Travel distance to rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis treatment and its impact on loss to follow-up: the importance of continued RR-TB treatment decentralization in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Understanding why patients experience loss to follow-up (LTFU) is essential for TB control. This analysis examines the impact of travel distance to RR-TB treatment on LTFU, which has yet to be analyzed within South Africa. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1436 patients treated for RR-TB at ten South African public hospitals. We linked patients to their residential ward using data reported to NHLS and maps available from the Municipal Demarcation Board. Travel distance was calculated from each patient's ward centroid to their RR-TB treatment site using the georoute command in Stata. The relationship between LTFU and travel distance was modeled using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 1436 participants, 75.6% successfully completed treatment and 24.4% were LTFU. The median travel distance was 40.96 km (IQR: 17.12, 63.49). A travel distance > 60 km increased odds of LTFU by 91% (p = 0.001) when adjusting for HIV status, age, sex, education level, employment status, residential locale, treatment regimen, and treatment site. CONCLUSION: People living in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape travel long distances to receive RR-TB care, placing them at increased risk for LTFU. Policies that bring RR-TB treatment closer to patients, such as further decentralization to PHCs, are necessary to improve RR-TB outcomes.

A Systematic Review and Psychometric Appraisal of Instruments Measuring Tuberculosis Stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tuberculosis (TB) stigma is one barrier to TB testing, treatment uptake and treatment completion. Therefore, stigma measurement must be approached through rigorous scientific methodology in order to accurately and reliably estimate the impact of TB stigma on treatment outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the methods and instruments used to measure TB stigma and interrogate strategies used to culturally validate measures of TB stigma in global research. Two reviewers used the PRISMA method to extract and analyze the existing body of literature on TB stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa. A thorough search was performed using three data bases generating 2,302 independent studies. After systematic screening, this review includes 28 studies. Of those studies, 13 used a psychometrically validated instrument while 15 used informal questionnaires or proxy variables to measure stigma. Psychometric appraisal was limited due to the number of studies that measured stigma using unvalidated questionnaires or proxy variables. The Patient and Community Perceptions of TB scales validated by Van Rie et al. were the most commonly used instruments to measure TB stigma; additionally, many instruments were not culturally or linguistically validated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our appraisal emphasizes the need for reliable and valid instruments to measure TB stigma in low- and middle-income countries most affected by TB.

Older Black Americans' Perspectives on Structural Racism-Resilience as a Form of Resistance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a deep understanding of the lived experiences of structural racism and discrimination among older Black Americans' and their perceptions of structural racism across their lives. We also considered individual and community resilience capacity and response in the face of systemic racism. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with Black community-dwelling adults aged 55 and older in and around Baltimore City. The interview guide used nine contexts to explore perceptions and experiences with structural racism over the life course. Two researchers used reflexive thematic analysis to code and analyze the data. RESULTS: Participants endorsed structural racism to varying degrees across contexts of education, employment, neighborhood, healthcare, and income/wealth. Participants who denied structural racism placed blame for Black underachievement on factors such as personal and community deficiencies, unsafe neighborhoods, and institutional indifference. There was broad agreement about the existence of structural racism within the domains of policing and violence but participants were largely ambivalent about other domains such as environment, media, and civics. Resilience factors that helped individuals to resist and rebound from racism emerged as an unexpected and important theme. CONCLUSIONS: We used Public Health Critical Race Praxis and the Cells to Society frameworks to contextualize these findings. Due to the ubiquitous nature of racism, individuals may not fully appreciate the impact of structural racism and its impact on Black well-being. This ordinariness of racism is harmful but may simultaneously contribute to resilience within Baltimore's Black community.

"It was almost like it's set up for people to fail" A qualitative analysis of experiences and unmet supportive needs of people with Long COVID.

