Impact of COVID-19 on the Utilization of HIV Testing and Linkage Services in Sierra Leone: Experience from Three Public Health Facilities in Freetown.

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the delivery of essential health services globally. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on HIV testing and linkage services at three public health facilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing and linkage to treatment services (HTS) at Connaught Hospital (CH-tertiary), Lumley Government Hospital (LGH-secondary) and George Brooke Community Health Center (GBC-primary) in Freetown. Statistical analyses were conducted in Stata (16.1, StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX). Intra-pandemic HTS (2020) and HTS during recovery (2021) were compared with pre-pandemic HTS (2019). Of the 8538 people tested for HIV in the three facilities, 4929 (57.5%) visited CH. Only 2249 people were tested for HIV in 2020 compared to 3825 in 2019 (difference: - 41.2%, P < 0.001). Fewer people were also tested in 2021 (difference: - 35.6% P < 0.001). The largest reductions in testing in 2020 occurred in women (- 47.7%), children under 15 (- 95.2%), married people (- 42.6%), and CH (- 46.2%). Overall, 1369 (16.0%) people were positive for HIV; CH (878, 17.9%), LGH (469, 15.6%) and GBC (22, 3.5%). The likelihood of a positive HIV test was 26% lower in 2020 than 2019 (PR 0.74; 95% CI 0.64-0.85; P < 0.001), but 16% higher in 2021 than 2019 (PR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03-1.30; P < 0.05). Of the 1369 HIV diagnosis, 526 (38.4%) were linked to care. We found significant disruptions in HIV testing and linkage services at different levels of service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need to strengthen essential health services during public health emergencies.

Understanding motivations and resilience-associated factors to promote timely linkage to HIV care: a qualitative study among people living with HIV in western Kenya.

Understanding motivations and resilience-associated factors that help people newly diagnosed with HIV link to care is critical in the context of universal test and treat. We analyzed 30 in-depth interviews (IDI) among adults aged 18 and older in western Kenya diagnosed with HIV during home-based counseling and testing and who had linked to HIV care. A directed content analysis was performed, categorizing IDI quotations into a table based on linkage stages for organization and then developing and applying codes from self-determination theory and the concept of resilience. Autonomous motivations, including internalized concerns for one's health and/or to provide care for family, were salient facilitators of accessing care. Controlled forms of motivation, such as fear or external pressure, were less salient. Social support was an important resilience-associated factor fostering linkage. HIV testing and counseling programs which incorporate motivational interviewing that emphasizes motivations related to one's health or family combined with a social support/navigator approach, may promote timely linkage to care.

Factors Associated with Linkage to HIV Care Among Oral Self-Tested HIV Positive Adults in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: HIV oral self-testing (HIVST) was rolled out in Uganda in 2018. However, data reported by public facilities show that less than 60% of oral self-tested HIV positive adults were linked to HIV care. This study set out to determine the factors associated with linkage to HIV care among adults with positive HIV oral self-test results in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Nabweru HCIII and Entebbe Hospital in central Uganda. The study reviewed medical records from January 2019 to May 2020 and successfully invited 144 self-tested HIV positive participants for the quantitative interview process. Data on socio-demographics and health-related characteristics were collected. Bivariate and multivariable analysis was used to determine the factors associated with linkage to care. RESULTS: The proportion of participants linked to HIV care was 69.6% (100/144). The majority of the participants were female (71%), with a mean age of 29 (±8) years. Participants within age groups of 31-35 years and 41-60 years, who used directly assisted HIVST, disclosed their HIV status to their sexual partners, are ready to start ART, do not consume alcohol and having a supportive sexual partner were more likely to be linked to HIV care. Single participants, separated/divorced, female, fear unfair treatment after HIV status disclosure and those who fear ART side effects were less likely to be linked to HIV care. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that less than 70% were linked to HIV care. It also shows that HIV status disclosure, readiness to start ART, type of HIVST used, fear of ART side effects, and being divorced/separated negatively associated with linkage to HIV care among self-test HIV positive adults. There is a need for HIV programs to address the above factors to improve linkage to HIV care to realize the national targets towards the UNAIDs 2035 goals.

