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Mitra S, Kolla G, Bardwell G, Wang R, Sniderman R, Mason K, Werb D, Scheim A. Requiring help injecting among people who inject drugs in Toronto, Canada: Characterising the need to address sociodemographic disparities and substance-use specific patterns. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1062-1070. [PMID: 35577755 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Those requiring help injecting are at an elevated risk of injection-related injury and blood-borne infections and are thus a priority group for harm reduction programs. As supervised consumption services (SCS) are scaled-up across Canada, information on those who require help injecting is necessary to inform equitable service uptake. We characterised the sociodemographic, structural and drug use correlates of needing help injecting among a cohort of people who inject drugs in Toronto, Canada. METHODS A cross-sectional baseline survey was administered between November 2018 and March 2020. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression models examined associations with requiring help injecting in the past 6 months. A gender-stratified sub-analysis described characteristics of receiving help among those requiring it. RESULTS Of 701 participants (31.0% cisgender women), 294 (41.9%) needed recent help injecting. In unadjusted analyses, being a racialised, non-Indigenous person (odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-2.86) or a cisgender woman (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.24-2.39) were associated with needing help. In multivariable analyses, requiring assistance was associated with needing frequent help preparing drugs (adjusted OR [AOR] 9.52, 95% CI 4.78-21.28), fewer years since first injection (AOR for 1 year increase: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99) and injecting stimulants. Among those who required help, cisgender women reported needing assistance more often than cisgender men (P = 0.009). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Over two-fifths of the sample required help injecting; requiring assistance was associated with sociodemographic indicators and substance use-specific patterns. Findings highlight the need to scale-up educational resources for those who receive or provide help injecting, as well as SCS that accommodate onsite injection assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mitra
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gillian Kolla
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Geoff Bardwell
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rick Wang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ruby Sniderman
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kate Mason
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, USA
| | - Ayden Scheim
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA.,Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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102
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Zang X, Goedel WC, Bessey SE, Lurie MN, Galea S, Galvani AP, Friedman SR, Nosyk B, Marshall BDL. The impact of syringe services program closure on the risk of rebound HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs: a modeling study. AIDS 2022; 36:881-888. [PMID: 35212666 PMCID: PMC9081164 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite their effectiveness in preventing the transmission of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID), syringe services programs (SSPs) in many settings are hampered by social and political opposition. We aimed to estimate the impact of closure and temporary interruption of SSP on the HIV epidemic in a rural United States setting. METHODS Using an agent-based model (ABM) calibrated to observed surveillance data, we simulated HIV risk behaviors and transmission in adult populations who inject and do not inject drugs in Scott County, Indiana. We projected HIV incidence and prevalence between 2020 and 2025 for scenarios with permanent closure, delayed closure (one additional renewal for 24 months before closure), and temporary closure (lasting 12 months) of an SSP in comparison to persistent SSP operation. RESULTS With sustained SSP operation, we projected an incidence rate of 0.15 per 100 person-years among the overall population (95% simulation interval: 0.06-0.28). Permanently closing the SSP would cause an average of 58.4% increase in the overall incidence rate during 2021-2025, resulting in a higher prevalence of 60.8% (50.9-70.6%) (18.7% increase) among PWID by 2025. A delayed closure would increase the incidence rate by 38.9%. A temporary closure would cause 12 (35.3%) more infections during 2020-2021. CONCLUSION Our analysis suggests that temporary interruption and permanent closure of existing SSPs operating in rural United States may lead to 'rebound' HIV outbreaks among PWID. To reach and sustain HIV epidemic control, it will be necessary to maintain existing and implement new SSPs in combination with other prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Williams C Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sam E Bessey
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Mark N Lurie
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Sandro Galea
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alison P Galvani
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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103
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Williams LD, Lee E, Latkin C, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Kaufmann M, Copulsky E, Kaplan C, Boodram B. Economic Challenges and Behavioral and Mental Health Risks for Overdose during the COVID-19 Pandemic among People Who Inject Drugs. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:5351. [PMID: 35564746 PMCID: PMC9101403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are a population that disproportionately struggles with economic and mental health challenges. However, despite numerous reports of people globally experiencing new or exacerbated economic and/or mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the literature on the effect of the pandemic on PWID and their risk for harm (e.g., overdose) remains sparse. The present study will describe reported changes during the pandemic in risk factors for drug overdose (including changes in mental health symptoms and care access) among PWID in Chicago, and it will examine associations between such risk factor changes and the experience of economic challenges during the pandemic. Participants from an ongoing longitudinal study of young PWID from the Chicago suburbs and their injection risk network members (N = 138; mean age = 28.7 years) were interviewed about changes in their experiences, substance use behavior, and mental health since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bivariate cross tabulations were computed of each "overdose risk factor" with experiences of economic challenges during the pandemic. Fisher's Exact Tests were used to assess statistical significance. Adjusted logistic regression models were also conducted that controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, for time elapsed since the start of the pandemic, and for pre-pandemic income, homelessness, and injection frequency. Over half of our sample reported using alone more than usual during the pandemic, and over 40% reported using more than usual and/or buying drugs that were of a decreased purity or quality. Additionally, a large proportion of our sample (52.5% of those asked) reported more difficulty than usual accessing mental health care. Experiencing loss of a source of income during the pandemic was associated with using more drugs, using alone more, using a larger amount of drugs while using alone, wanting to stop using but being unable, and difficulty accessing mental health care. The preliminary associations found by the present study suggest that economic challenges or disruptions experienced during the pandemic are likely to increase risk for overdose among PWID experiencing such challenges, via changes in the above behaviors and/or conditions that are associated with risk for overdose. Intervention efforts should therefore be focused not only directly on overdose prevention, but also on assisting PWID with their economic challenges and helping them regain economic stability and access to services that may have been impeded by financial difficulty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie D. Williams
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.L.); (M.E.M.-A.); (E.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Eunhye Lee
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.L.); (M.E.M.-A.); (E.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Carl Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.L.); (M.E.M.-A.); (E.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Maggie Kaufmann
- Community Outreach Intervention Projects, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (M.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Elizabeth Copulsky
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.L.); (M.E.M.-A.); (E.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Charlie Kaplan
- Community Outreach Intervention Projects, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (M.K.); (C.K.)
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.L.); (M.E.M.-A.); (E.C.); (B.B.)
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104
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Sekera JC, Frýbert J. Analysis of drug-related infectious diseases in people who inject drugs - Pilsen Region, 2003-2018. Cent Eur J Public Health 2022; 30:13-19. [PMID: 35421293 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study is to analyse drug-related infectious diseases (DRID) rates for people who inject drugs (PWID) in the Pilsen Region in order to identify the main determiners of infection risk and also to provide a foundation for comparison between this region and the others in the Czech Republic. METHODS In a descriptive cross-sectional study, we analysed the Pilsen Region's data on PWID. The data was transcribed from the 2003 to 2018 internal database of the Ulice Outreach Programme. In addition to the data regarding the testing of DRID, we analysed commercial sex work (CSW) and the PWID's duration of drug use, age and current address. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, primarily employing logistic regression (i.e., backward elimination method) to explore predictors of seropositivity. Moreover, we calculated its prevalence from an epidemiological perspective. RESULTS In total, 384 PWID were tested, from which 54.7% were males, and 84.1% were from Pilsen. The average age for initiation of using drug was 19.37 years. The most used drug was methamphetamine (64.8%), 77 women (20.1%) were reported to be CSW. The prevalence of DRID was as follows: hepatitis C virus (HCV) 37.24%, syphilis 1.82%, hepatitis B virus (HBV) 0.78%, and HIV infection 0.26%. The analysis showed that men had a lower risk of syphilis than women. Individuals who started their drug use via injection had a 1.365-times higher risk of DRID in comparison to those who initiated intravenous drug use later in their drug-using lives. We identified a significant association between the drug type and the risk of HCV infection: the main predictor of seropositivity was the use of fentanyl, which posed a 1.930-times higher risk than in the case of methamphetamine. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first descriptive cross-sectional study implemented in the Pilsen Region in the Czech Republic with a focus on the subpopulation of PWID with individual data. A high prevalence of HCV infection still persists but the prevalence of HBV and HIV infections in this study (and generally in the Czech Republic) is relatively low compared to foreign studies. Syphilis is not closely associated with injecting-drug use, but rather with the sexual behaviour of the people who use drugs intravenously. The most important predictor of seropositivity for syphilis was CSW. We also found the duration of being a CSW to be significant influence. The women who had been CSWs for less than 5 years had a significantly lower risk of syphilis than those who had prostituted for more than 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Carlos Sekera
- Department of Demography and Geodemography, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Frýbert
- Ulice Association in Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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105
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Krekulova L, Oktabec Z, Riley LW. Key Role of Multidisciplinary Collaboration towards Global Elimination of HCV Infection. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:4158. [PMID: 35409839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The elimination of HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection is, according to WHO (World Health Organization), of international interest. With new diagnostic tools and treatment possibilities, one major challenge for the elimination is to involve infected patients, especially those from socially excluded subpopulations, into HCV infection-treatment programs. The key question is how to help people who inject drugs (PWID) to engage in HCV infection-treatment programs and improve communication between PWID and hepatologists or other medical professionals involved in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. Furthermore, the medical professionals have to accept the changing spectrum of patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Without close interdisciplinary cooperation, it would be extremely difficult to achieve the WHO goal of global viral hepatitis C elimination. Here, we try to encourage our colleagues as well as addictologists and social workers to play their crucial part in the viral hepatitis C eradication process. It is extremely important for the healthcare providers to be able to communicate with addicted clients, inform PWID about the latest developments in the diagnosis and HCV infection treatment, and get them motivated to engage with specialized treatment programs.
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106
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Aronson ID, Bennett AS, Ardouin-Guerrier MA, Rivera-Castellar G, Gibson B, Santoscoy S, Vargas-Estrella B. How Vaccine Ambivalence Can Lead People Who Inject Drugs to Decline COVID-19 Vaccination and Ways This Can Be Addressed: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e35066. [PMID: 35191841 PMCID: PMC8945077 DOI: 10.2196/35066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs are disproportionately impacted by SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, yet they do not frequently accept vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 when offered. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore why people who inject drugs decline free vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and how barriers to vaccination can potentially be addressed. METHODS We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 17 unvaccinated adult persons who inject drugs during August and September 2021 at a New York City syringe service program, where approximately three-fourth of participants identified as Latino (55%) or African American (22%). Interviews lasted roughly 20 minutes. The interview guide examined reasons for declining vaccination, participants' understanding of COVID-19 risks, and how messages could be developed to encourage vaccine uptake among people who inject drugs. RESULTS Participants acknowledged that they faced increased risk from SARS-CoV-2 owing to their injection drug use but feared that long-term substance use may have weakened their health, making them especially vulnerable to side effects. Fears of possible side effects, compounded by widespread medical mistrust and questions about the overall value of vaccination contributed to marked ambivalence among our sample. The desire to protect children and older family members emerged as key potential facilitators of vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Community-developed messages are needed in outreach efforts to explain the importance of vaccination, including the far greater dangers of COVID-19 compared to possible unintended side effects. Messages that emphasize vaccines' ability to prevent inadvertently infecting loved ones, may help increase uptake. Community-focused messaging strategies, such as those used to increase HIV and hepatitis C virus testing and overdose prevention among people who inject drugs, may prove similarly effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian David Aronson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mary-Andrée Ardouin-Guerrier
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - German Rivera-Castellar
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brent Gibson
- New York Harm Reduction Educators, New York, NY, United States
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Hsu JT, Hsu PI, Shie CB, Chuah SK, Wu IT, Huang WW, Tang SY, Tsai KF, Kuo LF, Ghose S, Hsu JC, Shih CA. Comparison of the Efficacies of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment for HCV Infection in People Who Inject Drugs and Non-Drug Users. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022; 58:medicina58030436. [PMID: 35334612 PMCID: PMC8950806 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) constitute the majority of patients with HCV infection in the United States and Central Asia. There are several obstacles to treating HCV infection in PWIDs because PWIDs are often accompanied by concurrent infection, low compliance, substance abuse, and risky behavior. The aim of the study is to compare the efficacies of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for HCV infection in PWIDs and those without opioid injection. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 53 PWIDs with HCV infections treated on site in a methadone program and 106 age- and sex-matched patients with HCV infections who had no history of opioid injection (ratio of 1:2). All eligible subjects received anti-HCV treatment by DAA agents in our hospital from March 2018 to December 2020. The charts of these patients were carefully reviewed for demographic data, types of DAA agents, and treatment outcomes. The primary outcome measure was sustained virological response (SVR). Results: PWIDs and non-drug users had different HCV genotype profiles (p = 0.013). The former had higher proportions of genotype 3 (18.9% vs. 7.5%) and genotype 6 (24.5% vs. 14.2%) than the latter. The two patient groups had comparable rates of complete drug refilling (100.0% vs. 91.1%) and frequency of loss to follow-up (3.8% vs. 0.9%). However, PWIDs had a lower SVR rate of DAA treatment than non-drug users (92.2% vs. 99.0%; p = 0.04). Further analysis showed that both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and history of PWID were risk factors associated with treatment failure. The subjects with coinfection with HIV had lower SVR rates than those without HIV infection (50.0% vs. 96.5%; p = 0.021). Conclusions: PWIDs with HCV infections have higher proportions of HCV genotype 3 and genotype 6 than non-drug users with infections. DAA therapy can achieve a high cure rate (>90%) for HCV infection in PWID, but its efficacy in PWID is lower than that in non-drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Ting Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
| | - Ping-I Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
| | - Chang-Bih Shie
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
| | - Seng-Kee Chuah
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
| | - I-Ting Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
| | - Wen-Wei Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
| | - Sheng-Yeh Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
| | - Kun-Feng Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
| | - Li-Fu Kuo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (J.-T.H.); (P.-I.H.); (C.-B.S.); (I.-T.W.); (W.-W.H.); (S.-Y.T.); (K.-F.T.); (L.-F.K.)
