HIVAIDS TX AND NURSINN- INTRO PART I.ppt

Introduction to HIV lecture notes

1. ®
JAMES O.H is the Author many Books &
Co-funder of DGCEO, Borad Director of DUGERI (www.dugeri.org)
1
STUDENT’S STUDY
MATERIAL
D & C IN
HEALTH SCIENCES
CONTENTS OF THIS BOOK ARE:
HIV/AIDS MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT & NURSING
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY MEDICINE
INTRODUCTION TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
FIRST AID AND SCANE MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL RECORD & INFORMATICS
INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH
INTRODUCTION HEALTH EDUCATION
([email protected]
O JAMES. H

2. Lesson objectives
•Understandthe global and local impact of the epidemic
•Knowabout HIV/AIDS in adults, children, and families
•Understand the Management and caring of PLHV
•Understand the natural history of HIV infection
•Understand the modes of HIV transmission
•Understand HIV/AIDS opportunistic and related risks management
•Understand HIV tests and ARTS
•Etc
Scope of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
Natural History and Transmission of HIV

3. Background of HIV/AIDS
What was the first name given to HIV?
When was HIV discovered in Uganda?
What is the daily prevalence HIV rate among young people in Uganda?
HIV-1 infection, initially described as slim disease was first recognized in Uganda in 1982, and is
now a predominant health problem. Approximately 2.5 million Ugandans are now infected, largely
through heterosexual transmission. In many areas half of adult deaths are now cause by HIV.
In Uganda around 70 young people below 25 years contract HIV/AIDS every day in Uganda.

4. What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
H= Infects only Human beings
I = Immunodeficiency, virus weakens the immune system and
increases the risk of infection
V= Virus that attacks the body
Is A retrovirus that infects cells of human immune system and
destroys or impairs the functions. Its a condition that attacks the body
immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells,
weakening a persons immunity against opportunistic infections such as
TB, and some cancer.

5. What is AIDS?
Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome
A= Acquired, not inherited
I = Weakens the Immune system
D= Creates a Deficiency of CD4+
cells in the immune system
S = Syndrome, or a group of illnesses
taking place at the same time

6. HIV and AIDS
•When the immune system
becomes weakened by HIV, the
illness progresses to AIDS
•Some blood tests, symptoms or
certain infections indicate
progression of HIV to AIDS

7. HIV-1 and HIV-2 types
•HIV-1 and HIV-2 are
•Transmitted through the same routes
•Associated with similar opportunistic
infections
•HIV-1 is more common worldwide
•HIV-2 is found in West Africa, Mozambique,
and Angola

8. HIV-1 and HIV-2
•HIV-2 is less easily transmitted
•HIV-2 is less pathogenic
•Duration of HIV-2 infection is shorter
•MTCT is relatively rare with HIV-2
•MTCT of HIV-2 has not been reported from India

9. V-VIRUS
Is a microscopic pathogen made from a strip of genetic material and a
prospective outer layer made of fatty acids. It is a parasitic organisms that
cannot live on its own. It infects a host cell and causes changes. That divides
or replicates There4 creating new viral particles.
Virus has to infect a cell in order to survive. The eventually leaves its host and
spreads to infect new cells in order to spread. Some viruses damage their
host cell by forcing them to bust or replicate all the cell resources.
The viruses that causes damage to their hosts are those that cause diseases.
The symptoms of each disease caused by a virus depend on which cells in
the body are damaged and the function they have.

10. Continue……..
HIV is a retrovirus.
HIV belongs to a groups of viruses called retroviruses.
This virus contains a genetic materials made from other RNA
(Ribonucleic Acid)
The most organisms, including people, have their genes from DNA
(Deoxyribonucleic acids).
HIV is called retrovirus, meaning Reverse virus because its process of
replications is backwards compared to other organisms.

