Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATS) as a Novel and Emerging Practice of the Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) Project in Kansas.

The Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) Project was implemented in 20 counties across Kansas to build capacity to address health equity by forming local health equity action teams (LHEATS), hiring and training community health workers, facilitating state-wide learning collaboratives, and tailoring communication strategies. We conducted interviews and focus groups with project stakeholders who identified pragmatic recommendations related to LHEAT formation and leadership, establishing trust, nurturing autonomy, and optimizing impact. Insights can improve future community-based health equity efforts. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 28, 2024:e1-e5. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307802).

Community Organizations, Local Health Equity Action Teams, and a Learning Collaborative to Address COVID-19 Disparities in Urban and Rural Communities.

Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) Kansas worked with 10 Kansas counties from November 2020 through June 2022 to form local health equity action teams (LHEATs), develop COVID-19 testing strategies, foster communication about COVID-19, and share best practices through a learning collaborative. Participating counties documented 693 distinct COVID-19 testing and 178 communication activities. Although the intervention was not associated with changes in the proportion of positive COVID-19 tests, LHEATs in the learning collaborative implemented new testing strategies and responded to emerging COVID-19 challenges. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 22, 2024:e1-e5. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307771).

Assessing COVID-related concerns and their impact on antenatal and delivery care among pregnant women living with HIV in Kenya: a brief report.

BACKGROUND: Some studies indicate that pregnant Kenyan women were concerned about Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure during maternity care. We assessed concern regarding COVID-19 exposure and any impact on antenatal care (ANC) enrollment and/or hospital delivery among pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Kenya. METHODS: Data were collected from 1,478 pregnant women living with HIV enrolled in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) care at 12 Kenyan hospitals from October 2020 to July 2022. Surveys were conducted when women first presented for PMTCT services at the study hospital and asked demographic questions as well as items related to concerns about COVID-19. A 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree) assessed concerns about COVID-19 exposure and travel challenges. Gestational age at PMTCT enrollment, number of ANC appointments attended, and delivery location were compared among women who expressed COVID-19 concerns and those who did not. RESULTS: Few women reported delaying antenatal care (4.7%), attending fewer antenatal care appointments (5.0%), or having concerns about a hospital-based delivery (7.7%) because of COVID-19. More (25.8%) reported travel challenges because of COVID-19. There were no significant differences in gestational age at enrollment, number of ANC appointments, or rates of hospital-based delivery between women with concerns about COVID-19 and those without, CONCLUSION: Few pregnant women living with HIV expressed concerns about COVID-19 exposure in the context of routine ANC or delivery care. Women with and without concerns had similar care seeking behaviors. The recognized importance of routine ANC care and facility-based deliveries may have contributed to these positive pregnancy indicators, even among women who worried about COVID-19 exposure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier NCT04571684.

Assessing user preferences for design characteristics of oral dissolvable strips for pediatric HIV medication: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Current infant antiretroviral therapy formulations pose barriers to daily adherence due to complex weight-based dosing, conspicuous preparation, and poor palatability. These adherence barriers jeopardize adherence, making patients vulnerable to virologic failure, development of drug resistance, and preventable mortality. Our team has previously established proof-of-principle for multi-drug oral dissolvable strips as alternative pediatric antiretroviral formulations with the potential to overcome these challenges and improve pediatric ART adherence and outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess caregiver and provider preferences for oral dissolvable strips and its packaging to inform its development. METHODS: Guided by concepts of user-centered design, we conducted key informant interviews with 30 HIV care providers and focus group discussions targeting caregivers of children < 10 years of age living with HIV at 3 Kenyan hospitals. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were audio recorded, translated/transcribed verbatim, and hand coded for a-priori and emergent themes. RESULTS: A total of 30 providers and 72 caregivers (caring for 83 children, aged 5 months to 18 years) participated in the study. Caregivers and providers expressed a strong desire for an easier way to administer medication, especially among children too young to swallow tablets whole, and expressed enthusiasm around the idea of oral dissolvable strips. Key preferences included a pleasant taste; one strip per dose; small size with rapid dissolution; clear markings and instructions; and no special storage requirements. For packaging, stakeholders preferred individually wrapped strips within a dispenser. The individual packaging should be durable, waterproof, and easy to dispose of in communal spaces. They should also be easy to open, with clear indications where to open. The packaging holding the strips should be durable, re-usable, accommodating of various refill frequencies, and easy to use for children as young as 6. DISCUSSION: The concept of oral dissolvable strips was highly acceptable to caregivers of children living with HIV and HIV care providers. By engaging stakeholders in an iterative design process starting from the early phases of design and development, we will maximize the likelihood of developing a product that is acceptable to the caregiver and infant, therefore leading to sustainable adherence.