| | - Supratip Ghose
- Department of Education and Research, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (S.G.); (J.-C.H.)
| | - Jui-Che Hsu
- Department of Education and Research, An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709, Taiwan; (S.G.); (J.-C.H.)
| | - Chih-An Shih
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Antai Medical Care Corporation, Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung County 928, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung County 912, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-8-8329966
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108
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Efunnuga H, Higgs P, Walker S, O'Keefe D. Health service utilisation and access for people who inject drugs during COVID-19. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1304-1310. [PMID: 35266229 PMCID: PMC9111766 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The wide-spread implementation of interventions to limit transmission and public health consequences of COVID-19 in the Australian state of Victoria had flow-on consequences for people who use and inject drugs. Consequences included the interruption of illicit drug supply and drug procurement, and the disruption to the delivery of health services. To inform strategies that can minimise the adverse outcomes of similar future disruptive events, this study explored how COVID-19 restrictions impacted access to harm reduction and drug treatment services for people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Victoria. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted via an online calling app, with 11 participants of a broader cohort study (the SuperMIX study) in April 2020. Interviews were focused on participants experiences of accessing and using harm reduction and drug treatment services. Data were thematically analysed using a process of blended coding. RESULTS Findings revealed how disruptions in the delivery of harm reduction and drug treatment services-in response to COVID-19 restrictions-created barriers accessing sterile injecting equipment, increased risk of arrest by police and exacerbated social isolation. Participants reported difficulties adapting to changes in services access, with some increases in injecting risk behaviours. However, improvements in opioid agonist therapy prescriptions were noted as a beneficial outcome. DISCUSSION By examining the impacts of COVID-19 and the resultant restrictions on people who inject drugs' access to health services in Melbourne, Victoria, findings provide guidance for future responses to the unanticipated large-scale effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar disruptive events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shelley Walker
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Daniel O'Keefe
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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109
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Cioffi CC, Kosty D, Capron CG, Tavalire HF, Barnes RC, Mauricio AM. Contingency Management and SARS-CoV-2 Testing Among People Who Inject Drugs. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:573-579. [PMID: 35238240 PMCID: PMC9109524 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221074385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People who inject drugs (PWID) are especially vulnerable to morbidity and mortality as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection because of social and physical health vulnerabilities. Routine testing for SARS-CoV-2 is critical to reduce transmission. Contingency management-the provision of tangible rewards to reinforce positive behavior-can promote the use of health services among PWID. Evidence is scarce on the utility of contingency management to promote SARS-CoV-2 testing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of contingency management to increase testing among PWID. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 testing was implemented at 9 syringe exchange program sites in partnership with an Oregon-based nonprofit organization for 5 weeks without contingency management and for 6 weeks with contingency management (a $10 financial incentive for testing) from February 1 through mid-April 2021. We measured rates of testing among syringe exchange program clients before and after implementation of contingency management. RESULTS Before contingency management, SARS-CoV-2 testing occurred during approximately 131 of 1410 (9.3%) client encounters, and 123 of 997 (12.3%) unique clients were tested. During contingency management, testing occurred during approximately 571 of 1756 (32.5%) client encounters, and 407 of 1151 (35.4%) unique clients were tested. Rates of testing increased from 0.04 (SD, 0.04) before contingency management implementation to 0.25 (SD, 0.15) after implementation (t8 = -3.88; P = .005; Cohen d = 1.46). CONCLUSIONS Contingency management facilitated uptake of SARS-CoV-2 testing among PWID. Contingency management may be an effective strategy for improving communicable disease testing beyond testing for SARS-CoV-2 and for improving vaccine uptake among PWID and warrants additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille C. Cioffi
- Prevention Science Institute,
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA,Camille C. Cioffi, PhD, University of
Oregon, Prevention Science Institute, 1600 Millrace Dr, Eugene, OR 97401, USA.
| | - Derek Kosty
- Prevention Science Institute,
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anne Marie Mauricio
- Prevention Science Institute,
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA,College of Education, University of
Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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Sun J, Mehta SH, Astemborski J, Piggott DA, Genberg BL, Woodson-Adu T, Benson EM, Thomas DL, Celentano DD, Vlahov D, Kirk GD. Mortality among people who inject drugs: a prospective cohort followed over three decades in Baltimore, MD, USA. Addiction 2022; 117:646-655. [PMID: 34338374 PMCID: PMC10572098 DOI: 10.1111/add.15659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS During the past decades, people who inject drugs (PWID) have been impacted by the development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to combat HIV/AIDS, the prescription opioid crisis and increased use of lethal synthetic opioids. We measured how these dynamics have impacted mortality among PWID in an urban US city. DESIGN Prospective cohort study using data from the AIDS Linked to the Intravenous Experience (ALIVE). SETTING Baltimore, MD, USA from 1988 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS A total of 5506 adult PWIDs (median age at baseline 37 years). MEASUREMENTS Mortality was identified by linkage to National Death Index-Plus (NDI-Plus) and categorized into HIV/infectious disease (HIV/ID) deaths, overdose and violence-related (drug-related) deaths and chronic disease deaths. Person-time at risk accrued from baseline and ended at the earliest of death or study period. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were calculated annually. The Fine & Gray method was used to estimate the subdistribution hazards of cause-specific deaths accounting for competing risks. FINDINGS Among 5506 participants with 84 226 person-years of follow-up, 43.9% were deceased by 2018. Among all deaths, 30.5% were HIV/ID deaths, 24.4% drug-related deaths and 33.3% chronic disease deaths. Age-standardized all-cause mortality increased from 23 to 45 per 1000 person-years from 1988 to 1996, declined from 1996 to 2014, then trended upward to 2018. HIV/ID deaths peaked in 1996 coincident with the availability of cART, then continuously declined. Chronic disease deaths increased continuously as the cohort aged. Drug-related deaths declined until 2011, but increased more than fourfold by 2018. HIV/HCV infection and active injecting were independently associated with HIV/ID and drug-related deaths. Female and black participants had a higher risk of dying from HIV/ID deaths and a lower risk of dying from drug-related deaths than male and non-black participants. CONCLUSIONS Deaths in Baltimore, MD, USA attributable to HIV/ID appear to have declined following the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy. Increases in the rates of drug-related deaths in Baltimore were observed prior to and continue in conjunction with national mortality rates associated with the opiate crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Damani A Piggott
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tanita Woodson-Adu
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eve-Marie Benson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David L Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David D Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Vlahov
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Nursing, Orange, CT, USA
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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111
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Franks J, Teasdale C, Olsen H, Wang C, Mushimebele N, Mazala RT, Tchissambou T, Bazola FM, Bingham T, Djomand G, Mukinda E, Ewetola R, Abrams E, Reidy W. PrEP for key populations: results from the first PrEP demonstration project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. AIDS Care 2022; 34:359-362. [PMID: 34495772 PMCID: PMC10627785 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1969332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for persons at substantial risk for HIV, including female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and transgender women (TGW). We report on a PrEP demonstration project at seven clinics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Routinely collected data were abstracted to assess PrEP uptake, scheduled visit attendance, and self-reported adherence. Between February and May 2018, 469 eligible clients were offered daily oral PrEP; 75.1% accepted: 78.7% FSW, 20.5% MSM, and 0.9% TGW. Two percent also identified as PWID. Attendance was 64.5% at one-month visits; 82.1% at three-month visits; and among 47.7% of clients who initiated PrEP at least six months before data abstraction, 85.8% at six-month visits. Among 66.3% of clients with at least one adherence assessment, 39% self-reported low adherence. Results demonstrate the acceptability of PrEP delivered in healthcare settings serving FSW, MSM, PWID, and TGW.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chloe Teasdale
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Halli Olsen
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Trista Bingham
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gaston Djomand
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elie Mukinda
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Raimi Ewetola
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Elaine Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Reidy
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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112
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Byrne CJ, Beer L, Inglis SK, Robinson E, Radley A, Goldberg DJ, Hickman M, Hutchinson S, Dillon JF. Real-world outcomes of rapid regional hepatitis C virus treatment scale-up among people who inject drugs in Tayside, Scotland. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:568-579. [PMID: 34877667 PMCID: PMC9300005 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, Tayside, a region in the East of Scotland, rapidly scaled-up Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) outreach and treatment among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) using novel community care pathways. AIMS We aimed to determine treatment outcomes for PWID during the scale-up against pre-determined targets; and assess re-infection, mortality, and post-treatment follow up. METHODS HCV treatment was delivered in community pharmacies, drug treatment centres, nurse-led outreach clinics, prisons, and needle exchanges, alongside conventional hospital care. We retrospectively analysed clinical outcomes and compared pathways using logistic regression models. RESULTS Of 800 estimated HCV-infected PWID, 718 (90%) were diagnosed. 713 treatments commenced among 662 (92%) PWID, delivering 577 (81%) Sustained Virologic Responses (SVR). SVR was 91% among those who attended for testing. Forty-six individuals were treated more than once. Needle exchanges and community pharmacies initiated 49% of all treatments. Regression analyses implied pharmacies had superior follow-up, but there was no difference in likelihood of achieving SVR in community pathways relative to hospital care. Re-infection occurred 39 times over 256.57 person years (PY), yielding a rate of 15.20 per 100 PY (95% CI 10.81-20.78). 54 deaths occurred (29 drug related) over 1,553.04 PY, yielding a mortality rate of 3.48 per 100 PY (95% CI 2.61-4.54). Drug-related mortality was 1.87 per 100 PY (95% CI 1.25-2.68). CONCLUSIONS Rapid HCV treatment scale-up to PWID in community settings, whilst maintaining high SVR, is achievable. However, other interventions are required to minimise re-infection; reduce drug-related deaths; and improve post-SVR follow-up testing regionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.,Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Lewis Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Sarah K Inglis
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Emma Robinson
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.,Directorate of Public Health, National Health Service Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - David J Goldberg
- Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sharon Hutchinson
- Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, UK
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113
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Le SM, Trouiller P, Duong TH, Khuat THO, Pham MK, Vallo R, Rapoud D, Quillet C, Nguyen TL, Nguyen QD, Nham TTT, Hoang TG, Feelemyer J, Vu HV, Moles JP, Doan HQ, Laureillard D, Des Jarlais DC, Nagot N, Michel L. Development and assessment of a community-based screening tool for mental health disorders among people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:697-705. [PMID: 34786755 PMCID: PMC10150937 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of mental health disorders among people who use drugs is high and well documented. This hard-to-reach population faces a very low awareness and access to mental health care, especially in developing countries. The objectives of this study were to design and assess a quick screening tool (QST) that community-based organisations (CBO) could routinely apply to a Vietnamese population of people who inject drugs (PWID), in order to refer them appropriately to mental health specialists. METHODS We devised a tool that included nine questions covering anxiety, depression, suicide risk and psychotic symptomatology. Its use required no specific background and 2 h training. Specificity and sensitivity of the QST were assessed in a population of 418 PWID recruited via respondent driven sampling, using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview questionnaire plus clinical evaluation as a reference standard. Acceptability was assessed using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire submitted to all CBO members who used the QST. RESULTS CBO members considered the QST easy to use, relevant and helpful to deal with mental health issues. Area under the curve for detection of any symptom using the QST was 0.770. The maximum sensitivity and specificity were reached with a cut-off of 2 [sensitivity was 71.1% (95% confidence interval 62.4, 78.8), specificity was 75.9% (70.5, 80.7)]. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The QST appeared to be both efficient and well accepted. Given the burden of mental health problems among hard-to-reach PWID in developing countries, community-based screenings such as this one could be a particularly appropriate response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sao M Le
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Philippe Trouiller