Overcoming Barriers to HIV Care: Findings from a Peer-Delivered, Community-Based, Linkage Case Management Program (CommLink), Eswatini, 2015-2018.

To help persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in Eswatini initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART), the CommLink case-management program provided a comprehensive package of linkage services delivered by HIV-positive, peer counselors. Of 1250 PLHIV participants aged ≥ 15 years diagnosed in community settings, 75% reported one or more barriers to care (e.g., fearing stigmatization). Peer counselors helped resolve 1405 (65%) of 2166 identified barriers. During Test and Treat (October 2016-September 2018), the percentage of participants who initiated ART and returned for ≥ 1 antiretroviral refills was 92% overall (759/824); 99% (155/156) among participants without any identified barriers; 96% (544/564) among participants whose counselors helped resolve all or all but one barrier; and 58% (59/102) among participants who had ≥ 2 unresolved barriers to care. The success of CommLink is attributed, at least in part, to peer counselors who helped their clients avoid or at least temporarily resolve many well-known barriers to HIV care.

RESUMEN: Para ayudar a las personas que viven con el VIH (PVVIH) en Eswatini a iniciar la terapia antirretroviral (TARV), el programa de gestión de casos CommLink proporcionó un paquete integral de servicios de la vinculación prestados por consejeros pares VIH positivos. De los 1.250 participantes de las PVVIH de 15 años o más diagnosticados en entornos comunitarios, el 75% informó una o más barreras para la atención (por ejemplo, por temor a la estigmatización). Los consejeros pares ayudaron a resolver 1.405 (65%) de 2.166 barreras identificadas. Durante el período de prueba y tratamiento (octubre de 2016 - septiembre de 2018), el porcentaje de participantes que iniciaron TARV y recibieron ≥ 1 recargas antirretroviral fue del 92% en general (759/824); 99% (155/156) entre los participantes sin barreras identificadas; 96% (544/564) entre los participantes cuyos consejeros ayudaron a resolver todas o todas las barreras excepto una; y 58% (59/102) entre los participantes que tenían ≥ 2 barreras no resueltas para la atención. El éxito de CommLink se atribuye, al menos en parte, a los consejeros pares que ayudaron a sus clientes a evitar o al menos temporalmente resolver muchas barreras conocidas para la atención del VIH.

Development and Acceptability of a Tablet-Based App to Support Men to Link to HIV Care: Mixed Methods Approach.

BACKGROUND: The poor engagement of men with HIV care is attributed to a number of factors: fear of stigma, masculine representations, concerns related to confidentiality, and the time commitment needed to visit public health clinics. Digital technologies are emerging as an approach to support the engagement of men with care. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to deliver a usable and engaging tablet-based app, called EPIC-HIV 2 (Empowering People through Informed Choices for HIV 2), to support men in making informed decisions about engaging with HIV care in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. METHODS: We employed a mixed methods, iterative, and three-phased design that was guided by self-determination theory (SDT), a person-based approach, and human-computer interaction techniques. We reviewed related literature and conducted secondary analyses of existing data to identify barriers and facilitators to linkage to care and inform content development and design principles and used focus group discussions with members of the community advisory board and general community to evaluate a PowerPoint prototype of the app; used observations and guided questions with a convenience sample of potential users from the intervention community to iteratively test and refine a functioning interactive app; and conducted qualitative interviews and satisfaction surveys with actual users to evaluate acceptability. RESULTS: Phase 1 identified supply- and demand-side barriers to linkage to care. Specifically, clinics were feminized spaces unattractive to men with high social costs of attendance. Men did not feel vulnerable to HIV, preferred traditional medicine, and were afraid of the consequences of being HIV positive. Thus, the app needed to allow men to identify the long-term health benefits to themselves and their families of starting antiretroviral therapy early and remaining on it, and these benefits typically outweigh the social costs of attending and being seen at a clinic. SDT led to content design that emphasized long-term benefits but at the same time supported the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness and informed decision making. Phase 2 indicated that we needed to use simpler text and more images to help users understand and navigate the app. Phase 3 indicated that the app was acceptable and likely to encourage men to link to care. CONCLUSIONS: We found that iteratively developing the app with potential users using local narratives ensured that EPIC-HIV 2 is usable, engaging, and acceptable. Although the app encouraged men to link to HIV care, it was insufficient as a stand-alone intervention for men in our sample to exercise their full autonomy to link to HIV care without other factors such as it being convenient to initiate treatment, individual experiences of HIV, and support. Combining tailored digital interventions with other interventions to address a range of barriers to HIV care, especially supply-side barriers, should be considered in the future to close the present linkage gap in the HIV treatment cascade.

