CDC-Funded HIV Testing Services Outcomes in Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) and Non-EHE Jurisdictions, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) aims to end the HIV epidemic by focusing on 57 jurisdictions most impacted by HIV. METHODS: Using 2021 data from the National HIV Prevention Program Monitoring and Evaluation system, we calculated distributions of CDC-funded HIV tests and HIV testing services outcomes in EHE and non-EHE jurisdictions. We conducted chi-square tests and robust Poisson regression to compare differences in outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 1,753,873 tests conducted, a greater proportion were conducted in EHE (65.7%) versus non-EHE (34.3%) jurisdictions (p<0.001). Greater number of persons newly diagnosed were identified in EHE (n=5,861) versus non-EHE (n=2,329) jurisdictions; newly diagnosed positivity was higher in EHE (0.5%) versus non-EHE (0.4%; PR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.25-1.38) jurisdictions. Among persons newly diagnosed, there were no differences in proportion of linkage to care within 30 days in EHE jurisdictions (77.9%) versus non-EHE jurisdictions (77.1%; PR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.95-1.07). Proportion of persons newly diagnosed interviewed for partner services was lower in EHE (69.0%) versus non-EHE (84.8%; PR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.76-0.87) jurisdictions. CONCLUSION: CDC-funded HIV testing services in EHE jurisdictions conducted more HIV testing and diagnosed more persons. Jurisdictions can further expand HIV testing and related services to continue striving toward EHE goals.

HIV assisted partner services (aPS) to support integrated HIV and hypertension screening in Kenya: a pre-post intervention study.

BACKGROUND: People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher risk of developing hypertension compared to HIV uninfected individuals. HIV assisted partner services (aPS), where PLWH are assisted by a healthcare provider to disclose their status to sexual and / or drug injecting partner(s), offers an opportunity for integrated HIV and hypertension screening. We evaluated the feasibility of the aPS model in supporting integrated HIV and hypertension screening at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. METHODS: Between August 2019 and December 2020, we conducted a pre-post intervention study. We enrolled women receiving HIV testing services (HTS) with confirmed hypertension (female index clients) and traced their male relatives for HIV and hypertension screening and reviewed management at 3-months. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: One hundred female index clients (median age: 55 years; interquartile range (IQR): 47-65) mentioned 165 male relatives (median: 49 years; IQR: 40-59) of whom 35% (n = 58/165) were enrolled. Of the male relatives, 29% had hypertension (n = 17/58), 34% had pre-hypertension (n = 20/58), and none were HIV-positive (n = 0/58). Among the female index clients, there was a statistically significant decline in SBP (pre: 156 mmHg, post: 133 mmHg, p-value: < 0.0001) and DBP (pre: 97 mmHg, post: 80 mmHg, p-value: < 0.0001), and increase in antihypertensive medication uptake (pre: 91%, n = 84/92; post: 98%, n = 90/92; X2: 4.3931, p-value: 0.036) relative to baseline. Among the male relatives, there was a statistically significant increase in antihypertensive medication uptake among those with hypertension (pre: 13%, n = 6/46; post: 17%, n = 8/46; X2: 32.7750, p-value: < 0.0001) relative to baseline. CONCLUSION: HIV aPS holds promise for integrated HIV and hypertension screening among at-risk clients and their families. Twenty-nine percent of the male relatives had hypertension, higher than the national prevalence (24%), while one-third had pre-hypertension. We observed relatively high participant retention, reductions in blood pressure, and increase in antihypertensive medication uptake among those with confirmed hypertension. Future research expanding the aPS model to other non-communicable diseases through larger studies with longer follow-ups is required to better assess causal relationships and optimize integrated service delivery.