- CESP Inserm UMRS 1018, Paris Saclay University, Pierre Nicole Center, French Red Cross, Paris, France
| | - Thi H Duong
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Thi H O Khuat
- Supporting Community Development Initiatives, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Minh K Pham
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Roselyne Vallo
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Delphine Rapoud
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thuy L Nguyen
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Quang D Nguyen
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | | | - Thi G Hoang
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | | | - Hai V Vu
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Viet Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Jean-Pierre Moles
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hong Q Doan
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caremeau University Hospital, Place du Professeur Robert Debré, Nîmes, France
| | | | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infections, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Michel
- CESP Inserm UMRS 1018, Paris Saclay University, Pierre Nicole Center, French Red Cross, Paris, France
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114
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Mafirakureva N, Stone J, Fraser H, Nzomukunda Y, Maina A, Thiong’o AW, Kizito KW, Mucara EWK, Diaz CIG, Musyoki H, Mundia B, Cherutich P, Nyakowa M, Lizcano J, Chhun N, Kurth A, Akiyama MJ, Waruiru W, Bhattacharjee P, Cleland C, Donchuk D, Luhmann N, Loarec A, Maman D, Walker J, Vickerman P. An intensive model of care for hepatitis C virus screening and treatment with direct-acting antivirals in people who inject drugs in Nairobi, Kenya: a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis. Addiction 2022; 117:411-424. [PMID: 34184794 PMCID: PMC8737065 DOI: 10.1111/add.15630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is essential for eliminating HCV in people who inject drugs (PWID), but has limited coverage in resource-limited settings. We measured the cost-effectiveness of a pilot HCV screening and treatment intervention using directly observed therapy among PWID attending harm reduction services in Nairobi, Kenya. DESIGN We utilized an existing model of HIV and HCV transmission among current and former PWID in Nairobi to estimate the cost-effectiveness of screening and treatment for HCV, including prevention benefits versus no screening and treatment. The cure rate of treatment and costs for screening and treatment were estimated from intervention data, while other model parameters were derived from literature. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated over a life-time horizon from the health-care provider's perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. SETTING Nairobi, Kenya. POPULATION PWID. MEASUREMENTS Treatment costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per disability-adjusted life year averted). FINDINGS The cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted for the intervention was $975, with 92.1% of the probabilistic sensitivity analyses simulations falling below the per capita gross domestic product for Kenya ($1509; commonly used as a suitable threshold for determining whether an intervention is cost-effective). However, the intervention was not cost-effective at the opportunity cost-based cost-effectiveness threshold of $647 per disability-adjusted life-year averted. Sensitivity analyses showed that the intervention could provide more value for money by including modelled estimates for HCV disease care costs, assuming lower drug prices ($75 instead of $728 per course) and excluding directly-observed therapy costs. CONCLUSIONS The current strategy of screening and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs in Nairobi is likely to be highly cost-effective with currently available cheaper drug prices, if directly-observed therapy is not used and HCV disease care costs are accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Aron Maina
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Helgar Musyoki
- National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Mercy Nyakowa
- Ministry of Health—Republic of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Matthew J. Akiyama
- Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wanjiru Waruiru
- University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Josephine Walker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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115
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Surratt HL, Yeager HJ, Adu A, González EA, Nelson EO, Walker T. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Barriers, Facilitators and Unmet Need Among Rural People Who Inject Drugs: A Qualitative Examination of Syringe Service Program Client Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:905314. [PMID: 35706473 PMCID: PMC9189386 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.905314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for HIV infection, yet in rural areas PWID are understudied with respect to prevention strategies. Kentucky is notable for heavy rural HIV burden and increasing rates of new HIV diagnoses attributable to injection drug use. Despite high need and the strong evidence for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a gold-standard biomedical HIV prevention tool, scale up has been limited among PWID in Kentucky and elsewhere. This paper explores individual, environmental, and structural barriers and facilitators of PrEP care from the perspective of PWID in rural Kentucky. METHODS Data are drawn from an ongoing NIH-funded study designed to adapt and integrate a PrEP initiation intervention for high-risk PWID at point of care in two rural syringe service programs (SSPs) in southeastern Kentucky. As part of this initiative, a qualitative study guided by PRISM (Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model) was undertaken to gather SSP client perspectives on intervention needs related to PrEP, competing needs related to substance use disorder, as well as tangible supports for and barriers to PrEP uptake. Recruitment and interviews were conducted during September-November 2021 with 26 SSP clients, 13 from each of the two SSP sites. A semi-structured guide explored injection behaviors, SSP use, knowledge of PrEP, perceived barriers to PrEP, as well as aspects of the risk environment (e.g., housing instability, community stigma) that may impact PrEP uptake. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and verified by project staff. A detailed coding scheme was developed and applied by independent coders using NVivo. Coded transcripts were synthesized to identify salient themes in the data using the principles of thematic analysis All study procedures were approved by the University IRB. RESULTS Participants were 96% white, 42% female, with a median age of 41 years (range 21-62); all reported injection use within the past month. Overall, we found low PrEP awareness among this sample, yet interest in PrEP was high, with several indicating PrEP is urgently needed. Clients reported overwhelmingly positive experiences at the SSPs, considering them trusted and safe locations to receive health services, and were enthusiastic about the integration of co-located PrEP services. Lack of basic HIV and PrEP knowledge and health literacy were in evidence, which contributed to common misperceptions about personal risk for HIV. Situational risks related to substance use disorder, particularly in the context of withdrawal symptoms and craving, often lead to heightened HIV injection and sexual risk behaviors. Stigma related to substance use and HIV arose as a concern for PrEP uptake, with several participants reflecting that privacy issues would impact their preferences for education, prescribing and monitoring of PrEP. Noted tangible barriers included inconsistent access to phone service and transportation. Primary supports included high levels of insurance coverage, consistent pharmacy access, and histories with successful medication management for other health conditions. CONCLUSIONS Drawing on the critical perspectives of people with substance use disorder, our findings provide important and actionable information on individual and environmental barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake among rural PWID at high risk for HIV infection. These data will drive the adaptation and implementation of a client-centered approach to integrated PrEP care within rurally located SSP settings to address unmet needs for PrEP care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary L Surratt
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hannah J Yeager
- Department of Anthropology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Akosua Adu
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Evelyn A González
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Elizabeth O Nelson
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Tamara Walker
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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116
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Corcorran MA, Scott JD, Tinsley J, Wald A, Glick SN. Awareness and Correlates of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among HIV-negative People Who Access Syringe Services in Seattle, Washington. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:337-343. [PMID: 34895022 PMCID: PMC9248850 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2012688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is safe and effective for use in people who inject drugs (PWID), but PrEP is underutilized in this population. We assessed awareness of PrEP and correlates of interest in PrEP among PWID in Seattle, Washington. METHODS This study analyzed data from a 2019 survey of PWID at 3 Seattle-area syringe service programs (SSPs). We used descriptive statistics to compare PrEP-aware and unaware PWID and multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) for interest in PrEP. RESULTS Among 348 HIV-negative PWID, ≤1% were currently taking PrEP, 51% were PrEP aware and 46% were interested in PrEP. Interest in PrEP was inversely associated with prior PrEP awareness (APR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45 - 0.74); however, interest in PrEP was high among PWID meeting pre-specified risk criteria for HIV (APR 1.41, 95% CI 1.06 - 1.88). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest increasing awareness of PrEP may not be sufficient to promote PrEP uptake among PWID, and further efforts are needed to understand perceptions of risk for HIV, determinants of PrEP use, and to investigate successful strategies for PrEP implementation and delivery in this marginalized population. UNLABELLED Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2021.2012688 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Corcorran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joe Tinsley
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anna Wald
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ha TV, Hoffman IF, Miller WC, Mollan KR, Lancaster KE, Richardson P, Zeziulin O, Djoerban Z, Sripaipan T, Chu VA, Guo X, Hanscom B, Go VF. Association between drug use and ART use among people living with HIV who inject drugs in Vietnam, Ukraine and Indonesia: results from HPTN 074. J Subst Use 2022; 27:648-657. [PMID: 36742268 PMCID: PMC9897261 DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.1989509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and objective Drug use type and frequency may affect Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) uptake for HIV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID). This paper assesses the association between self-reported baseline drug use and ART among HIV-infected PWID in Indonesia, Ukraine and Vietnam. Methods Data on self-reported baseline drug use and ART among HIV-infected PWID at the 26- and 52-week follow-ups were extracted from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 074, a randomized, controlled vanguard study to facilitate HIV treatment for PWID in Indonesia, Ukraine, and Vietnam. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit by study site and the whole HPTN 074 sample, using a 0.5 type I error rate. Results The response rate were 83.3% and 77.0% at 26th and 52th weeks. At 26-week, baseline use of over one non-opiate/non-stimulant drug was associated with lower odds of ART use among Indonesian participants (OR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.05-0.82); and baseline injecting drugs for over 20 days in the previous month was associated with lower odds of ART use among all HPTN 074 sample (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36-0.97). Conclusion The association of a specific drug use pattern with later ART uptake implies the importance of medication-assisted treatment to enhance ART uptake and adherence among participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Viet Ha
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Irving F. Hoffman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - William C. Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, The Ohio State of University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Katie R. Mollan
- UNC CFAR, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Paul Richardson
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Teerada Sripaipan
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Viet Anh Chu
- The University of North Carolina, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Xu Guo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Brett Hanscom
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vivian F. Go
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Pleuhs B, Mistler CB, Quinn KG, Dickson-Gomez J, Walsh JL, Petroll AE, John SA. Evidence of Potential Discriminatory HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Prescribing Practices for People Who Inject Drugs Among a Small Percentage of Providers in the U.S. J Prim Care Community Health 2022; 13:21501319211063999. [PMID: 35068243 PMCID: PMC8796077 DOI: 10.1177/21501319211063999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A large percentage of people who inject drugs (PWID) are living with HIV. Yet, rates of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among PWID remain low. Stigma surrounding substance use and PWID have been identified as potential barriers to PrEP. This study examined healthcare providers' concerns regarding PWID and willingness to prescribe PrEP to PWID. METHODS An online, cross-sectional survey of a diverse group of healthcare providers in the 10 U.S. cities with the greatest HIV prevalence was conducted between July 2014 and May 2015. Participants responded to a patient vignette of a PWID and asked to indicate whether the patient would be a candidate for PrEP and why via free-response text. Descriptive statistics are reported using frequency measures. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi-squared comparisons and logistical regression. RESULTS Survey data from 480 providers were included in analyses. Of the 480 responses, 85.5% were classified as PrEP aware, while 14.2% were PrEP unaware. Additionally, 82.6% indicated the patient would be a good candidate for PrEP, 4.4% believed the patient was not a good candidate for PrEP, and 13% were unsure. Among those who were unsure or would not prescribe PrEP (n = 84), open-ended responses indicated lack of knowledge (42.9%), concern about adherence (27.4%), concern about cost (4.8%), and bias (7.1%) as the primary reasons. CONCLUSIONS Although the majority of providers in this study did not demonstrate bias against PWID, our study found that limited PrEP knowledge and bias are barriers to PrEP prescription among PWID for some providers. Interventions are needed that increase PrEP awareness of CDC guidelines and reduce implicit bias among providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Steven A. John
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Steven A. John, Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA.
