Emily T O'Neill, Juddy Wachira, Joshua Juma, Ben Mosong, Catherine Kafu, Marta Wilson-Barthes, Sonak D Pastakia, Dan N Tran, Becky L Genberg, Omar Galárraga
{"title":"Effects of Integrated Community-Based Care and Group Microfinance on Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Adults Living With HIV in Western Kenya.","authors":"Emily T O'Neill, Juddy Wachira, Joshua Juma, Ben Mosong, Catherine Kafu, Marta Wilson-Barthes, Sonak D Pastakia, Dan N Tran, Becky L Genberg, Omar Galárraga","doi":"10.1177/23259582251414566","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582251414566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDespite the introduction of single-pill antiretroviral therapy (ART), adherence remains suboptimal in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Harambee study evaluated the effects of delivering integrated community-based (ICB) HIV care within small lending and savings groups called microfinance groups in western Kenya. Here, we explore the intervention's, a 2-arm cluster randomized trial, impact on ART adherence.MethodsWe calculated the medication possession ratio (MPR) across 18 months at 3 time points using ART refill data from May 2021 to July 2023. As a secondary outcome, we assessed patient-reported 4-day ART adherence changes between study months 0 and 18. Outcomes were analyzed using linear regression models with treatment-by-time interaction terms to estimate time-varying treatment effects and month fixed effects, with standard errors clustered at the appropriate group level.ResultsBaseline mean MPRs were 0.971 for microfinance group members receiving ICB care, 0.989 for microfinance groups receiving usual (facility-based) care, and 0.995 for frequency-matched usual care patients not engaged in microfinance. At 18 months, MPRs were significantly higher among microfinance groups receiving usual care (0.057, <i>P</i> < 0.001) and microfinance groups receiving ICB care (0.048, <i>P</i> < 0.001) compared to baseline. Four-day ART adherence ratios increased for participants enrolled in group microfinance with usual care (0.021, <i>P</i> = 0.05). Findings were consistent across all models and robustness checks.ConclusionsCombining ICB care with group microfinance significantly increased ART adherence and may contribute to increased HIV viral suppression.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582251414566"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12923927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146227518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"\"Sugar Daddy-Marandza\" Dynamics and HIV Vulnerability: A Literature Review of Transactional and Intergenerational Sexual Relationships Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Sub-Saharan Africa, With a Focus on Mozambique.","authors":"Miguel Osorio, Dulce Osorio, Isabelle Munyangaju, Teles Nhanombe, Lizete Andissene Matos, Isabel Chissone, Edy Nacarapa","doi":"10.1177/23259582261457825","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582261457825","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Transactional and intergenerational sexual relationships, often termed \"sugar daddy-marandza\" dynamics, are a key driver of HIV among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This narrative review synthesizes evidence from 29 studies across the region, using the term \"marandza\"-originating in Mozambique-as an illustrative lens to examine a region-wide phenomenon. The review confirms these relationships consistently increase HIV vulnerability due to power imbalances, economic dependency, and patriarchal norms. Poverty, consumerism, and peer pressure propel AGYW into these partnerships, which are characterized by low condom use and limited negotiation power. The findings demonstrate that the issue is rooted in structural inequalities rather than cultural specificity. Digital platforms are increasingly facilitating these transactional encounters. Effective response requires multisectoral, gender-transformative interventions focusing on economic empowerment, social norm change with men and boys, and youth-friendly health services. Future research should evaluate integrated program models and the evolving role of digital technology in reshaping these relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261457825"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13241683/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148163836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles Nkubi Bagenda, Pamella Kisakye, Hope Mudondo, Carol Nantongo, Milly Ketty Malinga, Charles Kigenyi, Isaac Nanyijuka, Ainea Ainebyona, Jazira Tumusiime, Michael Junior Mugisa, Elastus Ssemwanga, Lucas Ampaire, Vicent Mwesigye, Deusdedit Tusubira, Simon Peter Rugera
