The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of 3- vs. 6-monthly dispensing of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for stable HIV patients in community ART-refill groups in Zimbabwe
Study protocol for a pragmatic, cluster-randomized trial
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa is the world region with the greatest number of people eligible to receive antiretroviral treatment (ART). Less frequent dispensing of ART and community-based ART-delivery models are potential strategies to reduce the load on overburdened healthcare facilities and reduce the barriers for patients to access treatment. However, no large-scale trials have been conducted investigating patient outcomes or evaluating the cost-effectiveness of extended ART-dispensing intervals within community ART-delivery models. This trial will assess the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of providing ART refills on a 3 vs. a 6-monthly basis within community ART-refill groups (CARGs) for stable patients in Zimbabwe.
This research was supported by the UK Department for International Development바카라 사이트™s Operational Research Capacity Building Programme led by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union)
Citation
Fatti G, Ngorima-Mabhena N, Chirowa F, Chirwa B, Takarinda K, Tafuma TA, Mahachi N, Chikodzore R, Nyadundu S, Ajayi CA, Mutasa-Apollo T, Mugurungi O, Mothibi E, Hoffman RM, Grimwood A. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of 3- vs. 6-monthly dispensing of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for stable HIV patients in community ART-refill groups in Zimbabwe: Study protocol for a pragmatic, cluster-randomized trial. Trials. 2018;19:79.