11. Transmission of HIV
HIV is transmitted by
•Direct contact with infected blood
•Sexual contact: oral, anal, or vaginal
•Direct contact with semen or vaginal and
cervical secretions
•HIV-infected mothers to infants during
pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding

12. Transmission of HIV
HIV is not transmitted by
•Public baths
•Handshakes
•Work or school contact
•Using telephones
•Sharing cups, glasses,
plates, or other utensils
•Coughing, sneezing
•Insect bites
•Touching, hugging
•Water, food
•Kissing

13. Impact of Global HIV
•Negative economic impact on countries
•Overstrained healthcare systems
•Decreasing life expectancy
•Reversal of child survival gains
•Increased numbers of orphans

14. HIV/AIDS Profile (Uganda)
Describe the Uganda HIV/AIDS profile ?

15. Prevention of HIV Transmission
•Strategies to prevent HIV transmission
•Personal strategies
•Public health strategies
•Safe practices: no risk of HIV transmission
•Risk reduction: reduces but does not eliminate risk

16. 1. Personal strategies
Get tested for HIV.Talk to your partner about HIV testing and get tested before you have sex.
Choose less risky sexual behaviors.HIV is mainly spread by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom or
without taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV.
Use condoms every time you have sex.Read this fact sheet from CDC onhow to use condoms correctly.
Limit your number of sexual partners.The more partners you have, the more likely you are to have a
partner with poorly controlled HIV or to have a partner with asexually transmitted disease (STD). Both of
HIV.
Get tested and treated for STDs.Insist that your partners get tested and treated, too. Having an STD can
increase your risk of getting HIV or spreading it to others.
Talk to your health care provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).PrEPis an HIV prevention option
for people who do not have HIV but who are at risk of getting HIV.
PrEPinvolves taking a specific HIV medicine every day to reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex or

17. Prevention of HIV Transmission….
HIV is mainly spread by having sex or sharing syringes and other injection equipment with
someone who is infected with HIV.
Substance use can contribute to these risks indirectly because alcohol and other drugs can
lower people’s inhibitions and make them less likely to use condoms.
2. Public health strategies to prevent HIV transmission
Screen all blood and blood products
Follow universal precautions
Educate in safer sex practices
Identify and treat STIs/other infections
Provide referral for treatment of drug dependence
Apply the comprehensive PPTCT approach to prevent vertical
transmission of HIV
PPTCT is Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission

18. 3.RISKREDUCTION
1. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis ( PrEP)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PEP) is medicine taken to
prevent getting HIV. PEP is highly effective for preventing HIV
when taken as prescribed.
PEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.
PEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by
at least 74%.
PEP is less effective when not taken as prescribed. Since PEP
only protects against HIV, condom use is still important for the
protection against other STDs. Condom use is also important to
help prevent HIV if PEP is not taken as prescribed.

19. Risk reduction continue……..
2.Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs after a single high -
risk event to stop HIV seroconversion. PEP must be started as
soon as possible to be effective —and always within 72 hours
of a possible exposure.

20. Continue……
3. Condoms
When used the right way every time, condoms are highly effective in preventing
HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If condoms are paired with
other option likePEPorART, they provide even more protection.

21. The Right Way To Use A Male (External)
Condom

22. Condom Dosand Don’ts
Dos
DOuse a condom every time you have sex.
DOput on a condom before having sex.
DOread the package and check the expiration date.
DOmake sure there are no tears or defects.
DOstore condoms in a cool, dry place.
DOuse latex or polyurethane condoms.
DOuse water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.

23. Don’ts
DON’Tstore condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can
damage them.
DON’Tuse nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), as this can cause
irritation.
DON’Tuse oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum
jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the condom to
break.
DON’Tuse more than one condom at a time.
DON’Treuse a condom.

