Determinants of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening uptake in Kampala, Uganda: An assessment of health center characteristics.

ABSTRACT: Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening and pre-emptive antifungal therapy for people with CD4 cell counts <100 cells/μl are recommended by the World Health Organization and several national HIV guidelines. We sought to evaluate CrAg screening program implementation across Uganda, in relation to health center level and distance from the capital. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 22 health centers across southern Uganda from April to June 2019. We reviewed laboratory records regarding number of CD4 cell count tests performed, proportion of outpatients with CD4 counts <200 cells/μl, and number of CrAg screening tests performed. We administered surveys to health center staff to understand barriers to advanced HIV care. We observed no significant difference in health center level and perfo

SUBMITTER: Srishyla D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8973400 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature