Improving HIV Testing and Retention among Adolescents and Youth in Malawi
Author Information
Author(s): Chamanga Rachel, Musukwa Tessa, Lenz Cosima, Kalitera Louiser, Singini Geoffrey, Gent Felix, Nkhoma Harrid, Woelk Godfrey, Kose Judith, Maphosa Thulani
Primary Institution: Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), Malawi
Hypothesis
The Red-Carpet Program will improve HIV testing and retention in care among adolescents and youth living with HIV.
Conclusion
The Red-Carpet Program significantly increased provider-initiated HIV testing and improved retention rates among adolescents and youth in Malawi.
Supporting Evidence
- AYLHIV at intervention sites had a higher rate of provider-initiated HIV testing (69.7%) compared to non-intervention sites (51.5%).
- Retention in care was higher in RCP sites at 12 months (66.7%) compared to non-intervention sites (56.4%).
- AYLHIV from intervention sites were less likely to experience non-retention than those from non-intervention sites.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special program can help young people get tested for HIV and stay in care better.
Methodology
A quasi-experimental study comparing outcomes between intervention and non-intervention health facilities.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may have occurred due to non-randomized site selection.
Limitations
The study design was quasi-experimental, which may limit causal inferences, and there were gaps in electronic medical records.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were female (80%), with a median age of 21 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.005
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.28–0.80
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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