24. IMMUNITY
Immune system

29. Natural History of HIV Infection
DR. S.K CHATURVEDI

30. Natural History of HIV Infection
•Virus can be transmitted during eachstage
•Seroconversion (Seroconversion isa general term for the
time between exposure to a virus and when antibodies
show up in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that help
your body fight against viruses, bacteria, and other germs.)
•Infection with HIV, antibodies develop
•Asymptomatic
•No signs of HIV, immune system controls
virus production
•Symptomatic
•Where Physical signs of HIV is detected
infection, and there is some immune
suppression
•AIDS
•This is when there Opportunistic infections,
end-stage disease

31. Natural History of HIV Infection
Immune suppression
•HIV attacks white blood cells,called
CD4 cells, that protect body from
illness
•Over time, the body’s ability to fight
common infections is lost
•Opportunistic infections occur
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

32. HIV Disease
Progression of HIV disease is measured by:
CD4+ count
Degree of immune suppression
Lower CD4+ count means decreasing
immunity
Viral load
Amount of virus in the blood
Higher viral load means more immune
suppression
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

33. Direct infection of organ systems
•HIV can directly infect the:
•Brain (HIV dementia)
•Gut (wasting)
•Heart (cardiomyopathy)
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

34. HIV Disease contiu
Severity of illness is determined by amount
of virus in the body (increasing viral load)
and the degree of immune suppression
(decreasing CD4+ counts)
Higher the viral load, the sooner immune
suppression occurs
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

35. Progression of HIV Infection
HIGH viral load (number of copies
of HIV in the blood)
LOW CD4 count (type of white
blood cell)
Increasing clinical symptoms (such
as opportunistic infections)
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

36. HIV Disease: Summary
•HIV multiplies inside the CD4+ cells, destroying them
•As CD4+ cell count decreases and viral load increases, the immune defences are
weakened
•HIV-infected people become vulnerable to opportunistic infections
•HIV is a chronic viral infection with no known cure
•Without ARV treatment, HIV progresses to symptomatic disease and AIDS
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

37. Key Points
HIV is a global pandemic and the number of people living with HIV
continues to increase worldwide.
HIV epidemic is especially severe in resource-constrained settings
HIV is a virus that destroys the immune system, leading to opportunistic
infections.
The progression from initial infection with HIV to end-stage AIDS varies
from person to person and can take more than 10 years.
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

38. Key Points (continued)
The most common main route of transmission
worldwide is heterosexual transmission.
Women of childbearing age are at particular risk for
acquiring HIV through unprotected sex
HIV-positive women who are pregnant are at risk of
passing HIV infection to their newborn.
Risk of HIV transmission from mother-to-child can
be greatly reduced through effective PMTCT
programs
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

39. HIV Treatment A approaches and Care
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces HIV-related morbidity and mortality at all
stages of HIV infection and reduces HIV transmission.When taken consistently as
prescribed, ART can suppress viral load, maintain high CD4 cell counts, prevent
AIDS, prolong survival, and reduce risk of transmitting HIV to others, all of which
are important treatment goals.Current treatment guidelines recommend ART for
all people with HIV, regardless of CD4 cell count. ART should be started as soon as
possible after diagnosis and should be accompanied by patient education
regarding the benefits and risks of ART and the importance of adherence to ART.
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

40. ART Initiation
Health care providers play a crucial role in helping
patients initiate ART, including describing the benefits of
early initiation of ART, offering and prescribing ART,
helping to manage long -term ART use, and providing
information on other interventions that can reduce HIV
transmission risk.
By engaging patients in brief conversations at every office
visit, providers can emphasize the benefits of consistent,
long-term adherence to their prescribed ART regimen and the
potential consequences of nonadherence. One way health care
providers can enhance communication is to ask their patients
open-ended questions during their office visits. These
questions can help providers better understand the patient’s
views, barriers, and ability to adhere to their treatment
regimen.
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

41. Here are some examples of questions providers can ask
patients about initiating ART:
•“What have you heard about HIV medicines?”
•“What are the most important results you hope to get from
treatment?”
•“What are your concerns about HIV medicines?”

