Subclinical tuberculosis linkage to care and completion of treatment following community-based screening in rural South Africa.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), a leading cause of infectious death, is curable when patients complete a course of multi-drug treatment. Because entry into the TB treatment cascade usually relies on symptomatic individuals seeking care, little is known about linkage to care and completion of treatment in people with subclinical TB identified through community-based screening. Methods: Participants of the Vukuzazi study, a community-based survey that provided TB screening in the rural uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal from May 2018 - March 2020, who had a positive sputum (GeneXpert or Mtb culture, microbiologically-confirmed TB) or a chest x-ray consistent with active TB (radiologically-suggested TB) were referred to the public health system. Telephonic follow-up surveys were conducted from May 2021 - January 2023 to assess linkage to care and treatment status. Linked electronic TB register data was accessed. We analyzed the effect of baseline HIV and symptom status (by WHO 4-symptom screen) on the TB treatment cascade. Results: Seventy percent (122/174) of people with microbiologically-confirmed TB completed the telephonic survey. In this group, 84% (103/122) were asymptomatic and 46% (56/122) were people living with HIV (PLWH). By self-report, 98% (119/122) attended a healthcare facility after screening, 94% (115/122) started TB treatment and 93% (113/122) completed treatment. Analysis of electronic TB register data confirmed that 67% (116/174) of eligible individuals started TB treatment. Neither symptom status nor HIV status affected linkage to care. Among people with radiologically-suggested TB, 48% (153/318) completed the telephonic survey, of which 80% (122/153) were asymptomatic and 52% (79/153) were PLWH. By self-report, 75% (114/153) attended a healthcare facility after screening, 16% (24/153) started TB treatment and 14% (22/153) completed treatment. Nine percent (28/318) of eligible individuals had TB register data confirming that they started treatment. Conclusions: Despite high rates of subclinical TB, most people diagnosed with microbiologically-confirmed TB after community-based screening were willing to link to care and complete TB treatment. Lower rates of linkage to care in people with radiologically-suggested TB highlight the importance of streamlined care pathways for this group. Clearer guidelines for the management of people who screen positive during community-based TB screening are needed. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44263-024-00059-0.

Precision Phenotyping for Curating Research Cohorts of Patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) as a Diagnosis of Exclusion.

Scalable identification of patients with the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is challenging due to a lack of reproducible precision phenotyping algorithms and the suboptimal accuracy, demographic biases, and underestimation of the PASC diagnosis code (ICD-10 U09.9). In a retrospective case-control study, we developed a precision phenotyping algorithm for identifying research cohorts of PASC patients, defined as a diagnosis of exclusion. We used longitudinal electronic health records (EHR) data from over 295 thousand patients from 14 hospitals and 20 community health centers in Massachusetts. The algorithm employs an attention mechanism to exclude sequelae that prior conditions can explain. We performed independent chart reviews to tune and validate our precision phenotyping algorithm. Our PASC phenotyping algorithm improves precision and prevalence estimation and reduces bias in identifying Long COVID patients compared to the U09.9 diagnosis code. Our algorithm identified a PASC research cohort of over 24 thousand patients (compared to about 6 thousand when using the U09.9 diagnosis code), with a 79.9 percent precision (compared to 77.8 percent from the U09.9 diagnosis code). Our estimated prevalence of PASC was 22.8 percent, which is close to the national estimates for the region. We also provide an in-depth analysis outlining the clinical attributes, encompassing identified lingering effects by organ, comorbidity profiles, and temporal differences in the risk of PASC. The PASC phenotyping method presented in this study boasts superior precision, accurately gauges the prevalence of PASC without underestimating it, and exhibits less bias in pinpointing Long COVID patients. The PASC cohort derived from our algorithm will serve as a springboard for delving into Long COVID's genetic, metabolomic, and clinical intricacies, surmounting the constraints of recent PASC cohort studies, which were hampered by their limited size and available outcome data.

