RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: HPTN 083 demonstrated the superiority of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men (MSM/TGW). HPTN 083 provided the first opportunity to understand experiences with injectable PrEP in a clinical trial. METHODS: Participants from two US sites (Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA) and one international site (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were purposively sampled for individual qualitative interviews (N = 40), between November 2019 and March 2020, to explore trial experiences, barriers to adherence and other factors that may have impacted study implementation or outcomes. The blinded phase ended early due to efficacy; this analysis includes interviews conducted prior to unblinding with three groups defined by adherence (i.e. injection visit attendance): adherent (n = 27), non-adherent (n = 12) and early discontinuers (n = 1). Data were organized using NVivo software and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Participants (mean age: 27) were primarily cisgender MSM (90%) and Black/African American (60%). Reasons for trial enrolment and PrEP use included a preference for using HIV prevention medication versus treatment in the event of HIV acquisition; the ability to enhance health via study-related education and services; access to a novel, convenient HIV prevention product at no cost; and contributing to MSM/TGW communities through research. Participants contrasted positive experiences with study staff with their routine clinical care, and emphasized increased scheduling flexibility, thorough communication, non-judgemental counselling and open, affirming environments (e.g. compassion, less stigma) as adherence facilitators. Injection experiences were positive overall; some described early injection-related anxiety, which abated with time and when given some measure of control (e.g. pre-injection countdown), and minimal injection site discomfort. Some concerns and misperceptions about injectable PrEP were reported. Barriers to adherence, across all adherence categories, included structural factors (e.g. financial constraints, travel) and competing demands (e.g. work schedules). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents viewed injectable PrEP trial participation as a positive experience and a means of enhancing wellbeing. Study site flexibility and affirming clinic environments, inclusive of non-judgemental counselling, were key facilitators of adherence. To support injection persistence, interventions that address structural barriers and promote flexible means of injection delivery may be most effective.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV , Infecções por HIV , Adesão à Medicação , Profilaxia Pré-Exposição , Humanos , Masculino , Profilaxia Pré-Exposição/métodos , Adesão à Medicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Feminino , Fármacos Anti-HIV/administração & dosagem , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Adulto , Pessoas Transgênero/psicologia , Homossexualidade Masculina , Adulto Jovem , Piridonas/administração & dosagem , Piridonas/uso terapêutico , Brasil , Injeções , Piridinas/administração & dosagem , Piridinas/uso terapêutico , Entrevistas como Assunto , Tenofovir/administração & dosagem , Tenofovir/uso terapêutico , Combinação Emtricitabina e Fumarato de Tenofovir Desoproxila/administração & dosagem , Combinação Emtricitabina e Fumarato de Tenofovir Desoproxila/uso terapêutico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , DicetopiperazinasRESUMO
Objectives. To examine the effects of within-neighborhood and neighboring characteristics on discrimination, stigma, mental health, and HIV outcomes among Black women living with HIV (BWLWH). Methods. A total of 151 BWLWH in a southeastern US city provided baseline data (October 2019âJanuary 2020) on experienced microaggressions and discrimination (race-, gender-, sexual orientation-, or HIV-related), mental health (e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress disorder), and HIV outcomes (e.g., viral load, antiretroviral therapy adherence). Neighborhood characteristics by census tract were gathered from the American Community Survey and the National Center for Charitable Statistics. Spatial econometrics guided the identification strategy, and we used the maximum likelihood technique to estimate relationships between a number of predictors and outcomes. Results. Within-neighborhood and neighboring characteristics (employment, education, crime, income, number of religious organizations, and low-income housing) were significantly related to intersectional stigma, discrimination, mental health, HIV viral load, and medication adherence. Conclusions. Policy, research, and interventions for BWLWH need to address the role of neighborhood characteristics to improve quality of life and HIV outcomes. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S4):S433-S443. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306675).
