Factors Associated with Retention in HIV Prevention and Treatment Clinical Services Among Female Sex Workers Enrolled in a Sex Workers' Outreach Program (SWOP) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Female sex workers (FSWs) are among the key populations (KP) prioritized for comprehensive HIV programming in Kenya. Retention in the program is critical for prevention of HIV acquisition and transmission among FSWs and their sexual partners. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of data collected from FSWs enrolled between October 2016 and September 2017 at seven drop-in centers (DICs) in Nairobi, Kenya, to assess factors associated with retention in HIV prevention and treatment services. We found a 3- and 12- month retention of 24% and 17%, respectively. FSWs aged 20-34 years old were less likely to be retained compared to those 50 years or older. FSWs enrolled in a DIC located in their sub-county of residence or reporting ever using HIV pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis were more likely to be retained. Engaging young FSWs to identify strategies to enhance retention should be prioritized. Strengthening the referral system across DICs may provide opportunities to enhance retention in facilities closer to their residence. Implementation research is needed to gain an additional understanding of the health services needs and preferences among FSWs to optimize retention for this population.

Impact of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HIV/AIDS Programming in Kenya: Evidence from Kibera Informal Settlement and COVID-19 Hotspot Counties.

The study sought to determine the impact of COVID-19 on HIV/AIDS programming in the Kibera informal settlement and COVID-19 hotspot counties during the first wave of the pandemic. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase entailed the analysis of HIV care and treatment secondary data (2018-2020) from the Kenya Health Information System. In the second phase, a prospective cohort study was conducted among people living with HIV in the Kibera informal settlement. A total of 176 participants aged 18 years and above accessing HIV services at selected healthcare facilities in Kibera were randomly sampled from facility electronic medical records and followed up for three months. Socio-demographics and contact details were abstracted from the records and telephone interviews were conducted with consenting participants. Results from the retrospective review of HIV program data indicated a 56% (p < 0.000, 95% CI: 31.3%-62.8%) reduction in uptake of HIV services. Clients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduced significantly by 48% (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 35.4%-77%) in hotspot counties. However, pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake increased significantly by 24% (p < 0.019, 95% CI: 4%-49%). In Kibera, 14% reported missing medications at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic because of lack of food (38%) and government measures (11%), which affected ART access; 11% did not access health facilities due to fear of contracting COVID-19, government regulations and lack of personal protective equipment. Socioeconomic factors, food insecurity and government measures affected uptake of HIV/AIDS services; hence, the need for scaling up measures to increase access to HIV/AIDS services during the onset of pandemics.

Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-Up Among Patients Receiving HIV Treatment in Nairobi, Kenya.

We investigated factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) in 24 urban health facilities in Nairobi, Kenya. We conducted a retrospective analysis of routinely collected data to assess factors associated with LTFU in the period October 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017. LTFU was defined as no antiretroviral therapy (ART) refill for ≥90 days and no documentation of transfer, death, or treatment cessation in the patient chart, and if no lapse of ≥90 days between ART refills, patients were considered retained in care. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) for LTFU. Our analysis included 633 individuals who were LTFU and 13,098 individuals retained in care. Most participants (69.6%) were women, and median age was 33.0 years (interquartile range, 27.2-38.3 years). Median ART duration was shorter among those LTFU (0.4 years) than retained patients (2.5 years, p < .0001). Being male [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.30; 95% CI: 1.04-1.63, p = .02], transferring into facilities while already receiving ART (aOR 11.58; 95% CI: 8.23-16.29, p < .0001), and having a shorter ART duration (<6 months) were associated with increased odds of LTFU. Patients who transferred into a facility while already receiving ART had the highest adjusted odds of being LTFU compared with those retained in care. In this urban and highly mobile population, transferring into facilities while already receiving ART was strongly associated with LTFU. Focusing programming efforts on patients transferring between urban clinics to identify reasons for transfer and potential barriers to treatment adherence could help improve patient outcomes. Supplementary case management and support may be needed to promote a seamless transition and ensure uninterrupted engagement in HIV care and treatment.