Twenty-four-month outcomes from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of extending antiretroviral therapy refills in ART adherence clubs.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence club (AC) model has supported clinically stable HIV patients' retention with group ART refills and psychosocial support. Reducing visit frequency by increasing ART refills to six months could further benefit patients and unburden health systems. We conducted a pragmatic non-inferiority cluster randomized trial comparing standard of care (SoC) ACs and six-month refill intervention ACs in a primary care facility in Khayelitsha, South Africa.

Methods

Existing community-based and facility-based ACs were randomized to either SoC or intervention ACs. SoC ACs met five times annually, receiving two-month refills with a four-month refill over year-end. Blood was drawn at one AC visit with a clinical assessment at the next. Inter

SUBMITTER: Cassidy T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7749539 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature