Community-based Accompaniment With Supervised Antiretrovirals in Lima, Peru

Community-based Accompaniment With Supervised Antiretrovirals in Lima, Peru

Using quantitative and qualitative data, this study will assess the impact of community accompaniment with supervised antiretrovirals (CASA) on HIV-positive individuals and community members in Lima, Peru.

Community-based accompaniment with directly observed antiretroviral therapy (DOT-HAART) may improve adherence and clinical outcomes among impoverished individuals starting HAART in resource-poor settings. Furthermore, the utilization of community health workers may build social capital. This is cluster-randomized trial, with randomization at the level of health centers. Individuals in both intervention and control clusters will receive community-based adherence support (monthly adherence visits) and standard care. In addition, individuals residing in intervention clusters will receive 12 months of community-based DOT-HAART. We will enroll patients as well as community members (health providers, treatment supporters, and community health workers) to assess individual and community-level outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria for Patient Cohort:

• Age greater than or equal to 18;
• Diagnosis if HIV and meeting criteria for HAART;
• Lives in poverty;
• EITHER: 1) HAART naïve or 2) starting salvage therapy due to virologic failure;
• Documentation of baseline CD4 cell count and HIV load;
• Residence and receipt of HIV healthcare within the study catchment area

Exclusion Criteria for Patient Cohort:

- Imprisoned or cannot give informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria for Community Cohort:

• Working in a health establishments in study region;
• If health personnel, contracted employee caring for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Exclusion Criteria for Community Cohort:

- Cannot give informed consent