Background: Youth have poorer HIV-related outcomes when compared to other age-groups. We describe the protocol for a cluster randomised trial (CRT) to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based, integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth on HIV outcomes.
Protocol: The CHIEDZA trial is being conducted in three provinces in Zimbabwe, each with eight geographically demarcated areas (clusters) (total 24 clusters) randomised 1:1 to standard of care (existing health services) or to the intervention.
Age and gender disparities within the HIV cascade of care are critical to focus interventions efficiently. We assessed gender-age groups at the highest probability of unfavorable outcomes in the HIV cascade in five HIV prevalent settings. We performed pooled data analyses from population-based surveys conducted in Kenya, South Africa, Malawi and Zimbabwe between 2012 and 2016.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Tuberculosis (TB) causes one-third of HIV-related deaths worldwide, making TB preventive treatment (TPT) a critical element of HIV programmes. Approximately 16% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretrovirals in Zimbabwe are enrolled in the Fast Track (FT) differentiated service delivery model, which includes multi-month dispensing of antiretrovirals and quarterly health facility (HF) visits. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing FT to deliver 3HP (3 months of once-weekly rifapentine and isoniazid) for TPT by aligning TPT and HIV visits, providing multi-month dispensing of 3HP, and using phone-based monitoring and adherence support.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: The CHIEDZA (Community-based Interventions to improve HIV outcomes in youth: a cluster randomised trial in Zimbabwe) trial evaluated an integrated package of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for young people aged 16-24 years in Zimbabwe. The family planning component aimed to improve access to information, services, and contraceptives delivered by trained youth-friendly providers within a community-based setting for young women. Responsively adapting the intervention was a part of the intervention design's rationale.
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