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119
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Guy D, Doran J, White TM, van Selm L, Noori T, Lazarus JV. The HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis continuum of care among women who inject drugs: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:951682. [PMID: 36090369 PMCID: PMC9459118 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.951682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People who inject drugs have a substantial risk for HIV infection, especially women who inject drugs (WWID). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly-effective HIV prevention drug, is uncommonly studied among WWID, and we aimed to synthesize existing knowledge across the full PrEP continuum of care in this population. METHODS We systematically searched for peer-reviewed literature in three electronic databases, conference abstracts from three major HIV conferences, and gray literature from relevant sources.Eligibility criteria included quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods studies with primary data collection reporting a PrEP-related finding among WWID, and published in English or Spanish between 2012 and 2021. The initial search identified 2,809 citations, and 32 were included. Data on study characteristics and PrEP continuum of care were extracted, then data were analyzed in a narrative review. RESULTS Our search identified 2,809 studies; 32 met eligibility requirements. Overall, awareness, knowledge, and use of PrEP was low among WWID, although acceptability was high. Homelessness, sexual violence, unpredictability of drug use, and access to the healthcare system challenged PrEP usage and adherence. WWID were willing to share information on PrEP with other WWID, especially those at high-risk of HIV, such as sex workers. CONCLUSIONS To improve PrEP usage and engagement in care among WWID, PrEP services could be integrated within gender-responsive harm reduction and drug treatment services. Peer-based interventions can be used to improve awareness and knowledge of PrEP within this population. Further studies are needed on transgender WWID as well as PrEP retention and adherence among all WWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Guy
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jason Doran
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trenton M White
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lena van Selm
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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120
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Ward Z, Stone J, Bishop C, Ivakin V, Eritsyan K, Deryabina A, Low A, Cepeda J, Kelly SL, Heimer R, Cook R, Altice FL, Litz T, Terlikbayeva A, El-Bassel N, Havarkov D, Fisenka A, Boshnakova A, Klepikov A, Saliuk T, Deshko T, Vickerman P. Costs and impact on HIV transmission of a switch from a criminalisation to a public health approach to injecting drug use in eastern Europe and central Asia: a modelling analysis. Lancet HIV 2022; 9:e42-e53. [PMID: 34895484 PMCID: PMC8762142 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00274-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV incidence is increasing in eastern Europe and central Asia, primarily driven by injecting drug use. Coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and opioid agonist therapy are suboptimal, with many people who inject drugs (PWID) being incarcerated. We aimed to assess whether use of monies saved as a result of decriminalisation of drug use or possession to scale up ART and opioid agonist therapy could control HIV transmission among PWID in eastern Europe and central Asia. METHODS A dynamic HIV transmission model among PWID incorporating incarceration, ART, and opioid agonist therapy was calibrated to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and St Petersburg (Russia). Country-specific costs for opioid agonist therapy, ART, and incarceration were collated or estimated. Compared with baseline, the model prospectively projected the life-years gained, incremental costs (2018 euros), and infections prevented over 2020-40 for three scenarios. The decriminalisation scenario removed incarceration resulting from drug use or possession for personal use, reducing incarceration among PWID by 24·8% in Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan and 46·4% in St Petersburg; the public health approach scenario used savings from decriminalisation to scale up ART and opioid agonist therapy; and the full scale-up scenario included the decriminalisation scenario plus investment of additional resources to scale up ART to the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target of 81% coverage and opioid agonist therapy to the WHO target of 40% coverage. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per life-year gained for each scenario were calculated and compared with country-specific gross domestic product per-capita willingness-to-pay thresholds. Costs and life-years gained were discounted 3% annually. FINDINGS Current levels of incarceration, opioid agonist therapy, and ART were estimated to cost from €198 million (95% credibility interval 173-224) in Kyrgyzstan to €4129 million (3897-4358) in Kazakhstan over 2020-40; 74·8-95·8% of these total costs were incarceration costs. Decriminalisation resulted in cost savings (€38-773 million due to reduced prison costs; 16·9-26·1% reduction in overall costs) but modest life-years gained (745-1694). The public health approach was cost saving, allowing each setting to reach 81% ART coverage and 29·7-41·8% coverage of opioid agonist therapy, resulting in 17 768-148 464 life-years gained and 58·9-83·7% of infections prevented. Results were similar for the full scale-up scenario. INTERPRETATION Cost savings from decriminalisation of drug use could greatly reduce HIV transmission through increased coverage of opioid agonist therapy and ART among PWID in eastern Europe and central Asia. FUNDING Alliance for Public Health, US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Institute for Drug Abuse, and Economist Intelligence Unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Viktor Ivakin
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Anna Deryabina
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Andrea Low
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Javier Cepeda
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Robert Heimer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taylor Litz
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Assel Terlikbayeva
- Columbia University Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Denis Havarkov
- Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Medical Technologies, Informatization, Management and Economics of Public Health, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Alena Fisenka
- Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Medical Technologies, Informatization, Management and Economics of Public Health, Minsk, Belarus
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Djordjevic F, Ryan K, Gunn J, Brener L, O'Keefe D, Draper B, Schroeder S, Gold J, Treloar C, Broady T, Dietze P, Hellard M, Pedrana A. Health service utilization and experiences of stigma amongst people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1738-1743. [PMID: 34510655 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Whilst the testing and treatment of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia is a priority for local hepatitis C (HCV) elimination efforts, perceived stigma related to injecting drug use (IDU) has been identified as a major barrier for PWID engaging in health services. We used data from the EC Experience cohort study to explore associations between IDU-related perceived stigma and the number of different health services accessed by PWID in Melbourne, Australia. Data from the baseline questionnaire were used. Primary outcome was self-reported experience of stigma due to IDU (never, rarely, sometimes, often, always) in the previous 12 months. An ordinal logistic regression model assessed the association between stigma experienced and the number of different health services used (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-10 different services) adjusted for recent IDU and key socio-demographics. Between September 2018 and February 2020, 281 participants were recruited from four health services. Sixty-nine per cent were male, median age was 42, 83% reported past-month IDU, 34% had never tested/tested >12 months, 8% tested negative <12 months, 43% were HCV-positive but not treated and 16% had been treated. Those accessing 5-6 services had 2.2 times greater odds of experiencing stigma (95% CI 0.86-6.65) compared with those using <5 services and those reporting 7-10 services had 2.43 times greater odds of experiencing stigma (95% CI 0.85-6.92) compared with those accessing <7 services. In conclusion, experiences of stigma may not necessarily be a barrier for PWID to access health services, but high rates of health service use may further expose, exacerbate or exaggerate stigma amongst PWID. Further examination of how stigma may be in/directly impact on hepatitis C treatment uptake is important and place-based interventions aimed at reducing stigma experienced by PWID may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Djordjevic
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Kathleen Ryan
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jack Gunn
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Loren Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel O'Keefe
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Bridget Draper
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophia Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Judy Gold
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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122
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Caven M, Baiano CX, Robinson EM, Stephens B, Macpherson I, Dillon JF. Hepatitis C reinfection by treatment pathway among people who inject drugs in Tayside, Scotland. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1744-1750. [PMID: 34525228 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) provides an excellent opportunity to scale up HCV diagnosis and treatment, achieving the WHO target of HCV elimination by 2030. However, HCV reinfection among people who inject drugs (PWID) remains a concern and may impede elimination efforts. We assessed reinfection rates among PWID across six specialized treatment pathways, following DAA-based and interferon-based therapies in Tayside, Scotland. Data were collected retrospectively for every treatment episode that resulted in a sustained viral response (SVR) after undergoing treatment. Reinfection rates were calculated for each treatment pathway: hospital outpatient clinic; community pharmacy; drug treatment outreach; prison clinic; nurse-led outreach clinic; and injection equipment provision site. Reinfection is defined as a positive RNA test result after SVR. Incidences of reinfection are expressed in 100 person-years (PYs). In total, 916 treatment episodes met selection criteria. Of these, 100 reinfections were identified, generating an overall reinfection rate of 5.27 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 4.36-6.38). The hospital outpatient clinic had the lowest reinfection incidence (1.81 per 100 PYs, 95%CI: 1.11-2.93), with the injection equipment provision site treatment pathway having the highest reinfection incidence (19.89 per 100 PYs, 95%CI: 14.91-26.54). The incidence of reinfection among those treated with interferon-based therapies and those treated with DAA-based therapies was 4.93 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 3.97-6.11) and 7.17 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 4.75-10.82), respectively. Specialized treatment pathways in Tayside yield varying reinfection incidence rates, with different subpopulations of patients at varying risk of reinfection post-SVR. Results suggest that resources should be targeted at the injection equipment provision site pathway in order to reduce the incidence of reinfection and achieve elimination targets. The study found comparable rates of reinfection following interferon-based and DAA-based therapies, providing support for widening access to treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Caven
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Cassandra X Baiano
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Emma M Robinson
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Stephens
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Macpherson
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - John F Dillon
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
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123
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Roder C, Nguyen P, Harvey C, Wardrop M, Finlay J, Ogunleye L, Hill H, Athan E, Wade AJ. Psychiatrists can treat hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1763-1764. [PMID: 34582612 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Roder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, School of Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig Harvey
- Harm Reduction Services, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Wardrop
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Finlay
- Harm Reduction Services, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lekan Ogunleye
- Mental Health Drugs and Alcohol Service, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harry Hill
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, School of Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia.,Mental Health Drugs and Alcohol Service, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eugene Athan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, School of Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wade
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Stengaard AR, Combs L, Supervie V, Croxford S, Desai S, Sullivan AK, Jakobsen SF, Santos Q, Simões D, Casabona J, Lazarus JV, de Wit JBF, Amort FM, Pharris A, Nerlander L, Raben D. HIV seroprevalence in five key populations in Europe: a systematic literature review, 2009 to 2019. Euro Surveill 2021; 26. [PMID: 34823636 PMCID: PMC8619876 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.47.2100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background In Europe, HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. Epidemiological data are primarily available from national HIV case surveillance systems that rarely capture information on sex work, gender identity or imprisonment. Surveillance of HIV prevalence in key populations often occurs as independent studies with no established mechanism for collating such information at the European level. Aim We assessed HIV prevalence in MSM, PWID, prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people in the 30 European Union/European Economic Area countries and the United Kingdom. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed studies published during 2009–19, by searching PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Data are presented in forest plots by country, as simple prevalence or pooled across multiple studies. Results Eighty-seven country- and population-specific studies were identified from 23 countries. The highest number of studies, and the largest variation in HIV prevalence, were identified for MSM, ranging from 2.4–29.0% (19 countries) and PWID, from 0.0–59.5% (13 countries). Prevalence ranged from 0.0–15.6% in prisoners (nine countries), 1.1–8.5% in sex workers (five countries) and was 10.9% in transgender people (one country). Individuals belonging to several key population groups had higher prevalence. Conclusion This review demonstrates that HIV prevalence is highly diverse across population groups and countries. People belonging to multiple key population groups are particularly vulnerable; however, more studies are needed, particularly for sex workers, transgender people and people with multiple risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Rinder Stengaard
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lauren Combs
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Virginie Supervie
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Ann K Sullivan
- Directorate of HIV and Sexual Health, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stine Finne Jakobsen
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Quenia Santos
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Simões
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, Porto, Portugal.,Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos (GAT), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre d'Estudis Epidemiològics sobre les Infeccions de Transmissió Sexual i Sida de Catalunya (CEEISCAT), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John B F de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank M Amort
- FH JOANNEUM, University of Applied Sciences, Bad Gleichenberg, Austria
| | - Anastasia Pharris
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lina Nerlander
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dorthe Raben
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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125
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Kelly MC, Yeager SD, Shorman MA, Wright LR, Veve MP. Incidence and Predictors of Gram-Negative Bacilli in Hospitalized People Who Inject Drugs with Injection Drug Use-Attributable Infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0092521. [PMID: 34543093 DOI: 10.1128/AAC.00925-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to quantify incidence and determine predictors of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) in people who inject drugs (PWID) with injection-drug use (IDU)-related infections. The investigation was a retrospective cohort of hospitalized PWID from January 2017 to December 2019. Inclusion criteria were age of ≥18 years, active IDU, treated IDU-attributable infection, and organism growth from microbiology cultures. Infection types included infective endocarditis (IE), acute bacterial skin/skin structure infection (ABSSSI), osteoarticular infection (OAI), and other bloodstream infections (BSI). Primary outcome was GNB identification from microbiologic culture; descriptive statistics were used to describe the cohort. Multivariable regression was used to identify variables associated with GNB infection. A total of 230 PWID were included, 65 (28%) with GNB infections and 165 (72%) with Gram-positive infections. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) population age was 38 (31 to 45) years. Most patients were women (56%); 37% had no insurance. Infection types were as follows: IE, 41%; ABSSSI, 37%; OAI, 20%; and other BSI, 2%. A total of 278 organisms were isolated from 230 patients. The most common organisms were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (43%), Streptococcus spp. (19%), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (17%), and Serratia marcescens (8%); 10% of infections were mixed GNB and Gram-positive infections. A total of 80% of patients received empirical Pseudomonas aeruginosa coverage; only 7% had P. aeruginosa infections. In multivariable regression, age of >50 years (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 7.2), prior hospitalization within 90 days (adjOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.3), and OAI (adjOR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5 to 6.6) were associated with GNB infection. GNB in PWID with IDU-attributable infections were more frequently observed in recently hospitalized, older patients with OAI. The majority of patients received empirical antipseudomonal antibiotic coverage, but P. aeruginosa was infrequent. PWID are a potential population to target improved empirical antibiotic use.
