scholarly journals Costs of Point-of-Care Viral Load Testing for Adults and Children Living with HIV in Kenya

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Michelle Ann Bulterys ◽  
Patrick Oyaro ◽  
Evelyn Brown ◽  
Nashon Yongo ◽  
Enericah Karauki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Treatment Monitoring ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Equipment Costs

Background: The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in need of treatment monitoring in low-and-middle-income countries is rapidly expanding, straining existing laboratory capacity. Point-of-care viral load (POC VL) testing can alleviate the burden on centralized laboratories and enable faster delivery of results, improving clinical outcomes. However, implementation costs are uncertain and will depend on clinic testing volume. We sought to estimate the costs of decentralized POC VL testing compared to centralized laboratory testing for adults and children receiving HIV care in Kenya. Methods: We conducted microcosting to estimate the per-patient costs of POC VL testing compared to known costs of centralized laboratory testing. We completed time-and-motion observations and stakeholder interviews to assess personnel structures, staff time, equipment costs, and laboratory processes associated with POC VL administration. Capital costs were estimated using a 5 year lifespan and a 3% annual discount rate. Results: We estimated that POC VL testing cost USD $24.25 per test, assuming a clinic is conducting 100 VL tests per month. Test cartridge and laboratory equipment costs accounted for most of the cost (62% and 28%, respectively). Costs varied by number of VL tests conducted at the clinic, ranging from $54.93 to $18.12 per test assuming 20 to 500 VL tests per month, respectively. A VL test processed at a centralized laboratory was estimated to cost USD $25.65. Conclusion: POC VL testing for HIV treatment monitoring can be feasibly implemented in clinics within Kenya and costs declined with higher testing volumes. Our cost estimates are useful to policymakers in planning resource allocation and can inform cost-effectiveness analyses evaluating POC VL testing.

scholarly journals Performance and Outcomes of Routine Viral Load Testing in People Living with HIV Newly Initiating ART in the Integrated HIV Care Program in Myanmar between January 2016 and December 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Sai Soe Thu Ya ◽  
Anthony D. Harries ◽  
Khin Thet Wai ◽  
Nang Thu Thu Kyaw ◽  
Thet Ko Aung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Virologic Failure ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
One Year ◽  
Living With Hiv

Myanmar has introduced routine viral load (VL) testing for people living with HIV (PLHIV) starting first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). The first VL test was initially scheduled at 12-months and one year later this changed to 6-months. Using routinely collected secondary data, we assessed program performance of routine VL testing at 12-months and 6-months in PLHIV starting ART in the Integrated HIV-Care Program, Myanmar, from January 2016 to December 2017. There were 7153 PLHIV scheduled for VL testing at 12-months and 1976 scheduled for VL testing at 6-months. Among those eligible for testing, the first VL test was performed in 3476 (51%) of the 12-month cohort and 952 (50%) of the 6-month cohort. In the 12-month cohort, 10% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 79% had repeat VL tests, 42% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 85% were switched to second-line ART. In the 6-month cohort, 11% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 83% had repeat VL tests, 26% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 39% were switched to second-line ART. In conclusion, half of PLHIV initiated on ART had VL testing as scheduled at 12-months or 6-months, but fewer PLHIV in the 6-month cohort were diagnosed with virologic failure and switched to second-line ART. Programmatic implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Are you suppressed? Viral load test coverage for people living with HIV in Mutare District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, 2015-2017 Investigators

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Uzande ◽  
Jeffery Edwards ◽  
Philip Owiti ◽  
Admire Tatenda Maravanyika ◽  
Simba Mashizha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Electronic Monitoring ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Load Test ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Living With Hiv

