Monitoring HIV treatment adherence using dried blood spots (DBS) is highly acceptable among people living with HIV in South Africa. In a study of 224 participants, 99% supported DBS testing, and 96% found it helpful. Most preferred clinic staff to collect samples (79.5%), while fewer were comfortable with community health workers (26.1%) or pharmacists (37.0%). Over half (52%) … [Read more...] about Brief Report: Preferences and Acceptability in Methods of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Collection and Feedback in a Cohort of PLWH in Cape Town South Africa
HIV and AIDS
The effect of a combined mHealth and community health worker intervention on HIV self-management
This study looked at factors affecting HIV self-management and evaluated the CHAMPS program, which combines mobile health tools and community health worker support. In New York City, CHAMPS improved daily HIV self-care, such as medication adherence. However, it had no significant impact in Birmingham. Challenges like missed appointments and difficulty accessing care were linked … [Read more...] about The effect of a combined mHealth and community health worker intervention on HIV self-management
Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation
In South Africa, HIV testing rates among men are lower than for women and fall short of national targets. This study evaluated a strategy where community health workers (CHWs) distributed HIV self-screening (HIVSS) kits and provided follow-up support to men in Johannesburg who hadn't been tested in the past 12 months. Follow-up was either personal support (PS) or automated SMS. … [Read more...] about Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation
Can Community Health Workers in Miami Disrupt Disparities among Black People Living with HIV: A Qualitative Analysis
This study explores how clinic-based Community Health Workers (CHWs) can help improve HIV management among Black people living with HIV (BPLH) in South Florida, where the HIV impact is significant. CHWs usually work in non-clinical settings, and there is limited data on their effectiveness in clinical environments. From March 2021 to January 2022, semi-structured interviews … [Read more...] about Can Community Health Workers in Miami Disrupt Disparities among Black People Living with HIV: A Qualitative Analysis
Piloting Siyakhana: A community health worker training to reduce substance use and depression stigma in South African HIV and TB care
South Africa faces high rates of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection, with poor care engagement worsening outcomes. Community health workers (CHWs) help re-engage patients who have dropped out of care but face challenges due to patients' substance use (SU) and depression, and stigma towards these issues. CHWs often lack training in these areas. This study piloted Siyakhana, … [Read more...] about Piloting Siyakhana: A community health worker training to reduce substance use and depression stigma in South African HIV and TB care
