Journal Article > ReviewFull Text
Arch Bronconeumol. 2020 July 1; Volume 56 (Issue 7); 446-454.; DOI:10.1016/j.arbres.2019.11.015
Letang E, Ellis J, Naidoo K, Casas EDT, Sanchez P, et al.
Arch Bronconeumol. 2020 July 1; Volume 56 (Issue 7); 446-454.; DOI:10.1016/j.arbres.2019.11.015
Despite wide antiretroviral scale-up during the past two decades resulting in declining new infections and mortality globally, HIV-associated tuberculosis remains as a major public health concern. Tuberculosis is the leading HIV-associated opportunistic infection and the main cause of death globally and, particularly, in resource-limited settings. Several challenges exist regarding diagnosis, global implementation of latent tuberculosis treatment, management of active tuberculosis, delivery of optimal patient-centered TB and HIV prevention and care in high burden countries. In this article we review the advances on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment after nearly two decades of global roll-out of antiretroviral therapy and discuss the current challenges for the global control of tuberculosis-HIV co-infection.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
Eur Respir J. 2020 March 20; Volume 55 (Issue 3); 1901467.; DOI:10.1183/13993003.01467-2019
Abidi S, Achar J, Assao Neino MM, Bang D, Benedetti A, et al.
Eur Respir J. 2020 March 20; Volume 55 (Issue 3); 1901467.; DOI:10.1183/13993003.01467-2019
We sought to compare the effectiveness of two World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended regimens for the treatment of rifampin- or multidrug-resistant (RR/MDR) tuberculosis (TB): a standardised regimen of 9-12 months (the "shorter regimen") and individualised regimens of ≥20 months ("longer regimens").
We collected individual patient data from observational studies identified through systematic reviews and a public call for data. We included patients meeting WHO eligibility criteria for the shorter regimen: not previously treated with second-line drugs, and with fluoroquinolone- and second-line injectable agent-susceptible RR/MDR-TB. We used propensity score matched, mixed effects meta-regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios and adjusted risk differences (aRDs) for failure or relapse, death within 12 months of treatment initiation and loss to follow-up.
We included 2625 out of 3378 (77.7%) individuals from nine studies of shorter regimens and 2717 out of 13 104 (20.7%) individuals from 53 studies of longer regimens. Treatment success was higher with the shorter regimen than with longer regimens (pooled proportions 80.0% versus 75.3%), due to less loss to follow-up with the former (aRD -0.15, 95% CI -0.17- -0.12). The risk difference for failure or relapse was slightly higher with the shorter regimen overall (aRD 0.02, 95% CI 0-0.05) and greater in magnitude with baseline resistance to pyrazinamide (aRD 0.12, 95% CI 0.07-0.16), prothionamide/ethionamide (aRD 0.07, 95% CI -0.01-0.16) or ethambutol (aRD 0.09, 95% CI 0.04-0.13).
In patients meeting WHO criteria for its use, the standardised shorter regimen was associated with substantially less loss to follow-up during treatment compared with individualised longer regimens and with more failure or relapse in the presence of resistance to component medications. Our findings support the need to improve access to reliable drug susceptibility testing.
We collected individual patient data from observational studies identified through systematic reviews and a public call for data. We included patients meeting WHO eligibility criteria for the shorter regimen: not previously treated with second-line drugs, and with fluoroquinolone- and second-line injectable agent-susceptible RR/MDR-TB. We used propensity score matched, mixed effects meta-regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios and adjusted risk differences (aRDs) for failure or relapse, death within 12 months of treatment initiation and loss to follow-up.
We included 2625 out of 3378 (77.7%) individuals from nine studies of shorter regimens and 2717 out of 13 104 (20.7%) individuals from 53 studies of longer regimens. Treatment success was higher with the shorter regimen than with longer regimens (pooled proportions 80.0% versus 75.3%), due to less loss to follow-up with the former (aRD -0.15, 95% CI -0.17- -0.12). The risk difference for failure or relapse was slightly higher with the shorter regimen overall (aRD 0.02, 95% CI 0-0.05) and greater in magnitude with baseline resistance to pyrazinamide (aRD 0.12, 95% CI 0.07-0.16), prothionamide/ethionamide (aRD 0.07, 95% CI -0.01-0.16) or ethambutol (aRD 0.09, 95% CI 0.04-0.13).