Barriers and facilitators to linkage to care and ART initiation in the setting of high ART coverage in Botswana.

We conducted a qualitative study using focus groups and in-depth interviews to explore barriers to and facilitators of linkage-to-care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation in Botswana. Participants were selected from communities receiving interventions through the Ya Tsie Study. Fifteen healthcare providers and 49 HIV-positive individuals participated. HIV-positive participants identified barriers including stigma, discrimination and overcrowded clinics, and negative staff attitudes; personal factors, such as a lack of acceptance of one's HIV status, non-disclosure, and gender differences; along with lack of social/family support, and certain religious beliefs. Healthcare providers cited delayed test results, poverty, and transport difficulties as additional barriers. Major facilitators were support from healthcare providers, including home visits, social support, and knowing the benefits of ART. Participants were highly supportive of universal ART as a personal health measure. Our results highlighted a persistent structural health facility barrier: HIV-positive patients expressed strong discontent with HIV care/treatment being delivered differently than routine healthcare, feeling inconvenienced and stigmatized by separately designated locations and days of service. This barrier was particularly problematic for highly mobile persons. Addressing this structural barrier, which persists even in the context of high ART uptake, could bring gains in willingness to initiate ART and improved adherence in Botswana and elsewhere.

Feasibility and Acceptability of the Modified Antiretroviral Treatment Access Study (MARTAS) Intervention Based on a Pilot Study in Ukraine.

We conducted a pilot of the Modified Antiretroviral Treatment Access Study (MARTAS), a linkage to HIV treatment intervention, prior to implementing a multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Ukraine. The objectives of the pilot were to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the MARTAS intervention among a small sample of adults recently diagnosed with HIV at specialty clinics in the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine in 2015. The adapted intervention consisted of up to 6 individual-level sessions with a linkage coordinator (nurse) over a 90-day period. Overall, 22 persons participated in the pilot. On average, participants received 4.2 sessions and 14 participants linked to HIV care within 3 months of study enrollment. All 18 participants who completed the acceptability survey expressed high satisfaction with their interaction with their linkage coordinator. The results of the pilot demonstrated feasibility and acceptability of the MARTAS intervention in advance of a larger scale RCT in Ukraine.

Lessons Learned from Applying a Modified Learning Collaborative Model to Promote Change in Regional and Statewide HIV Care Systems.

The Health Resources and Services Administration Special Projects of National Significance launched the Systems Linkage and Access to Care for Populations at High Risk of HIV Infection Initiative in 2011. Six state departments of health were funded to utilize a modified Learning Collaborative model to develop and/or adapt HIV testing, linkage to care and retention in care system-level interventions. More than 60 Learning Sessions were held over the course of the Learning Collaborative. A total of 22 unique interventions were tested with 18 interventions selected and scaled up. All interventions were created to impact services at a systems level, with standardized protocols developed to ensure fidelity. Our findings provide key lessons and present considerations for replication for use of a modified Learning Collaborative to achieve state-level systems change.

HIV Care and Viral Load Suppression After Sexual Health Clinic Visits by Out-of-Care HIV-Positive Persons.

Outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH) in New York City (NYC) remain suboptimal. To assess the potential role of the city's sexual health clinics (SHCs) in improving HIV outcomes and reducing HIV transmission, we examined HIV care status and its correlates among HIV-positive SHC patients in NYC. Clinic electronic medical records were merged with longitudinal NYC HIV surveillance data to identify HIV-positive patients and derive their retrospective and prospective HIV care status. Evidence of HIV care and viral load suppression (VLS) after clinic visit were considered outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to assess their correlates. A third of the 1045 PLWH who visited NYC SHCs in 2012 were out of HIV care (OOC) in the 12 months preceding the clinic visit, and were less likely than those previously in HIV care (IC) to have subsequent evidence of HIV care (42% vs. 72%) or VLS in the 12 months after the visit (39% vs. 76%). VLS was particularly low among patients diagnosed with ≥2 sexually transmitted infections (46%). The odds of VLS were lowest among those OOC before the clinic visit [versus those IC, adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.29], non-Hispanic blacks (versus non-Hispanic whites, aOR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90), and residents of high-poverty neighborhoods (>30% vs. <10%, aOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.89). Our findings suggest that SHCs could serve as an intervention point to (re-)link PLWH to HIV care. Real-time provider alerts about patients' OOC status could help achieve that goal.

Effect of a Patient-Centered Phone Call by a Clinical Officer at Time of HIV Testing on Linkage to Care in Rural Kenya.

In a randomized controlled trial, we tested whether a structured, patient-centered phone call from a clinical officer after HIV testing improved linkage to/re-engagement in HIV care. Among 130 HIV-positive persons, those randomized to the phone call were significantly more likely to link to care by 7 and 30 days (P = .04).

Reaching the First 90 in Uganda: Predictors of Success in Contacting and Testing the Named Sexual Partners of HIV+ Index Clients in Kiboga District.

Assisted partner notification programs represent one strategy for targeted HIV testing and treatment of exposed individuals in high-risk populations. This study of a pilot Partner Services program in rural Uganda describes predictors of successful contact tracings and testing of partners of HIV+ individuals and possible barriers to contact. Partner contact tracing data was extracted from registers at seven Ministry of Health facilities between May and October 2016, to inform program implementation and scale up. A total of 464 HIV+ index clients named 660 sexual partners; 334/660 (51%) were contacted, 193/334 (58%) tested for HIV, and 61/193 (32%) tested HIV+. Current relationship status predicted contact [AOR = 0.23; (95% CI 0.15, 0.37), p < 0.0001] and testing [AOR = 0.19; (95% CI 0.09, 0.36), p < 0.0001]. Partner contact information type was associated with contact (p < 0.0001), and assisted disclosure with testing (p < 0.0001). Partner contact tracing is an effective means of identifying undiagnosed HIV infections.

Factors associated with uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing and HIV care services among identified HIV-positive persons in Masaka, Uganda.

We investigated uptake of home-based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) and HIV care services post-HBHCT in order to inform the design of future HBHCT programmes. We used data from an open-label cluster-randomised controlled trial which had demonstrated the effectiveness of a post-HBHCT counselling intervention in increasing linkage to HIV care. HBHCT was offered to adults (≥18 years) from 28 rural communities in Masaka, Uganda; consenting HIV-positive care naïve individuals were enrolled and referred for care. The trial's primary outcome was linkage to HIV care (clinic-verified registration for care) six months post-HBHCT. Random effects logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with HBHCT uptake, linkage to care, CD4 count receipt, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation; all analyses of uptake of post-HBHCT services were adjusted for trial arm allocation. Of 13,455 adults offered HBHCT, 12,100 (89.9%) accepted. HBHCT uptake was higher among men [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.36] than women, and decreased with increasing age. Of 551 (4.6%) persons who tested HIV-positive, 205 (37.2%) were in care. Of those not in care, 302 (87.3%) were enrolled in the trial and of these, 42.1% linked to care, 35.4% received CD4 counts, and 29.8% initiated ART at 6 months post-HBHCT. None of the investigated factors was associated with linkage to care. CD4 count receipt was lower in individuals who lived ≥30 min from an HIV clinic (aOR 0.60, 95%CI = 0.34-1.06) versus those who lived closer. ART initiation was higher in older individuals (≥45 years versus <25 years, aOR 2.14, 95% CI = 0.98-4.65), and lower in single (aOR 0.60, 95% CI = 0.28-1.31) or divorced/separated/widowed (aOR 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23-0.93) individuals versus those married/cohabiting. HBHCT was highly acceptable but uptake of post-HBHCT care was low. Other than post-HBHCT counselling, this study did not identify specific issues that require addressing to further improve linkage to care.

