Alcohol Consumption Among Persons Living with HIV: Perceptions, Messages and Interventions-A Qualitative Study at an HIV Treatment Clinic in South Western Uganda.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, efficacy trials of brief interventions to reduce unhealthy drinking among persons living with HIV (PLWH) have yielded mixed results. A better understanding of the perceptions of drinking, especially by PLWH, and how drinking is talked about at HIV treatment clinics in this setting, may guide more optimal designs for future trials. We conducted a qualitative study at an HIV treatment clinic in South Western Uganda to better understand perceptions of drinking, how drinking is talked about, and perceptions of interventions, especially a protocolled screening and brief intervention (SBI) for unhealthy drinking among PLWH. We conducted in-depth interviews with 17 PLWH who engaged in unhealthy drinking and 6 health workers, and one focus group discussion with 3 community advisory-board members. We performed manual preliminary data analysis and computer-assisted detailed thematic analysis to identify emergent themes. Four themes emerged: perceptions of alcohol use in the general population; perceptions of alcohol use in PLWH; interaction between PLWH and health workers about alcohol use; perceptions of interventions for unhealthy drinking including SBI. Unhealthy drinking was seen as a problem in the general population and among those with HIV, where it was negatively perceived. Communication about drinking was done by counselors, but doctors participated in screening for unhealthy alcohol use. Messages about drinking covered reduction and abstinence. Participants expressed positive attitudes towards SBI and preference for person-delivered SBI over technological alternatives. A protocolled SBI for unhealthy alcohol use among PLWH would be well-received but successful implementation may depend on mode of delivery.

HIV, Social Networks, and Loneliness among Older Adults in Uganda.

Loneliness among older adults has been identified as a major public health problem. Yet little is known about loneliness, or the potential role of social networks in explaining loneliness, among older people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa, where 70% of PWH reside. To explore this issue, we analyzed data from 599 participants enrolled in the Quality of Life and Ageing with HIV in Rural Uganda study, including older adults with HIV in ambulatory care and a comparator group of people without HIV of similar age and gender. The 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale was used to measure loneliness, and HIV status was the primary explanatory variable. The study found no statistically significant correlation between loneliness and HIV status. However, individuals with HIV had smaller households, less physical and financial support, and were less socially integrated compared to those without HIV. In multivariable logistic regressions, loneliness was more likely among individuals who lived alone (aOR:3.38, 95% CI:1.47-7.76) and less likely among those who were married (aOR:0.34, 95% CI:0.22-0.53) and had a higher level of social integration (aOR:0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92). Despite having smaller social networks and less support, older adults with HIV had similar levels of loneliness as those without HIV, which may be attributed to resiliency and access to HIV-related health services among individuals with HIV. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to better understand the mechanisms involved.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Point-of-Care Testing in Resource-Limited Settings: A Narrative Review Guided by an Implementation Framework.

ABSTRACT: Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired in resource-limited settings (RLSs) where laboratory diagnostic access is limited. Advancements in point-of-care testing (POC) technology have the potential to bring STI testing to many RLSs. We define POC as performed near the patient and with results readily available to inform clinical practice. The World Health Organization Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases further outlines desirable POC characteristics with the REASSURED criteria.Despite advantages related to immediate test-and-treat care, integrating POC into RLS health care systems can present challenges that preclude reliance on these tests. In 2018, we incorporated molecular near-POC for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis and SDBioline treponemal immunochromatographic testing confirmed by rapid plasma reagin for syphilis diagnosis at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology Research Laboratory in rural southwestern Uganda. We describe our experiences with STI POC as a case example to guide a narrative review of the field using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as a conceptual framework.Although POC and near-POC are described as easy to use, the challenges of limited person-power, health care processes, limited infrastructure/resources, high costs, and quality control obstacles can impede the impact of these tests. Increased investment in operators, training, and infrastructure, restructuring health care systems to accommodate increased POC access, and optimizing costs are all crucial to the successful implementation of STI POC in RLS. Expanded STI POC in RLS will increase access to accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment, and engagement in partner notification, treatment, and prevention efforts.

