ABSTRACT
Introduction: as Zambia moves towards attaining human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic control, it is clear significant efforts are required to facilitate achievement of UNAIDS treatment targets by 2030. To accelerate progress towards global target of 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) knowing their status, country is promoting community-based HIV testing and same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. However, there are uncertainties of how this strategy affects immediate and early engagement in program settings. To address this research gap, we analysed a programme data of PLHIV newly diagnosed and initiated on ART in community and health facility settings. Study objectives were to estimate the proportion of immediate engagement, to estimate early engagement among newly diagnosed PLHIV and, to examine factors independently associated with immediate and early engagement in care among newly diagnosed PLHIV offered same-day ART initiation. Methods: we included all newly diagnosed PLHIV aged 18 years or older and provided same-day ART initiation between October 2018 and January 2019 in Lusaka District. Immediate engagement was estimated as proportion of newly diagnosed PLHIV who visited the health facility at least once within 14 days after same-day ART initiation, whereas early engagement as proportion of newly diagnosed PLHIV active 6 months after same-day ART initiation. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to assess association of outcomes with key background characteristics. Results: of 12,777 newly diagnosed PLHIV who initiated same day ART 7,943 (62%) were tested and initiated in the community. Overall, 6,257 (49%) engaged within 14 days (median 15, IQR: 13-37). Older individuals (36-49 years) were more likely to be engaged at 14 days (aRR 1.29; 95%CI 1.06 - 1.18; p<0.001) and retained at 6 months (aRR1.27;95%CI 1.21-1.34P<0.001) whilst risk of attrition at 6 months was highest in younger ages (18-24 years) (aRR 0.79;95 %CI 0.76-0.82; p<0.001). Conclusion: to adequately address the HIV epidemic targeted engagement approaches are required particularly in the younger ages.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , HIV Infections , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Disease Transmission, Infectious , Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active , Cohort Studies , DiagnosisABSTRACT
Rapid expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and a shortage of health care workers (HCWs) required the implementation of a peer educator (PE) model as part of a task-shifting strategy in Lusaka District clinics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient and staff perceptions regarding whether the PE program: a) relieved the workload on professional HCWs; and b) delivered services of acceptable quality. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from five primary care clinics delivering ART in Lusaka; Zambia. Closed surveys were conducted with 148 patients receiving ART; 29 PEs; and 53 HCWs. Data was imported into Microsoft Excel to calculate descriptive statistics. Six focus group discussions and eight key informant (KI) interviews were conducted; recorded; transcribed; and coded to extract relevant data. Survey results demonstrated that 50 of 53 (96.1) HCWs agreed PEs reduced the amount of counseling duties required of HCWs. HCWs felt that PEs performed as well as HCWs in counseling patients (48 of 53; 90.6) and that having PEs conduct counseling enabled clinical staff to see more patients (44 of 53; 83). A majority of patients (141 of 148; 95.2) agreed or strongly agreed that PEs were knowledgeable about ART; and 89 of 144 (61.8) expressed a high level of confidence with PEs performing counseling and related tasks. Focus group and KI interviews supported these findings. PEs helped ease the work burden of HCWs and provided effective counseling; education talks; and adherence support to patients in HIV care. Consideration should be given to formalizing their role in the public health sector