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126
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Dietze PM, Hall C, Price O, Stewart AC, Crawford S, Peacock A, Maher L. COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among people in Australia who inject drugs: Implications for vaccine rollout. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:484-487. [PMID: 34752659 PMCID: PMC8653113 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Vaccine acceptability is a key determinant of vaccination uptake. Despite being at risk of adverse outcomes from coronavirus‐19 disease (COVID‐19), COVID‐19 vaccine acceptability among people who inject drugs is unknown. We surveyed people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia to assess potential uptake of COVID‐19 vaccines prior to distribution. Methods Cross‐sectional study, comprising interviewer‐administered structured telephone interviews completed from 30 November to 22 December 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were people aged 18 years or older who injected drugs at least monthly in the past 6 months and had resided in Melbourne in the past 12 months recruited via needle‐syringe programs and word‐of‐mouth. Measurements COVID‐19 hypothetical vaccine acceptability, participants' demographic, drug use and drug treatment characteristics. Results Fifty‐eight percent (57/99) of the sample reported that they would definitely or probably be vaccinated for COVID‐19, with the remainder indicating that they would not (22%) or were undecided (20%). Among those who indicated that they would definitely or probably not be vaccinated or were undecided (n = 42), safety concerns were most often cited as a reason for not wanting to be vaccinated. Discussion and Conclusions Although a majority of sampled people who inject drugs indicated that they would definitely or probably be vaccinated, efforts to reduce hesitancy and allay COVID‐19 vaccine safety concerns will be necessary to optimise vaccine uptake among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cristal Hall
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ashleigh C Stewart
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Dhiman RK, Grover GS, Premkumar M, Roy A, Taneja S, Duseja A, Arora S. Outcomes of Real-World Integrated HCV Microelimination for People Who Inject Drugs: An expansion of the Punjab Model. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 41:101148. [PMID: 34712928 PMCID: PMC8529203 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) is 8-10% as compared to 3·6% in the general population in Punjab, India. We assessed the real-world efficacy and safety of free-of-charge generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), sofosbuvir with an NS5A inhibitor (ledipasvir, daclatasvir or velpatasvir)±ribavirin in the microelimination of CHC in PWID in a public health setting. METHODS An integrated care team at 25 sites provided algorithm based DAAs treatment to PWID supervised by telemedicine clinics between 18th June 2016 and 31st July 2019. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR-12); the secondary endpoints were treatment completion, adherence, safety, and adverse events. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01110447. FINDINGS We enrolled 3477 PWID (87·2% men; mean age 33·6±12·5 years; 83·8% rural; 6·8% compensated cirrhosis). While 2280 (65·5%) patients completed treatment, 1978 patients completed 12 weeks of follow up for SVR-12. SVR-12 was achieved in 91·1% of patients per protocol, 49.5% as per intention to treat (ITT) and 90·1% in a modified ITT analysis. Of 546 (15·7%) patients with treatment interruptions, 99 (19·7%) could be traced to test for SVR-12 with a cure rate of 77·8%. There were no major adverse events or consequent treatment discontinuation. INTERPRETATION Integrated care of PWID with CHC with DAAs is safe and effective. Measures for reducing treatment interruptions will further improve outcomes. FUNDING The Government of the state of Punjab, India under the Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund (MMPHCRF) project, funds the project.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- CHC, chronic hepatitis C
- CI, confidence interval
- DAAs, direct-acting antiviral agents
- DCV, Daclatasvir
- DH, District Hospital
- ECHO, Extension for Community healthcare Outcome
- G, Genotype
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- IDU, injection drug use
- INASL, Indian National Association for study of the Liver
- India
- LDV, ledipasvir
- MMPHCRF, Mukh Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund
- NVHCP, National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme
- OST, opioid substitution therapy peg-interferon
- PWID, People Who Inject Drugs
- RBV, ribavirin
- SOF, sofosbuvir
- SVR, sustained virologic response
- VEL, Velpatasvir
- hepatitis C virus
- injection drug use
- microelimination
- people who inject drugs
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
- Mukh-Mantri Punjab Hepatitis C Relief Fund (MMPHCRF), Punjab Government, Punjab, India
- Technical Resource Group - National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), Government of India, India
- Injection Safety Project, Punjab Government, Punjab, India
| | | | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Akash Roy
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sanjeev Arora
- ECHO Institute University of New Mexico, USA, New Mexico, United States
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Draper BL, Htay H, Pedrana A, Yee WL, Howell J, Pyone Kyi K, Naing W, Sanda Aung K, Markby J, Easterbrook P, Bowring A, Aung W, Sein YY, Nwe N, Myint KT, Shilton S, Hellard M. Outcomes of the CT2 study: A 'one-stop-shop' for community-based hepatitis C testing and treatment in Yangon, Myanmar. Liver Int 2021; 41:2578-2589. [PMID: 34153155 PMCID: PMC8596916 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the advent of low-cost generic direct-acting antivirals (DAA), hepatitis C (HCV) elimination is now achievable even in low-/middle-income settings. We assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of a simplified clinical pathway using point-of-care diagnostic testing and non-specialist-led care in a decentralized, community-based setting. METHODS This feasibility study was conducted at two sites in Yangon, Myanmar: one for people who inject drugs (PWID), and the other for people with liver disease. Participants underwent on-site rapid anti-HCV testing and HCV RNA testing using GeneXpert(R) . General practitioners determined whether participants started DAA therapy immediately or required specialist evaluation. Primary outcome measures were progression through the HCV care cascade, including uptake of RNA testing and treatment, and treatment outcomes. FINDINGS All 633 participants underwent anti-HCV testing; 606 (96%) were anti-HCV positive and had HCV RNA testing. Of 606 tested, 535 (88%) were RNA positive and had pre-treatment assessments; 30 (6%) completed specialist evaluation. Of 535 RNA positive participants, 489 (91%) were eligible to initiate DAAs, 477 (98%) completed DAA therapy and 421 achieved SVR12 (92%; 421/456). Outcomes were similar by site: PWID site: 91% [146/161], and liver disease site: 93% [275/295]). Compensated cirrhotic patients were treated in the community; they achieved an SVR12 of 83% (19/23). Median time from RNA test to DAA initiation was 3 days (IQR 2-5). CONCLUSIONS Delivering a simplified, non-specialist-led HCV treatment pathway in a decentralized community setting was feasible in Yangon, Myanmar; retention in care and treatment success rates were very high. This care model could be integral in scaling up HCV services in Myanmar and other low- and middle-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Louise Draper
- Disease Elimination ProgramBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination ProgramBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia,Health Services Research and ImplementationMonash PartnersMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination ProgramBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia,St Vincent’s Hospital MelbourneAustralia,Department of MedicineUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Win Naing
- Myanmar Liver FoundationMyanmar,Yangon Specialty HospitalMyanmar
| | - Khin Sanda Aung
- National Hepatitis Control Program, Ministry of Health and SportsMyanmar
| | - Jessica Markby
- Foundation for Innovative New DiagnosticsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI ProgrammesWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Anna Bowring
- Disease Elimination ProgramBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | | | | | - Nwe Nwe
- Foundation for Innovative New DiagnosticsGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination ProgramBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia,Hepatitis Service, Department of Infectious DiseasesAlfred HospitalMelbourneAustralia,Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
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van Santen DK, Boyd A, Matser A, Maher L, Hickman M, Lodi S, Prins M. The effect of needle and syringe program and opioid agonist therapy on the risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C virus infection for people who inject drugs in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: findings from an emulated target trial. Addiction 2021; 116:3115-3126. [PMID: 33788326 DOI: 10.1111/add.15503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Major declines in HIV and hepatitis C and B virus (HCV/HBV) incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) have been attributed to early implementation of harm-reduction programs (HRP) in the Netherlands, but alternative factors such as selective mortality and demographic and drug market shifts over time probably contributed to observed incidence declines. We quantified and tested the effect of HRP participation on risk of these infections among PWID in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. DESIGN We emulated the design of a hypothetical, ideal randomized trial using observational data from the Amsterdam Cohort Studies (1985-2014). SETTING Amsterdam, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS We included PWID who ever used opioids, had a recent history of injecting drug use (IDU) and tested negative for HIV, HCV or HBV. Of 983 participants, 640, 137 and 308 were included for the HIV, HCV and HBV analyses and 59, 45 and 49 seroconversions were observed, respectively. INTERVENTIONS Intervention arms were: complete HRP participation [≥ 60 mg/day methadone and 100% needle and syringe program (NSP) coverage, or any methadone dose if no recent injection drug use] versus no HRP and partial HRP participation combined (< 60 methadone mg/day and/or < 100% NSP coverage). CONCLUSIONS Complete participation in harm reduction programs appears to have led to substantial decreases in HIV and hepatitis C and B virus acquisition risk among people who inject drugs in the Netherlands. MEASUREMENTS Separately for each infection, we estimated the hazard ratios (HR) comparing HRP arms using marginal structural models. FINDINGS Compared with no/partial HRP participation, complete HRP participation led to lower risk of HIV [HR = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27-1.08], HCV (HR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.06-0.40) and HBV (HR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.13-0.61) acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela K van Santen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amy Matser
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sara Lodi
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute (AIandII), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Hemel MM, Reza MM, Shafiq TK, Kabir MI, Rana AM, Khan SI. Correlates of sharing of needles and syringes among people who inject drugs in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. J Infect Dev Ctries 2021; 15:1497-1506. [PMID: 34780373 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.13629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper examines the correlates of needle and syringe sharing among People Who Inject Drugs in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, which is currently experiencing a steep increase in HIV prevalence despite the ongoing presence of Needle Exchange Programs. METHODOLOGY This was a retrospective chart review with cross-sectional design that extracted data from 783 male People Who Inject Drugs enrolled into five Opioid Substitution Treatment clinics in Dhaka city between April 2010 and January 2016. Data were retrieved from the program's electronic database. Needle and syringe sharing constituted the borrowing or lending of needles and syringes from others within the past month preceding data collection. RESULTS Buprenorphine was the preferred injection drug and 44.6% shared needles and syringes within the past month. Multivariate analysis indicated that People Who Inject Drugs who were homeless (OR = 8.1, 95% CI = 1.4-44.9, p < 0.05), living with friends (OR = 6.8, 95% CI = 2.5-18.2, p < 0.001), injecting 2-3 times/day (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.2-19.7, p < 0.05), injecting more than three times/day (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.1-20.0, p < 0.05), not using condom with non-commercial female sex partners (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.8-6.0, p < 0.05), bought sex from female sex workers (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.0-8.3, p < 0.05), and did non-suicidal self-injury (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.0-3.0, p < 0.05) were more likely to share needles and syringes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that operating a standalone harm reduction approach that just provides sterile needles and syringes may not adequately curb needle and syringe sharing among People Who Inject Drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mm Hemel
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Masud Reza
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tanveer Ki Shafiq
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Iqbal Kabir
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Akm Masud Rana
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharful Islam Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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131
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Fraser H, Stone J, Wisse E, Sambu V, Mfisi P, Duran IJ, Soriano MA, Walker JG, Makere N, Luhmann N, Kafura W, Nouvellet M, Ragi A, Mundia B, Vickerman P. Modelling the impact of HIV and HCV prevention and treatment interventions for people who inject drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25817. [PMID: 34661964 PMCID: PMC8522890 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction People who inject drugs (PWID) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, have a high prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). While needle and syringe programmes (NSP), opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) are available in Tanzania, their coverage is sub‐optimal. We assess the impact of existing and scaled up harm reduction (HR) interventions on HIV and HCV transmission among PWID in Dar es Salaam. Methods An HIV and HCV transmission model among PWID in Tanzania was calibrated to data over 2006–2018 on HIV (∼30% and ∼67% prevalence in males and females in 2011) and HCV prevalence (∼16% in 2017), numbers on HR interventions (5254 ever on OAT in 2018, 766–1479 accessing NSP in 2017) and ART coverage (63.1% in 2015). We evaluated the impact of existing interventions in 2019 and impact by 2030 of scaling‐up the coverage of OAT (to 50% of PWID), NSP (75%, both combined termed “full HR”) and ART (81% with 90% virally suppressed) from 2019, reducing sexual HIV transmission by 50%, and/or HCV‐treating 10% of PWID infected with HCV annually. Results The model projects HIV and HCV prevalence of 19.0% (95% credibility interval: 16.4–21.2%) and 41.0% (24.4–49.0%) in 2019, respectively. For HIV, 24.6% (13.6–32.6%) and 70.3% (59.3–77.1%) of incident infections among male and female PWID are sexually transmitted, respectively. Due to their low coverage (22.8% for OAT, 16.3% for NSP in 2019), OAT and NSP averted 20.4% (12.9–24.7%) of HIV infections and 21.7% (17.0–25.2%) of HCV infections in 2019. Existing ART (68.5% coverage by 2019) averted 48.1% (29.7–64.3%) of HIV infections in 2019. Scaling up to full HR will reduce HIV and HCV incidence by 62.6% (52.5–74.0%) and 81.4% (56.7–81.4%), respectively, over 2019–2030; scaled up ART alongside full HR will decrease HIV incidence by 66.8% (55.6–77.5%), increasing to 81.5% (73.7–87.5%) when sexual risk is also reduced. HCV‐treatment alongside full HR will decrease HCV incidence by 92.4% (80.7–95.8%) by 2030. Conclusions Combination interventions, including sexual risk reduction and HCV treatment, are needed to eliminate HCV and HIV among PWID in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Fraser
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jack Stone
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Veryeh Sambu
- National AIDS Control Programmes, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Mfisi
- The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority, Prime Ministers Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Josephine G Walker
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nobelrich Makere
- Tanzania Council for Social Development (TACOSODE), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - William Kafura
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Allan Ragi
- Kenya AIDS NGO Consortium, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Peter Vickerman
