Description

Background: The South African government has devoted resources towards HIV care in correctional facilities that have resulted in antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage of >90% and viral load (VL) suppression of >80% among incarcerated people living with HIV (PLWH). However, despite free post-release care, the investigators previously observed that only an estimated 34% were in care three months post-release. The investigators developed, tested, and manualized the Structured Peer-delivered ART and Re-entry Community Strategy (SPARCS) to overcome post-incarceration barriers specific to PLWH returning to the community.8-10 In the investigators randomized controlled pilot of SPARCS, 6-month post-release, continuity of care was 61% in the intervention arm compared to 36% in the usual care arm (p=0.001), demonstrating effectiveness. Full-SPARCS, has two distinct components spanning six months post-release: direct provision of ART (ART-SPARCS) and 12 biweekly peer facilitator-led group sessions (Group-SPARCS). ART-SPARCS is designed to overcome clinic-level barriers through bimonthly distribution of ART without a group component. Group-SPARCS is designed to increase self-efficacy, social support, and life skills through facilitated group discussion and curriculum including planning, problem solving, financial literacy, and living with HIV without ART distribution. The current usual care is a supply of ART and a referral letter at the time of release from incarceration.

Methods: This research study will be conducted in Gauteng Province. Recruitment will occur within correctional facilities of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) - Modderbee, Kgosi Mampuru II, and Johannesburg. All study interventions will occur following release in either Ekurhuleni District, Tshwane District or Johannesburg District. The study population will be comprised of adult (≥18 years old) corrections inmates, either male or female, with known HIV infection and are receiving ART within the correctional facility and are expected to be released back into the community within 3 months of study enrollment Participants will be randomized 1:1:1:1 to either the standard of care, Full-SPARCS, Group-SPARCS, or ART-SPARCS using sequential envelopes with study arm determination sealed inside. Study staff will contact participants to ascertain care status and update contact information at one week, one month, three months, six months, nine months, and twelve months from release. Participants assigned to Group-SPARCS or ART-SPARCS will be asked to attend biweekly sessions. Group-SPARCS activities will include - structured curriculum, symptom screening, and routine laboratory monitoring. ART-SPARCS will include the distribution of pre-packed medication and routine laboratory monitoring. Full-SPARCS includes all components of Group-SPARCS and ART-SPARCS.

Study sample: A total of 640 participants will be randomized to one of the four arms. Sixty of the participants will be selected for participation in qualitative in-depth interviews. An additional 25 staff involved in Transition community adherence club (TCAC) referral, ART provision, implementation, coordination will be enrolled for qualitative in-depth interviews.

Significance: The proposed study is consistent with NIH HIV/AIDS highest priority research and the South African National Strategic Plan on HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 2017-2022. The research addresses the HIV/AIDS Research Priority of "retention and engagement in these services, and achievement and maintenance of optimal prevention and treatment responses." It also addresses "health disparities" through a focus on recently released inmates, a marginalized population. The proposal also fits with the South African National Strategic Plan prioritizing inmates as a key population for HIV services.