Differentiated care preferences of stable patients on ART in Zambia: a discrete choice experiment

Background: Although differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for stable patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) offer a range of health systems innovations, their comparative desirability to patients remains unknown. We conducted a discrete choice experiment to quantify service attributes most desired by patients to inform model prioritization Methods: Between July and December 2016 a sample of HIV-positive adults on ART at 12 clinics in Zambia were asked to choose between two hypothetical facilities which differed across six DSD attributes. We used mixed logit models to explore preferences, heterogeneity and trade-offs Results: Of 486 respondents, 59% were female and 85% resided in urban locations. Patients strongly preferred infrequent clinic visits (3 vs. 1-month visits: β (i.e. relative utility) =2.84; p <0.001). Milder preferences were observed for: waiting time for ART pick-up (1 vs. 6 hrs.; β=-0.67; p<0.001) or provider (1 vs. 3 hrs.; β=-0.41; p=0.002); ‘buddy’ ART collection (β=0.84; p <0.001); and ART pick-up location (clinic vs. community: β=0.35; p=0.028). Urban patients demonstrated a preference for collecting ART at a clinic (β=1.32, p<0.001), and although the majority of rural patients preferred community ART pick-up (β=-0.74, p=0.049), 40% of rural patients still preferred facility ART collection. Conclusions: Stable patients on ART primarily want to attend clinic infrequently, supporting a focus in Zambia on optimizing multi-month prescribing over other DSD features - particularly in urban areas. Substantial preference heterogeneity highlights the need for DSD models to be flexible, and accommodate both setting features and patient choice in their design

A systematic review and network meta-analyses to assess the effectiveness of HIV self-testing distribution strategies.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to identify which HIV self-testing (HIVST) distribution strategies are most effective. METHODS: We abstracted data from randomized controlled trials and observational studies published between June 4, 2006 and June 4, 2019. RESULTS: We included 33 studies, yielding six HIVST distribution strategies. All distribution strategies increased testing uptake compared to standard testing: in sub-Saharan Africa, partner HIVST distribution ranked highest (78% probability); in North America, Asia and the Pacific regions, web-based distribution ranked highest (93% probability), and facility based distribution ranked second in all settings. Across HIVST distribution strategies HIV positivity and linkage was similar to standard testing. CONCLUSION: A range of HIVST distribution strategies are effective in increasing HIV testing. HIVST distribution by sexual partners, web-based distribution, as well as health facility distribution strategies should be considered for implementation to expand the reach of HIV testing services

PROmotion of COvid-19 VA(X)ccination in the Emergency Department-PROCOVAXED: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: We conducted in-depth interviews to characterize reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in emergency department (ED) patients and developed messaging platforms that may address their concerns. In this trial, we seek to determine whether provision of these COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms in EDs will be associated with greater COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in unvaccinated ED patients. Methods: This is a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating our COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms in seven hospital EDs (mix of academic, community, and safety-net EDs) in four US cities. Within each study site, we randomized 30 1-week periods to the intervention and 30 1-week periods to the control. Adult patients who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible with these exclusions: (1) major trauma, intoxication, altered mental status, or critical illness; (2) incarceration; (3) psychiatric chief complaint; and (4) suspicion of acute COVID-19 illness. Participants receive an orally administered Intake survey. During intervention weeks, participants then receive three COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms (4-min video, one-page informational flyer and a brief, scripted face-to-face message delivered by an ED physician or nurse); patients enrolled during non-intervention weeks do not receive these platforms. Approximately, an hour after intake surveys, participants receive a Vaccine Acceptance survey during which the primary outcome of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the ED is ascertained. The other primary outcome of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine within 32 days is ascertained by electronic health record review and phone follow-up. To determine whether provision of vaccine messaging platforms is associated with a 7% increase in vaccine acceptance and uptake, we will need to enroll 1290 patients. Discussion: Highlighting the difficulties of trial implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care settings, our novel trial will lay the groundwork for delivery of public health interventions to vulnerable populations whose only health care access occurs in EDs. Conclusions: Toward addressing vaccine hesitancy in vulnerable populations who seek care in EDs, our cluster-RCT will determine whether implementation of vaccine messaging platforms is associated with greater COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in unvaccinated ED patients. Trial status: We began enrollment in December 2021 and expect to continue through 2022. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05142332 . Registered 02 December 2021

Impact of the donor body mass index on the survival of pediatric liver transplant recipients and post-transplant obesity.

In adult liver transplant recipients, the donor body mass index (dBMI) is associated with posttransplant obesity but not with graft or patient survival. Because of the obesity epidemic in the United States and the already limited supply of liver donors, clarifying whether the dBMI affects pediatric outcomes is important. United Network for Organ Sharing data for pediatric liver transplants in the United States (1990-2010) were evaluated. Data on transplants performed between 2004 and 2010 (n = 3788) were used for survival analyses with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models and for posttransplant obesity analyses with generalized estimating equations. For children receiving adult donor livers, a dBMI of 25 to &lt;35 kg/m(2) was not associated with graft or patient survival in univariate or multivariate analyses. A dBMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) increased the risk of graft loss [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29-5.01, P = 0.007] and death (HR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.64-7.72, P = 0.001). For pediatric donors, the dBMI was not associated with graft loss or mortality in a univariate or multivariate analysis. An overweight or obese donor was not a risk factor for posttransplant obesity. Overweight and obesity are common among liver transplant donors. This analysis suggests that for adult donors, a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to &lt;35 kg/m(2) should not by itself be a contraindication to liver donation. Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2)) in adult donors increased the risk of graft loss and mortality, even after adjustments for recipient, donor, and transplant risk factors. Posttransplant obesity was not associated with the dBMI in this analysis. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of donor obesity on pediatric liver transplant recipients