Piloting Siyakhana: A community health worker training to reduce substance use and depression stigma in South African HIV and TB care.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV/tuberculosis (TB) co-infection, and poor engagement in HIV/TB care contributes to morbidity and mortality. In South Africa, community health workers (CHWs) are tasked with re-engaging patients who have dropped out of HIV/TB care. CHWs have described substantial challenges with substance use (SU) and depression among their patients, while patients have described CHW stigma towards SU and depression as barriers to re-engagement in care. Yet, CHWs receive little-to-no training on SU or depression. Therefore, we piloted Siyakhana, a brief CHW training to reduce stigma related to SU and depression while improving skills for re-engaging these patients in HIV and/or TB care. This study evaluated the preliminary effectiveness (stigma towards SU and depression; clinical competence assessed via roleplay) and implementation (quantitative ratings of feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, adoption; semi-structured written qualitative feedback) of Siyakhana among CHWs and supervisors (N = 17) at pre- and post-training assessments. SU stigma significantly decreased (F(1,16) = 18.94, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.54). Depression stigma was lower than SU stigma at both timepoints and did not significantly decrease after training. CHW clinical competency towards patients with SU/depression significantly improved (t(11) = -3.35, p = 0.007, d = 1.00). The training was rated as feasible, acceptable, appropriate, and likely to be adopted by CHWs and their supervisors. Nonjudgmental communication was commonly described as the most useful training component. Based on this pilot, the training is being refined and evaluated in a larger randomized stepped-wedge clinical trial.

Distinct cytokine profiles in late pregnancy in Ugandan people with HIV.

During pregnancy, multiple immune regulatory mechanisms establish an immune-tolerant environment for the allogeneic fetus, including cellular signals called cytokines that modify immune responses. However, the impact of maternal HIV infection on these responses is incompletely characterized. We analyzed paired maternal and umbilical cord plasma collected during labor from 147 people with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy and 142 HIV-uninfected comparators. Though cytokine concentrations were overall similar between groups, using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis we identified distinct cytokine profiles in each group, driven by higher IL-5 and lower IL-8 and MIP-1α levels in pregnant people with HIV and higher RANTES and E-selectin in HIV-unexposed umbilical cord plasma (P-value < 0.01). Furthermore, maternal RANTES, SDF-α, gro α -KC, IL-6, and IP-10 levels differed significantly by HIV serostatus (P < 0.01). Although global maternal and umbilical cord cytokine profiles differed significantly (P < 0.01), umbilical cord plasma profiles were similar by maternal HIV serostatus. We demonstrate that HIV infection is associated with a distinct maternal plasma cytokine profile which is not transferred across the placenta, indicating a placental role in coordinating local inflammatory response. Furthermore, maternal cytokine profiles in people with HIV suggest an incomplete shift from Th2 to Th1 immune phenotype at the end of pregnancy.

Swiping right on PrEP: a qualitative study of MSM preferences for PrEP public health messaging on dating apps.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Given that over 70% of MSM meet sexual partners via dating apps, such apps may be an effective platform for promoting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. We aimed to describe preferences among MSM for PrEP advertisements displayed on dating apps. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with 16 MSM recruited from a mobile sexual health unit in Boston, Massachusetts. Two focus groups were also held: one with mobile unit staff (N = 3) and one with mobile unit users (N = 3). Content analysis was used to identify themes related to advertisement content and integration with app use. Mean participant age was 28 (SD 6.8); 37% identified as White and 63% as Latinx. 21% of interviews were conducted in Spanish. Preferences were organized around four themes: (1) relevant and relatable advertisements, (2) expansion of target audiences to promote access, (3) concise and captivating advertisements, and (4) PrEP advertisements and services as options, not obligations. MSM are supportive of receiving information about PrEP on dating apps, but feel that existing advertisements require modification to better engage viewers. Dating apps may be an underutilized tool for increasing PrEP awareness and knowledge among MSM.

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.

Community health worker training to reduce mental health and substance use stigma towards patients who have disengaged from HIV/TB care in South Africa: protocol for a stepped wedge hybrid type II pilot implementation trial.