The Perfect Storm: Perceptions of Influencing Adults Regarding Latino Teen Pregnancy in Rural Communities.

INTRODUCTION: Recognition of the importance of adolescents' environments in influencing their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) decision-making necessitates a deeper understanding of the role that community stakeholders play in shaping Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA) access to SRH education and care. We describe community stakeholders' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about AYA's SRH needs in three rural Latino communities in Kansas. METHODS: Key stakeholders completed a written survey incorporating the theory of Planned Behavior to assess attitudes, norms, and intentions to support AYA's SRH education and access to care. RESULTS: Across three rural immigrant community settings, respondents (N = 55) included 8 community health workers, 9 health care providers, 7 public health officials, 19 school health officials, and 12 community members. More than half self-identified as Latino (55%). Six (11%) participants, half of whom were in the health sector, thought SRH education would increase the likelihood that teens would engage in sexual activities. In contrast, other stakeholders thought that providing condoms (17, 30.9%), contraception other than condoms (14, 25.5%), and providing HPV immunization (5, 9.6%) would increase the likelihood of engaging in sexual activity. Ambivalence regarding support for SRH education and service provision prevailed across sectors, reflected even in the endorsement of the distribution of less effective contraceptive methods. Obstacles to care include immigration status, discrimination, lack of confidential services, and transportation. CONCLUSION: Key stakeholders living in rural communities revealed misconceptions, negative attitudes, and ambivalent beliefs related to the delivery of SRH education and services, potentially creating barriers to AYA's successful access to care.

Little is known about the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes held by key stakeholders in rural immigrant Latino communities regarding their level of support for AYA's SRH needs. Key stakeholders may harbor influential and ambivalent opinions regarding AYA's sexuality considering existing cultural norms, therefore, stigmatizing access to SRH education and care. We examined key community stakeholders' attitudes and norms as measures of intentions to support AYA's SRH education and care. We identify actionable steps needed to eliminate existing barriers to AYA's access to SRH education and care among at-risk immigrant Latino communities in the rural Midwest.

Contraception use among individuals with substance use disorder increases tenfold with patient-centered, mobile services: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) have disproportionately high rates of unintended pregnancy. Reducing harm associated with this risk and its biopsychosocial consequences requires evidence-based, non-coercive interventions that ensure access to contraception for individuals who choose to prevent pregnancy. We examined feasibility and impact of SexHealth Mobile, a mobile unit-based intervention that aimed to increase access to patient-centered contraceptive care for individuals in SUD recovery programs. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study (enhanced usual care [EUC] followed by intervention) at three recovery centers with participants (n = 98) at risk for unintended pregnancy. EUC participants were offered printed information on community locations where they could access contraception care. SexHealth Mobile participants were offered same-day, onsite clinical consultation on a medical mobile unit and contraception if desired. The primary outcome was use of contraception (hormonal or intrauterine device) at one-month post-enrollment. Secondary outcomes were at two-weeks and three-months. Confidence in preventing unintended pregnancy, reasons for non-use of contraception at follow-up, and intervention feasibility were also assessed. RESULTS: Participants (median age = 31, range 19-40) enrolled in the intervention period were almost 10 times more likely to be using contraception at one-month (51.5%) versus the those enrolled in the EUC period (5.4%) (unadjusted relative risk [URR] = 9.3 [95%CI: 2.3-37.1]; adjusted relative risk [ARR] = 9.8 [95%CI: 2.4-39.2]). Intervention participants were also more likely to be using contraception at 2-weeks (38.7% vs. 2.6%; URR = 14.3 [95%CI: 2.0-104.1]) and three-months (40.9% vs. 13.9%; URR = 2.9 [95% CI: 1.1-7.4]). EUC participants reported more barriers (cost, time) and less confidence in preventing unintended pregnancies. Mixed-methods feasibility data indicated high acceptability and feasible integration into recovery settings. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile contraceptive care based on principles of reproductive justice and harm reduction reduces access barriers, is feasible to implement in SUD recovery settings, and increases contraception use. Expanding interventions like SexHealth Mobile may help reduce harm from unintended pregnancies among individuals in SUD recovery. Trial Registration NCT04227145.