Association between cancer and dementia risk in the UK Biobank: evidence of diagnostic bias.

Epidemiological studies have identified an inverse association between cancer and dementia. Underlying methodological biases have been postulated, yet no studies have systematically investigated the potential for each source of bias within a single dataset. We used the UK Biobank to compare estimates for the cancer-dementia association using different analytical specifications designed to sequentially address multiple sources of bias, including competing risk of death, selective survival, confounding bias, and diagnostic bias. We included 140,959 UK Biobank participants aged ≥ 55 without dementia before enrollment and with linked primary care data. We used cancer registry data to identify cancer cases prevalent before UK Biobank enrollment and incident cancer diagnosed after enrollment. We used Cox models to evaluate associations of prevalent and incident cancer with all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia. We used time-varying models to evaluate diagnostic bias. Over a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 3,310 dementia cases were diagnosed. All-site incident cancer was positively associated with all-cause dementia incidence (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.29), but prevalent cancer was not (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.92-1.17). Results were similar for vascular dementia. AD was not associated with prevalent or incident cancer. Dementia diagnosis was substantially elevated in the first year after cancer diagnosis (HR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.42-2.36), after which the association attenuated to null, suggesting diagnostic bias. Following a cancer diagnosis, health care utilization or cognitive consequences of diagnosis or treatment may increase chance of receiving a dementia diagnosis, creating potential diagnostic bias in electronic health records-based studies.

The benefits of care: treated HIV infection and health-related quality of life among older-aged people in Uganda.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to explore how HIV care affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older people in Uganda. METHODS: We enrolled older-aged (≥49 years) people with HIV receiving HIV care and treatment, along with age- and sex-similar people without HIV. We measured health-related quality of life using the EQ-5D-3L scale. RESULTS: People with HIV (n = 298) and people without HIV (n = 302) were similar in median age (58.4 vs. 58.5 years), gender, and number of comorbidities. People with HIV had higher self-reported health status (b = 7.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2-9.7), higher EQ-5D utility index (b = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02-0.07), and were more likely to report no problems with self-care (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.3) or pain/discomfort (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI, 1.3-2.8). Relationships between HIV serostatus and health-related quality of life differed by gender, but not age. CONCLUSIONS: Older people with HIV receiving care and treatment reported higher health-related quality of life than people without HIV in Uganda. Access to primary care through HIV programs and/or social network mobilization may explain this difference, but further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms.

Efficacy of Cipargamin (KAE609) in a Randomized, Phase II Dose-Escalation Study in Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa With Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria.

BACKGROUND: Cipargamin (KAE609) is a potent antimalarial in a phase II trial. Here we report efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and resistance marker analysis across a range of cipargamin doses. These were secondary endpoints from a study primarily conducted to assess the hepatic safety of cipargamin (hepatic safety data are reported elsewhere). METHODS: This phase II, multicenter, randomized, open-label, dose-escalation trial was conducted in sub-Saharan Africa in adults with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Cipargamin monotherapy was given as single doses up to 150 mg or up to 50 mg once daily for 3 days, with artemether-lumefantrine as control. Key efficacy endpoints were parasite clearance time (PCT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-corrected and uncorrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at 14 and 28 days. Pharmacokinetics and molecular markers of drug resistance were also assessed. RESULTS: All single or multiple cipargamin doses ≥50 mg were associated with rapid parasite clearance, with median PCT of 8 hours versus 24 hours for artemether-lumefantrine. PCR-corrected ACPR at 14 and 28 days was >75% and 65%, respectively, for each cipargamin dose. A treatment-emerging mutation in the Pfatp4 gene, G358S, was detected in 65% of treatment failures. Pharmacokinetic parameters were consistent with previous data, and approximately dose proportional. CONCLUSIONS: Cipargamin, at single doses of 50 to 150 mg, was associated with very rapid parasite clearance, PCR-corrected ACPR at 28 days of >65% in adults with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, and recrudescent parasites frequently harbored a treatment-emerging mutation. Cipargamin will be further developed with a suitable combination partner. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03334747).