In patients meeting WHO criteria for its use, the standardised shorter regimen was associated with substantially less loss to follow-up during treatment compared with individualised longer regimens and with more failure or relapse in the presence of resistance to component medications. Our findings support the need to improve access to reliable drug susceptibility testing.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 2022 March 30; Volume 17 (Issue 3); e0264442.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264442
Kitenge M, Laxmeshwar C, Bermudez-Aza EH, Ford-Kamara E, van Custem G, et al.
PLOS One. 2022 March 30; Volume 17 (Issue 3); e0264442.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0264442
BACKGROUND
Innovative models to distribute oral HIV self-tests (HIVST) provide an opportunity to increase access to HIV testing, especially for hard-to-reach populations. This study aimed to describe the acceptability of unsupervised peer-distribution of HIVST as a method to scale-up HIV testing.
METHODS
In this study, lay counsellors or community health workers provided HIVST kits to primary recipients (PRs) for distribution to their sexual partners, anyone in their social network (termed secondary recipients) or for self-testing, from September 2018 to March 2020. The study was conducted in Eshowe and Mbongolwane areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered during the recruitment and passive follow-up, when people came for confirmatory HIV testing. Electronic records were retrospectively examined to determine initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIVST users and non-users.
RESULTS
Among 36,708 people approached to be primary recipients, 9,891 (26.9%) accepted; 31,341 HIVST kits were distributed with a median of three (IQR: 2-4) per peer. PRs were predominately recruited at primary health clinics (PHCs). However, acceptability of HIVST was thrice as high at community-based testing sites compared to PHCs (64.5% vs. 21.0%; p<0.001). During the study period, 34,715 adults were tested for HIV at both PHCs and community-based testing sites; of these, 1,089 individuals reported HIVST use. Among HIVST users, 893 (82.0%) returned to the clinic for confirmatory testing after testing negative on HIVST; 196 (17.9%) were confirmed HIV positive following a positive HIVST. After excluding 36/196 (18.4%) participants for whom clinical records could not be found in electronic register and 25/160 (15.6%) who were already on ART before receiving HIVST, 129/135 (95.5%) initiated ART, whereas 2,362/2685 (88%) of HIV positive HIVST non-users-initiated ART.
CONCLUSION
Unsupervised peer-distribution of HIVST was feasible and acceptable, with more than 25% accepting to be peer-distributors. Acceptability of HIVST was thrice as high in community sites compared to clinics.
Innovative models to distribute oral HIV self-tests (HIVST) provide an opportunity to increase access to HIV testing, especially for hard-to-reach populations. This study aimed to describe the acceptability of unsupervised peer-distribution of HIVST as a method to scale-up HIV testing.
METHODS
In this study, lay counsellors or community health workers provided HIVST kits to primary recipients (PRs) for distribution to their sexual partners, anyone in their social network (termed secondary recipients) or for self-testing, from September 2018 to March 2020. The study was conducted in Eshowe and Mbongolwane areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered during the recruitment and passive follow-up, when people came for confirmatory HIV testing. Electronic records were retrospectively examined to determine initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for all HIVST users and non-users.
RESULTS
Among 36,708 people approached to be primary recipients, 9,891 (26.9%) accepted; 31,341 HIVST kits were distributed with a median of three (IQR: 2-4) per peer. PRs were predominately recruited at primary health clinics (PHCs). However, acceptability of HIVST was thrice as high at community-based testing sites compared to PHCs (64.5% vs. 21.0%; p<0.001). During the study period, 34,715 adults were tested for HIV at both PHCs and community-based testing sites; of these, 1,089 individuals reported HIVST use. Among HIVST users, 893 (82.0%) returned to the clinic for confirmatory testing after testing negative on HIVST; 196 (17.9%) were confirmed HIV positive following a positive HIVST. After excluding 36/196 (18.4%) participants for whom clinical records could not be found in electronic register and 25/160 (15.6%) who were already on ART before receiving HIVST, 129/135 (95.5%) initiated ART, whereas 2,362/2685 (88%) of HIV positive HIVST non-users-initiated ART.