AbstractBackground:The third 90-90-90 UNAIDS goal require that 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) achieve viral load (VL) suppression. This study assessed the proportion of VL suppression and related factors among PLHIV on 1st and 2nd line ART in Mutare District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe between 2015-2017.Methods:A retrospective study using routine HIV programme data from the electronic monitoring system for nine health facilities in Mutare District. VL suppression was defined as < 1,000 copies/ml.Results:Of 16,590 registered patients, 15,566(94%) were on first-line and 1024(6%) on second-line ART. Of those on 1st-line ART, 2856(18%) had a VL test result documented, while 367(36%) of 2nd-line ART patients had VL results. VL suppression rates were 86% among those on 1st-line and 45% in 2nd-line ART. Independent risk factors associated with VL non-suppression for those on 1st-line ART were age 0-9 years (adjusted relative risk, aRR=2.9; 95% confidence interval, CI=1.7-4.8;P<0.001), 10-19 years (aRR=2.2;95%CI=1.4-3.2,P<0.001) compared to those 20-49 years, concurrent TB (aRR=9; CI=3.0-29.7,P<0.001) and male gender (aRR=1.5,95%CI=1.1-2.1;P=0.02). There were no significant risk factors associated with VL non-suppression for 2nd-line ART patients.Conclusion:For PLHIV on 1st-line ART in Mutare district, Manicaland, Zimbabwe, the frequency of reported VL results were only 18% among those on 1st-line ART, while the rate of VL suppression was near 90%. Viral Load testing coverage appears to be lagging behind current Zimbabwe goals and increased support is needed to improve the quality of HIV care and help reduce the threat of possible HIV drug resistance in the future.

scholarly journals Managing Pharmacotherapy in People Living With HIV and Concomitant Malignancy

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 812-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline L. Olin ◽  
Olga Klibanov ◽  
Alexandre Chan ◽  
Linda M. Spooner
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Chronic Medical Condition ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Living With Hiv

Objective: To describe data with selected malignancies in people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV in individuals affected by both conditions and to summarize drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with clinical recommendations for point-of-care review of combination therapies. Data Sources: Literature searches were performed (2005 to December 2018) in MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies of malignancies in PLWH in the modern era. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Article bibliographies and drug interaction databases were reviewed. Search terms included HIV, antiretroviral therapy, antineoplastic agents, malignancies, and drug interactions. Data Synthesis: In the pre–antiretroviral therapy (ART) era, malignancies in PLWH were AIDS-defining illnesses, and life expectancy was shorter. Nowadays, PLWH are living longer and developing malignancies, including lung, anal, and prostate cancers. Concurrently, the oncology landscape has evolved, with novel oral targeted agents and immunotherapies becoming routine elements of care. The increased need for and complexity with antineoplastics in PLWH has led to recommendations for multidisciplinary care of this unique population. Evaluation of DDIs requires review of metabolic pathways, absorption mechanisms, and various drug transporters associated with antineoplastics and ART. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review summarizes available data of non–AIDS-defining malignancies, principles of HIV care in the patient with malignancy, and guidance for assessing DDIs between antineoplastics and ART. Summary DDI tables provide point-of-care recommendations. Conclusions: The availability of ART has transformed AIDS into a chronic medical condition, and PLWH are experiencing age-related malignancies. Pharmacists play an important role in the management of this patient population.

scholarly journals HIV patient access to healthcare services in post-austerity era in Greece

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Tsiakalakis ◽  
Christina Golna ◽  
Nikos Dedes ◽  
Kostas Athanasakis ◽  
Kyriakos Souliotis
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Patient Access ◽  
Financial Status ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Self Reporting Questionnaire

Abstract Background The ten-year economic crisis and the ensuing fiscal adjustment that Greece experienced between 2009 and 2018 has had a major impact on patient access to healthcare services and resulted in an increase in unmet population health needs. The present study assesses the impact of economic crisis and ensuing austerity on HIV patient access to healthcare services. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out between February and April 2019 to assess barriers in access to HIV care faced by people living with HIV. 329 HIV-positive individuals participated in the study. An online, self-reporting questionnaire was developed on the basis of the HOPE studies tool (2,3,9,10) and adapted to the specific clinical and societal characteristics of HIV. Results 94.2% of respondents were male and 67.80% lived in Athens. Most of them were diagnosed with HIV 1 to 10 years ago. 37,40% of respondents reported obstacles in accessing HIV care over the past year, such as shortages in antiretroviral medicine, restricted opening hours of pharmacies and delays in booking an appointment with physicians. 24,30% reported they were not tested for viral load in the last six months and received a result. Individuals, who self-evaluate their financial status as very bad or bad, were more likely to be unaware of their viral load (55.60%) compared to individuals with better financial status (33,5%) (P<0.01). Only 33.3% of uninsured participants were aware of their viral load, and this figure rose to 63.30% (P <0.01) amongst insured participants. Conclusion Our study suggests that a critical proportion of HIV patients in Greece face significant barriers to receiving optimal HIV care, according to diagnostic and clinical guidelines. Financial and social insurance status are the main variables that impact on access, despite the comprehensive and universal NHS coverage of antiretroviral treatment and HIV monitoring. Reforming and integrating NHS service provision together with addressing social barriers and discrimination are critical to ensuring care is offered as per standards to all people living with HIV in Greece.