{"title":"Association Between Waist Circumference to Body Mass Index Ratio and Elevated Serum Transaminases Among Patients on Dolutegravir-based Antiretroviral Therapy in South Western Uganda.","authors":"Charles Nkubi Bagenda, Pamella Kisakye, Hope Mudondo, Carol Nantongo, Milly Ketty Malinga, Charles Kigenyi, Isaac Nanyijuka, Ainea Ainebyona, Jazira Tumusiime, Michael Junior Mugisa, Elastus Ssemwanga, Lucas Ampaire, Vicent Mwesigye, Deusdedit Tusubira, Simon Peter Rugera","doi":"10.1177/23259582261432050","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582261432050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been associated with weight gain and obesity which are also linked to hepatocellular dysfunction. Despite these associations, the link between obesity indices and hepatocellular damage among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) on DTG-based ART remains poorly understood. This study examined the association between obesity indices and elevated serum transaminases, markers of liver damage, among PLWH on DTG-based ART in Southwestern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 212 PLWH aged 18years and above who had been on DTG-based ART for ≥1 year at Municipal Health Centre IV, Southwestern Uganda. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and a blood sample collected from each participant for laboratory measurement of serum alanine and aspartate transaminase activity.ResultsElevated serum transaminase activity was found in 12.7% (27/212, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.9%-18.0%) of participants. Participants with elevated transaminases had significantly higher median waist-to-hip ratio (0.88 vs 0.83, P < 0.001) and waist circumference (WC) to body mass index (BMI) ratio (3.56 vs 3.42, P = 0.026) compared to those with normal activity. In multivariate analysis, only WC/BMI ratio remained significantly associated (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 1.11-12.16; P = 0.033) with elevated serum transaminase activity. At an optimal cut-off of 3.45; sensitivity = 78%, specificity = 52%), WC/BMI had significantly predictive power, (area under the curve= 0.651; 95% CI: 0.580-0.722) for elevated serum transaminase activity.ConclusionWC/BMI ratio is a potential predictor of elevated transaminases among PLWH on DTG-based ART in South western Uganda.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261432050"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988281/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147444348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Building Relationships and Families Among PLHIV in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: Overcoming Stigma and Leveraging Recent Advances.","authors":"Abubakar Sunusi Ishak, Auwal Rabiu Auwal, Safiyanu Adamu Maikifi","doi":"10.1177/23259582261440718","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582261440718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) face significant challenges, particularly stigma, which impacts their ability to build and maintain family or seek relationships. This is especially prevalent in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where awareness is limited. Stigma leads to societal rejection, internalized shame, and emotional distress, affecting both single and married PLHIV. Singles experience rejection, loneliness, and fear of disclosure, while sero-discordant couples face transmission fears, conception issues, and emotional strain. Even sero-concordant couples, despite sharing the same human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, struggle with stigma and conception challenges. This narrative review examines the effects of stigma on relationships and building families among PLHIV using a literature search across major electronic databases. It also highlights advancements such as online dating platforms, highly active antiretroviral therapy, preexposure prophylaxis, and assisted reproductive technologies, which help mitigate transmission risks and improve relationship dynamics. Overall, addressing HIV-related stigma through public education campaigns, psychosocial interventions, and policy-level interventions, as well as capitalizing on recent advances, is essential to improving relationship formation, intimacy, and quality of life among PLHIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261440718"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13201933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148016106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"mHealth Interventions to Promote HIV Self-Testing Among Key Populations: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness and Implementation Outcomes.","authors":"Jann Angeli Agapito, Kyleen Ysabelle Obmerga, Mary Jeanne Pacheco, Catherine Ranin, Amber Sophus, Rogie Royce Carandang","doi":"10.1177/23259582261431644","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582261431644","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesThis systematic review synthesized evidence on the effectiveness and implementation outcomes of mobile health (mHealth) interventions supporting HIV self-testing (HIVST) among key populations, including uptake, linkage to care, and user experiences.MethodsEight electronic databases and gray literature were searched. Eligible studies evaluated mHealth interventions designed to promote or support HIVST. Due to substantial methodological and contextual heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively.ResultsTwenty-one studies from high-, middle-, and low-income settings were included. Interventions included SMS reminders, mobile applications, tele-counseling, and digital outreach platforms. Many studies reported increased HIVST uptake and high acceptability; however, evidence for linkage to care was limited. Study quality varied, with several trials at high risk of bias. Technical barriers, privacy concerns, and challenges in interpreting results were commonly reported.ConclusionmHealth interventions appear promising for supporting