A Conditional Economic Incentive Fails to Improve Linkage to Care and Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Among HIV-Positive Adults in Cape Town, South Africa.

Interventions to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) access are urgently needed to maximize the multiple benefits from ART. This pilot study examined the effect of a conditional economic incentive on linkage to care and uptake of treatment following ART referral by a mobile health clinic. Between April 2015 and May 2016, 86 individuals (≥18 years old) referred for ART in a resource-limited setting were randomized (1:1) to a control group or to an incentive: R300 cash (∼$23, or 3.5 days minimum wage in the domestic worker sector), conditional upon starting ART within 3 months. Outcome data were obtained from clinic records. The incentive effects on linkage to care (first clinic visit within 3 months) and ART initiation (treatment uptake within 3 months) were assessed using logistic regression. Overall, 67% linked to care and 42% initiated ART within 3 months after referral. No significant differences were found between the incentive and non-incentive group in terms of linkage to care [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-1.91] and initiation of ART (aOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.26-1.78). Ordinary least-squares regression analysis showed that incentivized individuals linked to care in fewer days (-7.9, 95% CI: -18.09 to 2.26) and started treatment in fewer days (-7.3, 95% CI: -27.01 to 12.38), but neither result was statistically significant. Our findings demonstrate poor treatment uptake by both the intervention and control participants and further highlight the challenge in achieving universal early treatment access. Further research is required to understand how economic incentives, which have been shown to have many benefits, can be applied to improve linkage to HIV care and treatment.

Design of the HPTN 065 (TLC-Plus) study: A study to evaluate the feasibility of an enhanced test, link-to-care, plus treat approach for HIV prevention in the United States.

Background/Aims HIV continues to be a major public health threat in the United States, and mathematical modeling has demonstrated that the universal effective use of antiretroviral therapy among all HIV-positive individuals (i.e. the "test and treat" approach) has the potential to control HIV. However, to accomplish this, all the steps that define the HIV care continuum must be achieved at high levels, including HIV testing and diagnosis, linkage to and retention in clinical care, antiretroviral medication initiation, and adherence to achieve and maintain viral suppression. The HPTN 065 (Test, Link-to-Care Plus Treat [TLC-Plus]) study was designed to determine the feasibility of the "test and treat" approach in the United States. Methods HPTN 065 was conducted in two intervention communities, Bronx, NY, and Washington, DC, along with four non-intervention communities, Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; Miami, FL; and Philadelphia, PA. The study consisted of five components: (1) exploring the feasibility of expanded HIV testing via social mobilization and the universal offer of testing in hospital settings, (2) evaluating the effectiveness of financial incentives to increase linkage to care, (3) evaluating the effectiveness of financial incentives to increase viral suppression, (4) evaluating the effectiveness of a computer-delivered intervention to decrease risk behavior in HIV-positive patients in healthcare settings, and (5) administering provider and patient surveys to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of antiretroviral therapy for prevention and the use of financial incentives to improve health outcomes. The study used observational cohorts, cluster and individual randomization, and made novel use of the existing national HIV surveillance data infrastructure. All components were developed with input from a community advisory board, and pragmatic methods were used to implement and assess the outcomes for each study component. Results A total of 76 sites in Washington, DC, and the Bronx, NY, participated in the study: 37 HIV test sites, including 16 hospitals, and 39 HIV care sites. Between September 2010 and December 2014, all study components were successfully implemented at these sites and resulted in valid outcomes. Our pragmatic approach to the study design, implementation, and the assessment of study outcomes allowed the study to be conducted within established programmatic structures and processes. In addition, it was successfully layered on the ongoing standard of care and existing data infrastructure without disrupting health services. Conclusion The HPTN 065 study demonstrated the feasibility of implementing and evaluating a multi-component "test and treat" trial that included a large number of community sites and involved pragmatic approaches to study implementation and evaluation.

