BATON ROUGE POSITIVE PATHWAY RESEARCH STUDY – ENGAGING AND RETAINING PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV (PLHIV) IN CARE USING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Background
In order to reach the 95-95-95 targets for 2025, additional evidenced-based strategies are needed to re-engage PLHIV currently outside the health care clinic. Financial incentives used to engage and retain PLHIV with the goal of contributing to viral suppression represents a promising approach for exploration in the Baton Rouge, LA area. Compared to the future costs of caring for PLHIV who are not engaged and/or viral suppressed, financial incentives may be cost-effective and valuable in retaining PLHIV in care.
Design
This study consists of a longitudinal cohort of 800 PLHIV who are followed at 6 and 12-months post enrolment. The design includes quantitative (i.e., survey and viral load measures among PLHIV) and qualitative methods (i.e., 15 interviews with stakeholders). received incentives (visa gift card), and follow-up contacts at 6 and 12-months post enrolment. Viral load measures were obtained 12 months prior to enrolment and during the study.
Primary objectives
- Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of financial incentives among PLHIV and HIV service providers in Baton Rouge, LA
- Examine the impact and cost-effectiveness of using financial incentives to support engagement, retention, and ultimately viral suppression among PLHIV in the Baton Rouge MSA
Results
- Financial incentives were measured on a five point Likert scale. Strongly Agree and Agree were combined as well as Strongly Disagree and Disagree.
- 70% of providers believe financial incentives can improve overall health of PLHIV
- 80% of providers believe financial incentives can improve the viral load of PLHIV
- 90% of providers believe financial incentives can improve HIV care visit attendance of PLHIV
Table 3. Baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in the Baton Rouge Positive Pathway Study, August 2018 – May 2019
Participant characteristics at enrolment |
N (%) |
|---|---|
| Total enrolled | 458 (100%) |
| Category A | 270 (59%) |
| Mean Age | 41.6 years |
| Male | 234 (51%) |
| Black | 408 (90%) |
| High school, GED, or some college | 248 (57%) |
| Employed (full or part-time) | 160 (35%) |
| Annual income <5,000 | 155 (40%) |
| Heterosexual or straight | 296 (68%) |
| Has health insurance | 400 (90%) |
| >5 years living with HIV | 281 (65%) |
| Recent incarceration in the last 12 months | 56 (12%) |
| Virally suppressed (<200 copies/mL) | 256 (56%) |
Collaborators
Louisiana Public Health Institute
Setting
Five diverse clinics
Location
U.S.A.
Duration
Aug 2018 - Feb 2021
Category
Retention in Care and Adherence
Key study materials
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NP-GBL-HVU-WCNT- 210040 | March 2022
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