Provider Perspectives on Navigating Relationship Challenges in Assisting HIV-Affected Couples to Meet Their Reproductive Goals: Lessons Learned from a Safer Conception Counseling Intervention in Uganda.

In Uganda, 60% of HIV-affected couples are serodiscordant, many of whom want children. There is a need to assess their reproductive intentions and provide appropriate services that limit transmission risks while meeting reproductive goals. Our Choice intervention engaged male and female HIV-infected clients and their partners in safer conception counseling (SCC) or family planning based on their childbearing decision. We report findings of provider experiences and recommendations for engaging couples in SCC. The intervention was implemented in four clinics offering either SCC1, an intensive training and supervision arm, or SCC2, utilizing the Ministry of Health's standard approach. Qualitative interviews were conducted at 12 (N = 23) and 24 months (N = 25) after initiation of the intervention. Many partners attended at least some SCC sessions, although engaging male partners was more challenging. Providers reported partner involvement improved understanding and facilitated successful implementation of SCM, whereas confusion and challenges were common when the client participated alone. Providers shared successful strategies for engaging male partners.

Untapped Potential for Safer Conception Messaging to Transform PrEP Rollout and Promote Service Engagement Among Serodiscordant Couples.

Uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) fell short of targets for Sub-Saharan Africa's initial rollout, revealing the need for more effective promotion strategies. In Uganda, we explored potential benefits and challenges of integrating safer conception messaging to promote PrEP among serodiscordant couples. In-depth interviews were conducted with clients and personnel at three clinics and analyzed thematically. Participants (n = 58) valued PrEP as a safer conception method (SCM) but described lack of integration of safer conception and PrEP services as well as inconsistent practices in prescribing PrEP to couples pursuing conception. Participants reported that the wider population remains largely unaware of PrEP and SCM or harbors misconceptions that PrEP is primarily for highly stigmatized groups like sex workers. Participants further described how heterosexual couples can still be reluctant to test for HIV, unaware of tools like PrEP and SCM that would allow them to continue their relationship and/or pursuit of childbearing. Overall, findings suggest that integrating PrEP and SCM in messaging and services targeting serodiscordant couples holds untapped benefits throughout the HIV prevention cascade.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Impact of the HIV Infant Tracking System (HITSystem 2.0) on Priority Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Outcomes.

We assessed the preliminary impact of the adapted HIV Infant Tracking System (HITSystem v2.0) intervention on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) outcomes using a matched cluster randomized design in two Kenyan government hospitals. Between November 2017 and June 2019, n = 157 pregnant women with HIV were enrolled and followed from their first PMTCT appointment until 12-weeks postpartum. Data from 135 women were analyzed (HITSystem 2.0: n = 53, standard of care (SOC): n = 82), excluding eight deaths, eight pregnancy losses, and six transfers/moves. The primary outcome, complete PMTCT retention, is an aggregate measure of attendance at all scheduled antenatal appointments, hospital-based delivery, and infant HIV-testing before 7-weeks postnatal. HITSystem 2.0 participants were more likely to receive complete PMTCT services compared to SOC (56.6% vs. 17.1% p < 0.001). In multivariate modeling, HITSystem 2.0 was the strongest predictor of complete PMTCT retention (aOR 5.7, [1.2-90.8], p = 0.032). SOC participants had 1.91 increased hazard rate of PMTCT disengagement; (aHR 6.8, [2.2-21.1]; p < 0.001).

Addressing fertility desires and preconception care needs of men living with HIV: perspectives from HIV providers about addressing the reproductive needs of male patients.