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Infecções por HIV , Saúde Mental , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Humanos , Masculino , Características da Vizinhança , Qualidade de Vida , Sudeste dos Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Background: Ending HIV/AIDS in the United States requires tailored interventions. This study is part of a larger investigation to design mCARES, a mobile technology-based, adherence intervention for ethnic minority women with HIV (MWH). Objective: To understand barriers and facilitators of care adherence (treatment and appointment) for ethnic MWH; examine the relationship between these factors across three ethnic groups; and, explore the role of mobile technologies in care adherence. Methods: Cross-sectional, mixed-methods data were collected from a cohort of African-American, Hispanic-American and Haitian-American participants. Qualitative data were collected through a focus group (n = 8) to assess barriers and facilitators to care adherence. Quantitative data (n = 48) surveyed women on depressive symptomology (PHQ-9), HIV-related stigma (HSS) and resiliency (CD-RISC25). We examined the relationships between these factors and adherence to treatment and care and across groups. Findings: Qualitative analyses revealed that barriers to treatment and appointment adherence were caregiver-related stressors (25%) and structural issues (25%); routinization (30%) and religion/spirituality (30%) promoted adherence to treatment and care. Caregiver role was both a hindrance (25%) and promoter (20%) of adherence to treatment and appointments. Quantitatively, HIV-related stigma differed by ethnic group; Haitian-Americans endorsed the highest levels while African-Americans endorsed the lowest. Depression correlated to stigma (R = 0.534; p < 0.001) and resiliency (R = -0.486; p < 0.001). Across ethnic groups, higher depressive symptomology and stigma were related to viral non-suppression (p < 0.05)-a treatment adherence marker; higher resiliency was related to viral suppression. Among Hispanic-Americans, viral non-suppression was related to depression (p < 0.05), and among African-Americans, viral suppression was related to increased resiliency (p < 0.04). Conclusion: Multiple interrelated barriers to adherence were identified. These findings on ethnic group-specific differences underscore the importance of implementing culturally-competent interventions. While privacy and confidentiality were of concern, participants suggested additional intervention features and endorsed the use of mCARES as a strategy to improve adherence to treatment and appointments.
Assuntos
Etnicidade , Infecções por HIV , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Haiti , Humanos , Adesão à Medicação , Grupos Minoritários , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is efficacious in reducing HIV acquisition. For some gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), daily ongoing PrEP may be unsuitable for use as a long-term prevention strategy because of episodic risk, cost issues, or concerns about the biological consequences of medication. SETTING: This study evaluated the feasibility of short-term, fixed-interval episodic PrEP (Epi-PrEP) for use among vacationing MSM. We describe the feasibility of implementing a clinic-based Epi-PrEP pilot program for 48 MSM who reported occasional condomless sex and anticipated a defined high-risk time. METHODS: This was a nonrandomized naturalistic study of an observational clinical intervention. The primary outcome assessed was adherence, as measured by self-report and plasma tenofovir levels. RESULTS: Of 54 MSM who enrolled in the study, 48 completed the 3-month visit. The majority (93.7%) had tenofovir concentrations consistent with daily use on returning from vacation. Almost 3/4 reported condomless sex during vacation, and about 1/3 reported recreational drug use. During the 3-month follow-up, 1 participant had become HIV-infected because of a lapse in continued access to the PrEP after study. Although adverse events were common, none were serious. More than 70% of participants indicated an interest in daily ongoing PrEP use. CONCLUSIONS: Epi-PrEP was well tolerated by at risk MSM in this study, with high levels of medication adherence. Many participants felt the experience of initiating PrEP while on vacation could be a means for transition to long-term PrEP use.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , HIV-1 , Homossexualidade Masculina , Profilaxia Pré-Exposição , Adulto , Fármacos Anti-HIV/administração & dosagem , Esquema de Medicação , Estudos de Viabilidade , Humanos , Masculino , Adesão à Medicação , Fatores de Risco , Sexo Seguro , Comportamento SexualRESUMO
One in five transgender women (TW) are living with HIV, yet little has been published about their health outcomes. We analyzed data from TW (n = 37), cisgender women (CW, n = 165), and cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM, n = 151) in Thailand and Brazil. We hypothesized: (1) TW will have higher odds of depressive symptoms, lower odds of condom use and greater odds of a detectable viral load compared to MSM and CW; and (2) TW will have lower odds of condom use and higher odds of detectable viral load. We found that TW had higher odds of depression (OR 2.2, 95%CI: 1.0, 4.8, p = 0.04) and were less likely than MSM (22% v. 42%, p = 0.01) to use condoms with partners of unknown serostatus. In multivariable models, TW had lower odds than MSM of using condoms with partners with unknown serostatus (OR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.90) and CW had lower odds than MSM of using condoms with HIV-negative partners (0.60 [0.38, 0.95], p = 0.029). We found no significant differences in detectable viral load. Disaggregating data by gender is important to understand factors that contribute to viral suppression and HIV transmission risk among people living with HIV.