Improved virological suppression in children on antiretroviral treatment receiving community-based adherence support: A multicentre cohort study from South Africa

Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a challenge in childhood, and children on ART have reduced virological suppression compared to adults. This study evaluated the effect of community-based adherence support (CBAS) on virological outcomes amongst children receiving ART in four South African provinces. Patient Advocates are lay CBAS workers who provide adherence and psychosocial support for patients, undertaking home visits to address household challenges affecting adherence. Patient Advocates provide counselling for children's carers regarding adherence and psychosocial problems. A multicentre cohort study using routinely collected data was conducted at 57 public ART sites including ART-naive children (<16 years) starting ART. Virological suppression until four years of ART was compared between children who received and did not receive CBAS. Analyses were by intention-to-treat, controlling for confounding using multivariable generalised estimating equations. A total of 4853 children were included, of whom 982 (20.2%) received CBAS. The median baseline age was 6.3 years and the baseline CD4 cell percentage was 12.0%; both were equivalent between the two groups. CBAS children had more advanced baseline clinical disease (62.1% vs. 52.6% World Health Organisation stages III or IV; P < 0.0001). A total of 5908 viral load results were analysed. Virological suppression was 65.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.7-68.4%) vs. 55.5% (95% CI: 54.1-57.0%) in CBAS and non-CBAS children, respectively, at any time-point on treatment (P < 0.0001). In analyses controlling for baseline clinical, demographic, site-related variables and time on ART, children receiving CBAS were more likely to achieve virological suppression, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.60 (95% CI: 1.35-1.89; P < 0.0001). The effect of CBAS increased in magnitude with increasing durations of ART, and CBAS particularly improved virological suppression in a higher-risk subgroup (children younger than two years, aOR 2.47 [95% CI: 1.59-3.84]). CBAS was associated with improved virological suppression in children receiving ART. Expanded implementation of this low-cost intervention should be considered in resource-poor settings.