BACKGROUND: South Africa has deployed community health workers (CHWs) to support individuals to enter and stay in HIV/TB care. Although CHWs routinely encounter patients with mental health (particularly depression) and substance use (SU) conditions that impact their engagement in HIV/TB care, CHWs are rarely trained in how to work with these patients. This contributes to mental health and SU stigma among CHWs, a known barrier to patient engagement in care. Mental health and SU training interventions could reduce CHW stigma and potentially improve patient engagement in care, but evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of these interventions is scarce. Therefore, we designed a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation pilot trial to evaluate the implementation and preliminary effectiveness of a CHW training intervention for reducing depression and SU stigma in the Western Cape, South Africa. METHODS: This stepped wedge pilot trial will engage CHWs from six primary care clinics offering HIV/TB care. Clinics will be block randomized into three-step cohorts that receive the intervention at varying time points. The Siyakhana intervention involves 3 days of training in depression and SU focused on psychoeducation, evidence-based skills for working with patients, and self-care strategies for promoting CHW wellness. The implementation strategy involves social contact with people with lived experience of depression/SU during training (via patient videos and a peer trainer) and clinical supervision to support CHWs to practice new skills. Both implementation outcomes (acceptability, feasibility, fidelity) and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on CHW stigma will be assessed using mixed methods at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. DISCUSSION: This trial will advance knowledge of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a CHW training for reducing depression and SU stigma towards patients with HIV and/or TB. Study findings will inform a larger implementation trial to evaluate the longer-term implementation and effectiveness of this intervention for reducing CHW stigma towards patients with depression and SU and improving patient engagement in HIV/TB care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05282173. Registered on 7 March 2022.

Syphilis Prevalence Among People Living With and Without HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted infection that, untreated, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In people living with HIV (PLWH), syphilis carries greater risks of disease progression. We estimated syphilis prevalence among PLWH in the general population in sub-Saharan Africa and compared the prevalence among PLWH and without HIV. METHODS: We searched for studies published January 1, 2011, to March 28, 2022, reporting syphilis prevalence among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa (PROSPERO No. CRD42020167328). We excluded studies in high-risk subpopulations. We estimated pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH using random-effects modeling and compared the prevalence with people without HIV when included in the same study. We examined influences of region, study setting, and test type in subgroup analyses. RESULTS: We identified 926 studies; 53 were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3%-8.5%). Prevalence differed by region: 3.1% (95% CI, 2.2%-4.0%) in Southern, 5.5% (95% CI, 2.3%-9.3%) in West/Central, and 10.5% (95% CI, 8.0%-13.1%) in Eastern Africa. Prevalence also differed by study setting: 13.8% (95% CI, 5.7%-23.0%) in sexual and reproductive health/sexually transmitted infection care, 8.7% (95% CI, 5.0%-12.8%) in HIV care, 7.1% (95% CI, 5.8%-8.5%) in antenatal care, and 3.8% (95% CI, 2.0%-5.8%) in household/community-based settings. Syphilis prevalence was higher among PLWH than without HIV (relative risk, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.8-4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis is highly prevalent among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa and is more common among PLWH than without HIV. Integration of syphilis screening and management into HIV care may reduce complications of HIV-syphilis coinfection among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effects of Maternal HIV Infection and Alcohol Use in Pregnancy on Birth Outcomes in Uganda.

Alcohol use and HIV infection are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), and both are associated with low birth weight. Yet, few studies have evaluated the combined effects of maternal HIV infection and alcohol use on birth outcomes. We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of HIV-related placental changes in Ugandan women. We defined alcohol use as self-reported alcohol use within the last year, using the AUDIT questionnaire and used linear and logistic regression to measure associations between maternal alcohol use, HIV serostatus, and birth weight. In a subsample, we measured alcohol exposure using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in neonatal heelstick dried blood spots to confirm maternal alcohol use. Of 352 participants, 176 (50%) were women with HIV (WHIV). Three of 176 (2%) HIVuninfected women and 17/176 (10%) of WHIV self-reported alcohol use (P = 0.002). Maternal HIV infection was associated with lower birth weight (ß = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.20, -0.02], P = 0.02), but self-reported alcohol use was not (ß = 0.06, 95% CI [-0.15, 0.26], P = 0.54), and the interaction between HIV serostatus and alcohol use was not significant (P = 0.13). Among the PEth subsample, neither HIV status nor PEthconfirmed alcohol use were associated with low birth weight. Maternal HIV infection was associated with lower birth weight, but alcohol use was not, and there was no significant interaction between maternal HIV infection and alcohol use. Alcohol use was more prevalent in WHIV and under-reporting was common. A larger study of the effects of laboratory-confirmed alcohol and HIV exposure on birth outcomes is warranted.