42. How does antiretroviral therapy work?
Antiretroviral therapy reduces the amount of HIV in the body. When a person takes
them consistently, antiretroviral drugs are very effective at limiting the impact of the
virus.
Although inequities exist by region and population, advances in antiretroviral
therapy have made itpossiblefor many people with HIV to live a comparable life
span to those without HIV.
This therapy helps keep the body healthy and prevent infections. Specifically,
successful antiretroviral therapy prevents people from developing advanced HIV
and makes it impossible to transmit the virus to others.
TheCenters for Disease Control and Protection (CDC)Trusted Sourcerecommend
that all people with HIV take antiretroviral therapy, regardless of how long they
have had the virus or their current state of health.
Antiretroviral therapy has become more potent, less toxic, and easier to use than
in the past. It produces fewer and less severe side effects than before.
This article describes various antiretroviral drugs, how they work, and their
possible side effects. It also provides information about beginning treatment.

43. HIV is a retrovirus that targets the immune system, which is the system that fights
off infection and disease. The virus damages or destroys white blood cells called
CD4 cells. This makes it difficult for the body to fight off illness.
Antiretroviral therapy prevents the virus from multiplying, which reduces the
amount of HIV in the body. This gives the immune system a chance to produce
more CD4 cells.
Although antiretroviral therapy cannot completely remove HIV from the body, it
keeps the immune system strong enough to combat infections and some HIV-
relatedcancers.
The aim of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to very
low levels.Viral suppressionTrusted Sourceoccurs when the count reaches fewer
than 200 copies of the virus per milliliter of blood.
When the viral load is so low that it is undetectable, it no longer damages the
immune system, and there is no risk of transmitting the virus to others. This is
known as “undetectable = untransmittable.”

44. There are many benefits to ART, including improved health and
reduced risk of HIV transmission –but adherence is key!
The success of ART is contingent on adherence to achieve and
maintain viral suppression.
Here are some examples of questions providers can ask patients to
assess their ongoing adherence to ART:
“How has it been going taking your HIV medicines?”
“What seems to get in the way of taking your medicines?”
“Have you missed any doses of your medication and if so, what was going on at that
time?”
Once the conversation has started, health care providers may find that patients are encountering barriers
to adherence. Below is a list of common barriers and ways providers can address them through routine
conversations during patient visits.
ART Adherence and Viral Suppression
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

45. Types of antiretroviral drug
Antiretroviral therapy involves taking a combination of drugs each day. An HIV
treatment regimenusually involvesat least three different drugs from at least two
different drug classes.
The following are the different categories of antiretroviral drug:
1. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
NRTIs block the action of an enzyme called viral reverse transcriptase, which is
necessary for HIV to replicate.
Some examples of NRTIs include:
•abacavir (Ziagen)
•emtricitabine (Emtriva)
•lamivudine (Epivir)
•stavudine (Stavudine)
•tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
•zidovudine (Retrovir)
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

46. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitors (NNRTIs)
2. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
NNRTIs work similarly to NRTIs. The only difference is that they act on different sites of the enzyme.
Some examples of these antiretroviral medications include:
•doravirine(Pifeltro)
•efavirenz (Sustiva)
•etravirine (Intelence)
•nevirapine (Viramune)
•rilpivirine(Edurant)

Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

47. 3. Protease inhibitors (PIs)
PIs impede another viral enzyme, called HIV protease. HIV requires protease to
replicate.
Some types of PI include:
•atazanavir (Reyataz)
•darunavir (Prezista)
•fosamprenavir(Lexiva, Telzir)
•indinavir (Crixivan)
•lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)
•ritonavir (Norvir)
•saquinavir (Invirase)
•tipranavir (Aptivus)
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

48. 4. Entry inhibitors
As the name suggests, these drugs prevent the virus from entering the targeted cells.
To penetrate immune cells, HIV must fuse to the cells’ receptors, and these drugs work to stop
this from happening.
People often take entry inhibitors when other treatments have not worked.
Some examples currently in use include
enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) and,
maraviroc (Selzentry).
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

