Non-disclosure of HIV testing history in population-based surveys: implications for estimating a UNAIDS 90-90-90 target
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Rentsch C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6300092 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BackgroundIn line with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 target, Norway aims for at least 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) to know their HIV-status. We produced current estimates of the number of PLHIV and undiagnosed population in Norway, overall and for six key subpopulations: Norwegian-born men who have sex with men (MSM), migrant MSM, Norwegian-born heterosexuals, migrant Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)-born heterosexuals, migrant non-SSA-born heterosexuals and people who inject drugs.MethodsWe used the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) HIV Modelling Tool on Norwegian HIV surveillance data through 2018 to estimate incidence, time from infection to diagnosis, PLHIV, and the number and proportion undiagnosed. As surveillance data on CD4 count at diagnosis were not collected in Norway, we ran two models; using default model CD4 assumptions, or a proxy for CD4 distribution based on Danish national surveillance data. We also generated alternative overall PLHIV estimates using the Spectrum AIDS Impact Model, to compare with those obtained from the ECDC tool.ResultsEstimates of the overall number of PLHIV in 2018 using different modelling approaches aligned at approximately 5000. In both ECDC models, the overall number undiagnosed decreased continuously from 2008. The proportion undiagnosed in 2018 was lower using default model CD4 assumptions (7.1% [95%CI: 5.3-8.9%]), than the Danish CD4 proxy (10.2% [8.3-12.1%]). This difference was driven by results for heterosexual migrants. Estimates for Norwegian-born MSM, migrant MSM and Norwegian-born heterosexuals were similar in both models. In these three subpopulations, incidence in 2018 was <?30 new infections, and the number undiagnosed had decreased in recent years. Norwegian-born MSM had the lowest estimated number of undiagnosed infections (45 [30-75], using default CD4 assumptions) and undiagnosed fraction (3.6% [2.4-5.7%], using default CD4 assumptions) in 2018.ConclusionsResults allow cautious confidence in concluding that Norway has achieved the first UNAIDS 90-90-90 target, and clearly highlight the success of prevention strategies among MSM. Estimates for subpopulations strongly influenced by migration remain less clear, and future modelling should appropriately account for all-cause mortality and out-migration, and adjust for time of in-migration.
| S-EPMC7318482 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:In several subgroups of South Africa, the percentage of HIV-positive individuals aware of their status falls well below the UNAIDS 90% target. This study examined the impact that home-based HIV testing services (HBHTS) had on knowledge of status in a hyperendemic area of South Africa. METHODS:We analysed data from the second cross-sectional HIV Incidence Provincial Surveillance System survey (2015/2016), a representative sample (n = 10,236) of individuals aged 15-49 years. Participants completed a questionnaire, provided blood samples for laboratory testing (used to estimate HIV prevalence), and were offered HBHTS. The proportion of people living with HIV (n = 3870) made aware of their status through HBHTS was measured, and factors associated with HBHTS uptake were identified. RESULTS:Knowledge of HIV-positive status at the time of the survey was 62.9% among men and 73.4% among women. Through HBHTS, the percentage of HIV-positive men and women who knew their status rose to 74.2% and 80.5%, respectively. The largest impact was observed among youth (15-24 years). Knowledge of status increased from 36.6% to 59.3% and from 50.8% to 64.8% among young men and women, respectively. In addition, 51.4% of those who had previously never tested received their first test. Key reasons for declining HBHTS among undiagnosed HIV-positive individuals included fear and self-report of an HIV-negative status. CONCLUSIONS:HBHTS was effective in increasing awareness of HIV-positive status, particularly among youth, men, and those who had never tested. HBHTS could have a marked impact on progress toward the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets within these subgroups.
