Risk Factors for Viral Non-suppression Among Youth Living with HIV in Nigeria: Findings from the iCARE Nigeria Study.

Viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a critical component of UNAIDS objectives to end the HIV epidemic. Youth living with HIV (YLH) have worse viral suppression rates than adults. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for viral non-suppression among YLH in Nigeria.

A Stepped-Wedge, Cluster-Randomized, Multisite Study of Text Messaging Plus Peer Navigation to Improve Adherence and Viral Suppression Among Youth on Antiretroviral Therapy.

Background: To address the need for improved virologic suppression among youth living with HIV (YLH) on antiretroviral treatment (ART), we evaluated peer navigation plus TXTXT daily text message ART reminders.

Setting: YLH aged 15-24 on ART for at least 3 months at six research sites in four Nigerian cities.

Methods: Using a stepped-wedge design, Cluster 1 was non-randomized, while Clusters 2 and 3 were randomized to sequences of routine care (control period) and 48 weeks of the combination intervention (intervention period).

Discontinuation of HIV oral pre-exposure prophylaxis: findings from programmatic surveillance within two general population HIV programs in Nigeria.

Background: As oral PrEP scales up in Nigeria, information about uptake, use pattern and client preference in a real-world, implementation setting is invaluable to guide refining service provision and incorporation of oral PrEP and other prevention measures into routine health services. To add to this body of knowledge, our study examines factors associated with discontinuation of PrEP among HIV negative individuals across two large scale programs in Nigeria.

Methods: Using program implementation data from two large-scale HIV projects in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in Nigeria between January 2020 and July 2021, we used logistic regression to explore factors associated with early discontinuation (i.

Predictors of Detectable Viremia, Outcomes, and Implications for Management of People Living With HIV Who Are Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Southern Nigeria.

Background: This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with detectable viremia, as well as clinical outcomes among people with HIV (PWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) who initially achieved viral suppression in 2 southern states in Nigeria.

Methods: The retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic medical records of 96 comprehensive ART centers. PWH were followed up who achieved viral suppression (viral load [VL] ≤50 copies/mL) upon starting ART based on the first VL test.

Willingness to pay for antiretroviral therapy, viral load, and premium services; A contingent valuation survey of people living with HIV in southern Nigeria.

Background: With stagnating funding for HIV and AIDS control programs in Nigeria, alternative funding models for antiretroviral therapy (ART) including out of pocket payment are being considered to sustain momentum epidemic control targets. We assessed willingness to pay for ART related services, and factors associated with willingness to pay.

Methods: Between July and August 2019, we conducted a survey among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART in 3 states in southern Nigeria.

Improved access to HIV diagnosis and linkage to antiretroviral therapy among children in Southern Nigeria: a before-after study.

Background: Globally, two out of five children living with HIV (CLHIV) are unaware of their HIV status, and a little more than 50% are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). This paper describes case-finding strategies and their contribution to identifying CLHIV and linking them to ART in Nigeria.

Methods: This before-after study used program data abstracted during the implementation of different paediatric-focused strategies (provider-initiated testing and counselling, orphans and vulnerable children testing, family-based index testing, early infant diagnosis (EID), community-driven EID, and community-based testing) delivered in health facilities and in communities to improve HIV case identification.

Improving access to HIV testing for pregnant women in community birth centres in Nigeria: an evaluation of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission program.

Background: The elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission requires access to HIV testing services (HTS) for pregnant women. In Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, 76% of pregnant women receive antenatal care from traditional birth attendants and may not have access to HIV testing.

Objectives: This study examines the contribution of traditional birth attendants and other healthcare workers in community birth centres in improving access to HTS among pregnant women and their HIV-exposed infants.

Reaching Viral Suppression Among People With HIV With Suspected Treatment Failure who Received Enhanced Adherence Counseling in Southern Nigeria: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: This study assessed viral load (VL) testing and viral suppression following enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) among people with HIV (PWH) with suspected treatment failure and identified factors associated with persistent viremia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of PWH aged 15 years or older who had received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months as of December 2020 and had a high viral load (HVL; ≥1000 copies/mL) across 22 comprehensive HIV treatment facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Patients with HVL were expected to receive 3 EAC sessions delivered in person or virtually and repeat VL testing upon completion of EAC and after documented good adherence.

Achieving HIV epidemic control through integrated community and facility-based strategies: Lessons learnt from ART-surge implementation in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.

This study examines the lessons learnt from the implementation of a surge program in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria as part of the Strengthening Integrated Delivery of HIV/AIDS Services (SIDHAS) Project. In this analysis, we included all clients who received HIV counseling and testing services, tested HIV positive, and initiated ART in SIDHAS-supported local government areas (LGAs) from April 2017 to March 2021. We employed descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze our results.

Differentiated service delivery models among PLHIV in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic: descriptive analysis of programmatic data.

Introduction: The rapid increase in the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in Nigeria led to overcrowding at clinics. Patients were devolved to receive ART refills through five differentiated service delivery (DSD) models: fast-track (FT), adolescent refill clubs (ARCs), community pharmacy ART refill programs (CPARPs), community ART refill clubs (CARCs) and community ART refill groups (CARGs) designed to meet the needs of different groups of PLHIV. In the context of COVID-19-related travel restrictions, out-of-facility models offered critical mechanisms for continuity of treatment.