Preconception care is an essential component of health, particularly among women and men living with HIV and can optimize medical and psychosocial outcomes. However, there is a paucity of data on this topic, especially when evaluating provider communication with male patients. We conducted a multi-site qualitative study in 7 cities in the United States (US) with 92 providers to assess their attitudes and practices regarding preconceptual counseling, safer conception, and preconception care with their patients living with HIV. Providers were contacted to schedule a phone interview. Recorded interviews were transcribed and coded for a priori and emergent themes. Providers reported infrequent communication with male patients with HIV about their reproductive plans and the use of safer conception, acknowledging they were more likely to initiate such communication with female patients. A small percentage of providers reported talking to all of their patients about reproductive options, including men having sex with men (MSM). Currently, there is no consensus or evidence-based guideline for the delivery of preconception care specific to men. Based on our results, we recommend that providers offer preconception care to all men as part of optimizing family planning and pregnancy outcomes; enhancing reproductive health; preparing men for fatherhood; and in the setting of HIV infection, preventing transmission to an uninfected partner.

Women's preferences, expectations, and experiences with male partner support throughout prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV services: a mixed-methods study.

Male involvement in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) care improves maternal and child outcomes. We conducted a mixed-methods study at two Kenyan government hospitals. We quantitatively assessed women's expectations and preferences for male partner involvement in PMTCT and male partner attendance at PMTCT appointments. Qualitative interviews with women during the postpartum period assessed types of support women received from their male partners. At enrollment, most participants wanted (75%) and expected (69%) male partners to attend appointments; yet, only 9% had a male partner attend any appointments. Most women agreed that their partner would: support them financially (81%), help follow doctor's guidance (61%), support a hospital-based delivery (85%), and want to receive text messages (68%). Expectations and preferences varied by women's characteristics, most notably experiences with mistreatment, disclosure status, and knowledge of male partner's HIV status. In qualitative interviews, instrumental (financial) support was the most frequently discussed type of support. Male partners also provided informational support by reminding women of medication or appointments. Women reported a variety of ways in which their male partners supported them through PMTCT; however, there was a gap between women's expectation for male partner attendance and the level of male attendance achieved.

"Friendly reminder: hi! It is that time again ☺": understanding PMTCT care text message design preferences amongst pre- and post-partum women and their male partners.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) services in Kenya can be strengthened through the delivery of relevant and culturally appropriate SMS messages. METHODS: This study reports on the results of focus groups conducted with pre and postnatal women living with HIV (5 groups, n = 40) and their male partners (3 groups, n = 33) to elicit feedback and develop messages to support HIV+ women's adherence to ART medication, ANC appointments and a facility-based birth. The principles of message design informed message development. RESULTS: Respondents wanted ART adherence messages that were low in verbal immediacy (ambiguous), came from an anonymous source, and were customized in timing and frequency. Unlike other studies, low message immediacy was prioritized over customization of message content. For retention, participants preferred messages with high verbal immediacy-direct appointment reminders and references to the baby-sent infrequently from a clinical source. CONCLUSION: Overall, participants favored content that was brief, cheerful, and emotionally appealing.

Reproductive intentions and corresponding use of safer conception methods and contraception among Ugandan HIV clients in serodiscordant relationships.

CONTEXT: Among people living with HIV in Uganda, desires to have a child and unplanned pregnancies are both common, while utilization of safer conception methods (SCM) and modern contraceptives are low. METHODS: Three hundred eighty-nine HIV clients who reported considering childbearing with their uninfected partner enrolled in a safer conception counseling intervention trial in Uganda. Multiple regression analysis and baseline data were used to examine correlates of reproductive intentions and behaviors, including use of safer conception methods and contraception. RESULTS: Most (n = 313; 80.5%) reported that both they and their partner wanted to have a child now, which was associated with being married, in a longer relationship, not having a child with partner, greater SCM knowledge, lower internalized childbearing stigma, and higher perceived community stigma of childbearing. However, just 117 reported trying to conceive in the prior 6 months, which was associated with being female, not having a child with their partner, less decision-making control within the relationship, and greater perceived cultural acceptability of SCM. Among those who had tried to conceive in the past 6 months, 14 (11.9%) used SCM, which was associated with greater control in decision making. Of the 268 who were not trying to conceive, 69 (25.7%) were using a modern contraceptive, which was associated with being in a shorter relationship, less control over decision-making, more positive attitudes towards contraception and lower depression. CONCLUSION: Methods to promote reproductive goals are underused by HIV serodiscordant couples, and relationships characteristics and childbearing-related stigma appear to be most influential and thus targets for intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03167879 ; date registered May 23, 2017.