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Jawa R, Laks J, Saravanan N, Demers L, Wishik-Miller G. Physician trainees' compassion satisfaction, burnout, and self-efficacy when caring for people who inject drugs. Subst Abus 2021; 43:675-681. [PMID: 34666627 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1986881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Front-line providers working with people who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of experiencing burnout. Few studies have examined protective factors against burnout incurred in the care of PWID, including harm reduction counseling skills. We measured self-efficacy in harm reduction counseling, burnout, and compassion satisfaction among Internal Medicine (IM) trainees caring for PWID. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed IM interns and residents. Self-efficacy was assessed by asking trainees about attitudes, comfort, and knowledge in harm reduction counseling on a five-point Likert scale. Burnout and compassion satisfaction were assessed via an adapted 20-question Professional Quality of Life Scale. We compared self-efficacy in harm reduction counseling, compassion satisfaction, and burnout between interns and residents using ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. We used Spearman's rho correlational analysis to examine the relationship between these three variables. Results: Seventy-nine IM trainees (36 interns, 43 residents) completed the survey for a 52% response rate. Residents reported higher self-efficacy in harm reduction counseling, similar levels of burnout, and higher compassion satisfaction compared to interns. Across training levels, we found a negative correlation between burnout and compassion satisfaction (r = -0.55, p < 0.01) and a positive correlation between compassion satisfaction and comfort counseling PWID on harm reduction (r = 0.30, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Among IM trainees at an urban institution serving a large population of PWID, self-efficacy in harm reduction counseling and compassion satisfaction increase with time in training while burnout remains similar. Strengthening trainees' capacity to counsel PWID on harm reduction may improve their compassion satisfaction in caring for this population, potentially leading to improved care. This relationship should be explored longitudinally in larger cohorts and through evaluations of harm reduction-focused medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raagini Jawa
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Section of Infectious Disease, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jordana Laks
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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133
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Bardsley M, Heinsbroek E, Harris R, Croxford S, Edmundson C, Hope V, Hassan N, Ijaz S, Mandal S, Shute J, Hutchinson SJ, Hickman M, Sinka K, Phipps E. The impact of direct-acting antivirals on hepatitis C viraemia among people who inject drugs in England; real-world data 2011-2018. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1452-1463. [PMID: 34270172 PMCID: PMC9290701 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for anybody with viraemic HCV infection has been scaled-up in England since 2017. To assess early impacts, we investigated trends in, and factors associated with, HCV viraemia among people who inject drugs (PWID). We also examined trends in self-reported treatment access. Bio-behavioural data from an annual, national surveillance survey of PWID (2011-2018) estimated trends in viraemic prevalence among HCV antibody-positive PWID. Multivariable logistic regression identified characteristics independently associated with viraemia. Trends in treatment access were examined for PWID with known infection. Between 2011 and 2016, viraemic prevalence among antibody-positive PWID remained stable (2011, 57.7%; 2016, 55.8%) but decreased in 2017 (49.4%) and 2018 (50.4%) (both p < 0.001). After adjustment for demographic and behavioural characteristics, there remained significant reduction in viraemia in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.94) and 2018 (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.93) compared to 2016. Other factors associated with viraemia were male gender (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.53-1.86), geographical region, injecting in past year (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.41), imprisonment (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.31) and homelessness (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.31). Among non-viraemic PWID with known infection, the proportion reporting ever receiving treatment increased in 2017 (28.7%, p < 0.001) and 2018 (38.9%, p < 0.001) compared to 2016 (14.5%). In conclusion, there has been a small reduction in HCV viraemia among antibody-positive PWID in England since 2016, alongside DAA scale-up, and some indication that treatment access has improved in the same period. Population-level monitoring and focus on harm reduction is critical for achieving and evaluating elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Bardsley
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Ross Harris
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Sara Croxford
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Vivian Hope
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nasra Hassan
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Sema Mandal
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Justin Shute
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katy Sinka
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Emily Phipps
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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134
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Marquez LK, Fleiz C, Burgos JL, Cepeda JA, McIntosh C, Garfein RS, Kiene SM, Brodine S, Strathdee SA, Martin NK. Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination strategies among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana, Mexico. Addiction 2021; 116:2734-2745. [PMID: 33620750 PMCID: PMC8380744 DOI: 10.1111/add.15456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In Latin America, Mexico was first to launch a hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination strategy, where people who inject drugs (PWID) are a main risk group for transmission. In Tijuana, HCV seroprevalence among PWID is > 90%, with minimal harm reduction (HR). We evaluated cost-effectiveness of strategies to achieve the incidence elimination target among PWID in Tijuana. METHODS Modeling study using a dynamic, cost-effectiveness model of HCV transmission and progression among active and former PWID in Tijuana, to assess the cost-effectiveness of incidence elimination strategies from a health-care provider perspective. The model incorporated PWID transitions between HR stages (no HR, only opioid agonist therapy, only high coverage needle-syringe programs, both). Four strategies that could achieve the incidence target (80% reduction by 2030) were compared with the status quo (no intervention). The strategies incorporated the number of direct-acting anti-viral (DAA) treatments required with: (1) no HR scale-up, (2) HR scale-up from 2019 to 20% coverage among PWID, (3) HR to 40% coverage and (4) HR to 50% coverage. Costs (2019 US$) and health outcomes [disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)] were discounted 3% per year. Mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER, $/DALY averted) were compared with one-time per capita gross domestic product (GDP) ($9698 in 2019) and purchasing power parity-adjusted per capita GDP ($4842-13 557) willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds. RESULTS DAAs alone were the least costly elimination strategy [$173 million, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 126-238 million], but accrued fewer health benefits compared with strategies with HR. DAAs + 50% HR coverage among PWID averted the most DALYs but cost $265 million, 95% CI = 210-335 million). The optimal strategy was DAAs + 50% HR (ICER $6743/DALY averted compared to DAAs only) under the one-time per-capita GDP WTP ($9698). CONCLUSIONS A combination of high-coverage harm reduction and hepatitis C virus treatment is the optimal cost-effective strategy to achieve the HCV incidence elimination goal in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara K Marquez
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Clara Fleiz
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Colonia, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Natasha K Martin
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Hüppe D, Stoehr A, Buggisch P, Mauss S, Klinker H, Teuber G, Hidde D, Lohmann K, Bondin M, Wedemeyer H. The changing characteristics of patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus from 2014 to 2019: Real-world data from the German Hepatitis C-Registry (DHC-R). J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1474-1483. [PMID: 34339561 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The number of patients diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is markedly higher than the number initiating treatment indicating gaps in the care cascade, likely centred around reaching at-risk populations. Understanding changing characteristics of patients with HCV allows for targeted programs that increase linkage to care. We investigated changes in demographic and clinical characteristics of patients registered in the German Hepatitis C-Registry (DHC-R) from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2019. The DHC-R is an ongoing, noninterventional, multicentre, prospective, observational cohort registry including 327 German centres. Patient characteristics were analysed over time in 7 phases for all patients completing a screening visit. Overall, 14,357 patients were enrolled. The percentage of treatment-naïve/non-cirrhotic patients increased from 34.4% in phase 1 (1 January-31 December 2014) to 68.2% in phase 7 (1 August-31 December 2019). The proportion of migrants, alcohol users, people who inject drugs, and those receiving opiate substitution therapy increased in later registry phases. Most patients (60.1%) were receiving comedication at baseline. The most prescribed comedications were drugs used to treat opioid dependence which increased from 9.2% in phase 1 to 24.0% in phase 7. The patients' mean age decreased from 52.3 years in phase 1 to 48.7 years in phase 7. From 2014 to 2019, the proportion of at-risk patients enrolling in the registry increased. To eliminate viral hepatitis as a major public health threat, a continued commitment to engaging underserved populations into the HCV care cascade is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietrich Hüppe
- Gastroenterologische Gemeinschaftspraxis Herne, Herne, Germany
| | | | - Peter Buggisch
- Institut für Interdisziplinäre Medizin, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Mauss
- Centre for HIV and Hepatogastroenterology, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hartwig Klinker
- Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Dennis Hidde
- AbbVie Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Leberstiftungs-GmbH Deutschland, Hannover, Germany.,Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Klinik für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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136
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Grimshaw C, Boyd L, Smith M, Estcourt CS, Metcalfe R. Evaluation of an inner city HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis service tailored to the needs of people who inject drugs. HIV Med 2021; 22:965-970. [PMID: 34585494 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV prevention strategies including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) must reach all in need to achieve elimination of transmission by 2030. Mainstream provision may inadvertently exclude key populations. Incidence of HIV in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is increasing, partly due to sexual transmission. Scotland provides publicly funded oral PrEP for individuals at sexual risk of HIV through sexual health services; however, uptake by PWID has been negligible. We developed a tailored outreach PrEP service based in the local homeless health centre. We used active case finding, flexibility of assessment location, supervised community daily dispensing and active follow-up to optimise uptake and adherence. We describe a two-year service evaluation. METHODS We reviewed the case records of all PWID identified by the outreach team as being at higher risk of sexual acquisition for whom PrEP was considered between November 2018 and November 2020. Evaluation focused on PrEP uptake, adherence and monitoring. We conducted a descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS Of 41 PWID assessed as eligible, 32 (78.0%) commenced PrEP. The proportion of PrEP-covered days was 3320/3400 days (97.6%); 31/32 (96.9%) had regular HIV serology monitoring. The service was feasible to run, but it relied on outreach provision and liaison with other services. DISCUSSION Tailored PrEP services can reach PWID effectively. Uptake and adherence were high but the model was resource-intensive. Appropriately tailored PrEP delivery may be required to meet the needs of this and other key populations who experience barriers to accessing mainstream services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceilidh Grimshaw
- Sandyford Initiative, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lynsey Boyd
- Sandyford Initiative, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matt Smith
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Claudia S Estcourt
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rebecca Metcalfe
- Sandyford Initiative, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
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Fomenko T, Meteliuk A, Korinchuk L, Denisiuk O, Aslanyan G, Islam Z, Zachariah R. People Who Inject Drugs and have tuberculosis: Opioid Substitution Therapy improves treatment outcomes in Ukraine. J Infect Dev Ctries 2021; 15:51S-57S. [PMID: 34609960 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid substitution therapy (OST) is one of the pillars of harm reduction strategies for People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). It should be an integral part of tuberculosis (TB) care to increase the uptake, compliance and effectiveness of treatment and also curtail risk behaviors. We aimed to compare TB treatment outcomes in relation to OST among PWID in six regions of Ukraine. METHODOLOGY A retrospective cohort study using routine programmatic data from centers offering integrated TB and OST (December 2016 - May 2020). OST involved use of methadone or buprenorphine. TB treatment outcomes were standardized. RESULTS Of 228 PWID (85% male) diagnosed with TB, 104 (46%) had drug-sensitive and 124 (64%) drug-resistant TB. The majority had pulmonary TB (95%), 64 (28%) were HCV-positive and 179 (78%) were HIV-positive, 91% of the latter were also on antiretroviral therapy. There were 114 (50%) PWID with TB on OST. For drug-sensitive TB (n=104), treatment success was significantly higher (61%) in those on adjunctive OST than those not on OST (42%, P<0.001). Similarly, for drug-resistant TB (n=124) treatment success was also significantly higher when individuals were on OST (43%) compared to when not on OST (26%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This operational research study shows that OST is associated with significantly improved treatment success in PWID and can contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the WHO Flagship Initiative "Find.Treat.All. #End TB". We advocate for the scale-up of this intervention in Ukraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetiana Fomenko
- ICF Alliance for Public Health (Formerly ICF International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine), Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Anna Meteliuk
- ICF Alliance for Public Health (Formerly ICF International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Olga Denisiuk
- ICF Alliance for Public Health (Formerly ICF International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Garry Aslanyan
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)/World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zahedul Islam
- ICF Alliance for Public Health (Formerly ICF International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Rony Zachariah
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)/World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Foschi FG, Borghi A, Grassi A, Lanzi A, Speranza E, Vignoli T, Napoli L, Olivoni D, Sanza M, Polidori E, Greco G, Bassi P, Cristini F, Ballardini G, Altini M, Conti F. Model of Care for Microelimination of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among People Who Inject Drugs. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10174001. [PMID: 34501448 PMCID: PMC8432451 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10174001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are the largest group at risk for HCV infection. Despite the direct acting antivirals (DAA) advancements, HCV elimination has been hindered by real-life difficulties in PWID. Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary intervention strategy where HCV screening, treatment and follow-up were performed at the same location on efficacy and safety of DAA-therapy in real-life PWID population. Methods: All HCV-infected PWID referred to five specialized outpatient centers for drug addicts (SerDs) in Northern Italy were prospectively enrolled from May 2015 to December 2019. Hepatologists and SerDs healthcare workers collaborated together in the management of PWID inside the SerDs. Sustained virologic response (SVR), safety of treatment, proportion of patients lost to follow-up and reinfection rate were evaluated. Results: A total of 358 PWID started antiviral treatment. About 50% of patients had advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, 69% received opioid substitution treatment, and 20.7% self-reported recent injecting use. SVR was achieved in 338 (94.4%) patients. Two patients died during treatment; one prematurely discontinued, resulting in a non-responder; twelve were lost during treatment/follow-up; and five relapsed. No serious adverse events were reported. SVR was lower in recent PWID than in former ones (89.2% vs. 95.8%; p = 0.028). Seven reinfections were detected, equating to an incidence of 1.25/100 person-years. Reinfection was associated with recent drug use (OR 11.07, 95%CI 2.10–58.38; p = 0.005). Conclusion: Our embedded treatment model could be appropriate to increase the linkage to care of HCV-infected PWID. In this setting, DAA regimens are well tolerated and highly effective, achieving a lower rate of reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Borghi
- Internal Medicine Department, Faenza Hospital, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (F.G.F.); (A.B.); (L.N.)