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Depressão/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Homossexualidade Masculina/psicologia , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Pessoas Transgênero/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiologia , Preservativos , Depressão/etnologia , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/etnologia , Infecções por HIV/virologia , Homossexualidade Masculina/etnologia , Humanos , Masculino , Comportamento Sexual/etnologia , Parceiros Sexuais , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Tailândia/epidemiologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Carga Viral , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The effect of non-injection substance use on HIV viral load (VL) is understudied in international settings. Data are from HPTN063, a longitudinal observational study of HIV-infected individuals in Brazil, Thailand, and Zambia, with focus on men with VL data (Brazil = 146; Thailand = 159). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) assessed whether non-injection substance use (stimulants, cannabis, alcohol, polysubstance) was associated with VL undetectability. ART adherence and depressive symptoms were examined as mediators of the association. In Thailand, substance use was not significantly associated with VL undetectability or ART adherence, but alcohol misuse among MSM was associated with increased odds of depression (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.20, 6.32, p = 0.02). In Brazil, alcohol misuse by MSM was associated with decreased odds of undetectable VL (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.13, 0.92, p = 0.03). Polysubstance use by heterosexual men in Brazil was associated with decreased odds of ART adherence (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.08, 0.78, p = 0.02). VL suppression appears attainable among non-injection substance users. Substance use interventions among HIV-positive men should address depression, adherence, and VL undetectability.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Depressão/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , HIV-1/efeitos dos fármacos , Heterossexualidade/psicologia , Homossexualidade Masculina/psicologia , Adesão à Medicação/psicologia , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/psicologia , Carga Viral , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiologia , Usuários de Drogas , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/virologia , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Adesão à Medicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/complicações , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , Tailândia/epidemiologia , Adulto Jovem , Zâmbia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: There have been significant biomedical improvements in the treatment and prevention of HIV over the past few decades. However, new transmissions continue to occur. Alcohol use is a known barrier to medication adherence and consistent condom use and therefore may affect treatment as prevention (TasP) efforts. The purpose of this study was to further explore how alcohol is associated with condom use and sexual transmission behavior in three international cities. METHOD: HIV Prevention Trials Network 063 was an observational mixed-methods study of HIV-infected patients currently in care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Lusaka, Zambia. Across these three global cities, 80 qualitative interviews were conducted from 2010 to 2012. From these interviews, quotes related to substance use, almost all of which were alcohol, were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify how the use was related to sexual transmission behaviors. RESULTS: Overall, the theme that alcohol impairs cognitive abilities emerged from the data and included the following subthemes: expectancies, impaired decision-making, loss of control, and less concern for others. Themes specific to international settings and risk subgroups were also identified. CONCLUSION: Our analysis identified how alcohol influences sexual transmission behavior in HIV patients in three international settings. These findings may provide direction for content development for future secondary prevention interventions to effectively implement TasP internationally.
Assuntos
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Comportamento Sexual/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Brasil , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Adesão à Medicação , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , Tailândia , ZâmbiaRESUMO
Early and sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence can suppress the HIV virus in individuals and reduce onward transmission of HIV in the population. Religiosity has been associated with better HIV clinical outcomes. Data are from a longitudinal, observational study of 749 HIV-infected individuals from Brazil, Zambia, and Thailand (HPTN 063). Ordered logistic regression assessed whether religious service attendance was associated with ART adherence (self-reported and plasma HIV-RNA) and moderated the association between alcohol problems and ART adherence. In each country, > 80% of participants reported high self-reported ART adherence (good/very good/excellent). Religious service attendance exceeded 85% but was statistically unrelated to adherence. In combined-country models, (p = 0.03) as alcohol problems increased, the probability of high self-reported ART adherence, as well as viral-load, became weaker at higher compared to low service attendance frequency. Future studies should evaluate spirituality variables and replicate the moderation analyses between religious attendance and alcohol problems.
