IU Indianapolis ScholarWorks :: Browsing by Author "Apondi, Edith"

Browsing by Author "Apondi, Edith"

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A Pilot Study of a Mobile Intervention to Support Mental Health and Adherence Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Western Kenya
(Springer, 2022) Chory, Ashley; Callen, Grant; Nyandiko, Winstone; Njoroge, Tabitha; Ashimosi, Celestine; Aluoch, Josephine; Scanlon, Michael; McAteer, Carole; Apondi, Edith; Vreeman, Rachel; Graduate Medical Education, School of Medicine
Mobile technologies represent potentially novel and scalable intervention delivery platforms for adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a prospective, mixed methods pilot study to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the WhatsApp® platform to deliver individual counseling services and facilitate peer support for ALWH in western Kenya. Thirty ALWH (17 female, mean age 15.4) on ART, engaged in HIV care and aware of their status, were enrolled. After 6 months, participants described their experiences with the intervention. Treatment adherence, stigma, and mental and behavioral health were assessed prospectively. Participants reported overall positive experiences and indicated that the platform encouraged peer network development. They endorsed potential benefits for treatment adherence, stigma reduction, and mental and behavioral health. All participants supported intervention expansion. In western Kenya, WhatsApp® was an acceptable and feasible platform for mobile counseling and peer support for ALWH.
A Challenging Knowledge Gap: Estimating Modes of HIV Acquisition Among Adolescents Entering HIV Care During Adolescence
(Sage, 2022-05-31) Humphrey, John; Triedman, Miranda; Nyandiko, Winstone; Sang, Edwin; Kemboi, Emmanuel; Alera, Marsha; Novitsky, Vlad; Manne, Akarsh; Jepkemboi, Eslyne; Orido, Millicent; Apondi, Edith; Vreeman, Rachel; Wools-Kaloustian, Kara; Kantor, Rami; Medicine, School of Medicine
Characterizing HIV acquisition modes among adolescents with HIV (AHIV) enrolling in care during adolescence is a challenging gap that impacts differential interventions. We explored whether primary data collection with targeted questionnaires may address this gap and improve understanding of risk factors and perceptions about adolescents' HIV acquisition, in Kenyan AHIV entering care at ≥10 years, and their mothers with HIV (MHIV). Clinical data were derived through chart review. Among 1073 AHIV in care, only 26 (2%) met eligibility criteria of being ≥10 years at care enrollment, disclosed to, and with living MHIV. Among 18/26 AHIV-MHIV dyads enrolled (median age of AHIV 14 years), none had documented HIV acquisition modes. Data suggested perinatal infection in 17/18 AHIV, with 1 reported non-perinatal acquisition risk factor, and some discordance between adolescent-mother perceptions of HIV acquisition. In this difficult-to-enroll, vulnerable population of AHIV-MHIV dyads, primary data collection can enhance understanding of AHIV acquisition modes.
Decreasing incidence of pregnancy among HIV-positive adolescents in a large HIV treatment program in western Kenya between 2005 and 2017: a retrospective cohort study
(BMC, 2020) Millar, Heather C.; Keter, Alfred K.; Musick, Beverly S.; Apondi, Edith; Wachira, Juddy; MacDonald, Katherine R.; Spitzer, Rachel F.; Braitstein, Paula; Biostatistics, School of Public Health
Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for pregnancy among HIV-positive adolescents in a large HIV treatment program in western Kenya. Methods: The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) program is a partnership between Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and a consortium of 11 North American academic institutions. AMPATH currently provides care to 85,000 HIV-positive individuals in western Kenya. Included in this analysis were adolescents aged 10-19 enrolled in AMPATH between January 2005 and February 2017. Socio-demographic, behavioural, and clinical data at baseline and time-updated antiretroviral treatment (ART) data were extracted from the electronic medical records and summarized using descriptive statistics. Follow up time was defined as time of inclusion in the cohort until the date of first pregnancy or age 20, loss to follow up, death, or administrative censoring. Adolescent pregnancy rates and associated risk factors were determined. Results: There were 8565 adolescents eligible for analysis. Median age at enrolment in HIV care was 14.0 years. Only 17.7% had electricity at home and 14.4% had piped water, both indicators of a high level of poverty. 12.9% (1104) were pregnant at study inclusion. Of those not pregnant at enrolment, 5.6% (448) became pregnant at least once during follow-up. Another 1.0% (78) were pregnant at inclusion and became pregnant again during follow-up. The overall pregnancy incidence rate was 21.9 per 1000 woman years or 55.8 pregnancies per 1000 women. Between 2005 and 2017, pregnancy rates have decreased. Adolescents who became pregnant in follow-up were more likely to be older, to be married or living with a partner and to have at least one child already and less likely to be using family planning. Conclusions: A considerable number of these HIV-positive adolescents presented at enrolment into HIV care as pregnant and many became pregnant as adolescents during follow-up. Pregnancy rates remain high but have decreased from 2005 to 2017. Adolescent-focused sexual and reproductive health and ante/postnatal care programs may have the potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes as well as further decrease pregnancy rates in this high-risk group.
