Increasing partner HIV testing and linkage to care in TB settings: findings from an implementation study in Pwani, Tanzania

AIDS Care
Cari Courtenay-QuirkMwanaisha Nyamkara

Abstract

Couples HIV testing for tuberculosis (TB) patients and their partners may be an effective means to identify HIV-positive persons and strengthen linkage to HIV care. We evaluated an intervention to increase HIV testing and linkage to care (LTC) of newly diagnosed persons and re-linkage for TB/HIV patients in Pwani, Tanzania. In 2014, 12 TB settings within two regional clusters participated; each cluster included ≥1 referral hospital, health center, and directly observed therapy center. Three months after introducing tools to record HIV service delivery, TB clinic staff and peer education volunteers in Cluster 1 received training on HIV partner testing and linkage/re-linkage, and staff in the second cluster received training 3 months thereafter. Twelve months after tools were introduced, clinic records were abstracted to assess changes in couples HIV testing, LTC, and re-linkage. Staff interviews assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the service delivery model. HIV prevalence was high among TB patients during the study period (44.9%; 508/1132), as well as among others who received HIV testing (19.8%; 253/1288). Compared to pre-implementation, couples HIV testing increased in both clusters from 1.8% to 35.2%. Documented LT...Continue Reading

References

Jan 27, 2015·Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes : JAIDS·Chris Richard KenyonRebecca Bunnell
Nov 29, 2015·The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·C Courtenay-QuirkR Granich

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