High residual inflammation despite HIV viral suppression: Lessons learned from real-time adherence monitoring among people with HIV in Africa.

BACKGROUND: Lower antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is associated with higher systemic inflammation in virally suppressed people with HIV (PWH); however, previous studies have mostly relied on subjective adherence measures and have not assessed this association by disease stage upon ART initiation. METHODS: In the Monitoring Early Treatment Adherence study, adherence was monitored electronically in real time among adult, treatment-naïve PWH in Uganda and South Africa who initiated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/efavirenz during early-stage (CD4 > 350 cells/µL) or late-stage (CD4 < 200 cells/µL) disease. Participants who achieved viral suppression (< 400 copies/mL) at 6 months and remained suppressed after 12 months were analysed. The association between average ART adherence and plasma concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and D-dimer was evaluated using adjusted multivariable linear regression, stratified by disease stage. RESULTS: In all, 488 PWH (61% women, mean age 35 years) were included in the analysis. Median ART adherence overall was 87%. In adjusted models, every 10% increase in average adherence was associated with a 3.0% decrease in IL-6 [95% confidence interval (CI): -5.9 to -0.01, p = 0.05] at 12 months. This relationship was observed in PWH with both early-stage (5.9%, 95% CI: -10.1 to -1.6, p = 0.009) and late-stage disease (3.7%, 95% CI: -7.2 to -0.2, p = 0.039). No significant associations were found with sCD14 or D-dimer. CONCLUSIONS: Objective ART adherence measurement was inversely associated with systemic inflammation in PWH who achieved viral suppression after ART initiation in sub-Saharan Africa, with a greater association in those with early-stage HIV. This finding underscores the importance of ART adherence beyond establishing viral suppression.

Association between obesity and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) adherence among persons with early-stage HIV infection initiating cART.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is common among people living with HIV (PLWH) and early-stage infection, yet associations with combination antiretroviral (cART) adherence are unclear. METHODS: Among PLWH initiating cART in Uganda and South Africa, body mass index (BMI) was assessed at cART initiation, and cART adherence was monitored in real-time over 12 months. The association of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with adherence was assessed among nonpregnant participants with CD4 > 350 cells/mm3 using fractional regression modeling. RESULTS: Among 322 participants, median age was 32 years, 70% were female, and 54% were from Uganda. Prevalence of obesity was 12% in Uganda and 28% in South Africa. Mean overall cART adherence was 83% in Uganda and 66% in South Africa. Participants with obesity had higher adherence than those without obesity: +3.6% (p = 0.44) in Uganda and +11.4% (p = 0.02) in South Africa. CONCLUSION: Obesity at cART initiation was common and associated with higher adherence, although only significantly in South Africa.

Hepatic safety and tolerability of cipargamin (KAE609), in adult patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a randomized, phase II, controlled, dose-escalation trial in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: The novel anti-malarial cipargamin (KAE609) has potent, rapid activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Transient asymptomatic liver function test elevations were previously observed in cipargamin-treated subjects in two trials: one in malaria patients in Asia and one in volunteers with experimentally induced malaria. In this study, the hepatic safety of cipargamin given as single doses of 10 to 150 mg and 10 to 50 mg once daily for 3 days was assessed. Efficacy results, frequency of treatment-emerging mutations in the atp4 gene and pharmacokinetics have been published elsewhere. Further, the R561H mutation in the k13 gene, which confers artemisinin-resistance, was associated with delayed parasite clearance following treatment with artemether-lumefantrine in Rwanda in this study. This was also the first study with cipargamin to be conducted in patients in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: This was a Phase II, multicentre, randomized, open-label, dose-escalation trial in adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in five sub-Saharan countries, using artemether-lumefantrine as control. The primary endpoint was ≥ 2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Grade increase from baseline in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase (AST) during the 4-week trial. RESULTS: Overall, 2/135 patients treated with cipargamin had ≥ 2 CTCAE Grade increases from baseline in ALT or AST compared to 2/51 artemether-lumefantrine patients, with no significant difference between any cipargamin treatment group and the control group. Cipargamin exposure was comparable to or higher than those in previous studies. Hepatic adverse events and general safety and tolerability were similar for all cipargamin doses and artemether-lumefantrine. Cipargamin was well tolerated with no safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS: This active-controlled, dose escalation study was a detailed assessment of the hepatic safety of cipargamin, across a wide range of doses, in patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Comparison with previous cipargamin trials requires caution as no clear conclusion can be drawn as to whether hepatic safety and potential immunity to malaria would differ with ethnicity, patient age and or geography. Previous concerns regarding hepatic safety may have been confounded by factors including malaria itself, whether natural or experimental infection, and should not limit the further development of cipargamin. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03334747 (7 Nov 2017), other study ID CKAE609A2202.

