Abstract Introduction: Older adolescents aged 15–19 years continue to have high rates of loss to follow up (LTFU), and high rates of virologic non-suppression (VNS) compared to younger adolescents and adults. Adolescent females are at risk of pregnancy, which puts those living with HIV at a dual vulnerability. Our study assessed the factors associated with VNS and LTFU in older adolescents (including pregnant females) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa. Methods:
Background: Attrition threatens the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this cohort study, we examined outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) who were lost to follow-up (LTFU) during 2014–2017 at ART programs in Southern Africa. Methods: We confirmed LTFU (missed appointment for ≥60 or ≥90 days, according to local guidelines) by checking medical records and used a standardized protocol to trace a weighted random sample of PLHIV who were LTFU
Abstract Simplified drug regimens may improve retention in care for chronic diseases. In April 2013, South Africa adopted a once-daily single-pill HIV treatment regimen as standard-of-care, replacing a multiple-pill regimen. Because the regimens had similar biological efficacy, the shift to single-pill therapy offers a real-world test of the impact of simplified drug delivery mechanisms on patient behavior. Using a quasi-experimental regression discontinuity design, we assessed retention
Abstract In response to the global pandemic of COVID-19, countries around the world began imposing stay-at-home orders, restrictions on transport, and closures of businesses in early 2020. South Africa implemented a strict lockdown in March 2020 before its first COVID-19 wave started, gradually lifted restrictions between May and September 2020, and then re-imposed restrictions in December 2020 in response to its second wave. There is concern that COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality, fear
ABSTRACT Background: The concept of multi-morbidity is typically defined as the concurrent existence of more than one infectious and/ or chronic condition in one person. We conducted a systematic review to quantify and describe the extent of multi-morbidities associated with tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA). Searches were
Abstract Introduction: Men are missing along the HIV care continuum. However, the estimated proportions of men in sub-Saharan Africa meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals vary substantially between studies. We sought to estimate proportions of men meeting each of the 95-95-95 goals across studies in sub-Saharan Africa, describe heterogeneity, and summarize qualitative evidence on factors influencing care engagement. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for peer-reviewed
Abstract To explore associations between self-reported ill-health as a primary motivator for HIV-testing and socio demographic factors. Four local primary healthcare clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. A total of 529 newly HIV diagnosed adults (≥18 years) enrolled from October 2017 to August 2018, participated in the survey on the same day of diagnosis. Testing out of own initiative or perceived HIV exposure was categorized as asymptomatic. Reporting ill-health as the main reason for
Abstract Background: Attrition threatens the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this cohort study, we examined outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) who were lost to follow-up (LTFU) during 2014-2017 at ART programs in Southern Africa. Methods: We confirmed LTFU (missed appointment for ≥60 or ≥90 days, according to local guidelines) by checking medical records and used a standardized protocol to trace a weighted random sample of PLHIV who were
Background: South Africa (SA) has among the highest rates of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in the world. Antituberculosis and antiretroviral treatment (ART) can cause drug-induced liver injury (DILI), consequences of which are disease relapse, treatment failure and drug resistance. Objectives: To: (i) determine the demographics of patients with DILI and the proportion of patients on antituberculosis drugs v. antiretroviral therapy or both; (ii) determine the median time to DILI after
Abstract Introduction: Same-day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV consistently increases ART uptake, but concerns remain about higher attrition from care after initiation. We analysed 12-month retention in the SLATE SDI trials. Methods: SLATE I (Simplified Algorithms for Treatment Eligibility I, enrolment 06 March–28 July 2017) and SLATE II (enrolment 14 March–18 September 2018) were individually randomized trials at public outpatient clinics in
Abstract Background Despite widespread availability of HIV treatment, patient outcomes differ across facilities. We propose and evaluate an approach to measure quality of HIV care at health facilities in South Africa’s national HIV program using routine laboratory data. Methods and findings Data were extracted from South Africa’s National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Corporate Data Warehouse. All CD4 counts, viral loads (VLs), and other laboratory tests used in HIV
Abstract Background To reach WHO End tuberculosis (TB) targets, countries need a quality-assured laboratory network equipped with rapid diagnostics for tuberculosis diagnosis and drug susceptibility testing. Diagnostic network analysis aims to inform instrument placement, sample referral, staffing, geographical prioritization, integration of testing enabling targeted investments and programming to meet priority needs. Methods Supply chain modelling and optimization software was