49. 5. Integrase inhibitors
HIV uses a protein called integrase to send its genetic material into the cells that it
targets. Integrase inhibitors block this action.
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

50. ART Side effects
Antiretroviral drugs can have adverse effects. Most are manageable, but some can be serious. Newer drugs
tend to cause fewer and less severe side effects.
The benefits of taking HIV medications typically outweigh the side effects. These treatments can help people
live long, healthy lives with reduced risks of HIV-related complications and transmission.
The potential side effects vary depending on the types of medication a person uses. Also, the same medication
can have different side effects in different people.
Some side effects from antiretroviral therapy, such as nausea or fatigue, may last onlya few days or weeks.
Other side effects, such as high cholesterol, may not appear for a few months or years.
Some other possible side effects of antiretroviral therapy include:
•headache
•nausea and vomiting
•diarrhea
•fatigue
•difficulty sleeping
•a dry mouth
•a rash
•dizziness
•pain
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

51. If someone experiences severe side effects or side effects that do not go away, they
can talk to their healthcare provider about changing dosages or drug combinations to
find the one that works best for them.
It is important to avoid stopping medication without talking to a healthcare provider
first, as breaks in therapy can allow the virus to multiply rapidly, which increases the
person’s risk of getting sick.
Some long-term side effects may include:
•depression
•diabetes
•heart disease
•insomnia
•kidney damage
•liver damage
•nerve damage
•weak bones, orosteoporosis
•higher levels of fat in the blood
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

52. Side effects that indicate a more serious complication and may require urgent care
include:
•extreme fatigue
•nausea
•fever
•persistent vomiting
•a rash
People who experience swelling of the face, throat, or tongue require emergency treatment. If
this occurs, a person should call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room.
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

53. Managing the side effects
A healthcare provider can give advice and other forms of support to people experiencing side effects from HIV
treatment. If the symptoms are severe or ongoing, they may recommend alternative medications.
It helps for people to discuss their lifestyle, needs, preferences, and current health status with their healthcare
provider, who can take these into account when prescribing a treatment plan.
When to start antiretroviral therapy
TheCDC TrustedSourcerecommend that all people with HIV take antiretroviral therapy, regardless of how long they
have had the virus or their current health status.
This includes the following groups:
•people in the early stages of HIV
•people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
•people with stage 3 HIV
•people with HIV-related infections or cancers
Ideally, a person should begin antiretroviral therapy on the day they receive a diagnosis of HIV, or as soon as
possible after this. This gives people the best chance of reducing their viral load and risk of complications.
If a person does not receive effective treatment, the virus typically develops into the most advanced stage, stage
3 HIV, within10 years. At this stage, the immune system is badly damaged, which can lead to opportunistic
infections or certain types of cancer.

Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

54. Research tends to suggest that receiving prompt treatment reduces the risk of
transmission, disease progression, and complications.
However, it can be challenging to follow a daily treatment plan consistently for many
reasons. These include:
•access to and affordability of medications
•stigma and discrimination in the healthcare system
•mental health and substance use issues
•pill fear or pill fatigue
If a person is having trouble following their treatment regimen consistently, it is best
that they talk to their healthcare provider as soon as possible to work out a plan to
stay healthy.
HIV.gov provides information aboutcovering the costs of HIV treatmentandtips for
following an antiretroviral therapy regimen.
Barriers of treatment and approaches to solution
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