Assuntos
Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool/epidemiologia , Antirretrovirais/uso terapêutico , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Adesão à Medicação , Religião , Apoio Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiologia , Estudos de Coortes , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/sangue , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , RNA Viral/sangue , Autorrelato , Tailândia/epidemiologia , Carga Viral , Adulto Jovem , Zâmbia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Latino immigrants in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV. Barriers to consistent attendance (retention) in HIV primary care constrain opportunities for HIV treatment success, but have not been specifically assessed in this population. We conducted semistructured interviews with 37 HIV-infected Latinos (aged ≥18 years and born in Puerto Rico or a Latin American Spanish-speaking country) and 14 HIV providers in metropolitan Boston (total n = 51). The Andersen Model of Healthcare Utilization informed a semistructured interview guide, which bilingual research staff used to explore barriers to HIV care. We used thematic analysis to explore the processes of retention in care. Six ubiquitous themes were perceived to influence HIV clinic attendance: (1) stigma as a barrier to HIV serostatus disclosure; (2) social support as a safety net during negative life circumstances; (3) unaddressed trauma and substance use leading to interruption in care; (4) a trusting relationship between patient and provider motivating HIV clinic attendance; (5) basic unmet needs competing with the perceived value of HIV care; and (6) religion providing a source of hope and optimism. Cultural subthemes were the centrality of family (familismo), masculinity (machismo), and trusting relationships (confianza). The timing of barriers was acute (e.g., eviction) and chronic (e.g., family conflict). These co-occurring and dynamic constellation of factors affected HIV primary care attendance over time. HIV-infected Latino immigrants and migrants experienced significant challenges that led to interruptions in HIV care. Anticipatory guidance to prepare for these setbacks may improve retention in HIV care in this population.
Assuntos
Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Hispânico ou Latino/psicologia , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/etnologia , Pacientes Desistentes do Tratamento/etnologia , Estigma Social , Migrantes/psicologia , Aculturação , Adulto , Barreiras de Comunicação , Aconselhamento , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/psicologia , Pacientes Desistentes do Tratamento/psicologia , Relações Médico-Paciente , Porto Rico , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Apoio Social , Migrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Estados Unidos/etnologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Serostatus disclosure may facilitate decreased HIV transmission between serodiscordant partners by raising risk awareness and heightening the need for prevention. For women living with HIV (WLWH), the decision to disclose may be influenced by culturally determined, community-level stigma and norms. Understanding the impact of community HIV stigma and gender norms on disclosure among WLWH in different countries may inform intervention development. METHODS: HPTN063 was a longitudinal, observational study of sexually active HIV-infected individuals, including heterosexual women, in care in Zambia, Thailand and Brazil. At baseline, a questionnaire measuring community HIV stigma and gender norms, anticipated stigma, demographic, partner/relationship characteristics, and intimate partner violence was administered. Longitudinal HIV disclosure to sexual partners was determined via audio-computer assisted self-interview (ACASI) at the baseline and quarterly during the one year following up. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the predictors of disclosure. RESULTS: Almost half (45%) of women living with HIV acknowledged perceived community HIV stigma (the belief that in their community HIV infection among women is associated with sex work and multiple sexual partners). Many women (42.9%) also acknowledged perceived community gender norms (the belief that traditional gender norms such as submissiveness to husbands/male sexual partners is necessary and that social status is lost if one does not procreate). HIV disclosure to current sex partners was reported by 67% of women. In multivariate analysis, among all women, those who were older [OR 0.16, 95%CI(0.06,0.48)], reported symptoms of severe depression [OR 0.53, 95%CI(0.31, 0.90)], endorsed anticipated stigma [OR 0.30, 95%CI(0.18, 0.50)], and were unmarried [OR 0.43, 95%CI(0.26,0.71)] were less likely to disclose to current partners. In an analysis stratified by marital status and cohabitation, unmarried [OR 0.41, 95%CI(0.20,0.82)] and non-cohabiting women [OR 0.31, 95%CI(0.13,0.73)] who perceived community HIV stigma were less likely to disclose to their sex partners. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived community level HIV stigma, along with individual level factors such as anticipated stigma, depressive symptoms, and older age, predict non-disclosure of HIV status to sexual partners among WLWH in diverse geographic settings. Interventions to promote disclosure among women in serodiscordant relationships should incorporate community-level interventions to reduce stigma and promote gender equality.