| | - Alberto Grassi
- Internal Medicine Department, Rimini Hospital, 47923 Rimini, Italy; (A.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Arianna Lanzi
- Mental Health and Pathological Addictions Department, Addiction Treatment Service of Cesena, 47521 Cesena, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Elvira Speranza
- Mental Health and Pathological Addictions Department, Addiction Treatment Service of Faenza, 48018 Faenza, Italy;
| | - Teo Vignoli
- Mental Health and Pathological Addictions Department, Addiction Treatment Service of Lugo, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (T.V.); (D.O.); (G.G.)
| | - Lucia Napoli
- Internal Medicine Department, Faenza Hospital, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (F.G.F.); (A.B.); (L.N.)
| | - Deanna Olivoni
- Mental Health and Pathological Addictions Department, Addiction Treatment Service of Lugo, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (T.V.); (D.O.); (G.G.)
| | - Michele Sanza
- Mental Health and Pathological Addictions Department, Addiction Treatment Service of Cesena, 47521 Cesena, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Edoardo Polidori
- Mental Health and Pathological Addictions Department, Addiction Treatment Service of Rimini and Forlì, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Greco
- Mental Health and Pathological Addictions Department, Addiction Treatment Service of Lugo, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (T.V.); (D.O.); (G.G.)
| | - Paolo Bassi
- Infectious Disease Department, Ravenna Hospital, 48121 Ravenna, Italy;
| | | | - Giorgio Ballardini
- Internal Medicine Department, Rimini Hospital, 47923 Rimini, Italy; (A.G.); (G.B.)
| | - Mattia Altini
- Local Healthcare Authority of Romagna, AUSL Romagna, 48121 Ravenna, Italy;
| | - Fabio Conti
- Internal Medicine Department, Faenza Hospital, 48018 Faenza, Italy; (F.G.F.); (A.B.); (L.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0546-601111
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Mohraz M, SeyedAlinaghi S, Asadollahi-Amin A, Golrokhi R, Khoei EM, Yousefi H, Jafari F, Dadras O. Sociodemographic Characteristics, HIV-Related Risk Behaviors and HIV Prevalence of Vulnerable Men in Tehran, Iran. Curr HIV Res 2021; 19:352-357. [PMID: 33845724 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x19666210412114627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minorities, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS compared to heterosexual men. The increased prevalence of HIV/AIDs among this group of individuals is associated with increased participation in HIV-related risk behavior, such as multiple sexual partnerships and injection drug use. However, very little is known about the prevalence of HIV and the risk behaviors related to HIV infection among MSM in Iran. This absence of data is due to the increased discrimination and stigmatization MSM, and other vulnerable populations face in Iran. This study was conducted to identify HIV-related risks, HIV prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of the MSM population in Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM attending the Sexual Health Clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital in 2018. A sexual health screening questionnaire was used to aid in identifying HIV-related risk behaviors. HIV status was determined using an HIV rapid test and confirmed by an ELISA. RESULTS One hundred MSM enrolled in this study, out of which 41% were 18-25 years old. The majorities were single; almost one-third had a diploma degree. Only a fifth were employed, and about a quarter (25%) reported substance abuse. Among eighty-three people (83%) reported having sex during the past three months, and only 27 (27.3%) of participants always used condoms for sex. Among 80 participants tested for HIV, two positive results were detected (2.5%). CONCLUSION Data collected through a sexual health questionnaire indicated that the prevalence of HIV is increased among MSM in Iran. This finding sheds light on the urgent need for the implementation of social programs providing counseling and healthcare to vulnerable populations in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Mohraz
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - SeyedAhmad SeyedAlinaghi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Asadollahi-Amin
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahele Golrokhi
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Effat Merghati Khoei
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habib Yousefi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Jafari
- Iranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Dadras
- Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Tuan LA, Thi Thanh Ha N, Nguyen QD, Tong Le G, Thanh DC, Morgan M, Abdul-Quader AS. Number of People who Inject Drugs in Son La, Vietnam: Population Size Estimation Based on Official Records. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2021; 10:131-134. [PMID: 32538028 PMCID: PMC7310782 DOI: 10.2991/jegh.k.200509.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Estimated population sizes of key populations are critical for resource allocation as well as for monitoring program performance to prevent HIV infection. In 2018, using official records we recruited and conducted a brief survey among People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) to estimate the population size of People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Son La Province, Vietnam. Methods: In Son La, the authorities develop and maintain a master list of individuals who are suspected of using drugs. The list is updated quarterly and is used to monitor the drug use situation in the province. The list, however, does not distinguish injecting from non-injecting drug users. Individual lists from six districts, 24 communes, and 96 hamlets were selected from among those from 12 districts, 204 communes, and 3335 hamlets in the whole province. After reviewing the lists with the hamlet health workers, based on the length of the lists, a minimum of 20% of the total or five drug users in any hamlet with fewer than 25 PWUD were randomly selected for a brief assessment. In addition to basic demographics, the assessment included any drug use in the last 3 months, injection drug use in the last 3 months, and the last time injected. Results: A total of 250 PWUD were interviewed by hamlet health workers. The total number of PWID across all 12 districts in Son La was estimated at 4475 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3379–5570] and the corresponding proportion of PWID among PWUD was 48.4% (95% CI: 36.6–60.4). Conclusion: The exercise provided an estimated number of PWID in Son La. For planning HIV prevention and care service needs among PWID, additional studies using different methods are needed to validate and improve the population size of PWID in the province of Son La.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Anh Tuan
- Department of HIV/AIDS, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Thanh Ha
- Department of HIV/AIDS, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quan Dinh Nguyen
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Giang Tong Le
- Program Development Office, United States Agency for International Development, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Duong Cong Thanh
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Meade Morgan
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Abu S Abdul-Quader
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Abstract
Between January 2016 and June 2019, there were over 13,900 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada, solidifying the need for appropriate and effective services for people who use drugs (PWUD). Within government initiatives and policies, PWUD are often inappropriately considered a homogeneous group of individuals, with implementation of services nationally often being guided by these governmental bodies without meaningful consultation and collaboration with PWUD. However, recent harm reduction research and best practice guidelines have emphasized the importance of tailoring services to local drug scenes. Despite this, very little research on the cultural norms of PWUD exists in the literature. In an attempt to explore the local culture of drug use in Ottawa, a literature review ultimately uncovered very few articles on this topic. However, by expanding the search beyond Ottawa and using a social determinants of health framework, the factors of culture, income and social status, physical environment, and access to services were revealed as unique experiences for PWUD. Further, through four in-depth interviews with current harm reduction providers in Ottawa, the themes of (1) uncertainty and concerns surrounding the overdose crisis; (2) lack of flexibility in resources and access issues; and (3) diversity in the culture of drug use in Ottawa were explored. Recommendations surrounding partnering with PWUD, policy changes, and a safer supply were subsequently discussed. These findings helped to validate the reality of the unique drug-use culture in Ottawa, and the requirement for harm reduction services to be adapted to the local needs of PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Haines
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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142
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Clipman SJ, Mehta SH, Srikrishnan AK, Zook KJ, Duggal P, Mohapatra S, Shanmugam S, Nandagopal P, Kumar MS, Ogburn E, Lucas GM, Latkin CA, Solomon SS. Role of direct and indirect social and spatial ties in the diffusion of HIV and HCV among people who inject drugs: a cross-sectional community-based network analysis in New Delhi, India. eLife 2021; 10:69174. [PMID: 34342266 PMCID: PMC8370773 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) account for some of the most explosive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemics globally. While individual drivers of infection are well understood, less is known about network factors, with minimal data beyond direct ties. Methods: 2512 PWID in New Delhi, India were recruited in 2017–19 using a sociometric network design. Sampling was initiated with 10 indexes who recruited named injection partners (people who they injected with in the prior month). Each recruit then recruited their named injection partners following the same process with cross-network linkages established by biometric data. Participants responded to a survey, including information on injection venues, and provided a blood sample. Factors associated with HIV/HCV infection were identified using logistic regression. Results: The median age was 26; 99% were male. Baseline HIV prevalence was 37.0% and 46.8% were actively infected with HCV (HCV RNA positive). The odds of prevalent HIV and active HCV infection decreased with each additional degree of separation from an infected alter (HIV AOR: 0.87; HCV AOR: 0.90) and increased among those who injected at a specific venue (HIV AOR: 1.50; HCV AOR: 1.69) independent of individual-level factors (p<0.001). In addition, sociometric factors, for example, network distance to an infected alter, were statistically significant predictors even when considering immediate egocentric ties. Conclusions: These data demonstrate an extremely high burden of HIV and HCV infection and a highly interconnected injection and spatial network structure. Incorporating network and spatial data into the design/implementation of interventions may help interrupt transmission while improving efficiency. Funding: National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Johns Hopkins University Center for AIDS Research. Understanding the social and spatial relationships that connect people is a key element to stop the spread of infectious diseases. These networks are particularly relevant to combat epidemics among populations that are hard to reach with public health interventions. Network-based approaches, for example, can help to stop HIV or hepatitis C from spreading amongst populations that use injectable drugs. Yet how social and geographic connections such as acquaintances, injection partners, or preferred drug use places impact the risk of infection is still poorly mapped out. To address this question, Clipman et al. focused on people who inject drugs in New Delhi, India, a population heavily impacted by HIV and hepatitis C. Over 2500 people were recruited, each participant inviting their injection partners to also take part. The volunteers answered survey questions, including where they used drugs, and provided a blood sample to be tested. The results showed that, even after adjusting for individual risk factors, where people used drugs and with whom affected their risk of becoming infected with HIV and hepatitis C. In terms of social ties, the likelihood of HIV and hepatitis C infection decreased by about 13% for each person separating a given individual from an infected person. However, geographical networks also had a major impact. Injecting at a popular location respectively increased the odds of HIV and hepatitis C infection by 50% and 69%. In fact, even if the participant was not using drugs at these specific places, having an injection partner who did was enough to increase the risk for disease: for each person separating an individual from the location, the likelihood of being infected with HIV and hepatitis C decreased by respectively 14% and 10%. The results by Clipman et al. highlight how the relationships between physical spaces and social networks contribute to the spread of dangerous diseases amongst people who inject drugs. Ultimately, this knowledge may help to shape better public health interventions that would take into account the importance of geographical locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Clipman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Aylur K Srikrishnan
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRGCARE), Chennai, India
| | - Katie Jc Zook
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Priya Duggal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Shobha Mohapatra
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRGCARE), Chennai, India
| | - Saravanan Shanmugam
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRGCARE), Chennai, India
| | | | - Muniratnam S Kumar
- YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education (YRGCARE), Chennai, India
| | - Elizabeth Ogburn
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Gregory M Lucas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Sunil S Solomon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
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Hotton A, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Boodram B. Trends in homelessness and injection practices among young urban and suburban people who inject drugs: 1997-2017. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 225:108797. [PMID: 34102506 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among young people who inject drugs (PWID) homelessness is associated with numerous adverse psychosocial and health consequences, including risk of relapse and overdose, psychological distress and suicidality, limited treatment access, and injection practices that increase the risk of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) transmission. Homeless PWID may also be less likely to access sterile syringes through pharmacies or syringe service programs. METHODS This study applied random-effects meta-regression to examine trends over time in injection risk behaviors and homelessness among young PWID in Chicago and surrounding suburban and rural areas using data from 11 studies collected between 1997 and 2017. In addition, subject-level data were pooled to evaluate the effect of homelessness on risk behaviors across all studies using mixed effects logistic and negative binomial regression with random study effects. RESULTS There was a significant increase in homelessness among young PWID over time, consistent with the general population trend of increasing youth homelessness. In mixed-effects regression, homelessness was associated with injection risk behaviors (receptive syringe sharing, syringe mediated sharing, equipment sharing) and exchange sex, though we detected no overall changes in risk behavior over time. CONCLUSIONS Increases over time in homelessness among young PWID highlight a need for research to understand factors contributing to youth homelessness to inform HIV/STI, HCV, and overdose prevention and intervention services for this population.