BACKGROUND: Almost twenty percent of adults with COVID-19 develop Long COVID, leading to prolonged symptoms and disability. Understanding the supportive needs of people with Long COVID is vital to enacting effective models of care and policies. DESIGN/METHODS: This qualitative sub-study explored the experiences of people with Long COVID and their unmet needs. Participants enrolled in a larger study to evaluate the post-acute cardiovascular impacts of COVID-19 were invited to participate in subsequent in-depth interviews. Participants were enrolled purposively until saturation at 24 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Participants focused on adaptations to life with Long COVID and their unmet needs in different life spheres. Three domains, 1) occupational and financial; 2) healthcare-related; and 3) social and emotional support, emerged as areas affecting quality of life. Although participants were motivated to return to work for financial and personal reasons, Long COVID symptoms often resulted in the inability to perform tasks required by their existing jobs, and unemployment. Those who maintained employment through employer accommodations still needed additional support. Participants encountered diagnostic challenges, challenges in accessing specialty appointments, insurance loopholes, high healthcare costs, and medical skepticism. Existing social networks provided support for completing daily tasks; however, those with Long COVID typically turned to others with similar lived experiences for emotional support. Participants found government support programs inadequate and difficult to access in all three domains. DISCUSSION: We propose a five-pronged policy approach to support persons with Long COVID. These overarching recommendations are (1) improve public awareness of Long COVID; (2) improve clinical care quality and access; (3) implement additional school and workplace accommodations; (4) strengthen socioeconomic benefits and social services; and (5) improve research on Long COVID.

Identity management in the face of HIV and intersecting stigmas: A metasynthesis of qualitative reports from sub-Saharan Africa.

While stigma experienced by people living with HIV (PLWH) is well documented, intersectional stigma and additional stigmatized identities have not received similar attention. The purpose of this metasynthesis is to identify salient stigmatized intersections and their impact on health outcomes in PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa. Using Sandelowski and Barroso's metasynthesis method, we searched four databases for peer-reviewed qualitative literature. Included studies (1) explored personal experiences with intersecting stigmas, (2) included ≥1 element of infectious disease stigma, and (3) were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Our multinational team extracted, aggregated, interpreted, and synthesized the findings. From 454 screened abstracts, the 34 studies included in this metasynthesis reported perspectives of at least 1258 participants (282 men, 557 women, and 109 unspecified gender) and key informants. From these studies, gender and HIV was the most salient stigmatized intersection, with HIV testing avoidance and HIV-status denial seemingly more common among men to preserve traditional masculine identity. HIV did not threaten female identity in the same way with women more willing to test for HIV, but at the risk of abandonment and withdrawal of financial support. To guard against status loss, men and women used performative behaviors to highlight positive qualities or minimize perceived negative attributes. These identity management practices ultimately shaped health behaviors and outcomes. From this metasynthesis, the Stigma Identity Framework was devised for framing identity and stigma management, focusing on role expectation and fulfillment. This framework illustrates how PLWH create, minimize, or emphasize other identity traits to safeguard against status loss and discrimination. Providers must acknowledge how stigmatization disrupts PLWH's ability to fit into social schemas and tailor care to individuals' unique intersecting identities. Economic security and safety should be considered in women's HIV care, while highlighting antiretrovirals' role in preserving strength and virility may improve care engagement among men.