A Comparison of Home-Based Versus Outreach Event-Based Community HIV Testing in Ugandan Fisherfolk Communities.

We compared two community-based HIV testing models among fisherfolk in Lake Victoria, Uganda. From May to July 2015, 1364 fisherfolk residents of one island were offered (and 822 received) home-based testing, and 344 fisherfolk on another island were offered testing during eight community mobilization events (outreach event-based testing). Of 207 home-based testing clients identified as HIV-positive (15% of residents), 82 were newly diagnosed, of whom 31 (38%) linked to care within 3 months. Of 41 who screened positive during event-based testing (12% of those tested), 33 were newly diagnosed, of whom 24 (75%) linked to care within 3 months. Testing costs per capita were similar for home-based ($45.09) and event-based testing ($46.99). Compared to event-based testing, home-based testing uncovered a higher number of new HIV cases but was associated with lower linkage to care. Novel community-based test-and-treat programs are needed to ensure timely linkage to care for newly diagnosed fisherfolk.

The Health Promotion Model in HIV Care / El modelo de promoción de la salud en el cuidado del VIH / O modelo de promoção da saúde no cuidado do HIV

ABSTRACT Effective medical treatment with uninterrupted engagement in care is critical to improving the survival and the quality of life of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objectives: Multiple behavioral interventions have been conducted to promote adherence behaviors. However, adherence to HIV medications and medical appointments is still an issue of global concern. Method: The Health Promotion Model (HPM) is a nursing adaption of the health belief model. The HPM focuses on individual characteristics and experiences, as well as behavior specific cognitions and outcomes. Integrating the HPM in addressing adherence behaviors could be one of the building blocks of success in changing health behavior. Results: A search of the literature turned up no studies that applied the HPM in adherence behavior studies conducted among HIV-infected populations. Conclusion: This paper presents the reader with the availability of current adherence-behavior interventions and strategies that align with the HPM model components. It further proposes the need for medical treatment team members to adopt the HPM in current clinical practice settings so as to effectively address adherence behavior issues.

RESUMEN Un tratamiento médico eficaz con un compromiso ininterrumpido en el cuidado es crítico para mejorar la supervivencia y la calidad de vida de los pacientes infectados con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Objetivos: se han llevado a cabo múltiples intervenciones conductuales para promover comportamientos de adherencia. Sin embargo, la adhesión a los medicamentos contra el VIH y las citas médicas siguen siendo un tema de preocupación mundial. Método: el modelo de promoción de la salud (HPM) es una adaptación de enfermería del modelo de creencias de salud. El HPM se centra en características y experiencias individuales, así como cogniciones y resultados específicos del comportamiento. La integración del HPM en el abordaje de los comportamientos de adherencia podría ser uno de los pilares del éxito en el cambio del comportamiento de la salud. Resultados: una búsqueda en la literatura no mostró ningún estudio que aplicó el HPM en los estudios de comportamiento de adherencia realizados entre las poblaciones infectadas por el VIH. Conclusión: este artículo presenta al lector la disponibilidad de las actuales intervenciones de adherencia-comportamiento y estrategias que se alinean con los componentes del modelo HPM. Además, propone la necesidad de que los miembros del equipo de tratamiento médico adopten el HPM en la práctica clínica actual con el fin de abordar eficazmente los problemas de comportamiento de adherencia.

