Diverse elements comprising studies of peer support complicate evidence synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Innovative approaches to care, such as peer support, are needed to address the substantial and frequently unmet needs of people with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Although peer support services continue to expand in mental healthcare, findings of effectiveness from systematic reviews are mixed. However, the studies evaluated in these reviews consisted of diverse elements which the review methods neglected to consider. AIMS: This review aims to demonstrate the substantial diversity in intervention components and measured outcomes among studies of peer support and lay the groundwork for more focused reviews of individual intervention components. METHODS: As part of a realist review of the literature, here we synthesize evidence in a way that examines the substantial diversity in intervention components and measured outcomes comprising studies of peer support. RESULTS: Seven categories of outcomes were represented, including recovery, symptoms and functioning, and care utilization. Importantly, seven distinct intervention components were represented in 26 studies: "being there," assistance in self-management, linkage to clinical care and community resources, social and emotional support, ongoing support, explicit utilization of shared lived experience or peer support values, and systems advocacy. Reflecting diversity in approaches, no study reported all intervention components, and no component was found among all studies. IMPLICATIONS: Peer support services constitute a category of intervention approaches far too varied to evaluate as a single entity. Results suggest intervention components deserving more focused research, including assistance in self-management, "being there," and explicit utilization of shared lived experience or peer support values. PRISMA/PROSPERO: As this article reports results from a realist review of the literature, we did not follow the PRISMA guidance which is suitable for systematic reviews. We did follow the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards (RAMESES) guidelines.This review was not registered on PROSPERO as it is not a systematic review.

A Per-Protocol Analysis Using Inverse-Probability-of-Censoring Weights in a Randomized Trial of Initial Protease Inhibitor Versus Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Regimens in Children.

Protocol adherence may influence measured treatment effectiveness in randomized controlled trials. Using data from a multicenter trial (Europe and the Americas, 2002-2009) of children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 who had been randomized to receive initial protease inhibitor (PI) versus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) antiretroviral therapy regimens, we generated time-to-event intention-to-treat (ITT) estimates of treatment effectiveness, applied inverse-probability-of-censoring weights to generate per-protocol efficacy estimates, and compared shifts from ITT to per-protocol estimates across and within treatment arms. In ITT analyses, 263 participants experienced 4-year treatment failure probabilities of 41.3% for PIs and 39.5% for NNRTIs (risk difference = 1.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): -10.1, 13.7); hazard ratio = 1.09 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.60)). In per-protocol analyses, failure probabilities were 35.6% for PIs and 29.2% for NNRTIs (risk difference = 6.4% (95% CI: -6.7, 19.4); hazard ratio = 1.30 (95% CI: 0.80, 2.12)). Within-arm shifts in failure probabilities from ITT to per-protocol analyses were 5.7% for PIs and 10.3% for NNRTIs. Protocol nonadherence was nondifferential across arms, suggesting that possibly better NNRTI efficacy may have been masked by differences in within-arm shifts deriving from differential regimen forgiveness, residual confounding, or chance. A per-protocol approach using inverse-probability-of-censoring weights facilitated evaluation of relationships among adherence, efficacy, and forgiveness applicable to pediatric oral antiretroviral regimens.

Feasibility, Acceptability and Appropriateness of MedViewer: A Novel Hair-Based Antiretroviral Real-Time Clinical Monitoring Tool Providing Adherence Feedback to Patients and Their Providers.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is key to achieving viral load suppression and ending the HIV epidemic but monitoring and supporting adherence using current interventions is challenging. We assessed the feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness of MedViewer (MV), a novel intervention that provides real-time adherence feedback for patients and providers using infra-red matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) for mass spectrometry imaging of daily ART concentrations in patients' hair. We used mixed methods to feasibility test MV at a busy Infectious Diseases (ID) clinic, enrolling 16 providers and 36 patients. Providers underwent standardized training; patients and providers watched an 8-min informational video about MV. We collected patient and provider data at baseline and within 24 h of clinic visits and, with patients, approximately 1 month after clinic visits. MedViewer was feasible, liked by patients and providers, and perceived to help facilitate adherence conversations and motivate patients to improve adherence. Trial Registration: NCT04232540.

Institutional Reform to Promote Antiracism: A Tool for Developing an Organizational Equity Action and Accountability Plan.