HIVST among key populations, but current evidence remains limited and preliminary. More rigorous and long-term studies are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261431644"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13070179/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147639186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrigendum to \"Population-Based Analysis of Synergistic Effects of Functional Disability and Comorbidities on Retention in HIV Care Among People With HIV\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1177/23259582261452380","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582261452380","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261452380"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180075/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147930716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles Nkubi Bagenda, Carol Nantongo, Jazira Tumusiime, Amos Oyuru, Doreen Nuwashaba, Michael Junior Mugisa, Bashir Ruzige, Isaac Kiwummulo, Vicent Mwesigye, Elizabeth A John, Conrad Lubwama, Fred Sempijja, Lucy Grace Asio, Rose Nassali, Herbert Itabangi, Ronald Ouma Omolo
{"title":"Association of Atherogenic Combined Index, hs-CRP/HDL-C Ratio, and TC/HDL-C-BMI Index with Low Vitamin D Levels among PLWH on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southwestern Uganda.","authors":"Charles Nkubi Bagenda, Carol Nantongo, Jazira Tumusiime, Amos Oyuru, Doreen Nuwashaba, Michael Junior Mugisa, Bashir Ruzige, Isaac Kiwummulo, Vicent Mwesigye, Elizabeth A John, Conrad Lubwama, Fred Sempijja, Lucy Grace Asio, Rose Nassali, Herbert Itabangi, Ronald Ouma Omolo","doi":"10.1177/23259582261432395","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582261432395","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundLow Vitamin D levels are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk. This study examined the association between atherogenic indices and low vitamin D levels among PLWH in Southwestern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 218 randomly selected PLWH who had been on ART for ≥6 months at Mbarara City Health Centre IV, Southwestern Uganda from August 13, 2024 to August 23, 2024. Low serum Vitamin D level was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration <30 ng/mL.ResultsAtherogenic combined index (ACI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)/HDL-C ratio, and total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol - body mass index (TC/HDL-C-BMI) index were independently associated with low vitamin D. Compared to the first tertile, ACI second and third tertiles had higher likelihood of low vitamin D (aPR = 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-3.89, P = 0.005; aPR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.05-6.05, P = 0.023). The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (hs-CRP/HDL-C) ratio third tertile was also significant (aPR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05-1.96, P = 0.024). TC/HDL-C-BMI index third tertile showed nearly twice the prevalence (aPR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.10-3.45, P = 0.023).ConclusionACI, hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio, and TC/HDL-C-BMI index are potential predictors for Low serum Vitamin D levels among PLWH.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261432395"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12976407/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147433896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charles Nkubi Bagenda, Carol Nantongo, Michael Junior Mugisa, Blendar Ainebyoona, Amos Oyuru, Daniel Nzaramba, Jazira Tumusiime, Conrad Lubwama, Benson Musinguzi, Lawrence Obado Osuwat, Brian Ssenkumba, Ronald Ouma Omolo
{"title":"Association Between High Serum Alanine Aminotransferase to High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Metabolic Syndrome among People Living with HIV on Dolutegravir-Based ART in South-Western Uganda.","authors":"Charles Nkubi Bagenda, Carol Nantongo, Michael Junior Mugisa, Blendar Ainebyoona, Amos Oyuru, Daniel Nzaramba, Jazira Tumusiime, Conrad Lubwama, Benson Musinguzi, Lawrence Obado Osuwat, Brian Ssenkumba, Ronald Ouma Omolo","doi":"10.1177/23259582261420274","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582261420274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundSerum Alanine aminotransferase to High density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (ALT-to-HDL-C ratio) has been identified as a significant predictor of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the association between serum aminotransferases to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among people living with HIV (PLWH) on Dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Western Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis study from June 15, 2025 to August 20, 2025 using a dataset generated from hospital-based cross-sectional study that investigated an association between aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio and MetS among 377 PLWH who were on DTG-based ART at Ruhoko Health Centre IV, South Western Uganda.