PROmotion of COvid-19 VA(X)ccination in the Emergency Department-PROCOVAXED: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundWe conducted in-depth interviews to characterize reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in emergency department (ED) patients and developed messaging platforms that may address their concerns. In this trial, we seek to determine whether provision of these COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms in EDs will be associated with greater COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in unvaccinated ED patients.MethodsThis is a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating our COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms in seven hospital EDs (mix of academic, community, and safety-net EDs) in four US cities. Within each study site, we randomized 30 1-week periods to the intervention and 30 1-week periods to the control. Adult patients who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible with these exclusions: (1) major trauma, intoxication, altered mental status, or critical illness; (2) incarceration; (3) psychiatric chief complaint; and (4) suspicion of acute COVID-19 illness. Participants receive an orally administered Intake survey. During intervention weeks, participants then receive three COVID-19 vaccine messaging platforms (4-min video, one-page informational flyer and a brief, scripted face-to-face message delivered by an&nbsp;ED physician or nurse); patients enrolled during non-intervention weeks do not receive these platforms. Approximately, an hour after intake surveys, participants receive a Vaccine Acceptance survey during which the primary outcome of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the ED is ascertained. The other primary outcome of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine within 32 days is ascertained by electronic health record review and phone follow-up. To determine whether provision of vaccine messaging platforms is associated with a 7% increase in vaccine acceptance and uptake, we will need to enroll 1290 patients.DiscussionHighlighting the difficulties of trial implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care settings, our novel trial will lay the groundwork for delivery of public health interventions to vulnerable populations whose only health care access occurs in EDs.ConclusionsToward addressing vaccine hesitancy in vulnerable populations who seek care in EDs, our cluster-RCT will determine whether implementation of vaccine messaging platforms is associated with greater COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in unvaccinated ED patients.Trial statusWe began enrollment in December 2021 and expect to continue through 2022.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05142332 . Registered 02 December 2021

Predictors and short-term outcomes of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis, Uganda: a cohort study.

IntroductionRecurrent tuberculosis (TB) occurring &gt;2 years after completing treatment for a prior TB episode is most often due to reinfection with a new strain of M. tuberculosis.ObjectivesWe determined the prevalence and outcome of late recurrent TB among hospitalized patients in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to Mulago Hospital who had cough of &gt;2 weeks' duration and completed TB treatment &gt;2 years prior to admission. All patients had mycobacterial culture performed on two sputum specimens and vital status ascertained 2-months post-enrollment. We performed modeling to identify predictors of recurrent TB and of survival.ResultsAmong 234 patients, 84 (36%) had recurrent TB. Independent predictors included younger age (aOR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42-0.97, p=0.04), chest pain &gt;2 weeks (aOR=3.32, 95% CI=1.38-8.02, p=0.007), severe weight loss ≥5 kilograms (aOR=4.88, 95% CI=1.66-14.29, p=0.004) and presence of ≥1 WHO danger sign of severe illness (aOR=3.55, 95% CI=1.36-9.29, p=0.01). Two-month mortality was 17.8% (95% CI=10.5-29.2%), and was higher among patients not initiated on TB treatment (aHR=16.67, 95% CI=1.18-200, p=0.04), not on ART if HIV-positive (aHR=16.99, 95% CI=1.17-246.47, p=0.04) and with a history of smoking (aHR=1.20, 95% CI=1.03-1.40, p=0.02).ConclusionThe high prevalence of late recurrent TB likely reflects high levels of TB transmission in Kampala. Increased use of empiric TB treatment and early ART treatment initiation if HIV-positive should be considered in patients with a prior history of TB, particularly if young, with weight loss ≥5kgs, chest pain &gt;2 weeks or ≥1 WHO danger sign of severe illness

Differentiated Care Preferences of Stable Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Zambia: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

BackgroundAlthough differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for stable patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) offer a range of health systems innovations, their comparative desirability to patients remains unknown. We conducted a discrete choice experiment to quantify service attributes most desired by patients to inform model prioritization.MethodsBetween July and December 2016, a sample of HIV-positive adults on ART at 12 clinics in Zambia were asked to choose between 2 hypothetical facilities that differed across 6 DSD attributes. We used mixed logit models to explore preferences, heterogeneity, and trade-offs.ResultsOf 486 respondents, 59% were female and 85% resided in urban locations. Patients strongly preferred infrequent clinic visits [3- vs. 1-month visits: β (ie, relative utility) = 2.84; P &lt; 0.001]. Milder preferences were observed for waiting time for ART pick-up (1 vs. 6 hours.; β = -0.67; P &lt; 0.001) or provider (1 vs. 3 hours.; β = -0.41; P = 0.002); "buddy" ART collection (β = 0.84; P &lt; 0.001); and ART pick-up location (clinic vs. community: β = 0.35; P = 0.028). Urban patients demonstrated a preference for collecting ART at a clinic (β = 1.32, P &lt; 0.001), and although most rural patients preferred community ART pick-up (β = -0.74, P = 0.049), 40% of rural patients still preferred facility ART collection.ConclusionsStable patients on ART primarily want to attend clinic infrequently, supporting a focus in Zambia on optimizing multimonth prescribing over other DSD features-particularly in urban areas. Substantial preference heterogeneity highlights the need for DSD models to be flexible, and accommodate both setting features and patient choice in their design