55. Barrier(s) Approach to Address the Barrier(s)
Patient beliefs and behaviors, such as not taking their medications when they
“feel well.”
•Explain the importance of consistent ART adherence even when they feel well or
their viral load is already undetectable, and the decrease in transmission risk
when viral suppression is achieved.
Cognitive or organizational barriers, such as lack of logistic skills and
comprehension level.
•Offer advice about and tools for adherence, such as weekly pill boxes, dose
reminder alarms, and linking dosing to daily events/activities. Use a feedback
strategy (such as “tell me what you just heard”) to help patients avoid confusion
about new medicines, dosing schedule, and/or changed regimen.
Treatment competenceor the overall ability to adhere to a potentially
complicated and long-term regimen.
•Involve patients in decision making, including selection of the ART regimen, if
options exist.
•Ensure patients understand the treatment plan, including drug regimen, dosing
schedule, and dietary restrictions.
•Prepare patients for situations or changes in routine that could trigger
nonadherence or short-term interruption, such as side effects, illicit drug use, or
running out of HIV medication.
•Encourage patients to keep one or two days worth of medication on hand in case
of emergency to avoid missed doses.
•Encourage patients to recruit friends and/or family members to help with
adherence.
Comorbid conditions–such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and viral
hepatitis –that may further complicate the treatment plan design and the ability of
the patient to adhere to the plan.
•Regularly review the total treatment plan, and simplify regiment if possible with
consideration for patients’ lifestyles and comorbidities.
•Anticipate (and plan to manage) possible drug-drug interactions.
Regimen-related barriers, including fear of treatment, fear of treatment-related
side effects, and confusion about doses.
•Offer ART regimens that are highly effective and simple to take (e.g., once daily
single-tablet dosing, few if any dietary restrictions).
•Explain that treatment has improved and is easier to take and better tolerated
today than ever before.
•Encourage patients to recruit friends and/or family members to help with
adherence.
Short-term side effectsthat can occur when patients start or change ART
regimens, such as nausea, fatigue, disturbed sleep or dreaming.
•Alert patients that some people have side effects but that they are usually mild,
short-lived, and can be managed.
•Explain which side effects may occur with the ART they are taking.
•Anticipate (and plan to manage) these side effects.
•Instruct patients that if they experience these or other side effects, they should
seek help before stopping their ART regimen.

56. Psychosocial barriers, such as mental health issues (e.g.,
depression, perceived low quality of live), drug or alcohol abuse,
negative attitudes or beliefs about HIV, and lack of social support.
•When possible, refer patients topatient navigatorsfor help with
receiving essential support services related to mental health,
substance use, and other support resources (e.g., psychologists,
addiction specialists, support groups, adherence counselors, case
managers)
•Remind patients not to share their ART with anyone.
•Encourage patients to recruit friends and/or family members to
help with adherence.
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

57. HOW TO EVALUATE PATIENT FOR ART
INITIATION
HIV Treatment and Follow-up
Patients who are diagnosed with HIV are referred to the HIV clinic for care and treatment. Those who are eligible for ART
receive at least 3 counselling sessions, in accordance with the national treatment guidelines to prepare them to start ART
which is a lifelong commitment. The first follow-up visit is scheduled 2 weeks after ART initiation to monitor response to the
prescribed regimen including drug toxicity and side-effects.
Thereafter monthly visits are scheduled. Patients that are stable are given longer (usually 2 months) appointment times,
which 5 is unusual for adolescents and young adults because of their challenges with adherence. The clinic visits are
scheduled to coincide with the ARV drugs refills.
During each visit, patients undergo a comprehensive clinical assessment that includes a physical examination and
virological testing as described in the national guidelines. The parameters assessed included ARV drug regimen and
adherence to medication; potential side effects; weight and height; TB status and presence of other OIs; loss of function;
clinical disease stage; laboratory investigations and whether the patient had been hospitalized since the last clinic visit.
CD4 count tests are done every six months and viral load testing is done 6 months after initiating treatment and annually
thereafter. Patient records are routinely updated at every clinic visit including those that are lostto-follow-up (LTFU),
transferred in from other clinics/out to other clinics, or have died. Most deaths are reported by relatives, community health
workers and volunteers. Since there is no death registry, for this study, we used the recorded date of death in the medical
record.
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