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Anwar S, El Kharrat E, Bakhoum A, El-Sadr WM, Harris TG. Association of sociodemographic factors with needle sharing and number of sex partners among people who inject drugs in Egypt. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1689-1698. [PMID: 34283695 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1950798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are at a high risk for HIV. We conducted an evaluation of socio-demographic factors associated with injecting and sexual behaviour among PWID who had two or more visits at a drug outreach clinic in Cairo, Egypt from 2013 to 2017. Routinely collected information on socio-demographics and HIV risk behaviours were abstracted from client records. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were conducted to evaluate associations between socio-demographics and HIV risk factors. All PWID who tested HIV-positive at the initial visit were excluded from analyses. PWID who were married were more likely to share needles or syringes in the last month of their baseline visit [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-13.1] as were unemployed PWID [aOR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.5-10.3]. Married PWID were less likely to discontinue sharing needles/syringes [aOR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.8] as were those living outside of the Shobra, downtown, and Imbabah districts within Greater Cairo [aOR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1-0.5]. No significant associations were found between socio-demographics and number of sex partners in the six months prior to the initial visit. At follow-up visit, 4.4% tested HIV-positive for an incidence rate of 3.9 per 100 person years. Sociodemographic factors should be considered when designing preventive services for PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakia Anwar
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany G Harris
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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145
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Shelby T, Zhou X, Barber D, Altice F. Acceptability of an mHealth App That Provides Harm Reduction Services Among People Who Inject Drugs: Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25428. [PMID: 34259640 PMCID: PMC8319773 DOI: 10.2196/25428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Harm reduction services reduce the negative consequences of drug injection and are often embedded within syringe service programs (SSPs). However, people who inject drugs (PWID) suboptimally engage with such services because of stigma, fear, transportation restrictions, and limited hours of operation. Mobile health (mHealth) apps may provide an opportunity to overcome these barriers and extend the reach of SSPs beyond that of the traditional brick-and-mortar models. Objective This study aims to assess the prevalence of smartphone ownership, the level of comfort in providing the personal information required to use mHealth apps, and interest in using an mHealth app to access harm reduction services among PWID to guide the development of an app. Methods We administered a survey to 115 PWID who were enrolled via respondent-driven sampling from July 2018 to July 2019. We examined the extent to which PWID had access to smartphones; were comfortable in providing personal information such as name, email, and address; and expressed interest in various app-based services. We measured participant characteristics (demographics, health status, and behaviors) and used binary logistic and Poisson regressions to identify independent correlates of mHealth-related variables. The primary regression outcomes included summary scores for access, comfort, and interest. The secondary outcomes included binary survey responses for individual comfort or interest components. Results Most participants were White (74/105, 70.5%), male (78/115, 67.8%), and middle-aged (mean=41.7 years), and 67.9% (74/109) owned a smartphone. Participants reported high levels of comfort in providing personal information to use an mHealth app, including name (96/109, 88.1%), phone number (92/109, 84.4%), email (85/109, 77.9%), physical address (85/109, 77.9%), and linkage to medical records (72/109, 66.1%). Participants also reported strong interest in app-based services, including medication or sterile syringe delivery (100/110, 90.9%), lab or appointment scheduling (90/110, 81.8%), medication reminders (77/110, 70%), educational material (65/110, 59.1%), and group communication forums (64/110, 58.2%). Most participants were comfortable with the idea of home delivery of syringes (93/109, 85.3%). Homeless participants had lower access to smartphones (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.46; P=.001), but no other participant characteristics were associated with primary outcomes. Among secondary outcomes, recent SSP use was positively associated with comfort with the home delivery of syringes (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 1.04-10.3 P=.04), and being older than 50 years was associated with an increased interest in educational materials (AOR 4.64, 95% CI 1.31-16.5; P=.02) and group communication forums (AOR 3.69, 95% CI 1.10-12.4; P=.04). Conclusions Our findings suggest that aside from those experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, PWID broadly have access to smartphones, are comfortable with sharing personal information, and express interest in a wide array of services within an app. Given the suboptimal access to and use of SSPs among PWID, an mHealth app has a high potential to address the harm reduction needs of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Shelby
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xin Zhou
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Douglas Barber
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Frederick Altice
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Centre of Excellence on Research on AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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146
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Valerio H, Alavi M, Silk D, Treloar C, Martinello M, Milat A, Dunlop A, Holden J, Henderson C, Amin J, Read P, Marks P, Degenhardt L, Hayllar J, Reid D, Gorton C, Lam T, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Progress Towards Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in Australia: The ETHOS Engage Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e69-e78. [PMID: 32421194 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluating progress towards hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is critical. This study estimated prevalence of current HCV infection and HCV treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia. METHODS The Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings Engage is an observational study of PWID attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs (NSPs). Participants completed a questionnaire including self-reported treatment history and underwent point-of-care HCV RNA testing (Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick; Cepheid). RESULTS Between May 2018 and September 2019, 1443 participants were enrolled (64% injected drugs in the last month, 74% receiving opioid agonist therapy [OAT]). HCV infection status was uninfected (28%), spontaneous clearance (16%), treatment-induced clearance (32%), and current infection (24%). Current HCV was more likely among people who were homeless (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.16), incarcerated in the previous year (2.04; 1.38-3.02), and those injecting drugs daily or more (2.26; 1.43-2.42). Among those with previous chronic or current HCV, 66% (n = 520/788) reported HCV treatment. In adjusted analysis, HCV treatment was lower among females (.68; .48-.95), participants who were homeless (.59; .38-.96), and those injecting daily or more (.51; .31-.89). People aged ≥45 years (1.46; 1.06-2.01) and people receiving OAT (2.62; 1.52-4.51) were more likely to report HCV treatment. CONCLUSIONS Unrestricted direct-acting antiviral therapy access in Australia has yielded high treatment uptake among PWID attending drug treatment and NSPs, with a marked decline in HCV prevalence. To achieve elimination, PWID with greater marginalization may require additional support and tailored strategies to enhance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Milat
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian Dunlop
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jo Holden
- Population Health Strategy and Performance, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy Hayllar
- Alcohol and Drug Service, Metro North Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Reid
- The Orana Centre, Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Gorton
- Cairns Sexual Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thao Lam
- Drug Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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147
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Goutzamanis S, Spelman T, Harney B, Dietze P, Stoove M, Higgs P, Thompson A, Doyle JS, Hellard M. Patient-reported outcomes of the Treatment and Prevention Study: A real-world community-based trial of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1068-1077. [PMID: 33880820 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The impact of hepatitis C cure with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in community settings remains unclear. We aimed to assess changes in PROs over time and whether treatment was associated with sustained improved PROs in a cohort of people who inject drugs. This study is a sub-analysis of the Treatment and Prevention Study, a nurse-led trial where people who inject drugs and their injecting partners were recruited in a community setting, in Melbourne, Australia. Three participant groups were characterized: treatment, untreated and non-viremic (hepatitis C RNA negative at screening). PROs included assessment of health-related quality of life using the Short Form-8 (SF-8) Survey and life satisfaction using Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). PROs were measured at baseline and every 12 weeks until week 84. Generalized estimating equations were used to measure whether treatment was associated with longitudinal PRO change. A total of 215 participants were included in this analysis. PWI scores were significantly higher at week 12 for both treatment group (p = 0.0309) and non-viremic group (p = 0.0437) compared to baseline. However, treatment was not associated with longitudinal change in PRO scores. In conclusion, we found DAA treatment did not significantly improve PRO scores compared to those not receiving treatment and without hepatitis C. The measures used in this study may not be sensitive enough to capture the hepatitis C specific improvements in quality of life that treatment affords or factors other than treatment may be influencing quality of life scores in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Timothy Spelman
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Brendan Harney
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Stoove
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Joseph S Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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148
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Jin H, Restar A, Beyrer C. Overview of the epidemiological conditions of HIV among key populations in Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24 Suppl 3:e25716. [PMID: 34190412 PMCID: PMC8242974 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extraordinary progress in HIV treatment coverage and expanding access to HIV prevention services and that multiple African countries are on track in their efforts to reach 90-90-90 goals, the epidemic continues to persist, with prevalence and incidence rates too high in some parts of the continent to achieve epidemic control. While data sources are improving, and research studies on key populations in specific contexts have improved, work on understanding the HIV burdens and barriers to services for these populations remains sparse, uneven and absent altogether in multiple settings. More data have become available in the last several years, and data published in 2010 or more recently are reviewed here for each key population. This scoping review assesses the current epidemiology of HIV among key populations in Africa and the social and political environments that contribute to the epidemic, both of which suggest that without significant policy reform, these epidemics will likely continue. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Across Africa, the HIV epidemic is most severe among key populations including women and men who sell or trade sex, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender women who have sex with men and prisoners and detainees. These groups account for the majority of new infections in West and Central Africa, and an estimated 25% of new infections in East and Southern Africa, despite representing relatively small proportions of those populations. The HIV literature in Africa emphasizes that despite significant health needs, key populations experience barriers to accessing services within the healthcare and legal justice systems. Current shortcomings of surveillance systems in enumerating key populations impact the way funding mechanisms and resources are allocated and distributed. Adapting more equitable and epidemiologically sound frameworks will be necessary for current and future HIV programming investments. CONCLUSIONS Through this review, the available literature on HIV epidemiology among key populations in Africa brings to light a number of surveillance, programmatic and research gaps. For many communities, interventions targeting the health and security conditions continue to be minimal. Compelling evidence suggests that sweeping policy and programmatic changes are needed to effectively tackle the persistent HIV epidemic in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Jin
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Arjee Restar
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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149
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Young AM, Livingston M, Vickers-Smith R, Cooper HLF. Emergence of wasp dope in rural Appalachian Kentucky. Addiction 2021; 116:1901-1907. [PMID: 33063438 PMCID: PMC8046840 DOI: 10.1111/add.15291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent reports have highlighted the emergence of 'wasp dope' as an issue of concern, but epidemiological evidence is lacking. Wasp dope is a crystalline substance created by electrifying pyrethroid-containing insecticides (e.g. wasp sprays) that may give users a methamphetamine-like 'rush'. This paper describes wasp dope use and correlates of use in a sample of people who use drugs (PWUD) in Appalachian Kentucky, a region that has been an epicenter of opioid use and related harms in the United States. METHODS Respondent-driven sampling and targeted street outreach were used to recruit PWUD. Eligibility criteria included being aged at least 18 years, residing in one of five Appalachian Kentucky counties, and having either used opioids or injected any drug to get high in the prior 30 days. Interviewer-administered surveys queried participants' (n = 278) recent (past 6 months) wasp dope use, other substance use and demographic characteristics. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using generalized estimating equations assuming a Poisson outcome distribution in a cross-sectional analysis. RESULTS Recent wasp dope use was reported by 16.1% of participants. Men and people who recently experienced homelessness and transportation difficulties were twice or more as likely to have used wasp dope compared with their counterparts [PR = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11, 3.87, PR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.64, 4.72 and PR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.06-3.81, respectively]. While wasp dope use was associated with injection drug use and using opioids and other substances to get high in unadjusted analyses, the factor most strongly associated with wasp dope use was methamphetamine use (PR = 17.23, 95% CI = 2.57, 115.61), specifically methamphetamine injection (PR = 4.47, 95% CI = 1.56, 12.78). CONCLUSIONS Among people who use drugs in rural Kentucky, USA, more than one in six people surveyed reported using wasp dope in the past 6 months, nearing the percentage using cocaine/crack (20%) and fentanyl/carfentanil (25%). Wasp dope use was higher among men and strongly associated with homelessness, transportation access, methamphetamine use and injection drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Melvin Livingston
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rachel Vickers-Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky,School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Hannah LF Cooper
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
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150
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Generaal E, Logtenberg van der Grient H, Schatz E, van Santen DK, Boyd A, Woods SK, Baak BLC, Prins M. A Feasibility Study to Increase Chronic Hepatitis C Virus RNA Testing and Linkage to Care among Clients Attending Homeless Services in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11071197. [PMID: 34209440 PMCID: PMC8306529 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11071197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and are frequently homeless. To improve HCV case finding in these individuals, we examined the feasibility of rapid HCV RNA testing in homeless services in Amsterdam. In 2020, we provided a comprehensive service to homeless facilities, which included workshops on HCV for personnel, a “hepatitis ambassador” at each facility, a rapid, onsite HCV RNA fingerstick test service, and assistance with linkage to care. Risk factors for HCV RNA-positive status were examined using Bayesian logistic regression. Of the 152 participants enrolled, 150 (87% men; median age: 47 years) accepted rapid HCV testing. Seven tested HCV RNA positive (4.7%, 95%CrI = 1.31–8.09; 7/150). Of these, five (71%) were linked to care, of whom four (57%, 4/7) initiated treatment and one (14%, 1/7) delayed treatment due to a drug–drug interaction. Of these four people, two completed treatment (50%), of whom one (25%) achieved sustained virologic response after 12 weeks. HCV RNA-positive individuals were more likely to originate from Eastern Europe (posterior-odds ratio (OR) = 3.59 (95% credible interval (CrI) = 1.27–10.04)) and to inject drugs (ever: posterior-OR = 3.89 (95% CrI = 1.37–11.09); recent: posterior-OR = 3.94 (95% CrI = 1.29–11.71)). We identified HCV RNA-positive individuals and linkage to care was relatively high. Screening in homeless services with rapid testing is feasible and could improve HCV case finding for PWID who do not regularly attend primary care or other harm reduction services for people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Generaal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.K.v.S.); (A.B.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)20-555-5043
| | | | - Eberhard Schatz
- De Regenboog Groep, 1013 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (H.L.v.d.G.); (E.S.)
| | - Daniela K. van Santen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.K.v.S.); (A.B.); (M.P.)
- Disease Elimination Programs, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.K.v.S.); (A.B.); (M.P.)
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bert L. C. Baak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, OLVG Hospital, 1091 AC Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.K.v.S.); (A.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity (AII), University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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