Progress toward HIV epidemic control in Lesotho.
AIDS
; 33(15): 2393-2401, 2019 12 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31764104
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment survey was conducted nationally and designed to measure HIV prevalence, incidence, and viral load suppression (VLS).DESIGN:
A nationally representative sample of 9403 eligible households was surveyed between November 2016 and May 2017; analyses account for study design. Consenting participants provided blood samples, socio-demographic, and behavioral information.METHODS:
Blood samples were tested using the national rapid HIV testing algorithm. HIV-seropositive results were confirmed with Geenius supplemental assay. Screening for detectable concentrations of antiretroviral analytes was conducted on dried blood specimens from all HIV-positive adults using high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Self-reported and/or antiretroviral biomarker data were used to classify individuals as HIV-positive and on treatment. Viral load testing was performed on all HIV-positive samples at central labs. VLS was defined as HIV RNA below 1000 copies/ml.RESULTS:
Overall, 25.6% of adults aged 15-59 years were HIV-positive. Among seropositive adults, 81.0% (male 76.6%, female 84.0%) reported knowing their HIV status, 91.8% of people living with HIV (male 91.6%, female 92.0%) who reported knowing their status reporting taking antiretrovirals, and 87.7% (male and female 87.7%) of these had VLS. Younger age was significantly associated with being less likely to be aware of HIV status for both sexes.CONCLUSIONS:
Findings from this population-based survey provide encouraging data in terms of HIV testing and treatment uptake and coverage. Specific attention to reaching youth to engage them in HIV-related interventions are critical to achieving epidemic control.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Infecciones por VIH
/
Carga Viral
/
Antirretrovirales
/
Epidemias
Tipo de estudio:
Incidence_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
/
Screening_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article