58. ADHERENCE SUPPORT
Adherence support interventions should be provided to people on ART. The following interventions have
demonstrated benefit in improving adherence and viral suppression;
Peer support system: This enables clients to learn from each other’s experiences and to cope better with the
disease. A peer is a person who shares similar characteristics with a particular group of people. In HIV care, peers
include mentor mothers in the eMTCTprogram, adolescent peers, expert clients and other peers as patients and
caregivers usually relate better to peers .Peer support can be provided either in form of peer counseling or Peer
support groups.
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317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

59. •Mobilephonecallsandtextmessages:Theseshouldbeusedwiththepatientorcaregiverconsent.The
patientorcaregivershouldprovidetheappropriatephonenumberstoavoidaccidentaldisclosurewhen
messagesaresenttoawrongperson.
•Reminderdeviceslikecalendars,pillboxes,cellphonealarmsanddiariescanbeusedbyclients.
•Behavioralskillstrainingandmedicationadherencetraining:Theseincludemodule-basedinterventions
andthosedesignedtoimprovelifeskills,attitudes,behaviorandknowledge.
•Fixed-dosecombinationsandonce-dailyregimens:Whenavailable,health-careworkersshouldprescribe
fixeddosecombinationsbecausetheyreducethepillburden.Ifoncedailyregimensareavailableand
recommended,theyshouldbeused.
•Useoftreatmentbuddies(supporters):Thisisanindividualidentifiedbytheclienttotakeontheroleofa
treatmentsupporter.Thispersonreminds/givestheclienttheirmedicationwheneveritistimeandalsoreminds
themoftheirrefilldates.
•Peer-leddialogues:Theseincludegroupdiscussionsamongclients.Theycoulddiscussthechallengesthey
faceandcomeupwithpossiblesolutions.

60. ADHERENCE PREPARATION
Preparing people to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an important step to achieving ART
success. Healthcare providers should initiate a detailed discussion about the willingness and
readiness of patients to initiate ART. However, the choice to accept or decline ART ultimately lies
with the person or his or her caregiver. If they choose to defer initiation, ART can be offered again
at subsequent visits.
Defer-put off, postponed………..
Health workers should provide information on circumstances where delays in starting ART can
have negative consequences, particularly for people with tuberculosis (TB), advanced immune
suppression, and/or who are at high risk of death.
The healthcare team should use the 5Asprinciples for chronic care as a guide to offer pre-ART
adherence counseling and psychosocial support. These are Assess, Advise, Assist, Agree and
Arrange
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61. Guide Components
Assess Goal:Toassesspatients’knowledgeofHIV,ARVsandpotentialbarrierstoadherence
•Knowledge about HIV and ARVs
•Myths and misconceptions about HIV and ARVs
•Potential barriers to adherence
•Patient psychosocial concerns and needs that may hinder adherence to ART
•Patient willingness and commitment to take medicines
correctly
•Patient readiness to honor subsequent appointment for treatment support
•Patient’s support systems at family and community level
•Disclosure status and implications
Advise (information giving) Goal:ToprovidethepatientwithknowledgeaboutHIV/ARVstoenablethemdecidetoinitiatetreatment(Table40)
•Give information about HIV and ARVs
•Provide information on adherence to ART. Include
information on the 5 Rs (taking the right medicine, at the
right time, right dose, right way, and right frequency)
•Demonstrate how the ARV saretaken
•Provide information about side effects of ARVs, improved quality of life while on ART, changes that may occur in a person’s lifeonce on
treatment
•Explain the benefits of disclosure and support systems to adherence
•Explain to the patient how often they will be monitored once on treatment; other ways of assessing adherence and response to
treatment including pill counts
•Emphasize the importance of attending all the clinic appointments for review and support
•Discuss the Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention package
•Explain the implication of not adhering to ARV treatment
5As for adherence preparation support
Mr. James –[email protected] (0) 392 553
317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