Growth Anthropometrics as a Metric of Malnutrition Disparities Among Young Children Affected by HIV who are Orphaned Maternally, Paternally, or Totally in Western Kenya: A Retrospective Chart Review
(Sage, 2023-02-17) Jansen, Shae; Apondi, Edith; Ayaya, Samuel O.; Kim, Jiae; McHenry, Megan S.; Graduate Medical Education, School of Medicine
This retrospective study investigated growth outcomes of Kenyan children born to women living with HIV, comparing children who were orphaned maternally, paternally, and totally (both parents deceased) to those who were non-orphaned. We reviewed HIV clinic visits performed in Kenya from January 2011 to August 2016 in children 0 to 4 years of age. Malnutrition was assessed using stunting, underweight status, and wasting (z-scores of ≤-2). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-tests, multivariable logistic regression, and ANCOVA models were performed. Of 15 027 total children in the study population, 3.5% (n = 520) were orphaned maternally, 8.1% (n = 1222) were orphaned paternally, and 2.2% (n = 336) were orphaned totally. Children who were orphans had higher rates of malnutrition compared to non-orphans (P < .001). Children who were orphaned maternally and totally had lower anthropometric mean scores, presented to clinic later, and were more likely to be living with HIV. Children who are orphaned maternally or totally should be targeted in interventional strategies.
Growth of young HIV-infected and HIV-exposed children in western Kenya: A retrospective chart review
(Public Library of Science, 2019-12-04) McHenry, Megan S.; Apondi, Edith; Ayaya, Samuel O.; Yang, Ziyi; Li, Wenfang; Tu, Wanzhu; Bi, Guanying; Sang, Edwin; Vreeman, Rachel C.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Introduction The objective of this study was to determine the growth patterns, rates of malnutrition, and factors associated with malnutrition in children born to HIV-infected mothers in western Kenya using data from an electronic medical record system. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of HIV-infected (HIV+) and–exposed (HEU) children (<5 years) using data collected prospectively in the course of routine clinical care and stored in the electronic medical record system in western Kenya between January 2011 and August 2016. Demographics and anthropometrics were described, with Chi-square testing to compare proportions. Multiple variable logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates of children being stunted, underweight, and wasted. We also examined growth curves, using a resampling method to compare the areas under the fitted growth curves to compare males/females and HIV+/HEU. Results Data from 15,428 children were analyzed. The children were 51.6% (n = 7,955) female, 5.2% (n = 809) orphans, 83.3% (n = 12,851) were HEU, and 16.7% (n = 2,577) were HIV+. For HIV+ children assessed at 24 months, 50.9% (n = 217) were stunted, 26.5% (n = 145) were underweight, and 13.6% (n = 58) were wasted, while 45.0% (n = 577) of HEU children were stunted, 14.8% (n = 255) were underweight, and 5.1% (n = 65) were wasted. When comparing mean z-scores, HIV+ children tended to have larger and earlier dips in z-scores compared to HIV-exposed children, with significant differences found between the two groups (p<0.001). Factors associated with an increased risk of malnutrition included being male, HIV+, and attending an urban clinic. Maternal antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy and mixed feeding at 3 months of age decreased the risk of malnutrition. Conclusions HIV+ and HEU children differ in their anthropometrics, with HIV+ children having overall lower z-scores. Continued efforts to develop and implement sustainable and effective interventions for malnutrition are needed for children born to HIV+ mothers.