Prevalence of Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Population-Representative Sample of Young Adults in a High HIV Incidence Area in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Recent population-representative estimates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence in high HIV burden areas in southern Africa are limited. We estimated the prevalence and associated factors of 3 STIs among adolescents and young adults (AYA) in rural South Africa. METHODS: Between March 2020 and May 2021, a population-representative sample of AYA aged 16 to 29 years were randomly selected from a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial. Participants in 2 intervention arms were offered baseline testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis using GeneXpert. Prevalence estimates were weighted for participation bias, and logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with STIs. RESULTS: Of 2323 eligible AYA, 1743 (75%) enrolled in the trial. Among 863 eligible for STI testing, 814 (94%) provided specimens (median age of 21.8 years, 52% female, and 71% residing in rural areas). Population-weighted prevalence estimates were 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2%-5.8%) for gonorrhea, 17.9% (16.5%-19.3%) for chlamydia, 5.4% (4.6%-6.3%) for trichomoniasis, and 23.7% (22.2%-25.3%) for any STI. In multivariable models, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.24; 95% CI, 1.48-3.09) and urban/periurban (vs. rural) residence (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.02-2.15) were associated with STIs; recent migration was associated with lower odds of STI (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.89). Among those with an STI, 53 (31.0%) were treated within 7 days; median time to treatment was 11 days (interquartile range, 6-77 days). CONCLUSIONS: We identified a high prevalence of curable STIs among AYA in rural South Africa. Improved access to STI testing to enable etiologic diagnosis and rapid treatment is needed.

Identifying sex-specific anthropometric measures and thresholds for dysglycemia screening in an HIV-endemic rural South African population.

Valid screening and diagnostic algorithms are needed to achieve 2030 targets proposed by the WHO's Global Diabetes Compact. We explored anthropometric thresholds to optimally screen and refer individuals for diabetes testing in rural South Africa. We evaluated screening thresholds for waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) to detect dysglycemia based on a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) ≥6.5% among adults in a population-based study in South Africa using weighted, non-parametric ROC regression analyses. We then assessed the diagnostic validity of traditional obesity thresholds, explored optimal thresholds for this population, and fit models stratified by sex, age, and HIV status. The prevalence of dysglycemia in the total study population (n = 17,846) was 7.7%. WC had greater discriminatory capacity than WHR to detect dysglycemia in men (p-value<0.001) and women (p<0.001). WC had greater discriminatory capacity than BMI to detect dysglycemia in women (p<0.001). However, BMI and WC performed similarly for men (p = 0.589). Whereas traditional WC thresholds for women (>81cm) performed well (sensitivity 91%, positive predictive value [PPV] 14.9%), substantially lower thresholds were needed to achieve acceptable sensitivity and PPV among men (traditional >94cm, derived >79.5cm). WC outperforms BMI as an anthropometric screening measure for dysglycemia in rural South Africa. Whereas WC guideline thresholds are appropriate for women, male-derived WC cutoffs performed better at lower thresholds. In this rural South African population, thresholds that maximize specificity and PPV for efficient resource allocation may be preferred.

Evaluation of Hepatitis C Treatment Outcomes Among Patients Enrolled in Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy-Boston, Massachusetts, 2016-2021.

In our Boston-based outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) program between 2016 and 2021, we found that a low proportion of patients with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) were prescribed HCV treatment by their OPAT provider and few achieved sustained virologic response. Clinicians should consider concurrent HCV treatment during OPAT.