Racism is a public health problem. Systems, structures, policies, and practices perpetuate a culture built on racism. Institutional reform is needed to promote antiracism. This article describes 1) a tool used to develop an equity action and accountability plan (EAAP) that promotes antiracism in the Department of Health Behavior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health, 2) strategies that were developed, and 3) short-term outcomes and lessons learned. A study coordinator, not affiliated with the Department of Health Behavior, was hired to collect qualitative data that documented the lived experiences of students and alumni of color (ie, racial and ethnic minority students) over time in the department. Seeking action from faculty and departmental leadership, students engaged in collective organizing covered the department chair's office door with notes describing microaggressions, and visited faculty one-on-one to demand action. In response, 6 faculty members volunteered to form the Equity Task Force (ETF) to explicitly address students' concerns. The ETF identified priority areas for action based on 2 student-led reports, gathered resources from other institutions and the public health literature, and examined departmental policies and procedures. The ETF drafted the EAAP, solicited feedback, and revised it according to 6 priority strategies with actionable steps: 1) transform culture and climate, 2) enhance teaching, mentoring, and training, 3) revisit performance and evaluation of faculty and staff, 4) strengthen recruitment and retention of faculty of color, 5) increase transparency in student hiring practices and financial resources, and 6) improve equity-oriented research practices. This planning tool and process can be used by other institutions to achieve antiracist reform.

Did the 2015 USPSTF Abnormal Blood Glucose Recommendations Change Clinician Attitudes or Behaviors? A Mixed-Method Assessment.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) revised clinical recommendations to more broadly recommend abnormal blood glucose screening and more clearly recommend referral to behavioral interventions for adults with prediabetes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of the 2015 USPSTF recommendation changes on abnormal blood glucose screening and referral to behavioral interventions, and to examine physicians' perceptions of the revised recommendation. DESIGN: We utilized a sequential, dependent mixed-methods triangulation design. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 33,444 patients meeting USPSTF abnormal blood glucose screening criteria within 15 health system-affiliated primary care practices and 20 primary care physicians in North Carolina. MAIN MEASURES: We assessed monthly abnormal blood glucose screening rate and monthly referral rate to behavioral interventions. To estimate trend changes in outcomes, we used segmented linear regression analysis of interrupted time-series data. We gathered physicians' perspectives on the 2015 USPSTF abnormal blood glucose recommendation including awareness of, agreement with, adoption of, and adherence to the recommendation. To analyze qualitative data, we used directed content analysis. KEY RESULTS: There was a slight significant change in trend in abnormal blood glucose screening rates post-recommendation. There was a slight, statistically significant decrease in referral rates to behavioral interventions post-recommendation. Physicians were generally unaware of the revisions to the 2015 USPSTF abnormal blood glucose recommendation; however, once the recommendations were described, physicians agreed with the screening recommendation but felt that the behavioral intervention referral recommendation was hard to implement. CONCLUSION: The 2015 USPSTF abnormal blood glucose guideline had little to no effect on abnormal blood glucose screening or referral to behavioral interventions in North Carolina practices. Potential interventions to improve these rates could include clinical decision tools embedded in the electronic health record and better referral systems for community-based diabetes prevention programs.

Validated HIV Knowledge Scales for Use with Adults and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

HIV knowledge - the information a person possesses about HIV - is essential for the prevention and management of HIV. Therefore, the accurate measurement of HIV knowledge is important for both science and practice. This systematic review identifies extant HIV knowledge scales that have been validated with adolescent and adult populations and summarizes the state of this research. We searched seven electronic databases, which resulted in 6,525 articles. After title/abstract and full-text review, 27 studies remained and underwent qualitative review of reported scale psychometric properties. Many studies were conducted in the last decade (n = 12), reflecting advances in scientific knowledge of HIV. Five were exclusively adolescent-based studies (sample age ≤ 18). Most studies reported reliability (n = 25) or at least one form of validity (n = 21). Future studies should develop or refine HIV knowledge scales so that they reflect recent scientific developments, use rigorous psychometric testing, and target samples that include those persons at highest risk for HIV.

Using Participatory Methods to Assess PrEP Interest and Uptake Among Young People Living in the Southeastern US: A Mixed Methods Assessment.