62. Guide Components
• Explain what VL test is and the meaning of suppressed and unsuppressed viral load
Assist Goal:Tosupportclientidentifypossiblebarriersandconsiderdifferentoptionsofdealing
withthebarriers.Theclient:
•Evaluates the possible barriers to adherence and how to overcome them
•Identifies the support systems that will enable the client to take his drugs and to regularly
come to the facility such as treatment supporter, social support groups
•Consider to disclose to a trusted person of their choice such as a treatment supporter,
social support group, etc.
Agree on Goal: To guide the client to develop a realistic individual adherence plan. The client
considers and where possible documents;
•An adherence plan(Table 41)
•Family and community support systems (expert client in the community)
•Possibility of home visit and consent
•Possibility of testing other family members including sexual partner and children
•Assess client’s readiness to start ART (see Table 42: ART readiness assessment form)

63. Arrange for •The patient to see a clinician for ARV prescription if they are ready to start ART
•Follow-up adherence counseling and psychosocial support sessions o At one
month for patients who have initiated ART o At agreed time but probably a
week for those who were not ready for ART at theinitial visit
•The patient to join psychosocial support groups and use support systems
•Follow-up appointments (home visiting where appropriate, phone call
reminders and text messages
Guide Components
where appropriate)
•Monthly counseling sessions for drug adherence.
•Reviewing the action plans at every encounter
•When to bring other family members for testing
•Supported disclosure where it has not happened
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317, (KRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE )

64. INTENSIVE ADHERENCE COUNSELING AND SUPPORT
FOR PATIENTS WITH DETECTABLE VIRAL LOAD
Introduction
IntensiveAdherenceCounselingandsupportreferstoatargetedandstructuredcounselingandsupport
interventionofferedtopatientswithanon-suppressedviralload(patientswithviralload>1000copies/ml).
IACisofferedsystematicallyandroutinelyasperscheduledappointments.
IAChelpsaclientdevelopacomprehensiveplanforadheringtoARVsbyidentifyingtheirbarriersto
adherence,gaininginsightofthebarriers,exploringpossiblewaystoovercomebarriersandmakingaplan
toadheretomedicine.
ProvisionofIACrequiresamultidisciplinaryteamincludingclinicians,nurses,counselors,family
members,peers,etc.Itmayalsorequireconsultationsfromexpertsorreferralstoaddresstheissuesrelated
tostigma,disclosure,mentalhealthandnutrition.
How to offer IAC
The 5As counseling framework applies to provision of intensive adherence counseling and psychosocial
support. Key messages at every step are summarized below in Table 45
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65. 5As for adherence support for people with non-suppressed viral load
Guide Components
IAC Session 1
Assess
•Explain purpose of session and Disclose VL test results to client and explain
meaning of suppressed and non-suppressed VL
oExplain reasons for non-suppressed VL results (nonadherence to drugs or
drugs may not be working well)
oDiscuss implications of non-suppressed results to the client
•Determine adherence levels
Calculate the adherence score using the adherence
Guide Components
percentage formula
• Assess client’s barriers to adherence o Use the adherence assessment checklist to
ascertain client’s adherence practices.
o Identify barriers to client’s adherence (arising from the assessment)

66. Advise •IdentifyinformationgapsfromassessmentoEducateclientinrelationtospecificbarriers
identified
•ReviewbenefitsofgoodadherenceoAssessclient’sknowledgeofbenefits
oProvide correct and complete information on
•Discussconsequencesofnon-adherenceoAssessclientsknowledgeonthedangersofnonadherence
oEducate client on the consequences of nonadherence
Assist •Evaluate the underlying causes of the identified barriers
•Prioritize the barriers
•Identify possible root causes of each barrier (where applicable)
•Identify client specific strategies to overcome identified barriers
•Discuss possible options to address key barriers
•Provide information about available support systems e.g. CBOs, peer support groups etc
•Discuss the pros and cons of each strategy/option
Agree on •Agree on client’s action points to address the key barriers and Identify appropriate strategies Provide
relevant and necessary information
•Evaluate each action point using the 5 Wsand 1H o What, where, when, who, which , how?
•Document agreed upon action points on the IAC session form
•Develop and document a new adherence plan on the IAC