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was 44.6%(168/377); 95% CI: 39.6 - 49.6 and significantly increased from the lowest to the highest ALT-to-HDL-C ratio tertiles (30.2% vs 47.7% vs 56.1%, p < 0.001). In the adjusted model, higher ALT-to-HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with MetS. Individuals in the second tertile had 2.35-fold higher odds (aOR 2.35, 95% CI: 1.26-4.41, p = 0.008), and those in the third tertile had over fourfold higher odds (aOR 4.65, 95% CI: 2.25-9.61, p < 0.001) of MetS compared to the lowest tertile. ALT-to-HDL-C ratio at an optimal cutoff of 0.33 had a significant ability (AUC=0.820, 95%CI: 0.782 - 0.861) to differentiate between participants with MetS from those without MetS at a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 54%.ConclusionHigher ALT-to-HDL-C ratio is potentially associated with MetS. Since both ALT and HDL-C are routine measurements in HIV Care, this warrants further studies on the potential of ALT-to-HDL-C ratio as a biomarker for MetS.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261420274"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12868592/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146113503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veronica Okwuchi Charles-Unadike, Festus Dwomoh, Mary Akua Ampomah, Emmanuel Manu
{"title":"Psychological Well-Being Challenges and Associated Coping Mechanisms of HIV/AIDS Counselors in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study.","authors":"Veronica Okwuchi Charles-Unadike, Festus Dwomoh, Mary Akua Ampomah, Emmanuel Manu","doi":"10.1177/23259582251414813","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23259582251414813","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe delivery of counselling services remains an integral part in the prevention and treatment continuum of HIV/AIDS. To deliver effective counselling services, the psychological well-being of HIV/AIDS counselors need to be prioritized.AimWe sought to explore the various psychological well-being issues faced by HIV/AIDS counselors in the Volta region of Ghana and the approaches they adopt in addressing these challenges.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological study was conducted among sixteen HIV/AIDS counselors to explore the psychological well-being challenges they face and the coping mechanisms they adopt. The data were thematically analyzed using the Atlas.ti software.ResultsPsychological well-being challenges of HIV/AIDS counselors identified were stress, depression, anxiety and anger. Coping mechanisms, including engaging in recreational and spiritual activities, creating a conducive working environment, being conscious while conducting HIV tests, accepting the nature of their work, and routinely self-testing for HIV were identified. Other mechanisms include motivation from family, assistance from key stakeholders, support from superiors at work, and motivation from clients. Recommended solutions on how to improve the psychological well-being of HIV/AIDS counselors includes education on HIV/AIDS to minimize stigma, assignment of clinical psychologists to counselors, cooperation from clients, employing more HIV/AIDS counselors and providing incentives to counselors.ConclusionTo improve HIV counselling in the Volta region and the country in general, there is a need for the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Ghana Health Service to contextualize and address the psychological well-being challenges of HIV/AIDS counselors in the country, taking into consideration, their proffered mitigation strategies and recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582251414813"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12855773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146086334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Risk-Guided Statin Initiation in People Living with HIV: Clinical Utility of a Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Model in a Malaysian Cohort.","authors":"Wen Yea Hwong, Hoon Shien Teh, Kim Heng Tay","doi":"10.1177/23259582261492596","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582261492596","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundOptimal statin initiation strategies for people living with HIV (PLHIV) remain uncertain. We evaluated whether the D:A:D reduced (D:A:Dr) model improves primary prevention statin initiation decisions among Malaysian PLHIV compared with non-risk-based strategies.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study followed statin-naïve PLHIV adults from an infectious diseases centre over five years for incident cardiovascular events. Decision curve analysis compared the net benefit of a D:A:Dr-guided strategy against four alternatives: LDL-cholesterol ≥3.0 mmol/L, age ≥40 years, treat-all, and treat-none.ResultsAmong 5,741 PLHIV, 48.9% were moderate-to high-risk. The 5-year event rate was 2.0%, ranging from 0.5% (low-risk) to 8-9% (high-risk). D:A:Dr-guided strategy yielded superior net benefit at >2% - 10% threshold probabilities. Age ≥40 years lost benefits as thresholds increased whereas LDL-cholesterol-based strategy offered minimal utility.ConclusionD:A:Dr risk-based statin initiation offers superior clinical utility at >2% to 10% threshold probabilities, enabling targeted, resource-efficient prescribing in resource-constrained settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":17328,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care","volume":"25 ","pages":"23259582261492596"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149148505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}