Adolescents and young adults (AYA; 13-24 years-old) comprise 22% of new HIV infections in the United States (US), most of whom live in the South. We used the situated-Information, Motivation, Behavioral skills (sIMB) model to identify priorities for intervention on multi-level factors that influence HIV preventive care among Black AYA in Durham, North Carolina. We conducted two participatory workshops (ages 13-17, N = 6; ages 18-24, N = 7) to engage youth about how to discuss HIV. We also assessed sIMB constructs from a separate quantitative sample of youth to contextualize the workshop findings (N = 80). HIV knowledge was low overall, but lower among younger Black AYA, suggesting a need for comprehensive sexual education. Trusted adults provided sexual health information, motivation for health maintenance, and behavioral skills support. HIV prevention interventions should provide comprehensive sexual health education to Black AYA, be age-specific, and include social supporters like parents, teachers, and community members.

"If I Get Cured, My Whole Quality of Life Will Change": Patients' Anticipated and Actualized Benefits Following Cure from Chronic Hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Patients' motivations for undergoing direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C may include anticipation of treatment benefits not well described in the literature. AIMS: Evaluate patients' anticipated and actualized improvements in several domains of functioning before and after viral cure. METHODS: Pre-post-study utilizing in-depth interviews with 28 patients prior to, and several months after, DAA therapy. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed by two qualitative experts. RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 54 years, 43% were male, 57% white, 25% had cirrhosis, and 71% were treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. Pre-treatment, patients hoped for improvements in several domains including psychological, emotional, physical, social, and occupational functioning. After viral cure, increased energy and less fear of transmission were pathways to better quality of life. Psychological and emotional improvements positively affected physical, social, and occupational functioning. Social improvements were due to better mood and motivation, fewer symptoms, and reduced fear of stigma and transmission. Occupational benefits were linked to increased stamina, self-confidence, and less pain, anxiety, and stigma. Reduced fear of stigma had a pervasive impact on all life improvements after cure. Patient characteristics such as the presence of cirrhosis or psychiatric issues influence treatment motivations. Qualitative data correspond with change in pre-post-survey scores. CONCLUSIONS: Tremendous hope is placed on the ability of DAA therapy to bring about substantial improvements in life functioning after viral cure. Highly interconnected effects on quality of life worked synergistically through improved physical and psychological well-being. Stakeholders should appreciate the multi-dimensional benefits that viral eradication bestows upon individuals and society.

Willingness to participate in research among black patients with liver disease: A national cross-sectional study.

In the United States, Black people are disproportionately diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with White people but are under-represented in HCV studies. In this US-based cross-sectional telephone survey study, we assessed willingness to participate (WTP) in health/medical research and attitudes and beliefs that may influence WTP among Black patients with HCV. Two hundred participants who had current or prior HCV diagnosis and self-identified as Black or African American were recruited from a national HCV cohort study and an outpatient hepatology clinic. WTP responses ranged from 1 (not at all willing) to 5 (very willing). Multivariable models were used to identify factors associated with the overall mean WTP score. In addition, an open-ended question solicited strategies to help increase research participation from the Black community. Overall, participants reported moderate WTP in research (Mean [95% Confidence Interval (CI)] = 3.78 [3.68, 3.88]). Of 13 types of research presented, participants reported lowest WTP for randomized controlled trials of medications (Mean [95% CI] = 2.31 [2.11, 2.50]). The initial multivariable model identified higher subjective knowledge of research as positively associated with WTP (Parameter estimate [95% CI] = 0.15 [0.02, 0.27]). Sensitivity analyses also identified higher perceived benefits of research as an additional factor associated with WTP. Qualitative findings indicate that greater community-based outreach efforts would increase accessibility of research opportunities. When given the opportunity to participate, Black participants with HCV reported moderate WTP in health/medical research. Research sponsors and investigators should employ community-based outreach to expand access and awareness of research opportunities.