Implementation fidelity to HIV assisted partner services (aPS) during scale-up in western Kenya: a convergent mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: HIV assisted partner services (aPS) is an intervention to improve HIV status awareness among sex and drug-injecting partners of people newly diagnosed with HIV (index clients). Implementation fidelity-the degree to which an intervention is conducted as intended - is critical to effectiveness, but there are limited data about aPS fidelity when delivered by HIV testing service (HTS) providers. We explored factors affecting implementation fidelity to aPS in two high-HIV prevalence counties in western Kenya. METHODS: We used convergent mixed methods adapting the conceptual framework for implementation fidelity within the aPS scale-up project. This was an implementation study examining scale-up of APS within HTS programs in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties that recruited male sex partners (MSPs) of female index clients. We defined implementation fidelity as the extent to which HTS providers followed the protocol for phone and in-person participant tracing at six expected tracing attempts. Quantitative data were collected from tracing reports in 31 facilities between November 2018 and December 2020, and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with HTS providers. Descriptive statistics were used to describe tracing attempts. IDIs were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 3017 MSPs were mentioned of whom 98% (2969/3017) were traced, with most tracing attempts being successful (2831/2969, 95%). Fourteen HTS providers participated in the IDIs-mostly females (10/14, 71%) with a median age of 35 years (range 25-52), who all had post-secondary education (14/14, 100%). The proportion of tracing attempts occurring by phone ranged from 47 to 66%, with the highest proportion occurring on the first attempt and lowest on the sixth attempt. Contextual factors either enhanced or impeded implementation fidelity to aPS. Positive provider attitudes towards aPS and conducive work environment factors promoted implementation fidelity, while negative MSP responses and challenging tracing conditions impeded it. CONCLUSION: Interactions at the individual (provider), interpersonal (client-provider), and health systems (facility) levels affected implementation fidelity to aPS. As policymakers prioritize strategies to reduce new HIV infections, our findings highlight the importance of conducting fidelity assessments to better anticipate and mitigate the impact of contextual factors during the scale-up of interventions.

Cost of integrating assisted partner services in HIV testing services in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties, Kenya: a microcosting study.

BACKGROUND: HIV assisted partner services (aPS), or provider notification and testing for sexual and injecting partners of people diagnosed with HIV, is shown to be safe, effective, and cost-effective and was scaled up within the national HIV testing services (HTS) program in Kenya in 2016. We estimated the costs of integrating aPS into routine HTS within an ongoing aPS scale-up project in western Kenya. METHODS: We conducted microcosting using the payer perspective in 14 facilities offering aPS. Although aPS was offered to both males and females testing HIV-positive (index clients), we only collected data on female index clients and their male sex partners (MSP). We used activity-based costing to identify key aPS activities, inputs, resources, and estimated financial and economic costs of goods and services. We analyzed costs by start-up (August 2018), and recurrent costs one-year after aPS implementation (Kisumu: August 2019; Homa Bay: January 2020) and conducted time-and-motion observations of aPS activities. We estimated the incremental costs of aPS, average cost per MSP traced, tested, testing HIV-positive, and on antiretroviral therapy, cost shares, and costs disaggregated by facility. RESULTS: Overall, the number of MSPs traced, tested, testing HIV-positive, and on antiretroviral therapy was 1027, 869, 370, and 272 respectively. Average unit costs per MSP traced, tested, testing HIV-positive, and on antiretroviral therapy were $34.54, $42.50, $108.71 and $152.28, respectively, which varied by county and facility client volume. The weighted average incremental cost of integrating aPS was $7,485.97 per facility per year, with recurrent costs accounting for approximately 90% of costs. The largest cost drivers were personnel (49%) and transport (13%). Providers spent approximately 25% of the HTS visit obtaining MSP contact information (HIV-negative clients: 13 out of 54 min; HIV-positive clients: 20 out of 96 min), while the median time spent per MSP traced on phone and in-person was 6 min and 2.5 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION: Average facility costs will increase when integrating aPS to HTS with incremental costs largely driven by personnel and transport. Strategies to efficiently utilize healthcare personnel will be critical for effective, affordable, and sustainable aPS.

"It is a process" - a qualitative evaluation of provider acceptability of HIV assisted partner services in western Kenya: experiences, challenges, and facilitators.