| S-EPMC6331263 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Fast-Track initiative seeks to eliminate AIDS as a health threat by 2030, with its focus on UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. Effective policies and programs, if scaled nationally, have the potential to generate a greater impact on HIV control, yet a synthesis of successful HIV policies/programs aligned to the targets is currently unavailable. To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate successful HIV policies and programs to direct future interventions.MethodsFor the period 2007-2018, we searched 8 databases and classified eligible studies by country income level, UNAIDS targets, intervention type, and reported outcomes. Study outcomes were classified as per UNAIDS targets; proportionally: 90% target 1, 81% target 2, and 73% target 3.ResultsWe retrieved 5201 citations and a final set of eight studies on policies. Break up by income: three (38%) from high income, one (12%) from middle income and four (50%) from low income. Break up by outcomes reported: 36% (4/11) focused on HIV testing, 46% (5/11) on antiretroviral therapy initiation, and 18% (2/11) on viral suppression. Across studies, UNAIDS targets were met in high-income countries, where policies and guidelines were adhered to, whereas in low and middle-income countries, non-adherence led to failure to reach the targets. Targets were also met when country infrastructure supported a targeted program and stakeholders were actively engaged.ConclusionsFrom the studies identified, we deduced a clear, positive correlation between implementation of policies and programs that resulted in an increase in patient awareness and an increase in partner notification with services that encouraged them, and together these resulted in increasing testing rates, and deployment of linkage/retention programs that improved retention in care. An analysis of these studies also suggests that policies, combined with the scale-up incentives, are needed to change the status quo. Incentives to improve the targets must exist; performance incentives at the health care worker level and country level incentives that could transform the nature of care. Given the complexity in reporting of targets, a one size fits all model is not a feasible option. However, the policies created a strong framework to shape future interventions.
| S-EPMC6550376 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundNational responses will need to be markedly accelerated to achieve the ambitious target of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). This target aims for 90% of HIV-positive individuals to be aware of their status, for 90% of those aware to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and for 90% of those on treatment to have a suppressed viral load by 2020, with each individual target reaching 95% by 2030. We aimed to estimate the impact of various treatment-as-prevention scenarios in Côte d'Ivoire, one of the countries with the highest HIV incidence in West Africa, with unmet HIV prevention and treatment needs, and where key populations are important to the broader HIV epidemic.Methods and findingsAn age-stratified dynamic model was developed and calibrated to epidemiological and programmatic data using a Bayesian framework. The model represents sexual and vertical HIV transmission in the general population, female sex workers (FSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM). We estimated the impact of scaling up interventions to reach the UNAIDS targets, as well as the impact of 8 other scenarios, on HIV transmission in adults and children, compared to our baseline scenario that maintains 2015 rates of testing, ART initiation, ART discontinuation, treatment failure, and levels of condom use. In 2015, we estimated that 52% (95% credible intervals: 46%-58%) of HIV-positive individuals were aware of their status, 72% (57%-82%) of those aware were on ART, and 77% (74%-79%) of those on ART were virologically suppressed. Reaching the UNAIDS targets on time would avert 50% (42%-60%) of new HIV infections over 2015-2030 compared to 30% (25%-36%) if the 90-90-90 target is reached in 2025. Attaining the UNAIDS targets in FSW, their clients, and MSM (but not in the rest of the population) would avert a similar fraction of new infections (30%; 21%-39%). A 25-percentage-point drop in condom use from the 2015 levels among FSW and MSM would reduce the impact of reaching the UNAIDS targets, with 38% (26%-51%) of infections averted. The study's main limitation is that homogenous spatial coverage of interventions was assumed, and future lines of inquiry should examine how geographical prioritization could affect HIV transmission.ConclusionsMaximizing the impact of the UNAIDS targets will require rapid scale-up of interventions, particularly testing, ART initiation, and limiting ART discontinuation. Reaching clients of FSW, as well as key populations, can efficiently reduce transmission. Sustaining the high condom-use levels among key populations should remain an important prevention pillar.