Patient-reported outcomes 12 months after hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals: Results from the PROP UP study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The long-term impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy with all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has not been well-described. We characterized changes in PROs from pre-treatment to 12 months post-treatment in a real-world cohort. METHODS: PROP UP was a multi-centre observational cohort study of 1601 patients treated with DAAs at 11 US gastroenterology/hepatology practices from 2015 to 2017. PROs were evaluated pre-treatment (T1) and 12 months post-treatment (T5). A minimally important change (MIC) threshold was prespecified as >5% change in PRO scores from T1 to T5. Multivariable analyses identified predictors of change. RESULTS: Three-quarters of patients were 55 or older; 45% were female, 60% were white, 33% were black, nearly half had cirrhosis. The most commonly-prescribed DAA regimens were sofosbuvir-based (83%) and grazoprevir/elbasvir (11%). Study retention was >95%. On average, small improvements were observed at 3 months post-treatment in all PROs and sustained at 12 months post-treatment among patients with sustained virologic response (SVR). Clinically meaningful improvements were achieved in fatigue (mean change score: -3.7 [-4.2, -3.1]), sleep (mean change score: -3.1 [-3.7, -2.5]), abdominal pain (mean change score: -2.6 [-3.3, -1.9]) and functional well-being (mean change score: -7.0 [-6.0, -8.0]). Symptom improvements were generally not sustained with no SVR (n = 52). Patients with cirrhosis and MELD ≥12 had the greatest improvements in functional well-being (-12.9 [-17.6, -8.1]). CONCLUSIONS: The improvements in patient-reported outcomes reported by patients who achieved SVR following HCV DAA therapy were durable at 12 months post-treatment.

Race and gender differences in abnormal blood glucose screening and clinician response to prediabetes: A mixed-methods assessment.

The projected three-fold increase in diabetes burden by 2060 in the United States will affect certain race and gender groups disproportionately. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to assess differences in prediabetes screening and clinician response to prediabetes by patient race and gender. We utilized data from 18,742 patients seen between 11/1/15 and 4/30/17 who met criteria for blood glucose screening by the 2015 US Preventive Service Task Force recommendation and had at least one visit to a primary care practice within a large, academic health system located in North Carolina. We utilized generalized estimating equations with logistic regression to assess race and gender differences in two outcomes: prediabetes screening and clinician response to prediabetes. We conducted twenty in-depth interviews (October 2018-May 2019) with physicians to assess their approach to screening for and treating prediabetes. Black patients had 11% higher odds (95% CI:1.02-1.20) of being screened for prediabetes than White patients. Men had 19% higher odds (95% CI:1.09-1.30) of being screened for prediabetes than women. There were no significant differences in clinician response to prediabetes by patient race or gender. Qualitatively, physicians reported a non-systematic approach to prediabetes screening and follow-up care related to: 1) System-level barriers to screening and treatment; 2) Implicit bias; 3) Patient factors; and 4) Physician preferences for prediabetes treatment. Targeted risk-based screening for prediabetes along with increased treatment for prediabetes are critical for preventing diabetes and reducing diabetes-related disparities.

Predictors of HIV Testing among Orphaned Youths in Three East African Countries.

In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV prevalence is high, HIV is a leading cause of death among youths. Orphaned and separated youths are an especially vulnerable group, yet we know little about what influences their testing behavior. We conducted multiple logistical regression to examine theory-based predictors of past-year HIV testing among 423 orphaned and separated youths in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. We also conducted moderation, assessing whether predictors varied by sex. Over one-third of our sample reported past-year HIV testing. Those with greater perceived social support and those who reported sexual HIV risk behavior were more likely to report past-year testing. Furthermore, boys who reported ever previously testing for HIV were more likely, a year later, to report past-year HIV testing. In conclusion, our findings have important implications for intervention development, including the potential for enhanced perceived social support to positively influence HIV testing among orphaned and separated youths.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Adapting and Implementing a Brief Intervention to Target Frequent Alcohol Use Among Persons with HIV in Vietnam.

Brief interventions to reduce frequent alcohol use among persons with HIV (PWH) are evidence-based, but resource-constrained settings must contend with competition for health resources. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of two intervention arms compared to the standard of care (SOC) in a three-arm randomized control trial targeting frequent alcohol use in PWH through increasing the percent days abstinent from alcohol and viral suppression. We estimated incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained from a modified societal perspective and a 1-year time horizon using a Markov model of health outcomes. The two-session brief intervention (BI), relative to the six-session combined intervention (CoI), was more effective and less costly; the estimated incremental cost-effectiveness of the BI relative to the SOC, was $525 per QALY gained. The BI may be cost-effective for the HIV treatment setting; the health utility gained from viral suppression requires further exploration.

Awareness of and attitudes toward pre-exposure prophylaxis among African American women living in low-income neighborhoods in a Southeastern city.