BACKGROUND: Assisted partner service (APS) is effective for increasing HIV testing services (HTS) uptake among sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV with rare social harm. The acceptability of APS to HTS providers is important for the quality and effectiveness of APS delivery. Within a larger ongoing implementation science study of APS in western Kenya, we qualitatively evaluated the provider acceptability of APS. METHODS: From May-June 2020, we conducted virtual, semi-structured in-depth interviews with 14 HTS providers recruited from 8 of 31 study health facilities in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties. Participants were selected using criteria-based purposive sampling to maximize variation on patient volume (assessed by the number of index clients tested for HIV) and APS performance (assessed by sexual partners elicitation and enrollment). Interviews inquired providers' experiences providing APS including challenges and facilitators and the impact of contextual factors. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach. RESULTS: Overall, HTS providers found APS acceptable. It was consistently reported that doing APS was a continuous process rather than a one-day job, which required building rapport and persistent efforts. Benefits of APS including efficiency in HIV case finding, expanded testing coverage in men, and increased HIV status awareness and linkage to care motivated the providers. Provider referral was perceived advantageous in terms of independent contact with partners on behalf of index clients and efficiency in partner tracing. Challenges of providing APS included protecting clients' confidentiality, difficulty obtaining partners' accurate contact information, logistic barriers of tracing, and clients' refusal due to fear of being judged for multiple sexual partners, fear of breach of confidentiality, and HIV stigma. Building rapport with clients, communicating with patience and nonjudgmental attitude and assuring confidentiality were examples of facilitators. Working in rural areas and bigger facilities, training, supportive supervision, and community awareness of APS promoted APS delivery while low salaries, lack of equipment, and high workload undermined it. CONCLUSIONS: HTS providers found APS acceptable. Delivering APS as a process was the key to success. Future scale-up of APS could consider encouraging provider referral instead of the other APS methods to improve efficiency and reduce potential harm to clients.

Perceptions, experiences, and preferences for partner services among Black and Latino men who have sex with men and transwomen in North Carolina.

OBJECTIVES: In the United States, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen of color. Partner services can prevent STI transmission by facilitating testing and treatment for partners of individuals diagnosed with an STI. Understanding client perspectives towards partner services is critical to their acceptance and uptake. This study examined perceptions, experiences, and preferences for partner services among Black and Latino MSM and transwomen in North Carolina. DESIGN: We conducted seven audio-recorded focus groups in English (n = 5) and Spanish (n = 2). The audio was transcribed verbatim and we inductively analyzed data using field notes, systematic coding, and thematic comparison. RESULTS: Black MSM reported the most exposure and experiences with partner services, and most perceived partner services negatively. Feeling supported and having flexibility characterized positive experiences with partner services among Black MSM; feeling judged or harassed characterized negative experiences. Black transwomen had less exposure to partner services and had a mix of positive reactions to the approach, along with concerns about client confidentiality. Most Latino participants were unaware of partner services and expressed openness to their potential. All participants preferred self-notifying and wanted flexible, discreet, supportive partner services with linkages to other wellness resources. CONCLUSION: Building off positive partner services experiences and responding to client preferences can enhance trust, acceptability, and service use.