HIV-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors and Experiences of Kenyan Adolescents Living with HIV Revealed in WhatsApp Group Chats
(Sage, 2021) Chory, Ashley; Nyandiko, Winstone; Martin, Roxanne; Aluoch, Josephine; Scanlon, Michael; Ashimosi, Celestine; Njoroge, Tabitha; McAteer, Carole; Apondi, Edith; Vreeman, Rachel; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Introduction: Mobile technologies represent a scalable platform for delivering knowledge and interventions targeting adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) in low and middle income countries. Data from mobile interventions can be used to assess the contextual understanding and experiences of ALWH. Methods: We examined HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and experiences of Kenyan ALWH revealed in the contextual data from enrollment in a WhatsApp® group chat intervention. Results: Thirty ALWH (17 female, mean age 15.4) on ART, engaged in HIV care and aware of their status, were enrolled. Qualitative analysis of WhatsApp® chat discussions identified a gap in HIV knowledge, high medication-taking literacy, need for mental health support and significant barriers to adherence. Participants discussed challenges with HIV stigma and medication-taking in the school setting. Conclusion: These discussions demonstrate a need for education on HIV topics, mental health support for ALWH, and interventions for stigma mitigation in the school setting.
"I have never talked to anyone to free my mind" - challenges surrounding status disclosure to adolescents contribute to their disengagement from HIV care: a qualitative study in western Kenya
(BMC, 2022-06-04) Toromo, Judith J.; Apondi, Edith; Nyandiko, Winstone M.; Omollo, Mark; Bakari, Salim; Aluoch, Josephine; Kantor, Rami; Fortenberry, J. Dennis; Wools‑Kaloustian, Kara; Elul, Batya; Vreeman, Rachel C.; Enane, Leslie A.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Introduction: Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV, ages 10-19) experience complex barriers to care engagement. Challenges surrounding HIV status disclosure or non-disclosure to adolescents may contribute to adolescent disengagement from HIV care or non-adherence to ART. We performed a qualitative study to investigate the contribution of disclosure challenges to adolescent disengagement from HIV care. Methods: This was a qualitative study performed with disengaged ALHIV and their caregivers, and with healthcare workers (HCW) in the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) program in western Kenya. Inclusion criteria for ALHIV were ≥1 visit within the 18 months prior to data collection at one of two clinical sites and nonattendance ≥60 days following their last scheduled appointment. HCW were recruited from 10 clinics. Analysis was conducted by multiple independent coders, and narratives of disclosure and care disengagement were closely interrogated. Overarching themes were elucidated and summarized. Results: Interviews were conducted with 42 disengaged ALHIV, 32 caregivers, and 28 HCW. ALHIV were average age 17.0 (range 12.9-20.9), and 95% indicated awareness of their HIV diagnosis. Issues surrounding disclosure to ALHIV presented important barriers to HIV care engagement. Themes centered on delays in HIV status disclosure; hesitancy and reluctance among caregivers to disclose; struggles for adolescents to cope with feelings of having been deceived prior to full disclosure; pervasive HIV stigma internalized in school and community settings prior to disclosure; and inadequate and unstructured support after disclosure, including for adolescent mental health burdens and for adolescent-caregiver relationships and communication. Both HCW and caregivers described feeling inadequately prepared to optimally handle disclosure and to manage challenges that may arise after disclosure. Conclusions: Complex challenges surrounding HIV status disclosure to adolescents contribute to care disengagement. There is need to enhance training and resources for HCW, and to empower caregivers to support children and adolescents before, during, and after HIV status disclosure. This should include counseling caregivers on how to provide children with developmentally-appropriate and accurate information about their health from an early age, and to support adolescent-caregiver communication and relationships. Optimally integrating peer support can further promote ALHIV wellbeing and retention in care.
