 months. Conclusion Although the majority of newly diagnosed PLWH were RIC, fewer started ART or achieved VS. With a large proportion of our sample having an AIDS diagnosis at enrollment, we illustrate the ongoing challenge of late HIV diagnosis in DC. Those with AIDS at diagnosis were more likely to initiate ART within the first 3 months. As same-day ART initiation is scaled up in DC, future research can evaluate if all PLWH, regardless of AIDS status, will achieve this milestone earlier. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
maira sohail ◽  
Emily B. Levitan ◽  
Dustin M. Long ◽  
Michael J. Mugavero ◽  
Akinyemi I. Ojesina ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recent studies have focused on the role of intimate partnership on HIV care outcomes among men who have sex with men in the United States (US) and heterosexual couples in some African studies, leaving a gap in the recent US-based literature on the role of having an intimate partner on HIV care outcomes among heterosexual couples. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of heterosexual individuals newly diagnosed with HIV regarding the role of partnership on HIV care. MethodsThis phenomenological study conducted one time, virtual, in-depth interviews with six heterosexual individuals newly diagnosed with HIV ≥2017. The data analysis followed Moustakas approach to identify themes and sub-themes. ResultsThe participants were predominantly female and African American with median age of 46 years. Four themes identifying association between partnership and HIV care included role of HIV on partnership, under which impact of HIV on partnership and presumed reaction if partner was diagnosed with HIV were identified; Impact of partnership on HIV identified perception on dealing with HIV diagnosis without a partner and role of family vs. partner in HIV care as sub-themes; forms of support from partner in HIV care identified partner support around the time of HIV diagnosis and linkage to HIV care and around retention in care; and perceptions on the types of partner-based clinic services, which identified areas such as couples therapy, assistance with partner communication on sensitive topics such as HIV disclosure, and HIV education of the partner. The findings showed that partnership played a vital role in HIV care among partnered individuals; and the importance of a partner in HIV care was acknowledged by unpartnered participants. Various support practices by partners around HIV diagnosis and retention in care were identified. Quality of partnership played a bigger role in HIV care than presence of partnership. ConclusionThe importance of partner-based interventions in improving the HIV care of the person with HIV (PWH) was acknowledged. While demonstrating views of mainly African American women living with HIV in the Southern US, findings may be transferrable to other heterosexual PWH in other locales.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S468-S469
Author(s):  
Nicholas Cheronis ◽  
Holly Bean ◽  
Marissa Tremoglie ◽  
Cindy Magrini ◽  
Lucas Blazejewski ◽  
...  

Abstract Background While current CDC guidelines recommend screening between the ages of 13–64 at least once and annually for high-risk individuals, this is often not practiced. Early diagnosis has become key to preventing the spread of HIV. It has been suggested that a late diagnosis, one where a patient is symptomatic, implies a loss of 10.5 years in their lifespan. Methods From January 1, 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018, 113 newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients enrolled in care at The Positive Health Clinic (PHC), a Ryan White funded clinic, located in Pittsburgh, PA. Results The median age was 32, 78% male, 64% MSM (Figure 1). At the time of HIV diagnosis, the median CD4 count was 325 U/L and HIV viral load was 65,000 copies. 32 patients (28%) had a CD4 count <200 and 13 had an AIDS-defining illnesses (Figure 2). Only 50% of HIV diagnoses were based on a provider’s clinical suspicions, 26% were driven by patient request, and 24% were the result of system driven screenings. 90.2% of patients had prior healthcare contact before the HIV diagnoses, suggesting missed opportunities. Of all the newly diagnosed HIV patients, 62% were symptomatic, prompting them to be tested for HIV (Figure 3). In 20% of the symptomatic cases, the patient requested to be tested for HIV, highlighting missed opportunities for clinicians to include HIV in their differential. A previous test for HIV within one year of their HIV diagnosis positively correlated with early diagnosis (CD4 >200 copies) (P = 0.007). System driven screenings for HIV also positively correlated with early diagnosis (CD4 >200 copies) (P < 0.001). Conclusion Waiting for clinical suspicion is not enough. To prevent patients from developing life-threatening AIDS-defining illnesses screening must be done at each interaction with the healthcare system for high-risk patients and annually for patients without risk factors. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Author(s):  
Hailay Gesesew ◽  
Pamela Lyon ◽  
Paul Ward ◽  
Kifle Woldemichael ◽  
Lillian Mwanri