Perspectives on voluntary assisted partner notification among providers, people with HIV and the general population in Indonesia: a formative qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Voluntary assisted partner notification (aPN) services are effective in increasing access to and uptake of HIV testing among partners of people with HIV. Following recommendations by the World Health Organization in 2016, Indonesia evaluated various approaches to aPN. We present the lessons learned from formative operational research undertaken to understand provider and patient perspectives on aPN from three demonstration sites in cities with a high HIV burden. METHODS: We conducted a formative qualitative study in three cities: Jakarta, Semarang, and Denpasar between September and October 2019. We conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 44 participants) among health-care providers, people living with HIV and the general population. We explored participant preferences and concerns about how aPN should be delivered, including the methods of and messaging for contacting partners. All FGDs were conducted in the Indonesian language. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: aPN was acceptable across different participant populations, although with caveats. Some differences were observed between the general population, providers and people living with HIV. People living with HIV were mainly concerned with confidentiality of the procedure and preferred the use of telecommunication and messages that avoid explicit mention of HIV exposure. Providers preferred similar approaches but for different reasons, being concerned mainly with self-efficacy and security. There was consensus regarding dual referral models. The use of phone calls and short messages were preferred as these are perceived to minimize negative reactions and stigma, protect client confidentiality and are suitable in the current legal situation. The general population was mainly concerned with effectiveness and prefer direct provider-led approaches, such as preferring in-person meeting with explicit notification of potential HIV exposure. CONCLUSIONS: We found consensus among stakeholders on acceptance of aPN, especially dual referral methods. Development and implementation of aPN protocols should also consider clients' individual situations and concerns regarding safeguarding of confidentiality, and offer a range of options to accommodate all stakeholders involved.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing, Diagnosis, Linkage to Care, and Prevention Services Among Persons Who Inject Drugs, United States, 2012-2017.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and early diagnosis is associated with effective disease management and reduction in HIV transmission among persons who inject drugs (PWID). We examined trends in HIV testing outcomes among PWID during 2012-2017. METHODS: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded HIV testing data submitted by 61 health departments and 150 directly-funded community-based organizations during 2012-2017 were analyzed. We calculated estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) to assess trends for HIV testing and testing outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 19 739 857 CDC-funded HIV tests were conducted during 2012-2017. Of these, 529 349 (2.7%) were among PWID. The percentage of newly diagnosed HIV increased from .7% in 2012 to .8% in 2017 (EAPC, 4.15%). The percentage interviewed for partner services increased from 46.7% in 2012 to 66.3% in 2017 (EAPC, 1.81%). No significant change was identified in trends for linkage to HIV medical care ≤90 days after diagnosis (EAPC, 0.52%) or referral to HIV prevention services (EAPC, 0.98%). CONCLUSIONS: Human immunodeficiency virus testing data revealed an increasing trend in newly diagnosed HIV among PWID but not linkage to HIV medical care or referral to prevention services. Expanding efforts to increase HIV testing and enhance linkage to services can lead to reductions in HIV transmission and improved health outcomes.

Reaching the First 90 in Uganda: Predictors of Success in Contacting and Testing the Named Sexual Partners of HIV+ Index Clients in Kiboga District.

Assisted partner notification programs represent one strategy for targeted HIV testing and treatment of exposed individuals in high-risk populations. This study of a pilot Partner Services program in rural Uganda describes predictors of successful contact tracings and testing of partners of HIV+ individuals and possible barriers to contact. Partner contact tracing data was extracted from registers at seven Ministry of Health facilities between May and October 2016, to inform program implementation and scale up. A total of 464 HIV+ index clients named 660 sexual partners; 334/660 (51%) were contacted, 193/334 (58%) tested for HIV, and 61/193 (32%) tested HIV+. Current relationship status predicted contact [AOR = 0.23; (95% CI 0.15, 0.37), p < 0.0001] and testing [AOR = 0.19; (95% CI 0.09, 0.36), p < 0.0001]. Partner contact information type was associated with contact (p < 0.0001), and assisted disclosure with testing (p < 0.0001). Partner contact tracing is an effective means of identifying undiagnosed HIV infections.

HIV partner services in Kenya: a cost and budget impact analysis study.

BACKGROUND: The elicitation of contact information, notification and testing of sex partners of HIV infected patients (aPS), is an effective HIV testing strategy in low-income settings but may not necessarily be affordable. We applied WHO guidelines and the International Society for Pharmaco-economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines to conduct cost and budget impact analyses, respectively, of aPS compared to current practice of HIV testing services (HTS) in Kisumu County, Kenya. METHODS: Using study data and time motion studies, we constructed an Excel-based tool to estimate costs and the budget impact of aPS. Cost data were collected from selected facilities in Kisumu County. We report the annual total and unit costs of HTS, incremental total and unit costs for aPS, and the budget impact of scaling up aPS over a 5-year horizon. We also considered a task-shifted scenario that used community health workers (CHWs) rather than facility based health workers and conducted sensitivity analyses assuming different rates of scale up of aPS. RESULTS: The average unit costs for HIV testing among HIV-infected index clients was US$ 25.36 per client and US$ 17.86 per client using nurses and CHWs, respectively. The average incremental costs for providing enhanced aPS in Kisumu County were US$ 1,092,161 and US$ 753,547 per year, using nurses and CHWs, respectively. The average incremental cost of scaling up aPS over a five period was 45% higher when using nurses compared to using CHWs (US$ 5,460,837 and US$ 3,767,738 respectively). Over the five years, the upper-bound budget impact of nurse-model was US$ 1,767,863, 63% and 35% of which were accounted for by aPS costs and ART costs, respectively. The CHW model incurred an upper-bound incremental cost of US$ 1,258,854, which was 71.2% lower than the nurse-based model. The budget impact was sensitive to the level of aPS coverage and ranged from US$ 28,547 for 30% coverage using CHWs in 2014 to US$ 1,267,603 for 80% coverage using nurses in 2018. CONCLUSION: Scaling aPS using nurses has minimal budget impact but not cost-saving over a five-year period. Targeting aPS to newly-diagnosed index cases and task-shifting to community health workers is recommended.