scholarly journals 1312. Increasing Care Engagement Amongst People Living with HIV Through a Text Messaging Intervention at a Tertiary Center

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S473-S474
Author(s):  
Nupur Gupta ◽  
Sarah McBeth ◽  
Ella Kaplan ◽  
Greg Valdisera ◽  
Deborah McMahon
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background HIV has transitioned from an acute illness to a chronic disease due to potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). People living with HIV (PLWH) must be highly compliant which is difficult due to multiple barriers. The HIV care continuum was developed as a series of steps that PLWH take in their treatment cascade. At our HIV clinic, 90% of the patients are virally suppressed (viral load <200 copies/mL). Although this is higher than the national average, PLWH who are not virally suppressed and not retained in care carry the highest risk of transmission. We have several resources to engage patients, but text messaging has not been utilized for at-risk patients at the clinic or at the academic center. Methods The aim is to demonstrate that a pilot study of a text messaging-based intervention will increase the proportion of PLWH along the care continuum. The pre-intervention data consists of the clinic population with a viral load ≥200 copies/mL between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. After chart review, eligible patients were consented to receive weekly text messages with content regarding appointment and medication reminders, and motivational messages. In the consented group, effectiveness of the intervention will be measured by tracking their appointments, viral loads, and ART prescriptions. Results After chart review, 80 patients were eligible, and 18 patients were consented for the intervention. In the eligible group, the average length of care is 8 years (range 0 to 26) and average number of years since initial ART prescription is 6.8 (range 0 to 20). The average viral load is 27,372 copies/mL. Amongst the consented group (n = 18), compared with the pre-intervention, there was a 6% increase in those who made an appointment, 33% increase in those who kept an appointment, 50% increase in those who had a viral load <200, and 62% increase in those who had ART dispensed post-intervention. Conclusion The intervention group is small due to difficulties in consenting this vulnerable population. This is an observational study that demonstrated the impact of text messaging a high-risk population with minimal harm that not only improved the local HIV care continuum, but also addressed the barriers to care. The next steps are to determine how this method can link other at-risk patients to care at a large HIV clinic at a tertiary center. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Dose Response Effects of Digital HIV Care Navigation on Mental Health and Viral Suppression among Young People Living with HIV (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Arayasirikul ◽  
Caitlin M Turner ◽  
Dillon Trujillo ◽  
Jarett Maycott ◽  
Erin C Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Young People ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Social Inequities ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv

BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic has revealed considerable disparities in health among sexual and gender minorities of color within the Unites States, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans women. Social inequities further disadvantage those with intersectional identities through homophobia, anti-trans discrimination, and racism, shaping not only those at-risk for HIV infection, but also HIV prevention and care outcomes. Digital interventions have great potential to address barriers and improve HIV care among MSM and trans women; however, efficacy of digital HIV care interventions vary and need further examination. OBJECTIVE This study assessed 12-month efficacy of a 6-month digital HIV care navigation intervention among young people living with HIV (YPLWH) in San Francisco We examined dose-response relationships between intervention exposure (e.g. text messaging) and viral suppression and mental health. Health electronic navigation (eNavigation or eNav) is a 6-month, text message-based, digital HIV care navigation intervention, in which YPLWH are connected to their own HIV care navigator through text messaging to improve engagement in HIV primary care. METHODS This study had a single-arm, prospective, pre-post design. Eligibility criteria for the study included: identifying as a man who has sex with men or a trans woman; being between the ages of 18 and 34 years; and being newly diagnosed with HIV or not being engaged/retained in HIV care or having a detectable viral load. We assessed and analyzed sociodemographic, intervention exposure, and HIV care and mental health outcome data for participants who completed the 6-month Health eNav intervention. We assessed all outcomes using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for within-subjects correlation, and marginal effects of texting engagement on all outcomes were calculated over the entire 12-month study period. Finally, we specified an interaction between texting engagement and time to evaluate the effects of texting engagement on outcomes. RESULTS Over the entire 12-month study period showed that every one-text increase in engagement was associated with an increased odds of undetectable viral load (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00 – 1.02, p = 0.03). We found that mean negative mental health experiences decreased significantly at 12 months compared to baseline for every one-text increase in engagement (coefficient on interaction term: 0.97, 95%CI = 0.96-0.99, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Digital care navigation interventions like Health eNavigation may be a critical component in the health delivery service system as the digital safety net for those whose social vulnerability is exacerbated in times of crisis, disasters, or global pandemics due to multiple social inequities. We found that increased engagement in a digital HIV care navigation intervention helped to improve viral suppression and mental health – intersecting, co-morbid conditions – 6-months after the intervention concluded. Digital care navigation may be a promising, effective, sustainable, and scalable intervention. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/16406