African American women in the South are disproportionately affected by HIV but have often been ignored in HIV prevention efforts, including in the rollout of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To inform strategies to promote PrEP awareness and access in this population, we conducted a venue-based community survey with 53 African American women living in low-income neighborhoods of a Southeastern city to understand women's knowledge of and attitudes toward PrEP. Awareness of PrEP was very low (37%) with only 16% being aware that PrEP is used for HIV prevention. The vast majority of women (85%) reported that they would use or would consider using PrEP, most frequently citing a general interest in HIV prevention or a lack of awareness of their partners' HIV status as motivations for their interest. Some women expressed concerns about side effects or low perceived HIV risk as disincentives for PrEP use. Information regarding side effects and HIV risk assessments will be needed to ensure the acceptable delivery of PrEP in this population.

Refining Black men's depression measurement using participatory approaches: a concept mapping study.

BACKGROUND: Despite cumulative socioeconomic disadvantage and risk factors, Black Americans have a lower prevalence of depression than whites. Given the emerging focus of depression as a public mental health crisis, culturally informed depression measures and scale development techniques are needed to better alleviate the mental health burden of socially marginalized populations. Yet, for Black men, race- and gender-related factors that position emotional vulnerability as a sign of weakness, may potentially mask the timely identification of mental health needs in this population. Thus, we address these gaps by employing a stakeholder-driven, community-engaged process for understanding Black men's depression experience. METHODS: We use concept mapping, a structured mixed methods approach, to determine how stakeholders of Black men's health conceptualize their depressive symptoms. Thirty-six stakeholders participated in a three-phase concept mapping study conducted in 2018. Three separate stakeholder groups were engaged for this study, including Black men, Black women, and primary care providers. RESULTS: Participants generated 68 characteristics of Black men's depression which were reflected within five conceptual clusters: (1) physical states; (2) emotional states; (3) diminished drive; (4) internal conflicts; (5) communication with others; and (6) social pressures. Using a content analysis approach, we found that items comprising the "social pressures" cluster were not reflected in any common depression scales. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study illustrate the similar and divergent pathways in which Black men express depressed mood. Furthermore, concept mapping results also yield a novel opportunity for culturally informed scale development in future research.

Interventions to Enhance Patient and Family Engagement Among Adults With Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: In the United States, 42% of adults, and 81% of adults over 65 years of age live with multiple chronic condition (MCC). Current interventions to facilitate engagement in care focus primarily on the patient; however, many individuals with MCC manage and live with their conditions within the context of their family. This review sought to identify interventions used to facilitate patient and/or family engagement among adults with MCC. METHODS: We adhered as closely as possible to PRISMA guidelines and conducted a systematic scoping review using a modified approach by Arksey and O'Malley. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using terms related to MCC, patient and family engagement, and intervention. We included articles that: (1) were published in English; (2) were peer-reviewed; (3) described an engagement intervention (with or without a comparator); and (4) targeted individuals with MCC. We abstracted data from included articles and classified them using the Multidimensional Framework for Patient and Family Engagement in Health and Health Care, and the Classification Model of Patient Engagement. RESULTS: We identified 21 discrete interventions. Six (29%) were classified as having the highest degree of engagement. Eighteen (85%) focused on engagement at the direct care level. Only one was specifically designed to engage families. CONCLUSIONS: Many engagement interventions currently exist for adults with MCC. Few of these interventions foster the highest degree of engagement; most focus on engagement at the level of direct care and do not specifically target family member involvement.

