Citation
Giovenco, Danielle; Pettifor, Audrey E.; Qayiya, Yamkela; Jones, Jeb; & Bekker, Linda-Gail (2024). The Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Courier HIV-Treatment Delivery and SMS Support Intervention for Young People Living with HIV in South Africa. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 95(2), 161-169.Abstract
BACKGROUND: Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) experience poorer rates of virological suppression compared to adults. Differentiated service delivery models directed to YPLWH are urgently needed.SETTING: Participants were recruited from an HIV treatment clinic near Cape Town, South Africa.
METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal pilot study to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of a courier ART delivery and SMS support intervention to retain YPLWH (13-24 years) in care during COVID-19. YPLWH had the option to enroll in the courier service and were randomized 1:1 to receive adherence support via a weekly SMS. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate the preliminary effectiveness of the courier intervention on viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL) at months 3 and 6.
RESULTS: Among 215 participants, 82% elected to enroll in the courier ART service at baseline, 41% reported receiving a delivery in the past three months at month 3, and 49% reported receiving a delivery at month 6. Among those who received a delivery, most (91-100%) rated the intervention as acceptable. Participants who reported receiving a delivery in the past three months at month 3 were 1.26 (95% CI 1.05-1.54) times as likely to have a suppressed viral load at month 3 and 1.21 (0.99-1.48) times as likely at month 6, controlling for potential confounders.
CONCLUSION: Findings reveal high uptake and acceptability of a courier ART intervention among YPLWH, as well as promising evidence for its effectiveness in increasing the probability of viral suppression. A fully powered trial is warranted.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/qai.0000000000003332Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2024Journal Title
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAuthor(s)
Giovenco, DaniellePettifor, Audrey E.
Qayiya, Yamkela
Jones, Jeb
Bekker, Linda-Gail