scholarly journals Psychiatric Symptoms and Barriers to Care in HIV-Infected Individuals Who Are Lost to Care

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 423-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen P. McLean ◽  
Natalie G. Gay ◽  
David A. Metzger ◽  
Edna B. Foa ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Barriers To Care ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Blood Draw ◽  
Living With Hiv

Past studies of barriers to HIV care have not comprehensively assessed psychiatric symptoms, and few have assessed barriers to care among people living with HIV (PLWH) who are lost to care (LTC). We examined psychiatric symptoms, barriers to HIV care, and immune functioning in PLWH who were retained in care (RIC; n = 21) or LTC (n = 21). Participants completed diagnostic interviews for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders, self-report measures of HIV risk behaviors and psychiatric symptoms, and a blood draw to assess viral load. Compared to RIC participants, LTC participants met criteria for a greater number of psychiatric disorders and reported greater depressive symptoms and more barriers to HIV care. There were no group differences in PTSD severity, risk behaviors, or viral load, suggesting that LTC individuals experience greater psychiatric problems and perceive more barriers to care than RIC participants, but are not less likely to have achieved viral suppression.

scholarly journals Current attitudes towards HIV viral load self-testing: thematic analysis of a consultation with potential end-users

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harriet D Gliddon ◽  
Rachel A McKendry ◽  
Jo Gibbs
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Patient And Public Involvement ◽  
End Users ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Self Testing

AbstractBackgroundHIV viral load (VL) is key to monitoring response to antiretroviral therapy. A number of point-of-care HIV VL tests are in development. These tests could be repurposed for HIV VL self-testing.MethodsWe held a patient and public involvement (PPI) consultation for people living with HIV to explore the prospect of HIV viral load self-testing. We conducted a thematic analysis on the data from this consultation.ResultsKey themes were access, convenience, usability, technical aspects, technology potential, connectivity and confidentiality. Attendees expressed significant appetite for decentralised HIV care, including HIV VL self-testing.ConclusionsThis PPI consultation can help researchers developing HIV viral load self-testing technology to better understand the needs of potential end users. Our findings will help guide the development and implementation of HIV VL self-testing.

scholarly journals HIV point-of-care diagnostics: meeting the special needs of sub-Saharan Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1231-1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godwin Abazho Aleku ◽  
Moses P Adoga ◽  
Simon M Agwale
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Laboratory Services ◽  
Point Of Care Diagnostics ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv

Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 70% of the 35 million people living with HIV worldwide, obviously carries the heaviest burden of the HIV epidemic. Moreover, the region’s poor health system occasioned by limited resources and inadequate skilled clinical personnel usually makes decentralization of HIV care difficult. Therefore, quality diagnostics that are easy to use, inexpensive, and amenable for use at point of care (POC) are a dire necessity. Clearly, such diagnostics will significantly lessen the pressure on the existing over-stretched centralized HIV laboratory services. Thankfully, some POC diagnostics are already being validated, while others are in the pipeline. As POC test kits emerge, implementation hurdles should be envisaged and planned for. This review examines emerging HIV diagnostic platforms, HIV POC product pipelines, gaps, perceived POC implementation challenges, and general recommendations for quality care.

Novel High Sensitivity Tuberculosis Point-of-Care Test for People Living with HIV

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Broger ◽  
Bianca Sossen ◽  
Elloise du Toit ◽  
Andrew D. Kerkhoff ◽  
Charlotte Schutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
Living With Hiv
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