"Living like an empty gas tank with a leak": Mixed methods study on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The burden and presentation of post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) are a developing major public health concern. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the burden of PASC in community-dwelling individuals and understand the experiences of people living with PASC. METHODS: This mixed-methods study of COVID-19 positive community-dwelling persons involved surveys and in-depth interviews. Main outcome was self-report of possible PASC symptoms 3 weeks or longer after positive COVID-19 test. In-depth interviews were guided by a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions and probes based on emerging literature on PASC and the impact of COVID-19. RESULTS: With a survey response rate of 70%, 442 participants were included in this analysis, mean (SD) age 45.4 (16.2) years, 71% female, 12% Black/African American. Compared to those with no PASC symptoms, persons who reported PASC symptoms were more likely to be older (mean age: 46.5 vs. 42; p = 0.013), female (74.3% vs. 61.2%; p = 0.010), to have pre-existing conditions (49.6% vs. 34%; p = 0.005), and to have been hospitalized for COVID-19 (14.2% vs. 2.9%; p = 0.002). About 30% of the participants experienced severe fatigue; the proportion of persons reporting severe fatigue was 7-fold greater in those with PASC symptoms (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] 6.73, 95%CI: 2.80-16.18). Persons with PASC symptoms were more likely to report poor quality of life (16% vs. 5%, p<0.001) and worse mental health functioning (Mean difference: -1.87 95%CI: -2.38, -1.37, p<0.001). Themes from in-depth interviews revealed PASC was experienced as debilitating. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of PASC among community-dwelling adults was substantial. Participants reported considerable coping difficulties, restrictions in everyday activities, invisibility of symptoms and experiences, and impediments to getting and receiving PASC care.

Combating Stigma in the Era of Monkeypox-Is History Repeating Itself?

ABSTRACT: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and people with HIV (PWH) perceive, internalize, and experience significant stigma from family members, health care providers, and community members because of their sexual behaviors. The current monkeypox (MPX) outbreak is affecting both communities. The pandemic has spread to 89 countries with more than 31,000 confirmed cases, and global agencies are concerned about how the disease is portrayed in the media. This article will introduce MPX and its associated stigmas, providing a brief theoretical perspective on adaptive behaviors and nursing interventions to mitigate stigma. This is followed by a case-based description of the current experiences of an MSM with MPX. We will discuss stigma prevention strategies from an adaptation and mitigation perspective. We conclude with how nurses can contribute to stigma prevention for individuals with MPX.

Monkeypox Virus Outbreak 2022: Key Epidemiologic, Clinical, Diagnostic, and Prevention Considerations.

ABSTRACT: Monkeypox is a zoonotic infection that manifests as dermatologic lesions that may be painful or pruritic and can appear on the face, trunk, extremities, genitals, and mucosal surfaces. In 2022, cases of monkeypox increased exponentially and it was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Unlike previous monkeypox outbreaks, the current situation has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men and seems to be associated with lower mortality. Options for treatment and prevention are limited. The distribution and availability of vaccines and antivirals has posed challenges for patients, clinicians, and public health systems. Early recognition and management of persons with monkeypox is critical in controlling the spread of this infection. This article reviews key features of monkeypox and highlights current recommendations for clinical management, prevention, and considerations for persons with HIV. Implications for public health and nursing are discussed.

Reframing Intersectional Stigma for a South African Context Integrating Tuberculosis, HIV and Poverty Stigmas.

ABSTRACT: Intersectionality is closely intertwined with Black feminism within the context of the United States. As a result, intersectionality is often overlooked in non-Western contexts where racial homogeneity may reduce some of the impact of race on marginalization. This article will look at intersectional stigma from the South African context using the tuberculosis/HIV (TB/HIV) treatment environment in South Africa to exemplify intersectionality's versatility as an analytic method outside of the United States. We will use colonial history and contemporary research to reframe intersectionality considering a new set of stigmatized identities, including HIV stigma, TB stigma, and poverty stigma, to create a situation-specific framework adapted from a model by Bulent Turan and colleagues.

Evaluating Integrated Care for People Living With HIV and Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in South Africa: A Case-Based Approach Using the Chronic Care Model.

ABSTRACT: In South Africa, tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) frequently occur in people living with HIV. World Health Organization guidelines recommend the integration of MDR-TB and HIV care but, in practice, fully integrated care is difficult to achieve. In this article, we use five elements of the Chronic Care Model as a framework for evaluating a case of integrated MDR-TB/HIV care and to highlight opportunities for nurses to improve care delivery and patient outcomes. We apply the Chronic Care Model framework to a concrete example by examining the case of a 33-year-old man who developed MDR-TB treatment failure while concurrently taking a powerful new MDR-TB antiretroviral therapy regimen for his HIV.