CONCLUSION
Unsupervised peer-distribution of HIVST was feasible and acceptable, with more than 25% accepting to be peer-distributors. Acceptability of HIVST was thrice as high in community sites compared to clinics.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Int AIDS Soc. 2017 July 21; Volume 20 (Issue Suppl 4); 21654.; DOI:10.7448/IAS.20.5.21654
Ssonko C, Gonzalez L, Mesic A, da Fonseca M, Achar J, et al.
J Int AIDS Soc. 2017 July 21; Volume 20 (Issue Suppl 4); 21654.; DOI:10.7448/IAS.20.5.21654
INTRODUCTION
Countries in the West and Central African regions struggle to offer quality HIV care at scale, despite HIV prevalence being relatively low. In these challenging operating environments, basic health care needs are multiple, systems are highly fragile and conflict disrupts health care. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been working to integrate HIV care in basic health services in such settings since 2000. We review the implementation of differentiated HIV care and treatment approaches in MSF-supported programmes in South Sudan (RoSS), Central African Republic (CAR) and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
METHODS
A descriptive analysis from CAR, DRC and RoSS programmes reviewing methodology and strategies of HIV care integration between 2010 and 2015 was performed. We describe HIV care models integrated within the provision of general health care and highlight best practices and challenges.
RESULTS
Services included provision of general health care, with out-patient care (range between countries 43,343 and 287,163 consultations/year in 2015) and in-patient care (range 1076–16,595 in 2015). By the end of 2015 antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiations reached 12–255 patients/year. A total of 1101 and 1053 patients were on ART in CAR and DRC, respectively. In RoSS 186 patients were on ART when conflict recommenced late in 2013. While ART initiation and monitoring were mostly clinically driven in the early phase of the programmes, DRC implemented CD4 monitoring and progressively HIV viral load (VL) monitoring during study period. Attacks to health care facilities in CAR and RoSS disrupted service provision temporarily. Programmatic challenges include: competing health priorities influencing HIV care and need to integrate within general health services. Differentiated care approaches that support continuity of care in these programmes include simplification of medical protocols, multi-month ART prescriptions, and community strategies such as ART delivery groups, contingency plans and peer support activities.
CONCLUSIONS
The principles of differentiated HIV care for high-quality ART delivery can successfully be applied in challenging operating environments. However, success heavily depends on specific adaptations to each setting.
Countries in the West and Central African regions struggle to offer quality HIV care at scale, despite HIV prevalence being relatively low. In these challenging operating environments, basic health care needs are multiple, systems are highly fragile and conflict disrupts health care. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been working to integrate HIV care in basic health services in such settings since 2000. We review the implementation of differentiated HIV care and treatment approaches in MSF-supported programmes in South Sudan (RoSS), Central African Republic (CAR) and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
METHODS
A descriptive analysis from CAR, DRC and RoSS programmes reviewing methodology and strategies of HIV care integration between 2010 and 2015 was performed. We describe HIV care models integrated within the provision of general health care and highlight best practices and challenges.
RESULTS
Services included provision of general health care, with out-patient care (range between countries 43,343 and 287,163 consultations/year in 2015) and in-patient care (range 1076–16,595 in 2015). By the end of 2015 antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiations reached 12–255 patients/year. A total of 1101 and 1053 patients were on ART in CAR and DRC, respectively. In RoSS 186 patients were on ART when conflict recommenced late in 2013. While ART initiation and monitoring were mostly clinically driven in the early phase of the programmes, DRC implemented CD4 monitoring and progressively HIV viral load (VL) monitoring during study period. Attacks to health care facilities in CAR and RoSS disrupted service provision temporarily. Programmatic challenges include: competing health priorities influencing HIV care and need to integrate within general health services. Differentiated care approaches that support continuity of care in these programmes include simplification of medical protocols, multi-month ART prescriptions, and community strategies such as ART delivery groups, contingency plans and peer support activities.