Sociodemographic Differences in Clients Preferring Video-Call Over In-person Interview: A Pilot Study of HIV Tele-partner Services.

The New York City Department of Health Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) routinely contact newly HIV-diagnosed persons via telephone calls and in-person meetings to conduct partner services (PS) interviews in order to elicit the names and contact information of the HIV-exposed partners for notification and HIV-testing, and to assist clients with linkage to care. From October 2013 to December 2015, we offered PS interviews conducted via video-call alongside voice-call and in-person modes in a selected geographic area of NYC. PS interviews were conducted according to the clients' preferred mode (in-person, voice- or video-call) and location (health care facility, clients' residences, or other NYC locations). At the conclusion of the PS interviews, DIS elicited responses from persons interviewed via video-call on their perception, satisfaction and personal experiences using video-call for public health and personal purposes. Acceptance and satisfaction with PS interviews via video-call were high among clients aged <30 years, men who have sex with men, or with education above high school; while PS yields were similar across modes. These results provide evidence of the potential effectiveness of video-call interviews for specific populations.

Surveillance of HIV assisted partner services using routine health information systems in Kenya.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of routine health information systems (HIS) for surveillance of assisted partner services (aPS) for HIV in sub-Saharan is sub-optimal, in part due to poor data quality and limited use of information technology. Consequently, little is known about coverage, scope and quality of HIV aPS. Yet, affordable electronic data tools, software and data transmission infrastructure are now widely accessible in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We designed and implemented a cased-based surveillance system using the HIV testing platform in 18 health facilities in Kenya. The components of this system included an electronic HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) intake form, data transmission on the Global Systems for Mobile Communication (GSM), and data collection using the Open Data Kit (ODK) platform. We defined rates of new HIV diagnoses, and characterized HIV-infected cases. We also determined the proportion of clients who reported testing for HIV because a) they were notified by a sexual partner b) they were notified by a health provider, or c) they were informed of exposure by another other source. Data collection times were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 4351 clients, HIV prevalence was 14.2 %, ranging from 4.4-25.4 % across facilities. Regardless of other reasons for testing, only 107 (2.5 %) of all participants reported testing after being notified by a health provider or sexual partner. A similar proportion, 1.8 % (79 of 4351), reported partner notification as the only reason for seeking an HIV test. Among 79 clients who reported HIV partner services as the reason for testing, the majority (78.5 %), were notified by their sexual partners. The majority (52.8 %) of HIV-infected patients initiated their HIV testing, and 57.2 % tested in a Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) site co-located in a health facility. Median time for data capture was 4 min (IQR: 3-15), with a longer duration for HIV-infected participants, and there was no reported data loss. CONCLUSION: aPS surveillance using new technologies is feasible, and could be readily expanded into HIV registries in Kenya and other sub-Saharan countries. Partner services are under-utilized in Kenya but further documentation of coverage and implementation gaps for HIV and aPS services is required.

Electronic Partner Notification for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Qualitative Assessment of Patient, Clinical Staff, and State Field Epidemiologist Perspectives.