Medication Non-adherence in a Prospective, Multi-center Cohort Treated with Hepatitis C Direct-Acting Antivirals.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and risk factors for non-adherence to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in clinical practice settings are under-studied. OBJECTIVES: (1) To quantify DAA non-adherence in the total cohort and among subgroups with and without mental health conditions, alcohol use, and substance use, and (2) to investigate patient- and treatment-level risk factor non-adherence. DESIGN: Prospective, observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1562 patients receiving DAAs between January 2016 and October 2017 at 11 US medical centers including academic and community practices. MAIN MEASURES: Self-reported medication non-adherence, defined as any missed doses in the past 7 days, surveyed early (T2: at 4 ± 2 weeks) and late in treatment (T3: 2-3 weeks prior to end of treatment). Non-adherence to post-treatment follow-up visits was defined as absence of lab results after DAA therapy completion. KEY RESULTS: Of 1447 patients, 162 (11%) reported non-adherence at T2 or T3. Medical records indicated 262 (17%) of the 1562 participants had not returned for post-treatment visits. At baseline, 37% of patients reported mental health conditions, 15% reported alcohol use, and 23% reported using substances in the previous year. Baseline characteristics associated with DAA non-adherence included alcohol use (OR 1.96), younger age (< 35 years vs. > 55 years: OR 3.40), non-white race (OR > 2.26), and DAA treatment cohort, but not substance use or mental health condition. Non-adherence to follow-up exhibited association with younger age and a higher baseline overall symptom burden. Among 1287 patients with evaluable sustained virologic response (SVR) data, 53 patients (4%) did not achieve SVR. The bivariate correlation between adherence and SVR was negligible (r = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DAA non-adherence was low and SVR rates were high. Mental health conditions, substance use, and alcohol use should not disqualify patients from DAA therapy. Patients with alcohol use disorder before DAA therapy initiation may benefit from targeted on-treatment support.

Preferences for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Service Delivery Among Female Sex Workers in Malawi: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

Female sex workers (FSW) in Malawi have among the highest HIV prevalence estimates worldwide. Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention method, yet preferences for PrEP delivery among FSW are lacking. Eight focus group discussions, a literature review, and cognitive interviews were conducted to identify modifiable PrEP delivery attributes and inform discrete-choice experiment (DCE) development for FSW in Lilongwe. Enrolled FSW received an interviewer-assisted DCE. Data were analyzed using mixed logit regression. Dispensing location was most preferred, followed by the provision of additional services. Women preferred receiving PrEP at family planning clinics or non-governmental organization run drop-in centers. Cervical cancer screening was the most preferred additional service, while pregnancy testing and partner risk reduction counseling were less valued. This study was the first study to examine PrEP delivery preferences in Malawi using DCE-a powerful elicitation tool to apply to other key populations at risk for HIV.

Challenges for accessing and maintaining good quality of HIV care among men who have sex with men living with HIV in China: a qualitative study with key stakeholders.

HIV care in China is shifting toward a community-based model involving a wide range of stakeholders. We aimed to understand key stakeholders' perceived challenges of providing high-quality care for men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. In-depth interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of stakeholders (N = 17) in two Chinese cities, including providers, policymakers, and community workers. Interviews focused on stakeholders' challenges in HIV-related work and perceived barriers for MSM in accessing and maintaining HIV care. Thematic analysis strategies were used. Three cross-cutting themes related to accessibility and quality of care (QoC) emerged. First, MSM- and HIV-related stigma were perceived to increase the risk of MSM dropping out of care. While acknowledging stigma, some providers also expressed discriminatory views such as stereotypes of the MSM community. Second, stakeholders expressed concerns about QoC including healthcare workforce shortages, limited training opportunities, and high work stress while facing increasingly unmet needs from clients. Third, stakeholders shared challenges in mobilizing community resources to expand HIV care including unclear division of responsibility and strict auditing. Supportive policies and resources may be needed to bolster China's primary care workforce and MSM-competent care and, more broadly, high QoC for sexual and gender minority patients.

Female adherence self-efficacy before and after couple HIV testing and counseling within Malawi's Option B+ program.

Adherence self-efficacy, belief in one's ability to adhere to daily medication, is strongly associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. Couple-based interventions could enhance self-efficacy and adherence. We assessed the relationship between couple HIV testing and counseling (cHTC) and adherence self-efficacy using a 100-point culturally-adapted adherence self-efficacy scale (ASES). Secondarily, we explored the relationship between ASES and ART adherence. Ninety HIV-positive pregnant women at an antenatal clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi were enrolled in an observational cohort study. They were assessed with ASES immediately before and one month after receiving cHTC. Median ASES scores were 100 (IQR 95, 100) before and 100 (IQR 99, 100) after cHTC; there was a significant median difference (p = 0.02) for participants before and after cHTC. This change in ASES scores was associated with the odds of self-reported ART adherence in the full population (OR 1.1, p = 0.01), and there was a trend in the same direction for participants with imperfect baseline ASES scores (OR 1.1, p = 0.2). In our population, adherence self-efficacy and ART adherence were both quite high, and those who had room to improve in self-efficacy may have benefited from cHTC, which in turn could impact ART adherence and ultimately mother-to-child transmission.