Influences on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Early-Stage HIV Disease: Qualitative Study from Uganda and South Africa.

Realization of optimal treatment and prevention benefits in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and "U=U" (undetectable = untransmittable) requires high adherence at all stages of HIV disease. This article draws upon qualitative interview data to characterize two types of influences on ART adherence for 100 Ugandans and South Africans initiating ART during early-stage HIV infection. Positive influences are: (a) behavioral strategies supporting adherence; (b) preserving health through adherence; (c) support from others; and (d) motivating effect of adherence monitoring. "De-stabilizing experiences" (mobility, loss, pregnancy) as barriers are posited to impact adherence indirectly through intervening consequences (e.g. exacerbation of poverty). Positive influences overlap substantially with adherence facilitators described for later-stage adherers in previous research. Adherence support strategies and interventions effective for persons initiating ART later in HIV disease are likely also to be helpful to individuals beginning treatment immediately upon confirmation of infection. De-stabilizing experiences merit additional investigation across varying populations.

Sexual Behavior and Perceived HIV Risk Among HIV-Negative Members of Serodiscordant Couples in East Africa.

HIV risk perception may influence the use of HIV prevention interventions. Using data from HIV-negative adults enrolled in a study of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy for HIV-serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda, we examined associations between: (1) condom use and risk perception and (2) risk perception and PrEP adherence. Two-thirds of HIV-negative partners reported condomless sex with their HIV-positive partner or another partner in the month prior to study enrollment. Compared to those who reported no condomless sex, participants who reported condomless sex during the month prior to study visit had fivefold higher odds of reporting "high risk" vs "no risk" perception (36.3 versus 10.9%: aOR 4.9, 95% CI 3.4-6.9). Reporting condomless sex in the most recent sex act was associated with increased odds of perceiving some HIV risk (aOR for high risk = 7.3, 95% CI 4.9-10.8; aOR for moderate risk = 4.8, 95% CI 3.5-6.7; aOR for low risk = 3.5, 95% CI 2.7-4.6). We found no significant association between risk perception and PrEP adherence. Sexual behavior aligned with perceived HIV risk, which can facilitate an HIV-negative individual's decisions about PrEP use.