| S-EPMC5472267 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundHIV treatment cascades for HIV-positive female sex workers (FSWs) have been challenged by the overlapping stigma and discrimination associated with both their sex work and HIV status. This study aims to assess the proportion of HIV-positive FSWs who access care and treatment in Ethiopia.MethodA cross-sectional study with a respondent-driven sampling technique was used to enroll 6,085 female sex workers from January to June 2020. Interviews were conducted to assess the FSWs' HIV status awareness and access to ART. A blood sample was drawn to determine the current HIV status and viral load level. Logistic regression was run to identify factors associated with FSWs' HIV status awareness.ResultsOf the total 1140 HIV-positive FSWs, 50.38% knew they were HIV positive; 92.88% of those who knew their status were on ART, and 91.68% of those on ART had attained viral suppression of less than 1000 copies per milliliter. The adjusted odds of knowing HIV status was 3.20 (95% CI; 2.00, 5.13) among those aged 35 years and older, 1.81 (95% CI; 1.05, 3.12) among widowed, and 1.73 (95% CI; 1.28, 2.32) in those who did not perceive the risk of HIV acquisition.ConclusionOnly about half of HIV-positive FSWs knew they were HIV positive. More than 90% of those who knew their status were put on ART and achieved viral suppression. The weakest point in achieving HIV control among FSWs is the identification of those living with HIV.
| S-EPMC10718439 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundInequalities undermine efforts to end AIDS by 2030. We examined socioeconomic inequalities in the 90-90-90 target among people living with HIV (PLHIV) -men (MLHIV), women (WLHIV) and adolescents (ALHIV).MethodsWe analysed the available Population HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) survey data for each of the 12 sub-Saharan African countries, collected between 2015 and 2018 to estimate the attainment of each step of the 90-90-90 target by wealth quintiles. We constructed concentration curves, computed concentration indices (CIX) -a negative (positive) CIX indicated pro-poor (pro-rich) inequalities- and identified factors associated with, and contributing to inequality.FindingsSocioeconomic inequalities in achieving the 90-90-90 target components among PLHIV were noted in 11 of the 12 countries surveyed: not in Rwanda. Awareness of HIV positive status was pro-rich in 5/12 countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia) ranging from CIX=0·085 (p< 0·05) in Tanzania for PLHIV, to CIX = 0·378 (p<0·1) in Côte d'Ivoire for ALHIV. It was pro-poor in 5/12 countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini), ranging from CIX = -0·076 (p<0·05) for PLHIV in Eswatini, and CIX = -0·192 (p<0·05) for WLHIV in Ethiopia. Inequalities in accessing ART were pro-rich in 5/12 countries (Cameroun, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia) ranging from CIX=0·101 (p<0·05) among PLHIV in Zambia to CIX=0·774 (p<0·1) among ALHIV in Cameroun and pro-poor in 4/12 countries (Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini), ranging from CIX = -0·072 (p<0·1) among PLHIV in Zimbabwe to CIX = -0·203 (p<0·05) among WLHIV in Tanzania. Inequalities in HIV viral load suppression were pro-rich in 3/12 countries (Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho), ranging from CIX = 0·089 (p< 0·1) among PLHIV in Uganda to CIX = 0·275 (p<0·01) among WLHIV in Ethiopia. Three countries (Tanzania CIX = 0·069 (p< 0·5), Uganda CIX = 0·077 (p< 0·1), and Zambia CIX = 0·116 (p< 0·1)) reported pro-rich and three countries (Côte d'Ivoire CIX = -0·125 (p< 0·1), Namibia CIX = -0·076 (p< 0·05), and Eswatini CIX = -0·050 (p< 0·05) pro-poor inequalities for the cumulative CIX for HIV viral load suppression. The decomposition analysis showed that age, rural-urban residence, education, and wealth were associated with and contributed the most to inequalities observed in achieving the 90-90-90 target.InterpretationSome PLHIV in 11 of 12 countries were not receiving life-saving HIV testing, treatment, or achieving HIV viral load suppression due to socioeconomic inequalities. Socioeconomic factors were associated with and explained the inequalities observed in the 90-90-90 target among PLHIV. Governments should scale up equitable 95-95-95 target interventions, prioritizing the reduction of age, rural-urban, education and wealth-related inequalities. Research is needed to understand interventions to reduce socioeconomic inequities in achieving the 95-95-95 target.FundingThis study was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant 202660).
