Improving adherence to HIV treatment among newly HIV-diagnosed patients Infections and Infestations
Conditions
Interventions
Following the patients' written informed permission, the researcher conducted a screening evaluation to assess the study exclusion criteria. Eligible participants were then enrolled and randomly assig
Sponsors
South African Medical Research Council
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. All patients above 18 years are eligible for ART on the same day as HIV testing services (HTS) (same-day initiation) 2. Patients whose status is known but who have never been initiated on ART 3. Adolescents from 12 years after the completion of the HIV disclosure process in accompaniment of the parent or caregiver 4. Stable mental health patients deemed fit to be initiated on ART All patients whose permanent and temporary addresses are known and reachable for the duration of the study
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Symptomatic client who does not meet the criteria of same-day ART initiation 2. Active mental health condition 3. Clients below the age of 12 years 4. Antenatal clients enrolled in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission program 5. Known HIV-positive client who was once initiated on treatment and defaulted 6. TB co-infected client 7. A newly HIV-positive person who is likely to seek a transfer to unreachable locations during the study period.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Retention in care is defined as maintaining an HIV-1 RNA level <50 copies/ml 6 months following HIV testing. This outcome was measured at baseline and month 6 using the whole blood that would measure HIV-1 RNA level (viral load) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Retention in care with HIV-1 RNA <1,000 copies/mL at 6 months post-testing, which was also measured from baseline and at month 6 2. Adherence is measured using pharmacy refill records at months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 3. Loss to follow-up measured using patient charts and phone calls at 6 months into treatment 4. Mortality rate was measured using phone calls to verify from the family members and the clinic file at months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 | — |
Countries
South Africa
Contacts
Public ContactSiyakudumisa Nontamo
Outcome results
None listed