In Massachusetts (MA), partner notification is routinely offered for new HIV and infectious syphilis cases, but there are no formal partner notification services for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Electronic partner notification (ePN), which allows patients to anonymously notify their partners of sexually transmitted infection exposure, could fill this gap. We evaluated the acceptability of and ideal characteristics for a statewide ePN service in MA. We performed semistructured interviews with patients at a Boston area sexual health clinic and conducted focus groups with clinicians and Massachusetts Department of Public Health Field Epidemiologists (FEs). We developed a codebook and thematically analyzed interview and focus group data; 25% of interviews were double coded. We identified six main themes from our data: (1) partner notification is a relational process and (2) partner notification is situation dependent. There are three pairs of challenges and core values for an effective ePN system: (3) stigmatization versus inclusivity, (4) trust versus mistrust, and (5) privacy versus helpful information sharing. Therefore, (6) a statewide ePN platform must be customizable at each possible step. Although ePN was acceptable across all three groups, the likelihood of individual use was grounded in a patient's sociocultural context, interpersonal relationships, trust in the platform and health authorities, desire to avoid stigmatization, and privacy needs. These factors are best accommodated by a platform that adapts to users' preferences and needs. ePN presents an opportunity to link partners at risk for gonorrhea or chlamydia to clinical care that is complementary to the more labor-intensive FE role.

Cost and Cost-Effectiveness of Distributing HIV Self-Tests within Assisted Partner Services in Western Kenya.

Background: Assisted partner services (APS) is a recommended public health approach to promote HIV testing for sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with HIV. We evaluated the cost and cost-effectiveness of integrating oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) into existing APS programs. Methods: Within the APS-HIVST study conducted in western Kenya (2021-2022), we conducted micro-costing, time-and-motion, and provider surveys to determine incremental HIVST distribution cost (2022 USD). Using a decision tree model, we estimated the incremental cost per new diagnosis (ICND) for HIVST incorporated into APS, compared to APS with provider-delivered testing only. Scenario, parameter and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore influential assumptions. Results: The cost per HIVST distributed within APS was USD 8.97, largest component costs were testing supplies (38%) and personnel (30%). Under conditions of a facility-based testing uptake of <91%, or HIVST utilization rates of <27%, HIVST integration into APS is potentially cost-effective. At a willing-to-pay threshold of USD 1000, the net monetary benefit was sensitive to the effectiveness of HIVST in increasing testing rates, phone call rates, HIVST sensitivity, HIV prevalence, cost of HIVST, space allocation at facilities, and personnel time during facility-based testing. In a best-case scenario, the HIVST option was cheaper by USD 3037 and diagnosed 11 more cases (ICND = 265.82). Conclusions: Implementers and policy makers should ensure that HIVST programs are implemented under conditions that guarantee efficiency by focusing on facilities with low uptake for provider-delivered facility-based testing, while deliberately targeting HIVST utilization among the few likely to benefit from remote testing. Additional measures should focus on minimizing costs relating to personnel and testing supplies.

Effectiveness of HIV self-testing when offered within assisted partner services in Western Kenya (APS-HIVST Study): a cluster randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Assisted partner services (APS) is an effective strategy for increasing HIV testing, new diagnosis, and linkage to care among sexual partners of people living with HIV (PLWH). APS can be resource intensive as it requires community tracing to locate each partner named and offer them testing. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of offering HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an option for partner testing within APS. METHODS: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial comparing provider-delivered HIV testing (Standard APS) versus offering partners the option of provider-delivered testing or HIVST (APS+HIVST) at 24 health facilities in Western Kenya. Facilities were randomized 1:1 and we conducted intent-to-treat analyses using Poisson generalized linear mixed models to estimate intervention impact on HIV testing, new HIV diagnoses, and linkage to care. All models accounted for clustering at the clinic level and new diagnoses and linkage models were adjusted for individual-level age, sex, and income a priori. RESULTS: From March to December 2021, 755 index clients received APS and named 5054 unique partners. Among these, 1408 partners reporting a prior HIV diagnosis were not eligible for HIV testing and were excluded from analyses. Of the remaining 3646 partners, 96.9% were successfully contacted for APS and tested for HIV: 2111 (97.9%) of 2157 in the APS+HIVST arm and 1422 (95.5%) of 1489 in the Standard APS arm. In the APS+HIVST arm, 84.6% (1785/2111) tested via HIVST and 15.4% (326/2111) received provider-delivered testing. Overall, 16.7% of the 3533 who tested were newly diagnosed with HIV (APS+HIVST = 357/2111 [16.9%]; Standard APS = 232/1422 [16.3%]). Of the 589 partners who were newly diagnosed, 90.7% were linked to care (APS+HIVST = 309/357 [86.6%]; Standard APS = 225/232 [97.0%]). There were no significant differences between the two arms in HIV testing (relative risk [RR]: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.96-1.10), new HIV diagnoses (adjusted RR [aRR]: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.76-1.39) or linkage to care (aRR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.74-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences between APS+HIVST and Standard APS, demonstrating that integrating HIVST into APS continues to be an effective strategy for identifying PLWH by successfully reaching and HIV testing >95% of elicited partners, newly diagnosing with HIV one in six of those tested, >90% of whom were linked to care. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT04774835.

