A Patient-Centered Multicomponent Strategy for Accelerated Linkage to Care Following Community-Wide HIV Testing in Rural Uganda and Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

As countries move toward universal HIV treatment, many individuals fail to link to care after diagnosis of HIV. Efficient and effective linkage strategies are needed.

Methods

We implemented a patient-centered, multicomponent linkage strategy in the SEARCH "test-and-treat" trial (NCT 01864603) in Kenya and Uganda. After population-based, community-wide HIV testing, eligible participants were (1) introduced to clinic staff after testing, (2) provided a telephone "hot-line" for enquiries, (3) provided an appointment reminder phone call, (4) given transport reimbursement on linkage, and (5) tracked if linkage appointment was missed. We estimated the proportion linked to care within 1 year and evaluated factors associated with linkage at 7, 30, and 365 days after dia

SUBMITTER: Ayieko J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6410970 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature