GRAP Opportunity – Improving ART Retention and Adherence in Uganda among pregnant and post-partum women (Halim)

ID Opportunity: 02-Halim

Project Title: Improving ART Retention and Adherence in Uganda among pregnant and post-partum women: The WiseMama Study

Faculty Mentor: Nafisa Halim

Description Statement:

The WiseMama Study is designed to increase our understanding of interventions that are feasible and effective in helping HIV-positive pregnant and post-partum women (PPPW) to maintain high adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medications. The study will involve: a) assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the use of Wisepill, an innovative pill container equipped with real-time electronic data monitoring capacity, by PPPW in Uganda; b) generating preliminary effectiveness data of a 2-step feedback intervention on retention in care, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and clinical outcomes (CD4 and HIV viral load (VL)); c) exploring patient and provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to retention in care and adherence to ART in our study population.

We will implement WiseMama over 2.5 years by using a randomized controlled trial design. We are enrolling 160 pregnant women in two clinic sites in Uganda where “Option B+” is the standard of care. Under this policy, all pregnant women who test positive for HIV access antenatal and HIV services (including antiretroviral therapy, (ART)) concurrently. HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled in the study are randomized to either an intervention or comparison group for the approximately 6-month intervention. The study will follow all women for an additional 3 months to determine the potential sustainability of the impact of the intervention. In addition to adherence and clinical data, quantitative and qualitative data will be collected using survey instruments, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.

Scope of Work:

We are looking for one student to assist with the processing of the quantitative survey data using the TeleForms® program, a data verification and entry system that we have used successfully for over 12 years in many developing countries. This system offers a high-volume, high-accuracy approach that eliminates the need for multiple data entry personnel, simplifies data management, and shortens the time between data collection and entry.  The student assistant will be responsible for reading the PDF versions of questionnaires into the TeleForms program and verifying answers on the computer screen when the system cannot read what has been marked on the questionnaire. We will provide training in use of the program.

Minimum skills desired:

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.  Previous data management experience and interest in maternal and child health or health behavior preferred.

Time / Date Expectations:

10 hours per week, beginning Jan 2016. This is an open-ended assignment. Success with initial tasks will lead to opportunities for further involvement with the project.

Additional Material Requested: None

Number of Positions: One (1)

Logistics & Support: Biweekly meetings