Factors Affecting the Implementation of Electronic Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Monitoring and Associated Interventions for Routine HIV Care in Uganda: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: High, sustained adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for achieving viral suppression, which in turn leads to important individual health benefits and reduced secondary viral transmission. Electronic adherence monitors record a date-and-time stamp with each opening as a proxy for pill-taking behavior. These monitors can be combined with interventions (eg, data-informed adherence counseling, SMS-based adherence support, and/or alarms) and have been shown to improve adherence in multiple settings. Their use, however, has largely been limited to the research context. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the research was to use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to understand factors relevant for implementing a low-cost electronic adherence monitor and associated interventions for routine HIV clinical care in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with health care administrators, clinicians, and ART clients about likes and dislikes of the features and functions of electronic adherence monitors and associated interventions, their potential to influence HIV care, suggestions on how to measure their value, and recommendations for their use in routine care. We used an inductive, content analysis approach to understand participant perspectives, identifying aspects of CFIR most relevant to technology implementation in this setting. RESULTS: We interviewed 34 health care administrators/clinicians and 15 ART clients. Participants largely saw the monitors and associated interventions as favorable and beneficial for supporting adherence and improving clinical outcomes through efficient, differentiated care. Relevant outside factors included structural determinants of health, international norms around supporting adherence, and limited funding that necessitates careful assessment of costs and benefits. Within the clinic, the adherence data were felt likely to improve the quality of counseling and thereby morale, as well as increase the efficiency of care delivery. Existing infrastructure and care expenditures and the need for proper training were other noted considerations. At the individual level, the desire for good health and a welcomed pressure to adhere favored uptake of the monitors, although some participants were concerned with clients not using the monitors as planned and the influence of poverty, stigma, and need for privacy. Finally, participants felt that decisions around the implementation process would have to come from the Ministry of Health and other funders and would be influenced by sustainability of the technology and the target population for its use. Coordination across the health care system would be important for implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Low-cost electronic adherence monitoring combined with data-informed counseling, SMS-based support, and/or alarms have potential for use in routine HIV care in Uganda. Key metrics of successful implementation will include their impact on efficiency of care delivery and clinical outcomes with careful attention paid to factors such as stigma and cost. Further theory-driven implementation science efforts will be needed to move promising technology from research into clinical care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03825952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03825952.

A comparison of the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) Scores in Predicting Mortality Among Patients with Reduced Level of Consciousness in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Reduced level of consciousness (LOC) is a common cause of presentation among acutely ill adults in sub-Saharan Africa and is associated with high rates of mortality. Although the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score is often used in clinical practice, its utility in predicting mortality has not been assessed in the region. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled adults presenting with reduced LOC to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda. We recorded clinical and laboratory data and performed the FOUR and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores at admission. We used survival analysis, fit Cox proportional hazards regression models to assess the predictive properties of the two scores, and compared their performance using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: We enrolled 359 patients, mean (SD) age was 51 (22.2) years, and 58% (210/359) were male. The median (interquartile range) admission FOUR and GCS scores were 13.0 (3.0-16.0) and 10.0 (3.0-14.0), respectively. Subjects with the FOUR score of 0-11 had a 2.6-fold higher hazard of 30-day mortality (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.6, p < 0.001) compared to those with the score of 12-16. Those with the GCS score of 3-8 had a 2.7-fold higher hazard of 30-day mortality (HR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8, p < 0.001) compared to those with the score of 9-15. The AUROC (95% CI) for the FOUR score and GCS score was 0.68 (0.62-0.73) and 0.67 (0.62-0.73), respectively (p = 0.825). CONCLUSIONS: The FOUR score is comparable to the GCS score in predicting mortality in Uganda. Our findings support the introduction of the FOUR score in guiding the management of patients with reduced LOC in sub-Saharan Africa.

Vital Signs Data and Probability of Hospitalization, Transfer to Another Facility, or Emergency Department Death Among Adults Presenting for Medical Illnesses to the Emergency Department at a Large Urban Hospital in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Vital signs are routinely measured from patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), but how they predict clinical outcomes like hospitalization is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at ED presentation predicted probability of hospitalization, transfer to another center, or death in the ED (as a composite outcome) vs. other ED dispositions (discharged, eloped, and sent to observation or labor and delivery), and to assess the performance of different modeling strategies, specifically, models including flexible forms of vital signs (as restricted cubic splines) vs. linear forms (untransformed numeric variables) vs. binary transformations (vital signs values categorized simply as normal or abnormal). METHODS: We analyzed the data of 12,660 adults presenting for medical illnesses to the ED at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California, throughout 2014. We used flexible forms of vital signs data at presentation (pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, and MAP) to predict ED disposition (admitted, transferred, or died, vs. other ED dispositions) and to guide binary transformation of vital signs. We compared performance of models including vital signs as flexible terms, binary transformations, or linear terms. RESULTS: A model including flexible forms of vital signs and age to predict the outcome had good calibration and moderate discrimination (C-statistic = 71.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 70.0-72.4). Binary transformation of vital signs had minimal impact on performance (C-statistic = 71.3, 95% CI 70.2-72.5). A model with linear forms was less calibrated and had slightly reduced discrimination (C-statistic = 70.3, 95% CI 69.1-71.5). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that flexible modeling of vital signs may better reflect their association with clinical outcomes. Future studies to evaluate how vital signs could assist clinical decision-making in acute care settings are suggested.

Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy and Systemic Inflammation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results From the META Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Chronic inflammation predicts complications in persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection. We compared D-dimer, soluble CD14, and interleukin 6 levels before and 12 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, among individuals starting ART during earlier-stage (CD4 T-cell count >350/µL) or late-stage disease (CD4 T-cell count <200/µL). Female sex, older age, viral load, and late-stage disease were associated with pre-ART biomarkers (n = 661; P < .05). However, there were no differences in biomarkers by disease stage after 12 months of ART (n = 438; P > .05), owing to loss from observation and greater declines in biomarkers in late-stage initiators (P < .001). Earlier initiation of ART is associated with decreased inflammation, but levels seem to converge between earlier and later initiators surviving to 12 months.

Fertility Intentions, Pregnancy, and Use of PrEP and ART for Safer Conception Among East African HIV Serodiscordant Couples.

African HIV serodiscordant couples often desire pregnancy, despite sexual HIV transmission risk during pregnancy attempts. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduce HIV risk and can be leveraged for safer conception but how well these strategies are used for safer conception is not known. We conducted an open-label demonstration project of the integrated delivery of PrEP and ART among 1013 HIV serodiscordant couples from Kenya and Uganda followed quarterly for 2 years. We evaluated fertility intentions, pregnancy incidence, the use of PrEP and ART during peri-conception, and peri-conception HIV incidence. At enrollment, 80% of couples indicated a desire for more children. Pregnancy incidence rates were 18.5 and 18.7 per 100 person years among HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected women, and higher among women who recently reported fertility intention (adjusted odds ratio 3.43, 95% CI 2.38-4.93) in multivariable GEE models. During the 6 months preceding pregnancy, 82.9% of couples used PrEP or ART and there were no HIV seroconversions. In this cohort with high pregnancy rates, integrated PrEP and ART was readily used by HIV serodiscordant couples, including during peri-conception periods. Widespread scale-up of safer conception counseling and services is warranted to respond to strong desires for pregnancy among HIV-affected men and women.

Patterns of Oral PrEP Adherence and HIV Risk Among Eastern African Women in HIV Serodiscordant Partnerships.

Understanding how women use PrEP is important for developing successful implementation programs. We hypothesized there are distinct patterns of adherence, related to HIV risk and other factors. We identified patterns of PrEP adherence and HIV risk behavior over the first 6 months of PrEP use, using data from 233 HIV-uninfected women in high-risk serodiscordant couples in a demonstration project in Kenya & Uganda. We modeled PrEP adherence, assessed by daily electronic monitoring, and HIV risk behavior using group-based trajectory models. We tested baseline covariates and risk behavior group as predictors of adherence patterns. There were four distinct adherence patterns: high steady adherence (55% of population), moderate steady (29%), late declining (8%), and early declining (9%). No baseline characteristics significantly differed between adherence patterns. Adherence patterns differed in average weekly doses (6.7 vs 5.4 vs 4.1 vs 1.5, respectively). Two risk behavior groups were identified: steady HIV risk (78% of population) and declining (22%). Compared to women with declining HIV risk behavior, women with steady risk behavior were more likely to have high steady adherence (61% vs 35%) and less likely to have early (6% vs 17%) or late (4% vs 19%) declining adherence. Women's use of PrEP was associated with concurrent HIV risk behavior; higher risk was associated with higher, sustained adherence.

A randomized trial to assess retention rates using mobile phone reminders versus physical contact tracing in a potential HIV vaccine efficacy population of fishing communities around Lake Victoria, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: High retention (follow-up) rates improve the validity and statistical power of outcomes in longitudinal studies and the effectiveness of programs with prolonged administration of interventions. We assessed participant retention in a potential HIV vaccine trials population of fishing communities along Lake Victoria, Uganda. METHODS: In a community-based individual randomized trial, 662 participants aged 15-49 years were randomized to either mobile phone or physical contact tracing reminders and followed up at months 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 18 post-enrolment. The visit schedules aimed at mimicking a vaccine efficacy trial representing an early interval (months 1-6) where most vaccinations would be administered and a later period of post-vaccination follow-up. The primary outcome was retention measured as the proportion of post-baseline follow up visits completed by a participant. Retention was estimated in early and later follow-up intervals, and overall for all the six follow-up visits. Adjusted differences in retention between the study arms were determined by multivariable logistic regression using Stata® 14. One participant was later dropped from the analysis because of age ineligibility discovered after enrolment. RESULTS: Of the expected total follow up visits of 3966 among 661 participants, 84.1% (3334) were attained; 82.1% (1626/1980) in the phone arm and 86% (1708/1986) in the physical tracing arm (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences in retention were observed between the study arms in the first 6 months but thereafter, retention was significantly higher for physical contact reminders than mobile phones; 91.5% versus 82.1% (p < 0.0001) at month 12 and 82.8% versus 75.4%, (p = 0.021) at month 18. Controlling for sex, age, education, occupation, community location, length of stay and marital status, the odds of good retention (completing 5 out of 6 follow-up visits) were 1.56 (95% CI;1.08-2.26, p = 0.018) for physical contact tracing compared to mobile phone tracing. Other statistically significant predictors of good retention were residing on islands and having stayed in the fishing communities for 5 or more years. CONCLUSIONS: Among fishing communities of Lake Victoria, Uganda, 84% of follow-up visits can be attained and participant retention is higher using physical contact reminders than mobile phones. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PACTR201311000696101 ( http://www.pactr.org/ ). retrospectively registered on 05 November, 2013.

Alcohol Types and HIV Disease Progression Among HIV-Infected Drinkers Not Yet on Antiretroviral Therapy in Russia and Uganda.

In HIV-infected drinkers, alcohol types more likely to cause inflammation could plausibly increase the risk of HIV disease progression. We therefore assessed the association between alcohol type and plasma HIV RNA level (HIV viral load) among HIV-infected drinkers not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Russia and Uganda. We analyzed the data of participants from cohorts in Russia and Uganda and assessed their HIV viral load at enrollment by the alcohol type predominantly consumed. We defined predominant alcohol type as the alcohol type contributing >50% of total alcohol consumption in the 1 month (Russia) or 3 months (Uganda) prior to enrollment. Using multiple linear regression, we compared log10 HIV viral load by predominant alcohol type, controlling for age, gender, socioeconomic status, total number of standard drinks, frequency of drinking ≥6 drinks/occasion, and in Russia, history of injection drug use. Most participants (99.2% of 261 in Russia and 98.9% of 352 in Uganda) predominantly drank one alcohol type. In Russia, we did not find evidence for differences in viral load levels between drinkers of fortified wine (n = 5) or hard liquor (n = 49), compared to drinkers of beer/low-ethanol-content cocktails (n = 163); however, wine/high-ethanol-content cocktail drinkers (n = 42) had higher mean log10 viral load than beer/low-ethanol-content cocktail drinkers (ß = 0.38, 95% CI 0.07-0.69; p = 0.02). In Uganda, we did not find evidence for differences in viral load levels between drinkers of locally-brewed beer (n = 41), commercially-distilled spirits (n = 38), or locally-distilled spirits (n = 43), compared to drinkers of commercially-made beer (n = 218); however, wine drinkers (n = 8) had lower mean log10 HIV viral load (ß = -0.65, 95% CI -1.36 to 0.07, p = 0.08), although this did not reach statistical significance. Among HIV-infected drinkers not yet on ART in Russia and Uganda, we observed an association between the alcohol type predominantly consumed and the HIV viral load level in the Russia sample. These exploratory results suggest that, in addition to total number of drinks and drinking patterns, alcohol type might be a dimension of alcohol use that merits examination in studies of HIV and alcohol related outcomes.