A Checklist to Assess Childbearing Intentions and Promote Referral to Preconception Care or Contraception: A Multi-Site Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study assesses HIV provider views on the value of a checklist designed to assess patients' preconception care (PCC) needs and guide implementation of PCC. METHODS: Ninety-two HIV providers in seven U.S. cities provided perspectives via an in-depth phone interview regarding a checklist to facilitate communication and referrals for PCC. A sub-sample of 27 providers shared feedback on a checklist designed for this purpose. Interview audio files were transcribed and uploaded to a web-based program supporting coding and analysis of qualitative data. Content analysis was utilized to identify key themes within the larger, a priori themes of interest. Feedback regarding the checklist was analyzed using a grounded theory approach to examine patterns and emergent themes across transcripts. RESULTS: Providers averaged 11.5 years of HIV treatment experience; over 80 percent were physicians (MD) or nurse practitioners (NP) and 76 percent were HIV/infectious disease specialists. The majority of providers were female (70%) and Caucasian (72%). Checklist benefits identified included standardization of care, assisting new/inexperienced providers, educational resource for patients, and aid in normalizing childbearing. Concerns included over-protocolizing care, interfering with patient-provider communication, or requiring providers address non-priority issues during visits. Providers suggested checklists be simple, incorporated into the electronic medical record, and accompanied with appropriate referral systems. DISCUSSION: Findings support a need for a checklist tool to assist in conversations about reproductive intentions/desires. Additional referral or innovative consultative services will be needed as more persons living with HIV/AIDS are engaged on the topic of childbearing.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) as harm reduction: a qualitative study exploring views of women with histories of opioid misuse.

BACKGROUND: The sharp rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) among women coupled with disproportionally high rates of unintended pregnancy have led to a four-fold increase in the number of pregnant women with OUD in the United States over the past decade. Supporting intentional family planning can have multiple health benefits and reduce harms related to OUD but requires a comprehensive understanding of women's perspectives of preventing unintended pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and experiences as they relate to seeking contraception, particularly LARCs, among women with active or recovered opioid misuse. METHODS: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 36 women with current or past opioid misuse were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded by ≥ 2 investigators. Themes related to contraceptive care seeking were identified and contextualized within the Health Belief Model. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed seven interwoven themes that describe individual level factors associated with contraceptive care seeking in women with current or past opioid misuse: relationship with drugs, reproductive experiences and self-perceptions, sexual partner dynamics, access, awareness of options, healthcare attitudes/experiences, and perceptions of contraception efficacy/ side effects. Overall, perceived susceptibility and severity to unintended pregnancy varied, but most women perceived high benefits of contraception, particularly LARC. However, perceived barriers were too high for most to obtain desired contraception to support family planning intentions. CONCLUSIONS: The individual-level factors identified should inform the design of integrated services to promote patient-centered contraceptive counseling as a form of harm reduction. Interventions should reduce barriers to contraceptive access, particularly LARCs, and establish counseling strategies that use open, non-judgmental communication, acknowledge the continuum of reproductive needs, explore perceived susceptibility to pregnancy, and utilize peer educators.

Using a Social Support Framework to Understand How HIV Positive Kenyan Men Engage in PMTCT/EID Care: Qualitative Insights From Male Partners.

Greater male partner involvement in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) is associated with improved outcomes. Perceived low social support for the mother can negatively impact the uptake of PMTCT/EID services. Most research relies on women's reports of the types and quality of male partner support received versus what is desired. This qualitative study examines Kenyan male partners' reported social support provision pre- and post-partum from their own perspective. The study was embedded within intervention development studies in Kenya designed to develop and pilot a PMTCT module of a web based system to improve EID. Focus groups were conducted with male partners of pregnant women with HIV and elicited feedback on male partner involvement in maternal and child care and factors affecting participation. Interviews were analyzed within a theoretical social support framework. Participants described providing tangible support (financial resources), informational support (appointment reminders) and emotional support (stress alleviation in the face of HIV-related adversity). African conceptualizations of masculinity and gender norms influenced the types of support provided. Challenges included economic hardship; insufficient social support from providers, peers and bosses; and HIV stigma. Collaboration among providers, mothers and partners; a community-based social support system; and recasting notions of traditional masculinity were identified as ways to foster male partner support.