Development of a Definition of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Importance: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with persistent, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects occurring after acute infection, termed postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as long COVID. Characterizing PASC requires analysis of prospectively and uniformly collected data from diverse uninfected and infected individuals. Objective: To develop a definition of PASC using self-reported symptoms and describe PASC frequencies across cohorts, vaccination status, and number of infections. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective observational cohort study of adults with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection at 85 enrolling sites (hospitals, health centers, community organizations) located in 33 states plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Participants who were enrolled in the RECOVER adult cohort before April 10, 2023, completed a symptom survey 6 months or more after acute symptom onset or test date. Selection included population-based, volunteer, and convenience sampling. Exposure: SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main Outcomes and Measures: PASC and 44 participant-reported symptoms (with severity thresholds). Results: A total of 9764 participants (89% SARS-CoV-2 infected; 71% female; 16% Hispanic/Latino; 15% non-Hispanic Black; median age, 47 years [IQR, 35-60]) met selection criteria. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.5 or greater (infected vs uninfected participants) for 37 symptoms. Symptoms contributing to PASC score included postexertional malaise, fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, palpitations, changes in sexual desire or capacity, loss of or change in smell or taste, thirst, chronic cough, chest pain, and abnormal movements. Among 2231 participants first infected on or after December 1, 2021, and enrolled within 30 days of infection, 224 (10% [95% CI, 8.8%-11%]) were PASC positive at 6 months. Conclusions and Relevance: A definition of PASC was developed based on symptoms in a prospective cohort study. As a first step to providing a framework for other investigations, iterative refinement that further incorporates other clinical features is needed to support actionable definitions of PASC.

Development of "Yima Nkqo," a community-based, peer group intervention to support treatment initiation for young adults with HIV in South Africa.

AIMS: Half of young adults diagnosed with HIV in South Africa start antiretroviral therapy (ART). We developed and field tested a facilitator-guided peer support group called Yima Nkqo ("Standing Tall" in isiXhosa) to promote treatment initiation for young adults newly diagnosed with HIV in communities around Cape Town. METHODS: Following an adapted version of the UK Medical Research Council's framework for developing complex interventions, we 1) identified evidence on previous interventions to improve ART uptake in sub-Saharan Africa; 2) collected and analyzed qualitative data on the acceptability of our proposed intervention; 3) proposed a theoretical understanding of the process of behavior change; and 4) developed an intervention manual and feedback tools. During field-testing, participant feedback on intervention acceptability, and team feedback on consistency of content delivery and facilitation quality, were analyzed using an iterative, rapid-feedback evaluation approach. In-depth written and verbal summaries were shared in weekly team meetings. Team members interpreted feedback, identified areas for improvement, and proposed suggestions for intervention modifications. RESULTS: Based on our formative research, we developed three, 90-minute sessions with content including HIV and ART education, reflection on personal resources and strengths, practice disclosing one's status, strategies to overcome stressors, and goal setting to start treatment. A lay facilitator was trained to deliver intervention content. Two field testing groups (five and four participants, respectively) completed the intervention. Participants highlighted that strengths of Yima Nkqo included peer support, motivation, and education about HIV and ART. Team feedback to the facilitator ensured optimal consistency of intervention content delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Iteratively developed in collaboration with youth and healthcare providers, Yima Nkqo is a promising new intervention to improve treatment uptake among young adults with HIV in South Africa. The next phase will be a pilot randomized controlled trial of Yima Nkqo (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04568460).

Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) adult study protocol: Rationale, objectives, and design.