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Infecções por HIV , Parceiros Sexuais , Estereotipagem , Revelação da Verdade , Brasil , Feminino , Humanos , Tailândia , ZâmbiaRESUMO
Successful biomedical prevention/treatment-as-prevention (TasP) requires identifying individuals at greatest risk for transmitting HIV, including those with antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence and/or 'amplified HIV transmission risk,' defined as condomless sex with HIV-uninfected/unknown-status partners when infectious (i.e., with detectable viremia or STI diagnosis according to Swiss criteria for infectiousness). This study recruited sexually-active, HIV-infected patients in Brazil, Thailand, and Zambia to examine correlates of ART nonadherence and 'amplified HIV transmission risk'. Lower alcohol use (OR = .71, p < .01) and higher health-related quality of life (OR = 1.10, p < .01) were associated with greater odds of ART adherence over and above region. Of those with viral load data available (in Brazil and Thailand only), 40 % met Swiss criteria for infectiousness, and 29 % had 'amplified HIV transmission risk.' MSM had almost three-fold (OR = 2.89, p < .001) increased odds of 'amplified HIV transmission risk' (vs. heterosexual men) over and above region. TasP efforts should consider psychosocial and contextual needs, particularly among MSM with detectable viremia.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Infecções por HIV/prevenção & controle , Adesão à Medicação/psicologia , Qualidade de Vida , Comportamento Sexual , Adulto , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Brasil , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Heterossexualidade , Homossexualidade Masculina , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Adesão à Medicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Risco , Fatores de Risco , Parceiros Sexuais , Tailândia , Carga Viral , Adulto Jovem , ZâmbiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Adherence is key to the success of antiretroviral therapy. Enhanced partner support might benefit patients with previous treatment failure. We aimed to assess whether an enhanced partner-based support intervention with modified directly observed therapy would improve outcomes with second-line therapy in HIV-infected patients for whom first-line therapy had failed. METHODS: We did a multicentre, international, randomised clinical trial at nine sites in Botswana, Brazil, Haiti, Peru, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Participants aged 18 years or older for whom first-line therapy had failed, with HIV RNA concentrations greater than 1000 copies per mL and with a willing partner, were randomly assigned (1:1), via computer-generated randomisation, to receive partner-based modified directly observed therapy or standard of care. Randomisation was stratified by screening HIV RNA concentration (≤10â000 copies per mL vs >10â000 copies per mL). Participants and site investigators were not masked to group assignment. Primary outcome was confirmed virological failure (viral load >400 copies per mL) by week 48. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00608569. FINDINGS: Between April 23, 2009, and Sept 29, 2011, we randomly assigned 259 participants to the modified directly observed therapy group (n=129) or the standard-of-care group (n=130). 34 (26%) participants in the modified directly observed therapy group achieved the primary endpoint of virological failure by week 48 compared with 23 (18%) participants in the standard-of-care group. The Kaplan-Meier estimated cumulative probability of virological failure by week 48 was 25·1% (95% CI 17·7-32·4) in the modified directly observed therapy group and 17·3% (10·8-23·7) in the standard-of-care group, for a weighted difference in standard of care versus modified directly observed therapy of -6·6% (95% CI -16·5% to 3·2%; p=0·19). 36 (14%) participants reported at least one grade 3 or higher adverse event or laboratory abnormality (n=21 in the modified directly observed therapy group and n=15 in the standard-of-care group). INTERPRETATION: Partner-based training with modified directly observed therapy had no effect on virological suppression. The intervention does not therefore seem to be a promising strategy to increase adherence. Intensive follow-up with clinic staff might be a viable approach in this setting. FUNDING: AIDS Clinical Trials Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, US National Institutes of Health.