CONCLUSIONS
The principles of differentiated HIV care for high-quality ART delivery can successfully be applied in challenging operating environments. However, success heavily depends on specific adaptations to each setting.
Protocol > Research Study
Zizhou S, Gashu T, Ahmad B, Dhliwayo R, Aluma T, et al.
2018 July 1
Summary
Epworth poly-clinic is found in Epworth district, Harare. It is a clinic jointly run by Epworth local board (on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care) and Médecins sans Frontiers (MSF). One of the major MSF activities in the clinic is early detection and management of patients who fail first line ART. Patients with elevated viral load (VL), HIV RNA greater than 1000 copies/ml, undergo five to six sessions of two weekly enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) support. After enhanced adherence counseling sessions, those with elevated repeat VL test result are then switched to second line ART. Since the number of patients on second line ART is growing, there is an increased need to know the outcomes of second line ART and predictors of treatment failure.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the prognosis and determinants of second line ART regimen for cohort of HIV patients in Epworth MoH/MSF poly-clinic, Zimbabwe. The study will also identify cumulative incidence of SL ART treatment failure through clinical, immunological or virological criteria at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of second line ART initiation for a cohort of patients enrolled from March 2009 to January 2016 in Epworth poly-clinic.
This is a retrospective cohort study of patients on second line ART in Epworth poly-clinic enrolled since 2009. We describe baseline characteristics and outcomes of treatment using descriptive analysis. Multivariate cox proportional hazard modeling is used to model predictors of time to treatment failure. Kaplan–Meier curve is used to calculate cumulative incidence of treatment failure at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of second line ART initiation.
The study is expected to be finished and communicated to relevant stakeholders in December 2016. The report will be published on peer reviewed journals in January 2017. All the costs needed for this study will be covered by MSF OCA.
Epworth poly-clinic is found in Epworth district, Harare. It is a clinic jointly run by Epworth local board (on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care) and Médecins sans Frontiers (MSF). One of the major MSF activities in the clinic is early detection and management of patients who fail first line ART. Patients with elevated viral load (VL), HIV RNA greater than 1000 copies/ml, undergo five to six sessions of two weekly enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) support. After enhanced adherence counseling sessions, those with elevated repeat VL test result are then switched to second line ART. Since the number of patients on second line ART is growing, there is an increased need to know the outcomes of second line ART and predictors of treatment failure.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the prognosis and determinants of second line ART regimen for cohort of HIV patients in Epworth MoH/MSF poly-clinic, Zimbabwe. The study will also identify cumulative incidence of SL ART treatment failure through clinical, immunological or virological criteria at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of second line ART initiation for a cohort of patients enrolled from March 2009 to January 2016 in Epworth poly-clinic.
This is a retrospective cohort study of patients on second line ART in Epworth poly-clinic enrolled since 2009. We describe baseline characteristics and outcomes of treatment using descriptive analysis. Multivariate cox proportional hazard modeling is used to model predictors of time to treatment failure. Kaplan–Meier curve is used to calculate cumulative incidence of treatment failure at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of second line ART initiation.
The study is expected to be finished and communicated to relevant stakeholders in December 2016. The report will be published on peer reviewed journals in January 2017. All the costs needed for this study will be covered by MSF OCA.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
BMC Health Serv Res. 2014 February 21; Volume 14 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1186/1472-6963-14-81
Horter SCB, Stringer B, Reynolds L, Shoaib M, Kasozi S, et al.
BMC Health Serv Res. 2014 February 21; Volume 14 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1186/1472-6963-14-81
Ambulatory, community-based care for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has been found to be effective in multiple settings with high cure rates. However, little is known about patient preferences around models of MDR-TB care. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has delivered home-based MDR-TB treatment in the rural Kitgum and Lamwo districts of northern Uganda since 2009 in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National TB and Leprosy Programme. We conducted a qualitative study examining the experience of patients and key stakeholders of home-based MDR-TB treatment.
Conference Material > Poster
Abdullah MB, Issa-Soumana A-M, Namulwana ML, Barry I, Fidelle Nyikayo L, et al.