Correlates of uptake of HIV testing among children and young adolescents in Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria: a secondary data analysis of the Akwa-Ibom aids indicator survey, 2017.

Background: In order to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, there is a need to significantly reduce the rate of new infection among children and young adolescents. Identifying the correlates of testing behaviour is necessary to improve HIV testing campaigns by refining messages that target individuals in this age group. The objective of this study was to determine the correlates of HIV testing among children and young adolescents in Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom AIDS indicator survey: Key findings and lessons learnt.

Background: The burden of HIV/AIDS epidemic is huge, but this varies widely by population in Nigeria. Data that could be used to guide the scale up of HIV prevention and control strategies has significant gaps. The study sought to estimate the prevalence of HIV and its associated determinants in Akwa Ibom state.

HIV comprehensive knowledge and prevalence among young adolescents in Nigeria: evidence from Akwa Ibom AIDS indicator survey, 2017.

Background: Despite the recent increase in HIV infections among adolescents, little is known about their HIV knowledge and perceptions. This study, therefore, sought to examine the factors associated with comprehensive HIV knowledge, stigma, and HIV risk perceptions among young adolescents aged 10-14 years in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Additionally, consenting parents and assenting young adolescents were tested for HIV.

HIV Retesting of HIV-Negative Pregnant Women in the Context of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Primary Health Centers in Rural Zambia: What Did We Learn?

Background: This observational study describes implementation of HIV retesting of HIV-negative women in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services in Zambia.

Methods: Uptake of retesting and PMTCT services were compared across age, parity, and weeks of gestation at the time of the first HIV test, antiretrovirals regime, and HIV early diagnosis results from infants born to HIV-positive mothers.

Results: A total of 19 090 pregnant women were tested for HIV at their first antenatal visit, 16 838 tested HIV-negative and were offered retesting 3 months later: 11 339 (67.

Transactional Sex between Men and Its Implications on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Nigeria.

Introduction: Men who have transactional sex with men (MTSM) are known to be at higher risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study explored the risk factors associated with STI symptoms and HIV prevalence among men who have transactional sex with men in Nigeria.

Methods: In 2014, a cross-sectional study, using respondent driven sampling technique, was carried out to recruit 3,172 MSM across eight states in Nigeria.

Performance evaluation of BD FACSPresto™ point of care CD4 analyzer to enumerate CD4 counts for monitoring HIV infected individuals in Nigeria.

Background: Despite the upsurge in support and intervention of donor agencies in HIV care and treatment programing in Sub-Sahara African, antiretroviral (ART) programs are still confronted with access and coverage challenges which influence enrolment of new patients. This study investigated the validity of point of care BD FACSPresto™ CD4 analyzer for CD4+ cell count, overall agreement, correlation, sensitivity, and specificity in comparison to a reference standard flow cytometry method. We also assessed the feasibility of use among non-laboratorians.

Effect of HIV and malaria parasites co-infection on immune-hematological profiles among patients attending anti-retroviral treatment (ART) clinic in Infectious Disease Hospital Kano, Nigeria.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malaria co-infection may present worse health outcomes in the tropics. Information on HIV/malaria co-infection effect on immune-hematological profiles is critical for patient care and there is a paucity of such data in Nigeria.

Objective: To evaluate immune-hematological profiles among HIV infected patients compared to HIV/malaria co-infected for ART management improvement.

Adherence to On-Time ART Drug Pick-Up and Its Association with CD4 Changes and Clinical Outcomes Amongst HIV Infected Adults on First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Nigerian Hospitals.

Medication adherence is a major determinant of antiretroviral treatment (ART) success. Promptness in medication refill pick-ups may give an indication of medication adherence. This study determined medication refill adherence among HIV positive patients on ART and its association with treatment outcomes in HIV treatment centers in Nigeria.

The pattern of attrition from an antiretroviral treatment program in Nigeria.

Objective: To evaluate the rate and factors associated with attrition of patients receiving ART in tertiary and secondary hospitals in Nigeria.

Methods And Findings: We reviewed patient level data collected between 2007 and 2010 from 11 hospitals across Nigeria. Kaplan-Meier product-limit and Cox regression were used to determine probability of retention in care and risk factors for attrition respectively.

Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and level of care associated with lost to follow-up and mortality in adult patients on first-line ART in Nigerian hospitals.

Introduction: Clinical outcome is an important determinant of programme success. This study aims to evaluate patients' baseline characteristics as well as level of care associated with lost to follow-up (LTFU) and mortality of patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study using routine service data of adult patients initiated on ART in 2007 in 10 selected hospitals in Nigeria.

Reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV: findings from an early infant diagnosis program in south-south region of Nigeria.

Background: Early diagnosis of HIV in infants provides a critical opportunity to strengthen follow-up of HIV-exposed children and assure early access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for infected children. This study describes findings from an Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) program and the effectiveness of a prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) intervention in six health facilities in Cross-River and Akwa-Ibom states, south-south Nigeria.

Methods: This was a retrospective study.

Adverse drug reactions to antiretroviral therapy (ARVs): incidence, type and risk factors in Nigeria.

Background: Data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to antiretroviral (ARV) use in public health practice are few indicating the need for ART safety surveillance in clinical care.

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence, type and risk factors associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among patients on antiretroviral drugs (ARV).

Methods: Patients initiated on ARVs between May 2006 and May 2009 were evaluated in a retrospective cohort analysis in three health facilities in Nigeria.