Predictors of Early ART Initiation Among HIV + Infants in Kenya: A Retrospective Review of HITSystem Data from 2013 to 2017.

OBJECTIVE: Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART, before 12 weeks of age) among infants living with HIV reduces infant mortality and slows disease progression. However, inefficiencies in early infant diagnosis processes prevents timely ART initiation among infants living with HIV in Kenya. This study assesses predictors of early ART initiation among infants living with HIV in Kenya. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed data from 96 infants living with HIV born between January 2013 and June 2017 at 6 Kenyan government hospitals. METHODS: The primary outcome was infant receipt of ART by 12 weeks of age. We assessed bivariable and multivariable predictors of ART initiation by 12 weeks of age. RESULTS: Among 96 infants living with HIV, 82 (85.4%) infants initiated ART at a median infant age of 17.1 weeks. Of the 82 infants who started ART, only 17 (20.7%) initiated ART by 12 weeks of age. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, testing per national guidelines (< 7 weeks of age) (aOR 40.14 [3.96-406.97], p = 0.002), shorter turnaround time for result notification (≤ 4 weeks) (aOR 11.30 [2.02-63.34], p = 0.006), and ART initiation within 3 days of mother notification (aOR 7.32 [1.41-38.03], p = 0.006) were significantly associated with ART initiation by 12 weeks of age. CONCLUSION: Current implementation of early infant diagnosis services in Kenyan only achieves targets for early ART initiation in one-fifth of infants with HIV. Strengthening services to support earlier infant testing and streamlined processes for early infant diagnosis may increase the proportion of infants who receive timely ART.

eHealth Interventions for Early Infant Diagnosis: Mothers' Satisfaction with the HIV Infant Tracking System in Kenya.

The HIV Infant Tracking System (HITSystem) is an eHealth intervention to improve early infant diagnosis (EID) through alerts to providers and text messages to mothers. This study explored mothers' experiences receiving standard and HITSystem-enhanced EID services to assess perceived intervention benefits, acceptability, and opportunities for improvement. This qualitative study was embedded within a cluster-randomized control trial to evaluate the HITSystem at six Kenyan government hospitals (3 intervention, 3 control). We conducted semi-structured interviews with 137 mothers attending EID follow-up visits. Compared to control sites, participants at HITSystem sites described enhanced EID quality; HITSystem-generated texts informed them of result availability and retesting needs, provided cues-to-action for clinic attendance, and engendered opportunities for patient support. They described improved EID efficiency through shorter waiting periods for results and fewer hospital visits. Participants reported high satisfaction with EID and acceptability of text messages; however, modifications to ensure text delivery, increase repeat testing reminders, include low literacy content options, and provide encouraging messages were suggested. These user experience data suggest improvements in EID at HITSystem sites when compared with control sites.

"Closing the Gap": Provider Recommendations for Implementing Birth Point of Care HIV Testing.

Delays in traditional HIV DNA PCR testing for early infant diagnosis (EID) at 6 weeks of age result in late antiretroviral treatment (ART). Birth point of care (POC) testing is an emerging strategy with the potential to streamline EID services. We elicited providers' recommendations for introducing birth POC testing to guide strategies in Kenya and similar settings. We conducted formative interviews with 26 EID providers from four Kenyan hospitals prior to POC implementation. Providers discussed the need for comprehensive training, covering both EID and POC-specific topics for all key personnel. Providers highlighted equipment considerations, such as protocols for maintenance and safe storage. Providers emphasized the need for maternal counseling to ensure patient acceptance and most agreed that specimen collection for birth POC testing should occur in the maternity department and supported a multidisciplinary approach. Though most providers supported ART initiation based on a positive birth POC result, a few expressed concerns with result validity. To maximize implementation success, provider training, equipment security, maternal counseling, and logistics of testing must be planned and communicated to providers.