MSF Paediatric Days 2024. 2024 May 3; DOI:10.57740/iT0WOMF3Ik
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Int AIDS Soc. 2016 January 1; Volume 19 (Issue 1); 20665.; DOI:10.7448/IAS.19.1.20665
O'Brien DP, Spelman T, Greig J, McMahon J, Ssonko C, et al.
J Int AIDS Soc. 2016 January 1; Volume 19 (Issue 1); 20665.; DOI:10.7448/IAS.19.1.20665
INTRODUCTION
An increasing proportion of adult patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings are aged >50 years. Older populations on ART appear to have heightened risk of death, but little is known about factors influencing mortality in this population.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective observational multisite cohort study including all adult patients (≥15 years) initiating ART between 2003 and 2013 in programmes supported by Médecins Sans Frontières across 12 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Patients were stratified into two age groups, >50 years and 15 to 50 years. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore factors associated with mortality.
RESULTS
The study included 41,088 patients: 2591 (6.3%) were aged >50 years and 38,497 (93.7%) were aged 15 to 50 years. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the age group >50 years [367 (14.2%) deaths; mortality rate 7.67 deaths per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval, CI: 6.93 to 8.50)] compared to the age group 15 to 50 years [3788 (9.8%) deaths; mortality rate 4.18 deaths per 100 person-years (95% CI: 4.05 to 4.31)], p<0.0001. Higher CD4 levels at baseline were associated with significantly reduced mortality rates in the 15 to 50 age group but this association was not seen in the >50 age group. WHO Stage 4 conditions were more strongly associated with increased mortality rates in the 15 to 50 age group compared to populations >50 years. WHO Stage 3 conditions were associated with an increased mortality rate in the 15 to 50 age group but not in the >50 age group. Programme region did not affect mortality rates in the >50 age group; however being in an Asian programme was associated with a 36% reduced mortality rate in populations aged 15 to 50 years compared to being in an African programme. There was a higher overall incidence of Stage 3 WHO conditions in people >50 years (12.8/100 person-years) compared to those 15 to 50 years (8.1/100 person-years) (p<0.01). The rate of Stage 4 WHO conditions was similar (5.8/100 versus 6.1/100 respectively, p=0.52). Mortality rates on ART associated with the majority of specific WHO conditions were similar between the 15 to 50 and >50 age groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Older patients on ART in resource-limited settings have increased mortality rates, but compared to younger populations this appears to be less influenced by baseline CD4 count and WHO clinical stage. HIV treatment programmes in resource-limited settings need to consider risk factors associated with mortality on ART in older populations, which may differ to those related to younger adults.
An increasing proportion of adult patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings are aged >50 years. Older populations on ART appear to have heightened risk of death, but little is known about factors influencing mortality in this population.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective observational multisite cohort study including all adult patients (≥15 years) initiating ART between 2003 and 2013 in programmes supported by Médecins Sans Frontières across 12 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Patients were stratified into two age groups, >50 years and 15 to 50 years. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore factors associated with mortality.
RESULTS
The study included 41,088 patients: 2591 (6.3%) were aged >50 years and 38,497 (93.7%) were aged 15 to 50 years. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the age group >50 years [367 (14.2%) deaths; mortality rate 7.67 deaths per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval, CI: 6.93 to 8.50)] compared to the age group 15 to 50 years [3788 (9.8%) deaths; mortality rate 4.18 deaths per 100 person-years (95% CI: 4.05 to 4.31)], p<0.0001. Higher CD4 levels at baseline were associated with significantly reduced mortality rates in the 15 to 50 age group but this association was not seen in the >50 age group. WHO Stage 4 conditions were more strongly associated with increased mortality rates in the 15 to 50 age group compared to populations >50 years. WHO Stage 3 conditions were associated with an increased mortality rate in the 15 to 50 age group but not in the >50 age group. Programme region did not affect mortality rates in the >50 age group; however being in an Asian programme was associated with a 36% reduced mortality rate in populations aged 15 to 50 years compared to being in an African programme. There was a higher overall incidence of Stage 3 WHO conditions in people >50 years (12.8/100 person-years) compared to those 15 to 50 years (8.1/100 person-years) (p<0.01). The rate of Stage 4 WHO conditions was similar (5.8/100 versus 6.1/100 respectively, p=0.52). Mortality rates on ART associated with the majority of specific WHO conditions were similar between the 15 to 50 and >50 age groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Older patients on ART in resource-limited settings have increased mortality rates, but compared to younger populations this appears to be less influenced by baseline CD4 count and WHO clinical stage. HIV treatment programmes in resource-limited settings need to consider risk factors associated with mortality on ART in older populations, which may differ to those related to younger adults.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2015 July 19; Volume 19 (Issue 8); DOI:10.5588/ijtld.15.0123
Isaakidis P, Casas EDT, Das M, Tseretopoulou X, Ford NP
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2015 July 19; Volume 19 (Issue 8); DOI:10.5588/ijtld.15.0123
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 2018 October 17; Volume 13 (Issue 10); e0205601.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0205601
Verdecchia M, Keus K, Blankley S, Vambe D, Ssonko C, et al.