RESUMO Um tratamento médico eficaz com um compromisso ininterrupto no cuidado é fundamental para melhorar a sobrevivência e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes infectados com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Objetivos: realizaram-se múltiplas intervenções comportamentais para promover condutas de adesão. No entanto, a adesão aos medicamentos contra o HIV e às consultas médicas continua sendo um tema de preocupação mundial. Método: o Modelo de Promoção da Saúde (HPM, por sua sigla em inglês) é uma adaptação de enfermagem do modelo de crenças em saúde. O HPM centra-se em características e experiências individuais, bem como cognições e resultados específicos do comportamento. A integração do HPM na abordagem dos comportamentos de adesão poderia ser um dos pilares do sucesso na mudança do comportamento da saúde. Resultados: uma busca na literatura não mostrou nenhum estudo que aplicou o HPM nos estudos de comportamento de adesão realizados entre as populações infectadas pelo HIV. Conclusão: este artigo apresenta ao leitor a disponibilidade das atuais intervenções de adesão-comportamento e estratégias que se alinham com os componentes do modelo HPM. Além disso, propõe a necessidade de que os membros da equipe de tratamento médico adotem o HPM na prática clínica atual ao fim fim de abordar eficazmente os problemas de comportamento de adesão.

Improving Engagement in the HIV Care Cascade: A Systematic Review of Interventions Involving People Living with HIV/AIDS as Peers.

Improving patient engagement in HIV care is critical for maximizing the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted a systematic review of studies that used HIV-positive peers to bolster linkage, retention, and/or adherence to ART. We searched articles published and indexed in Pubmed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL between 1996 and 2014. Peers were required to be HIV-positive. Studies were restricted to those published in English. Nine studies with n = 4658 participants met the inclusion criteria. Peer-based interventions were predominantly focused on improving adherence to ART, or evaluations of retention and adherence via viral suppression. Five (56 %) were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Overall findings were mixed on the impact of peers on ART adherence, viral suppression, and mortality. While positive effects of peer interventions on improving linkage and retention were found, there were limited studies assessing these outcomes. Additional research is warranted to demonstrate the impact of peers on linkage and retention in diverse populations.

Identifying Best Practices for Increasing Linkage to, Retention, and Re-engagement in HIV Medical Care: Findings from a Systematic Review, 1996-2014.

A systematic review was conducted to identify best practices for increasing linkage, retention and re-engagement in HIV care (LRC) for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Our search strategy consisted of automated searches of electronic databases and hand searches of journals, reference lists and listservs. We developed two sets of criteria: evidence-based to identify evidence-based interventions (EBIs) tested with a comparison group and evidence-informed to identify evidence-informed interventions (EIs) tested with a one-group design. Eligible interventions included being published between 1996 and 2014, U.S.-based studies with a comparison or one-group designs with pre-post data, international randomized controlled trials, and having objective measures of LRC-relevant outcomes. We identified 10 best practices: 5 EBIs and 5 EIs. None focused on re-engagement. Providers and prevention planners can use the review findings to identify best practices suitable for their clinics, agencies, or communities to increase engagement in care for PLWH, ultimately leading to viral suppression.

Pattern of linkage and retention in HIV care continuum among patients attending referral HIV care clinic in private sector in India.

Continued engagement throughout the HIV care continuum, from HIV diagnosis through retention on antiretroviral therapy (ART), is crucial for enhancing impact of HIV care programs. We assessed linkage and retention in HIV care among people living with HIV (PLHIV) enrolled at a private HIV care clinic in Pune, India. Of 1220 patients, 28% delayed linkage after HIV diagnosis with a median delay of 24 months (IQR = 8-43). Younger people, women, low socioeconomic status, and those diagnosed at facilities other than the study clinic were more likely to delay linkage. Those with advanced HIV disease at diagnosis and testing for HIV due to HIV-related illness were linked to care immediately. Of a total of 629 patients eligible for ART at first CD4 count, 68% initiated ART within 3 months. Among those not eligible for ART, only 46% of patients sought subsequent CD4 count in time. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with initial CD4 count of 350-500 cells/cu mm (OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.1-3.5) and >500 cells/cu mm (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.7) were less likely to do subsequent CD4 test on time as compared to those with CD4 < 50 cells/cu mm. Among patients not eligible for ART, those having >12 years of education (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9) were more likely to have timely uptake of subsequent CD4 count. Among ART eligible patients, being an unskilled laborer (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.2) predicted lower uptake. The study highlights a long delay from HIV diagnosis to linkage and further attrition during pre-ART and ART phases. It identifies need for newer approaches aimed at timely linkage and continued retention for patients with low education, unskilled laborers, and importantly, asymptomatic patients.