| S-EPMC9489496 | biostudies-literature
Project description:INTRODUCTION:The HIV Strategy in New South Wales (NSW) Australia aims to virtually eliminate HIV transmission by 2020. We estimated the 2016 HIV diagnosis and care cascade for the state of NSW, with a focus on introducing population-based data to improve data quality and assess progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. METHODS:To estimate the number of people living with diagnosed HIV (PLDHIV) we used NSW data from the Australian National HIV Registry, enhanced by surveillance among people recently diagnosed with HIV to improve migration estimates. The number of undiagnosed PLHIV was estimated using back-projection modelling by CD4 count at diagnosis. De-duplicated prescription claims data were obtained from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and were combined with an estimate for those ineligible, to determine the number of PLDHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data from a clinic network with 87% coverage of PLDHIV in NSW enabled the estimation of the number on ART who had HIV suppression. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:We estimated that 10,110 PLHIV resided in NSW in 2016 (range 8400 to 11,720), among whom 9230 (91.3%) were diagnosed, and 8490 (92.0% of those diagnosed) were receiving ART. Among PLDHIV receiving ART, 8020 (94.5%) had suppressed viral load (<200 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL). Overall, 79.3% of all PLHIV had HIV virological suppression. CONCLUSION:NSW has met each of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. The enhanced surveillance methods and data collection systems improved data quality. Measuring and meeting the 90-90-90 targets is feasible and could be achieved in comparable parts of the world.
| S-EPMC5909111 | biostudies-other
Project description:IntroductionNew HIV testing strategies are needed to reach the United Nations' 90-90-90 target. HIV self-testing (HIVST) can increase uptake, but users' perspectives on optimal models of distribution and post-test services are uncertain. We used discrete choice experiments (DCEs) to explore the impact of service characteristics on uptake along the testing cascade.MethodsDCEs are a quantitative survey method that present respondents with repeated choices between packages of service characteristics, and estimate relative strengths of preferences for service characteristics. From June to October 2016, we embedded DCEs within a population-based survey following door-to-door HIVST distribution by community volunteers in two rural Zimbabwean districts: one DCE addressed HIVST distribution preferences; and the other preferences for linkage to confirmatory testing (LCT) following self-testing. Using preference coefficients/utilities, we identified key drivers of uptake for each service and simulated the effect of changes of outreach and static/public clinics' characteristics on LCT.ResultsDistribution and LCT DCEs surveyed 296/329 (90.0%) and 496/594 (83.5%) participants; 81.8% and 84.9% had ever-tested, respectively. The strongest distribution preferences were for: (1) free kits - a $1 increase in the kit price was associated with a disutility (U) of -2.017; (2) door-to-door kit delivery (U = +1.029) relative to collection from public/outreach clinic; (3) telephone helpline for pretest support relative to in-person or no support (U = +0.415); (4) distributors from own/local village (U = +0.145) versus those from external communities. Participants who had never HIV tested valued phone helplines more than those previously tested. The strongest LCT preferences were: (1) immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability: U = +0.614 and U = +1.052 for public and outreach clinics, respectively; (2) free services: a $1 user fee increase decreased utility at public (U = -0.381) and outreach clinics (U = -0.761); (3) proximity of clinic (U = -0.38 per hour walking). Participants reported willingness to link to either location; but never-testers were more averse to LCT. Simulations showed the importance of availability of ART: ART unavailability at public clinics would reduce LCT by 24%.ConclusionsFree HIVST distribution by local volunteers and immediately available ART were the strongest relative preferences identified. Accommodating LCT preferences, notably ensuring efficient provision of ART, could facilitate "resistant testers" to test while maximizing uptake of post-test services.