PLOS One. 2018 October 17; Volume 13 (Issue 10); e0205601.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0205601
INTRODUCTION
Since 2011 Médecins sans Frontières together with the eSwatini Ministry of Health have been managing patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) at Matsapha and Mankayane in Manzini region. This analysis describes the model of care and outcomes of patients receiving a 20 months MDR-TB treatment regimen between 2011 and 2013.
METHOD
We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of MDR-TB patients enrolled for treatment between May 2011 and December 2013. An extensive package of psychological care and socio-economic incentives were provided including psychological support, paid treatment supporters, transport fees and a monthly food package. Baseline demographic details and treatment outcomes were recorded and for HIV positive patient's univariate analysis as well as a cox regression hazard model were undertaken to assess risk factors for unfavorable outcomes.
RESULTS
From the 174 patients enrolled, 156 (89.7%) were HIV co-infected, 102 (58.6%) were female, median age 33 years old (IQR: 28-42), 55 (31.6%) had a BMI less than 18 and 86 (49.4%) had not been previously treated for any form of TB. Overall cohort outcomes revealed a 75.3% treatment success rate, 21.3% mortality rate, 0.6% failure and 0.6% lost to follow-up rate. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, low BMI and low CD4 count at treatment initiation were associated with an increased risk of unfavorable outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
A model of care that included psychosocial support and patient's enablers led to a high level of treatment success with a very low lost to follow up rate. Limiting the overall treatment success was a high mortality rate which was associated with advanced HIV and a low BMI at presentation. These factors will need to be addressed in order to improve upon the overall treatment success rate in future.
Since 2011 Médecins sans Frontières together with the eSwatini Ministry of Health have been managing patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) at Matsapha and Mankayane in Manzini region. This analysis describes the model of care and outcomes of patients receiving a 20 months MDR-TB treatment regimen between 2011 and 2013.
METHOD
We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of MDR-TB patients enrolled for treatment between May 2011 and December 2013. An extensive package of psychological care and socio-economic incentives were provided including psychological support, paid treatment supporters, transport fees and a monthly food package. Baseline demographic details and treatment outcomes were recorded and for HIV positive patient's univariate analysis as well as a cox regression hazard model were undertaken to assess risk factors for unfavorable outcomes.
RESULTS
From the 174 patients enrolled, 156 (89.7%) were HIV co-infected, 102 (58.6%) were female, median age 33 years old (IQR: 28-42), 55 (31.6%) had a BMI less than 18 and 86 (49.4%) had not been previously treated for any form of TB. Overall cohort outcomes revealed a 75.3% treatment success rate, 21.3% mortality rate, 0.6% failure and 0.6% lost to follow-up rate. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, low BMI and low CD4 count at treatment initiation were associated with an increased risk of unfavorable outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
A model of care that included psychosocial support and patient's enablers led to a high level of treatment success with a very low lost to follow up rate. Limiting the overall treatment success was a high mortality rate which was associated with advanced HIV and a low BMI at presentation. These factors will need to be addressed in order to improve upon the overall treatment success rate in future.