Providing HIV-assisted partner services to partners of partners in western Kenya: an implementation science study.

INTRODUCTION: Assisted partner services (APS), or exposure notification and HIV testing for sexual partners of persons diagnosed HIV positive (index clients), is recommended by the World Health Organization. Most APS literature focuses on outcomes among index clients and their partners. There is little data on the benefits of providing APS to partners of partners diagnosed with HIV. METHODS: We utilized data from a large-scale APS implementation project across 31 facilities in western Kenya from 2018 to 2022. Females testing HIV positive at facilities were offered APS; those who consented provided contact information for all male sexual partners in the last 3 years. Male partners were notified of their potential HIV exposure and offered HIV testing services (HTS). Males newly testing positive were also offered APS and asked to provide contact information for their female partners in the last 3 years. Female partners of male partners (FPPs) were provided exposure notification and HTS. All participants with HIV were followed up at 12 months post-enrolment to assess linkage-to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and viral suppression. We compared HIV positivity, demographics and linkage outcomes among female index clients and FPPs. RESULTS: Overall, 5708 FPPs were elicited from male partners, of whom 4951 received HTS through APS (87% coverage); 291 FPPs newly tested HIV positive (6% yield), an additional 1743 (35.2%) reported a prior HIV diagnosis, of whom 99% were on ART at baseline. At 12 months follow-up, most FPPs were taking ART (92%) with very few adverse events: <1% reported intimate partner violence or reported relationship dissolution. FPPs were more likely than female index clients to report HIV risk behaviours including no condom use at last sex (45% vs. 30%) and multiple partners (38% vs. 19%). CONCLUSIONS: Providing HIV testing via APS to FPP is a safe and effective strategy to identify newly diagnosed females and achieve high linkage and retention to ART and can be an efficient means of identifying HIV cases in the era of declining HIV incidence. The high proportion of FPPs reporting HIV risk behaviours suggests APS may help interrupt community HIV transmission via increased knowledge of HIV status and linkage to treatment.

Predictors of HIV Molecular Cluster Membership and Implications for Partner Services.

Public health surveillance data used in HIV molecular cluster analyses lack contextual information that is available from partner services (PS) data. Integrating these data sources in retrospective analyses can enrich understanding of the risk profile of people in clusters. In this study, HIV molecular clusters were identified and matched to information on partners and other information gleaned at the time of diagnosis, including coinfection with syphilis. We aimed to produce a more complete understanding of molecular cluster membership in Houston, Texas, a city ranking ninth nationally in rate of new HIV diagnoses that may benefit from retrospective matched analyses between molecular and PS data to inform future intervention. Data from PS were matched to molecular HIV records of people newly diagnosed from 2012 to 2018. By conducting analyses in HIV-TRACE (TRAnsmission Cluster Engine) using viral genetic sequences, molecular clusters were detected. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between molecular cluster membership and completion of a PS interview, number of named partners, and syphilis coinfection. Using data from 4,035 people who had a viral genetic sequence and matched PS records, molecular cluster membership was not significantly associated with completion of a PS interview. Among those with sequences who completed a PS interview (n = 3,869), 45.3% (n = 1,753) clustered. Molecular cluster membership was significantly associated with naming 1 or 3+ partners compared with not naming any partners [adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.27 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.08-1.50), p = .003 and aOR: 1.38 (95% CI: 1.06-1.81), p = .02]. Alone, coinfection with syphilis was not significantly associated with molecular cluster membership. Syphilis coinfection was associated with molecular cluster membership when coupled with incarceration [aOR: 1.91 (95% CI: 1.08-3.38), p = .03], a risk for treatment interruption. Enhanced intervention among those with similar profiles, such as people coinfected with other risks, may be warranted.