| S-EPMC6432101 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 and other cross-sectional metrics can lead to potentially counterintuitive conclusions when used to evaluate health systems' performance. This study demonstrates how time and population dynamics impact UNAIDS 90-90-90 metrics in comparison with a longitudinal analogue.DesignA simplified simulation representing a hypothetical population was used to estimate and compare inference from UNAIDS 90-90-90 metrics and longitudinal metrics based on Kaplan-Meier-estimated 2-year probability of transition between stages.MethodsWe simulated a large cohort over 15 years. Everyone started out at risk for HIV, and then transitioned through the HIV care continuum based on fixed daily probabilities of acquiring HIV, learning status, entering care, initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), and becoming virally suppressed, or dying. We varied the probability of ART initiation over three five-year periods (low, high, and low). We repeated the simulation with an increased probability of death.ResultsThe cross-sectional probability of being on ART among persons who were diagnosed responded relatively slowly to changes in the rate of ART initiation. Increases in ART initiation rates caused apparent declines in the cross-sectional probability of being virally suppressed among persons who had initiated ART, despite no changes in the rate of viral suppression. In some cases, higher mortality resulted in the cross-sectional metrics implying improved healthcare system performance. The longitudinal continuum was robust to these issues.ConclusionThe UNAIDS 90-90-90 care continuum may lead to incorrect inference when used to evaluate health systems performance. We recommend that evaluation of HIV care delivery include longitudinal care continuum metrics wherever possible.
| S-EPMC7253182 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundReaching the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets to end the HIV epidemic relies on effective interventions that engage untested HIV+ individuals and retain them in care. Evidence on community-based interventions through the lens of the targets has not yet been synthesized, reflecting a knowledge gap. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to shed light on successful community-based interventions that have been effective in contributing, directly or indirectly, towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets: knowledge of HIV status, linkage to care/on treatment, and viral suppression. Linkage to care was also included in this review due to the limitations of studies.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the period 2007-2018. Eleven databases were searched to identify community-based interventions designed to improve knowledge of HIV status (in particular HIV testing), linkage to care/on treatment, and/or viral suppression. Eligible studies were classified by intervention, population, country income level, outcomes and success. Success was defined as interventions demonstrating statistical significance between intervention and control group or that reached any target by proportion; 90% testing, 81% linked to care/on treatment and 73% viral suppression.ResultsOf 82 eligible studies, 51.2% (42/82) reported on HIV testing (first 90), 20.7% (17/82) on linkage to care/ on treatment (second 90), and 45.1% (37/82) on viral suppression (third 90). In all, 67.1% (55/82) of studies reported success; 21 studies on the first 90, 9 towards linkage to care/on treatment, and 25 towards the third. By strategies, 36.6% deployed community workers/peers, 22% used combined test and treat strategies, 12.2% used educational methods, 8.5% used mobile testing, 7.3% used campaigns and 13.4% used technology. For HIV testing/linkage, combined test/treat interventions were often used, for viral suppression, educational interventions and technologies were commonly deployed. Our pooled analysis suggested that deployment of community health care workers/peer workers significantly improved viral suppression (pooled OR: 1.40 95% CI 1.06-1.86). Of the studies published after 2014, 50.0% reported metrics aligned with UNAIDS targets.ConclusionsData on linkage to care/on treatment (second target) remained weak, because many studies reported successes on the first and third targets. Stratification by targets and country income levels is informative and guides adaptation of successful interventions in comparable settings. Consistent reporting of clear metrics aligned with UNAIDS targets will aid in synergy of study data with programmatic data that will help reportage. Exploration of innovative interventions, for engagement and linkage and deployment of community/ peer workers is strongly encouraged.
| S-EPMC6636761 | biostudies-literature