“I just keep quiet about it and act as if everything is alright” – The cascade from trauma to disengagement among adolescents living with HIV in western Kenya
(Wiley, 2021-04) Enane, Leslie A.; Apondi, Edith; Omollo, Mark; Toromo, Judith J.; Bakari, Salim; Aluoch, Josephine; Morris, Clemette; Kantor, Rami; Braitstein, Paula; Fortenberry, J. Dennis; Nyandiko, Winstone M.; Wools-Kaloustian, Kara; Elul, Batya; Vreeman, Rachel C.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Introduction: There are approximately 1.7 million adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV, ages 10 to 19) globally, including 110,000 in Kenya. While ALHIV experience poor retention in care, limited data exist on factors underlying disengagement. We investigated the burden of trauma among disengaged ALHIV in western Kenya, and its potential role in HIV care disengagement. Methods: We performed in-depth qualitative interviews with ALHIV who had disengaged from care at two sites, their caregivers and healthcare workers (HCW) at 10 sites, from 2018 to 2020. Disengagement was defined as not attending clinic ≥60 days past a missed scheduled visit. ALHIV and their caregivers were traced through phone calls and home visits. Interviews ascertained barriers and facilitators to adolescent retention in HIV care. Dedicated questions elicited narratives surrounding traumatic experiences, and the ways in which these did or did not impact retention in care. Through thematic analysis, a conceptual model emerged for a cascade from adolescent experience of trauma to disengagement from HIV care. Results: Interviews were conducted with 42 disengaged ALHIV, 34 caregivers and 28 HCW. ALHIV experienced a high burden of trauma from a range of stressors, including experiences at HIV disclosure or diagnosis, the loss of parents, enacted stigma and physical or sexual violence. A confluence of factors - trauma, stigma and isolation, and lack of social support - led to hopelessness and depression. These factors compounded each other, and resulted in complex mental health burdens, poor antiretroviral adherence and care disengagement. HCW approaches aligned with the factors in this model, suggesting that these areas represent targets for intervention and provision of trauma-informed care. Conclusions: Trauma is a major factor underlying disengagement from HIV care among Kenyan adolescents. We describe a cascade of factors representing areas for intervention to support mental health and retention in HIV care. These include not only the provision of mental healthcare, but also preventing or addressing violence, trauma and stigma, and reinforcing social and familial support surrounding vulnerable adolescents. In this conceptualization, supporting retention in HIV care requires a trauma-informed approach, both in the individualized care of ALHIV and in the development of strategies and policies to support adolescent health outcomes.
“If it benefits someone, it will be good:” perspectives on research participation from pregnant women living with HIV
(T&F, 2022) Raciti, Catherine G.; Marsha, Joy; Nafiseh, Amira A.; Masese , Eric R.; Apondi, Edith; McHenry, Megan S.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) are becoming increasingly involved in HIV research; however, the ethical concerns regarding their decision-making related to research participation are understudied. This qualitative study aimed to understand the perspectives and lived research experiences of PWLHIV, intending to identify important considerations to inform best practices. This study used semi-structured interviews (SSIs) of PWLHIV who participated in research studies in Eldoret, Kenya. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Qualitative analyses were performed, with line-by-line coding, constant comparison, axial coding, and triangulation to identify central concepts. Twelve PWLHIV participated. Overall, participants had positive experiences with HIV research. Most participants had difficulty distinguishing the differences between the research process and enhanced clinical care. They reported a willingness to participate in future HIV research studies and indicated altruism as the primary motivator. Participants identified their preferences and experiences with recruitment, consenting, reimbursement, and enrolment of infants in HIV research. The largest barrier for participating in HIV research was identified as a concern that participation would lead to HIV disclosure. By understanding the lived experiences of PWLHIV who participate in HIV research, future researchers can design studies and consenting processes to optimize ethical research practices.
Peers, Near-Peers, and Outreach Staff to Build Solidarity in Global HIV Research With Adolescents
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-06) Ott, Mary A.; Apondi, Edith; MacDonald, Katherine; Embleton, Lonnie; Thorne, Julie; Wachira, Juddy; Kamanda, Allan; Braitstein, Paula; Medicine, School of Medicine

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