Prioritizing syphilis control: Now is the time for action.

Syphilis control programs and research received fewer resources and attention compared to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the pre-pandemic era. The neglect of syphilis within comprehensive STI control efforts may be related to diagnostic (poor diagnostics), historical (legacies of racism in research), public health (limited partner services), and social problems (limited public engagement). At the same time, there are increasingly compelling reasons to prioritize syphilis control programs and research by harnessing lessons learned and advances during COVID-19. The closure of many STI facilities has accelerated new syphilis diagnostic pathways (e.g., syphilis self-testing), providing new ways for people to be screened outside of clinics. COVID-19 has underlined health inequities that fuel syphilis transmission, providing an opportunity to reckon with the historical legacy of racism that is linked to syphilis research. COVID-19 partner tracing efforts have also contributed to additional resources for partner services which may enhance syphilis control efforts. Finally, COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of public engagement, making the case for greater public involvement in syphilis control and prevention programs. Urgent action is needed to prioritize syphilis control in a wide range of settings.

Development of a Blended Learning Approach to Delivering HIV-Assisted Contact Tracing in Malawi: Applied Theory and Formative Research.

BACKGROUND: Despite progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS "95-95-95" targets (95% of HIV-positive persons tested, 95% of tested persons on treatment, and 95% of treated persons virally suppressed), a gap remains in achieving the first 95% target. Assisted contact tracing (ACT), in which health workers support HIV-positive index clients to recruit their contacts (sexual partners and children) for HIV testing, efficiently identifies HIV-positive persons in need of treatment. Although many countries, including Malawi, began implementing ACT, testing outcomes in routine settings have been worse than those in trial settings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to use formative research and frameworks to develop and digitize an implementation package to bridge the gap between ACT research and practice. METHODS: Semistructured qualitative research was conducted in 2019 in Malawi with key informants. Barriers and facilitators to intervention delivery were identified using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Approaches to digitization were examined using human-centered design principles. RESULTS: Limited clinic coordination and health worker capacity to address the complexities of ACT were identified as barriers. Ongoing individual training consisting of learning, observing, practicing, and receiving feedback, as well as group problem-solving were identified as facilitators. Important features of digitization included (1) culturally relevant visual content, (2) capability of offline use, and (3) simple designs and basic editing to keep costs low. CONCLUSIONS: Formative research and frameworks played a key role in designing and digitizing an implementation package for ACT delivery in a low-income setting such as Malawi.

"Everything Fell Apart Once COVID-19 Hit"-Leveraging the COVID-19 Response to Strengthen Public Health Activities toward Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Qualitative Study.

COVID-19 caused widespread disruption of activities for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE). In this study we assessed public health perspectives on leveraging the COVID-19 response to advance the goals of EHE. We conducted a qualitative study with 33 public health partners in the Midwestern and Southern United States from October 2020 to February 2022. Participants were asked how the strategies developed for COVID-19 could be applied to the HIV epidemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and examined using rapid qualitative analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) Rebuilding teams and adapting culture for success in EHE activities; (2) Recognizing and modernizing the role of disease intervention specialists (DIS); (3) Enhanced community awareness of the public health role in disease response and prevention; and (4) Leveraging COVID-19 data systems and infrastructure for EHE activities. The COVID-19 pandemic called attention to the dearth of public health funding and outdated information technology (IT) infrastructure used for HIV activities. It also led to greater public health knowledge, including increased familiarity with partner services and molecular epidemiology of HIV, and opportunities to develop new data systems for surveillance that can be applied to efforts for EHE.