Evidence exists that suggests that women are vulnerable to negative HIV treatment outcomes worldwide. This study explored barriers to treatment outcomes of women in Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. We interviewed 11 HIV patients, 9 health workers, 10 community advocates and 5 HIV program managers from 10 institutions using an in-depth interview guide designed to probe barriers to HIV care at individual, community, healthcare provider, and government policy levels. To systematically analyze the data, we applied a thematic framework analysis using NVivo. In total, 35 participants were involved in the study and provided the following interrelated barriers: (i) Availability— most women living in rural areas who accessed HIV cared less often than men; (ii) free antiretroviral therapy (ART) is expensive—most women who have low income and who live in urban areas sold ART drugs illegally to cover ART associated costs; (iii) fear of being seen by others—negative consequences of HIV related stigma was higher in women than men; (iv) the role of tradition—the dominance of patriarchy was found to be the primary barrier to women’s HIV care and treatment outcomes. In conclusion, barriers related to culture or tradition constrain women’s access to HIV care. Therefore, policies and strategies should focus on these contextual constrains.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Agustí ◽  
Núria Font-Casaseca ◽  
Francesc Belvis ◽  
Mireia Julià ◽  
Núria Vives ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Spatial visualization of HIV surveillance data could improve the planning of programs to address the HIV epidemic. The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics and the spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV infection in Catalonia and to identify factors associated with HIV infection rates. Methods Surveillance data from the national registry were presented in the form of descriptive and ring maps and used to study the spatial distribution of new HIV diagnoses in Catalonia (2012–2016) and associated risk factors at the small area level (ABS, acronym for “basic health area” in Catalan). Incident cases were modeled using the following as predictors: type of municipality, prevalence of young men and migrant groups, GBMSM activity indicators, and other variables at the aggregated level. Results New HIV diagnoses are heterogeneously distributed across Catalonia. The predictors that proved to be significantly associated with a higher rate of new HIV diagnoses were ABS located in the city of Barcelona (IRR, 2.520; P < 0.001), a higher proportion of men aged 15–44 years (IRR, 1.193; P = 0.003), a higher proportion of GBMSM (IRR, 1.230; P = 0.030), a higher proportion of men from Western Europe (IRR, 1.281; P = 0.003), a higher proportion of men from Latin America (IRR, 1.260; P = 0.003), and a higher number of gay locations (IRR, 2.665; P < 0.001). No association was observed between the HIV diagnosis rate and economic deprivation. Conclusions Ring maps revealed substantial spatial associations for the rate of new HIV diagnoses. New HIV diagnoses are concentrated in ABS located in urban areas. Our results show that, in the case of HIV infection, the socioeconomic deprivation index on which the Catalan government bases its budget allocation policies among the ABS should not be the only criterion used.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S888-S889
Author(s):  
Nicole Leedy ◽  
J Zachary Porterfield ◽  
Frank Romanelli ◽  
Crystal Stover ◽  
Alice Thornton

Abstract Background Effective care for persons living with HIV (PLWH) requires a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach that includes social workers, physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, social workers and community outreach workers. Unfortunately, these individuals often work and train independently of one another without a full sense of the responsibilities and contributions of others. Too often, this results in fragmented or ineffective care. Methods In response to the need to improve exposure to both HIV and coordinated interdisciplinary care, the Kentucky AIDS Education and Training Center at the University of Kentucky developed the HIV Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program in 2016. This dynamic IPE links students in multiple professional training programs (including pharmacy, medical, social work, and physician assistant students) to a year-long curriculum designed to acquire advanced skill sets for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. This curriculum includes inpatient and outpatient shadowing opportunities with multiple departments, didactic seminars, flexible mentored learning, and a collaborative capstone project designed to impact the local HIV community. Results We report on the development of this program as well as a comprehensive assessment of the quantitative and qualitative experiences of our trainees. Participants reported significant improvements in their understanding of not only the complexities of the continuum of care for PLWH but also on how to improve care by enhancing collaboration between disciplines. They also reported development of critical and generalizable skills including taking a social history, addressing co-morbid mental health and substance abuse issues, cultural competency, screening and prevention strategies for HIV. Conclusion As we strive to provide comprehensive and effective care for PLWH aimed at achieving the goals of universal test and treat and retention in care, we must find way to improve crosstalk and understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of modern medical care. Ideally, this begins during training. We present our experience in the development of a novel and highly effective program which has spanned multiple departments and has substantially impacted the approach to HIV care in our trainees. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. e36-e40
Author(s):  
Liana Hwang ◽  
Jesse Raffa ◽  
Michael John Gill