Assuntos
Fármacos Anti-HIV/administração & dosagem , Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Atividade , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Adesão à Medicação/psicologia , Adulto , Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Atividade/métodos , Agendamento de Consultas , Botsuana , Brasil , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/virologia , Haiti , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Peru , Pesquisadores , África do Sul , Padrão de Cuidado , Falha de Tratamento , Uganda , Estados Unidos , Carga Viral/efeitos dos fármacos , ZimbábueRESUMO
The success of global treatment as prevention (TasP) efforts for individuals living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is dependent on successful implementation, and therefore the appropriate contribution of social and behavioral science to these efforts. Understanding the psychosocial context of condomless sex among PLWHA could shed light on effective points of intervention. HPTN 063 was an observational mixed-methods study of sexually active, in-care PLWHA in Thailand, Zambia, and Brazil as a foundation for integrating secondary HIV prevention into HIV treatment. From 2010-2012, 80 qualitative interviews were conducted with PLWHA receiving HIV care and reported recent sexual risk. Thirty men who have sex with women (MSW) and 30 women who have sex with men (WSM) participated in equal numbers across the sites. Thailand and Brazil also enrolled 20 biologically-born men who have sex with men (MSM). Part of the interview focused on the impact of HIV on sexual practices and relationships. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated into English and examined using qualitative descriptive analysis. The mean age was 25 (SD = 3.2). There were numerous similarities in experiences and attitudes between MSM, MSW and WSM across the three settings. Participants had a high degree of HIV transmission risk awareness and practiced some protective sexual behaviors such as reduced sexual activity, increased use of condoms, and external ejaculation. Themes related to risk behavior can be categorized according to struggles for intimacy and fears of isolation, including: fear of infecting a sex partner, guilt about sex, sexual communication difficulty, HIV-stigma, and worry about sexual partnerships. Emphasizing sexual health, intimacy and protective practices as components of nonjudgmental sex-positive secondary HIV prevention interventions is recommended. For in-care PLWHA, this approach has the potential to support TasP. The overlap of themes across groups and countries indicates that similar intervention content may be effective for a range of settings.
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/transmissão , Comportamento Sexual , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiologia , Preservativos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Vigilância em Saúde Pública , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Fatores de Risco , Parceiros Sexuais , Inquéritos e Questionários , Tailândia/epidemiologia , Adulto Jovem , Zâmbia/epidemiologiaRESUMO
We conducted a preliminary RCT among 40 HIV-positive Latinos of Mexican descent on the U.S.-Mexico border who indicated imperfect adherence and depressive symptomatology. Participants were randomly assigned to culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy for adherence and depression with an alarmed pillbox or usual care. Outcomes were depressive symptoms (self-report and blind clinician ratings), adherence (self-report and electronic pillbox), and biological markers. The intervention, delivered in English and Spanish, proved feasible and acceptable. Generalized estimating equations in intent-to-treat analyses showed some effects of "moderate" to "large" size, with maintenance over time. For example, intervention (vs. control) participants demonstrated at post-intervention a greater drop in BDI scores (OR = -3.64, p = 0.05) and greater adherence according to the electronic pillbox (OR = 3.78, p = 0.03). Biological markers indicated some relative improvement for CD4 count but not VL. The promising results suggest a larger trial to determine efficacy is warranted.
Assuntos
Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental , Depressão/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Hispânico ou Latino , Adesão à Medicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Contagem de Linfócito CD4 , Depressão/tratamento farmacológico , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Adesão à Medicação/psicologia , México/epidemiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/psicologia , Cooperação do Paciente , Resultado do Tratamento , Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , Carga ViralRESUMO
As Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is scaled up in low- and middle-income countries, it is important to understand Quality of Life (QOL) correlates including disease severity and person characteristics and to determine the extent of between-country differences among those with HIV. QOL and medical data were collected from 1,563 of the 1,571 participants at entry into a randomized clinical trial of ART conducted in the U.S. (n = 203) and 8 resource-limited countries (n = 1,360) in the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Africa. Participants were interviewed prior to initiation of ART using a modified version of the ACTG SF-21, a health-related QOL measure including 8 subscales: general health perception, physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, cognitive functioning, pain, mental health, and energy/fatigue. Other measures included demographics, CD4+ lymphocyte count, plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load. Higher quality of life in each of the 8 QOL subscales was associated with higher CD4+ lymphocyte category. General health perception, physical functioning, role functioning, and energy/fatigue varied by plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load categories. Each QOL subscale included significant variation by country. Only the social functioning subscale varied by sex, with men having greater impairments than women, and only the physical functioning subscale varied by age category. This was the first large-scale international ART trial to conduct a standardized assessment of QOL in diverse international settings, thus demonstrating that implementation of the behavioral assessment was feasible. QOL indicators at study entry varied with disease severity, demographics, and country. The relationship of these measures to treatment outcomes can and should be examined in clinical trials of ART in resource-limited settings using similar methodologies.