IMPORTANCE: SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects after the acute phase of infection; termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. The characteristics, prevalence, trajectory and mechanisms of PASC are ill-defined. The objectives of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC in Adults (RECOVER-Adult) are to: (1) characterize PASC prevalence; (2) characterize the symptoms, organ dysfunction, natural history, and distinct phenotypes of PASC; (3) identify demographic, social and clinical risk factors for PASC onset and recovery; and (4) define the biological mechanisms underlying PASC pathogenesis. METHODS: RECOVER-Adult is a combined prospective/retrospective cohort currently planned to enroll 14,880 adults aged ≥18 years. Eligible participants either must meet WHO criteria for suspected, probable, or confirmed infection; or must have evidence of no prior infection. Recruitment occurs at 86 sites in 33 U.S. states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, via facility- and community-based outreach. Participants complete quarterly questionnaires about symptoms, social determinants, vaccination status, and interim SARS-CoV-2 infections. In addition, participants contribute biospecimens and undergo physical and laboratory examinations at approximately 0, 90 and 180 days from infection or negative test date, and yearly thereafter. Some participants undergo additional testing based on specific criteria or random sampling. Patient representatives provide input on all study processes. The primary study outcome is onset of PASC, measured by signs and symptoms. A paradigm for identifying PASC cases will be defined and updated using supervised and unsupervised learning approaches with cross-validation. Logistic regression and proportional hazards regression will be conducted to investigate associations between risk factors, onset, and resolution of PASC symptoms. DISCUSSION: RECOVER-Adult is the first national, prospective, longitudinal cohort of PASC among US adults. Results of this study are intended to inform public health, spur clinical trials, and expand treatment options. REGISTRATION: NCT05172024.

"That was our afterparty": a qualitative study of mobile, venue-based PrEP for MSM.

BACKGROUND: HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM), a group disproportionately impacted by HIV, is not commensurate with need. Settings which reduce or remove barriers to accessing care are promising venues to support PrEP uptake. PrEP provision at mobile clinics represents a novel strategy to increase PrEP access; however, the acceptability and feasibility of this approach have not been well studied. METHODS: Our objective was to understand patient and staff experiences of a mobile clinic van offering PrEP and sexual health services in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. We interviewed mobile unit users and conducted focus groups with mobile unit staff and users. Data were organized using Dedoose software, and content analysis was used to identify themes of access, community, and stigma. RESULTS: Nineteen individuals (16 patients and 3 staff members) participated in interviews (N = 13) or focus groups (N = 6). All patients identified as MSM, 63% were Hispanic or Latino, and 21% of patient interviews were conducted in Spanish. Logistical and psychological convenience facilitated service use, while the community-oriented environment improved satisfaction with care. Overall, participants supported expansion of mobile unit services and recommended changes to improve access to longitudinal care. However, some barriers to PrEP persisted, including low HIV risk perception and stigma about sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile units can promote sexual health and PrEP uptake, particularly for populations facing social and logistical barriers to care in traditional settings.

Association between prior tuberculosis disease and dysglycemia within an HIV-endemic, rural South African population.

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis (TB) may predispose individuals to the development of diabetes. Such a relationship could have an outsized impact in high-prevalence TB settings. However, few studies have explored this relationship in populations heavily burdened by diabetes and TB. METHODS: We analyzed data from a community-based population cohort that enrolled adults in rural South Africa. Individuals were considered to have prior TB if they self-reported a history of TB treatment. We fitted sex-specific logistic regression models, adjusted for potential clinical and demographic confounders, to estimate relationships between dysglycemia (HBA1c ≥6.5%) and prior TB. Propensity score-matched cohorts accounted for the differential age distributions between comparator groups. We examined the interactions between sex, prior TB, and HIV status. RESULTS: In the analytic cohort (n = 17,593), the prevalence of prior TB was 13.8% among men and 10.7% among women. Dysglycemia was found in 9.1% of the population, and HIV prevalence was 34.0%. We found no difference in dysglycemia prevalence by prior TB (men OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.60-1.56: women OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.79-1.39). However, there was a qualitative interaction by HIV serostatus, such that among men without HIV, those with a history of TB had a greater prevalence of dysglycemia than those without prior TB (10.1% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.0077). An inverse relationship was observed among men living with HIV (prior TB 3.3% vs. no TB 7.3%, p = 0.0073). CONCLUSIONS: Treated TB disease was not associated with dysglycemia in an HIV-endemic, rural South African population. However, we found a significant interaction between prior TB and HIV status among men, suggesting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms between the two infections that may impact glucose metabolism. Longitudinal studies are needed to better establish a causal effect and underlying mechanisms related to resolved TB, HIV, and diabetes.