INTRODUCTION: Women account for a growing proportion of HIV infections in Canada. This has implications with respect to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.OBJECTIVE: To describe the female population presenting for HIV care in southern Alberta and to examine the impact of opt-out pregnancy screening.METHODS: A retrospective review of demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients presenting to the Southern Alberta HIV Clinic (SAC) care program from 1982 to 2006, was performed.RESULTS: The proportion of newly diagnosed patients who were female increased from 7.5% before 1998 to 21.5% after 1998. Women were more likely to be from vulnerable populations, such as intravenous drug users (31.3% versus 13.7%, P<0.001), aboriginals/Métis (21.5% versus 8.7%, P<0.001), blacks (28.9% versus 4.9%, P<0.001) and immigrants (36.6% versus 14.7%, P<0.001). Heterosexual intercourse was the main risk factor for HIV acquisition (43.7%). Women were less likely than men to have requested HIV testing (20.9% versus 37.8%, P<0.001). Opt-out pregnancy screening accounted for 12.7% of HIV-positive tests in women, following its introduction in 1998. Of the women diagnosed by pregnancy screening, 62.1% were from HIV-endemic countries. There was an association between reason for testing and CD4 count at presentation; women who requested their HIV test had higher median CD4 counts than those diagnosed because of illness (478 cells/mL, interquartile range [IQR]=370 cells/mL versus 174 cells/mL, IQR=328 cells/mL, P<0.001) or pregnancy screening (478 cells/mL, IQR=370 cells/mL versus 271 cells/mL, IQR=256 cells/mL, P=0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Women were less likely than men to have requested HIV testing and were more likely to be diagnosed by population-based screening methods. Women, especially vulnerable groups, account for a growing number and proportion of newly diagnosed HIV infections in Alberta. The implications of expanded screening in this population merit further consideration.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Scott Batey ◽  
Xueyuan Dong ◽  
Richard P Rogers ◽  
Anthony Merriweather ◽  
Latesha Elopre ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Evaluation of the time from HIV diagnosis to viral suppression (VS) captures the collective effectiveness of HIV prevention and treatment activities in a given locale and provides a more global estimate of how effectively the larger HIV care system is working in a given geographic area or jurisdiction. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate temporal and geographic variability in VS among persons with newly diagnosed HIV infection in Alabama between 2012 and 2014. METHODS With data from the National HIV Surveillance System, we evaluated median time from HIV diagnosis to VS (&lt;200 c/mL) overall and stratified by Alabama public health area (PHA) among persons with HIV diagnosed during 2012 to 2014 using the Kaplan-Meier approach. RESULTS Among 1979 newly diagnosed persons, 1181 (59.67%) achieved VS within 12 months of diagnosis; 52.6% (353/671) in 2012, 59.5% (377/634) in 2013, and 66.9% (451/674) in 2014. Median time from HIV diagnosis to VS was 8 months: 10 months in 2012, 8 months in 2013, and 6 months in 2014. Across 11 PHAs in Alabama, 12-month VS ranged from 45.8% (130/284) to 84% (26/31), and median time from diagnosis to VS ranged from 5 to 13 months. CONCLUSIONS Temporal improvement in persons achieving VS following HIV diagnosis statewide in Alabama is encouraging. However, considerable geographic variability warrants further evaluation to inform public health action. Time from HIV diagnosis to VS represents a meaningful indicator that can be incorporated into public health surveillance and programming.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingen Shi ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Haiyang Hu ◽  
Tao Qiu ◽  
Gifty Marley ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic seriously threatens general public health services globally. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum in Jiangsu province, China. Methods Data on newly diagnosed HIV persons for analysis were retrieved from Chinas’ web-based Comprehensive Response Information Management System (CRIMS) for HIV/AIDS from 2016 to 2020. We recorded data for the first 3 months (January to March, 2020) of strictly implementing COVID-19 measures from publicly available disease databases of the Jiangsu provincial Health Committee. We used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) and exponential smoothing in forecasting the parameters. Subgroup differences were accessed using Chi-square tests. Results Compared to the estimated proportions, the HIV testing rates decreased by 49.0% (919,938) in the first three months of implementing COVID-19 measures. Of an estimated 1555 new HIV diagnosis expected in the same period, only 63.0% (980) new diagnoses were recorded. According to actual data recorded during the said period, 980 positively tested persons received confirmatory tests, of which 71.4% (700) were reportedly linked to care. And only 49.5% (235) out of the expected 475 newly diagnosed HIV persons received CD4 cell count testing. Meanwhile 91.6% (208) of newly diagnosed HIV persons who received CD4 count tests reportedly initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to the 227 expected. Compared to the same period from 2016 to 2019, PLWH less than 30 years old and migrants were more likely to be affected by the COVID-19 policies. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted HIV healthcare systems in Jiangsu, China. Further measures that can counter the impact of the pandemic are needed to maintain the HIV care continuum.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 293-302
Author(s):  
Ikiara, Eliza Kathure ◽  
Orinda, George Owino ◽  
Thigiti, Joseph Mwangi

Background: Retention of children in HIV care is influenced by a number of factors, among them family and caregiver factors. Objective: To determine the family and caregiver factors associated with retention in care. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study in level 4 and 5 hospitals in Embu county. Data were collected through interviews using a predesigned questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was performed. Results: We enrolled 238 participants between January and April 2018, comprising 143 males (50.5%) and 140 females (49.5%). The median age of the participants was 12 years (IQR 5). Two thirds of the minors were in primary school (192, 67.8%). More of the children’s mothers were HIV positive compared to the fathers (257 vs 99) though a greater number of the fathers had an unknown HIV status compared to the mothers (138 vs 21). Most minors (241, 85.2%) were retained in care throughout having never missed an appointment. The number of siblings alive (aOR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.92), siblings with HIV (aOR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.68), a HIV positive caregiver (aOR 5.48, 95% CI: 2.44, 12.97), stigma (aOR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.77), work duties of the caregiver (aOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13, 0.58) and denial of HIV status by the caregiver (aOR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02, 0.47) were all associated with retention in HIV care. Conclusion: A HIV positive caregiver was most likely to ensure a child is retained in care. Stigma and denial of HIV status still hinder retention. Key words: Retention, HIV, children, caregiver.


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