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Program proposal to increase adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in South African women

Edmonds, Helena (2014) Program proposal to increase adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV in South African women. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

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Abstract

In South Africa the rate of HIV/AIDS has increased from 5.2 million in 2008 to 6.4 million in 2012 (making up 19% of the worldwide cases). These numbers are troublesome as there are both behavioral and biomedical strategies available to stop the spread. One such biomedical strategy is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Truvada. When taken correctly Truvada can offer up to 92% protection against HIV. A demonstration program proposal was designed based on review of literature assessing the current adherence rates to HIV/AIDS medication. The review found that women are more likely to seek treatment but are also more likely to be non-compliant with their anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Factors related to low socioeconomic status (SES) play a large role in non-adherence. Unfortunately, exact adherence rates were unavailable since the studies reported data from different populations, number of participants, duration times and locations. The program design is based on CDC evidence-based behavioral interventions. The goal is to increase adherence to PrEP by 40%, amongst South African women aged 20-40 years of age, within the first year. There are two groups, control (n=50) and adherence messaging (n=50). Controls will only be seen when they come for their monthly Truvada refills. At this point the number of pills left over will be counted and it will also be documented how many times they have come for refills. The adherence messaging group will also be seen monthly. The answers from the standard Health Care Provider questionnaire will be analyzed along with how many pills are left over at the end of each month and how many meetings they’ve visited. Participants in both groups will have their pill bottles fitted with MEMS caps. Data collected from this will also be used to analyze the success or failure of the demonstration program. In order to run this program for a year, including preparation and evaluation time, it will cost R 3,805,999.76 ($344,573.143). With achieving this goal the public health significance is great. Increasing adherence to PrEP will lead to a decrease in HIV transmissions further leading to a healthier population.

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Details

Item Type: Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Edmonds, Helena
Contributors:
ContributionContributors NameEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairSilvestre, Anthony J.tonys@pitt.eduTONYSUNSPECIFIED
Committee MemberHo, Kenneth Shok2@upmc.eduKSH25UNSPECIFIED
Date: 2014
Date Type: Publication
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master Essay
Refereed: Yes
Date Deposited: 17 Aug 2015 17:45
Last Modified: 23 Dec 2022 11:56
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23615

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