Geographic variation in 5-year mortality following HIV diagnosis: implications for clinical interventions.

Characterizing spatial distribution of HIV outcomes is vital for targeting interventions to areas most at risk. We performed spatial analysis to identify geographic clusters and factors associated with mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We utilized Sizanani trial (NCT01188941) data, which enrolled participants August 2010-January 2013 and obtained vital status at 5.8 (IQR 5.0-6.4) years of follow-up. We mapped geocoded addresses to 2011 Census-defined small area layer (SAL) centroids, used Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic to identify mortality clusters, and compared socio-demographic factors for SALs within and outside mortality clusters. We assigned 1,143 participants living with HIV (260 [23%] of whom died during follow-up) to 677 SALs. One lower mortality cluster (n = 90, RR = 0.23, p = 0.022) was identified near a hospital outside Durban. SALs in the cluster were younger (24y vs 25y, p < 0.001); had fewer bedrooms/household (3 vs 4, p < 0.001); had more females (52% vs 51%, p = 0.013) and residents with no schooling past age 20 (4% vs 3%, p < 0.001) or no education at all (4% vs 3%, p < 0.001); had fewer residents with income >3,200 ZAR/month (5% vs 9%, p < 0.001); and had reduced access to piped water (p < 0.001), refuse disposal (p < 0.001), and toilets (p < 0.001). Targeted interventions may improve outcomes in areas with similar characteristics.

Patient and stakeholder perspectives on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV and mental health care delivery in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact on health systems and the delivery of health services, including for chronic conditions such as HIV. In South Africa, impacts on HIV services have widely been quantitatively described. Across different health settings, patients have also qualitatively described numerous negative impacts to their HIV care. However, patient perspectives on COVID-19 impacts to HIV care in South Africa, the largest HIV care system in the world, have been little explored to date. METHODS: We conducted 29 semi-structured individual interviews with people living with HIV (n = 24) and providers (n = 5) in Cape Town, South Africa. RESULTS: While most patient participants reported continued access to HIV treatment during the pandemic, many described perceiving that the quality of their care declined. Increased structural barriers were described as one contributing factor to this change. Additionally, patients described that reduced privacy in clinical interactions was a key factor negatively influencing their experience of receiving care. CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the importance of ensuring patient privacy for HIV services even during the rearrangement of services in emergencies. It is also important to continue developing models to integrate community mental health services within HIV care delivery in South Africa.

Rapid qualitative analysis approach to stakeholder and client interviews to inform mobile-based HIV testing in the U.S. Deep South.

BACKGROUND: The severity of the HIV epidemic in the United States' rural South highlights geographic, socioeconomic, and racial disparities that disproportionately affect poor Black Americans. Approximately 16% of Alabamians living with HIV remain undiagnosed and just 37% of rural Alabamians have ever been tested for HIV. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 key stakeholders involved in HIV prevention, testing, treatment, or community health initiatives, and 10 adults living in rural communities across Alabama to explore HIV testing challenges and opportunities. We utilized a rapid qualitative analysis approach and engaged community partners for feedback and discussion. This analysis will inform the implementation of a mobile HIV testing service in rural Alabama. RESULTS: The following themes were identified: (1) Cultural norms, racism, poverty, and rurality impair access to healthcare. (2) Lack of sex education, low knowledge of HIV and perception of risk reinforce stigmas. (3) Messaging about "Undetectable = Untransmissible" (U = U) is not well understood in communities. (4) Community involvement may promote communication and trust between communities and testing advocates. (5) Novel testing strategies are acceptable and may diminish barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Working with community "gatekeepers" may be a key strategy to understand and promote acceptability of interventions new to rural Alabama and ameliorate stigma within communities. The implementation of new HIV testing strategies requires building and maintaining relationships with advocates, especially faith-based leaders, who engage people across many demographics.