51
|
Acceptability of an Opioid Relapse Prevention Text-message Intervention for Emergency Department Patients. J Addict Med 2018; 11:475-482. [PMID: 28858888 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether a text message-based relapse prevention intervention (Preventing and Interrupting Early Relapse [PIER]1) is acceptable to treatment-seeking adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) after Emergency Department (ED) discharge using mixed-methods design. METHODS Adults seeking care in an urban ED for OUD (n = 20; mean age 22; 55% female; 75% white race) completed a baseline survey, and were invited to enroll in PIER1, which was delivered in 7-day blocks, with the option to re-enroll at the end of each block, up to 4 blocks. PIER1 included a morning "push" message focused on positive thinking, adaptive coping feedback tailored to twice-daily assessments of craving severity and contextual correlates of craving, and end-of-day feedback on daily opioid use and goal commitment. Participants were asked to complete a follow-up phone interview after the first 7 days of PIER1. Transcripts were thematically coded. RESULTS Seventeen out of 20 participants enrolled in PIER1. In the first 7 days, response rates to text-message assessments averaged 30%. Ten out of 17 participants re-enrolled after 7 days. Main themes from follow-up interviews (n = 9) included ease of use, social connection, and self-empowerment. Participants desired more personalized support and the ability to communicate through text messaging with another person about their struggles. Event-level data suggest that higher craving severity increased risk of opioid lapses. CONCLUSIONS In this mixed-methods intervention development study, we found conflicting evidence supporting an automated text-message intervention providing relapse prevention support for treatment-seeking individuals with OUD discharged from the ED. Qualitative feedback suggests that PIER1 could be useful and acceptability enhanced through personalized human support.
Collapse
|
52
|
Bazazi AR, Wickersham JA, Wegman MP, Culbert GJ, Pillai V, Shrestha R, Al-Darraji H, Copenhaver MM, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Design and implementation of a factorial randomized controlled trial of methadone maintenance therapy and an evidence-based behavioral intervention for incarcerated people living with HIV and opioid dependence in Malaysia. Contemp Clin Trials 2017; 59:1-12. [PMID: 28479216 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Incarcerated people living with HIV and opioid dependence face enormous challenges to accessing evidence-based treatment during incarceration and after release into the community, placing them at risk of poor HIV treatment outcomes, relapse to opioid use and accompanying HIV transmission risk behaviors. Here we describe in detail the design and implementation of Project Harapan, a prospective clinical trial conducted among people living with HIV and opioid dependence who transitioned from prison to the community in Malaysia from 2010 to 2014. This trial involved 2 interventions: within-prison initiation of methadone maintenance therapy and an evidence-based behavioral intervention adapted to the Malaysian context (the Holistic Health Recovery Program for Malaysia, HHRP-M). Individuals were recruited and received the interventions while incarcerated and were followed for 12months after release to assess post-release HIV transmission risk behaviors and a range of other health-related outcomes. Project Harapan was designed as a fully randomized 2×2 factorial trial where individuals would be allocated in equal proportions to methadone maintenance therapy and HHRP-M, methadone maintenance therapy alone, HHRP-M alone, or control. Partway through study implementation, allocation to methadone maintenance therapy was changed from randomization to participant choice; randomization to HHRP-M continued throughout. We describe the justification for this study; the development and implementation of these interventions; changes to the protocol; and screening, enrollment, treatment receipt, and retention of study participants. Logistical, ethical, and analytic issues associated with the implementation of this study are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Bazazi
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; University Malaya, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Martin P Wegman
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Health Outcomes and Policy, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gabriel J Culbert
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Health Systems Science, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Veena Pillai
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; University Malaya, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Roman Shrestha
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Department of Community Medicine & Health Care, Farmington, CT, USA; University of Connecticut, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Haider Al-Darraji
- University Malaya, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Centre for International Health, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michael M Copenhaver
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Department of Health Systems Science, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; University Malaya, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; University Malaya, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Wegman MP, Altice FL, Kaur S, Rajandaran V, Osornprasop S, Wilson D, Wilson DP, Kamarulzaman A. Relapse to opioid use in opioid-dependent individuals released from compulsory drug detention centres compared with those from voluntary methadone treatment centres in Malaysia: a two-arm, prospective observational study. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e198-e207. [PMID: 27964869 PMCID: PMC5657487 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(16)30303-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detention of people who use drugs into compulsory drug detention centres (CDDCs) is common throughout East and Southeast Asia. Evidence-based pharmacological therapies for treating substance use disorders, such as opioid agonist treatments with methadone, are generally unavailable in these settings. We used a unique opportunity where CDDCs coexisted with voluntary drug treatment centres (VTCs) providing methadone in Malaysia to compare the timing and occurrence of opioid relapse (measured using urine drug testing) in individuals transitioning from CDDCs versus methadone maintenance in VTCs. METHODS We did a parallel, two-arm, prospective observational study of opioid-dependent individuals aged 18 years and older who were treated in Malaysia in the Klang Valley in two settings: CDDCs and VTCs. We used sequential sampling to recruit individuals. Assessed individuals in CDDCs were required to participate in services such as counselling sessions and manual labour. Assessed individuals in VTCs could voluntarily access many of the components available in CDDCs, in addition to methadone therapy. We undertook urinary drug tests and behavioural interviews to assess individuals at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-release. The primary outcome was time to opioid relapse post-release in the community confirmed by urinary drug testing in individuals who had undergone baseline interviewing and at least one urine drug test (our analytic sample). Relapse rates between the groups were compared using time-to-event methods. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02698098). FINDINGS Between July 17, 2012, and August 21, 2014, we screened 168 CDDC attendees and 113 VTC inpatients; of these, 89 from CDDCs and 95 from VTCs were included in our analytic sample. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. In unadjusted analyses, CDDC participants had significantly more rapid relapse to opioid use post-release compared with VTC participants (median time to relapse 31 days [IQR 26-32] vs 352 days [256-unestimable], log rank test, p<0·0001). VTC participants had an 84% (95% CI 75-90) decreased risk of opioid relapse after adjustment for control variables and inverse propensity of treatment weights. Time-varying effect modelling revealed the largest hazard ratio reduction, at 91% (95% CI 83-96), occurs during the first 50 days in the community. INTERPRETATION Opioid-dependent individuals in CDDCs are significantly more likely to relapse to opioid use after release, and sooner, than those treated with evidence-based treatments such as methadone, suggesting that CDDCs have no role in the treatment of opioid-use disorders. FUNDING The World Bank Group, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Australian National Health & Medical Research Council, National Institute of Mental Health, and the University of Malaya-Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education High Impact Research Grant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Wegman
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | - Vanesa Rajandaran
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Polonsky M, Rozanova J, Azbel L, Bachireddy C, Izenberg J, Kiriazova T, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Attitudes Toward Addiction, Methadone Treatment, and Recovery Among HIV-Infected Ukrainian Prisoners Who Inject Drugs: Incarceration Effects and Exploration of Mediators. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2950-2960. [PMID: 27011378 PMCID: PMC5035551 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we use data from a survey conducted in Ukraine among 196 HIV-infected people who inject drugs, to explore attitudes toward drug addiction and methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), and intentions to change drug use during incarceration and after release from prison. Two groups were recruited: Group 1 (n = 99) was currently incarcerated and Group 2 (n = 97) had been recently released from prison. This paper's key finding is that MMT treatment and addiction recovery were predominantly viewed as mutually exclusive processes. Group comparisons showed that participants in Group 1 (pre-release) exhibited higher optimism about changing their drug use, were less likely to endorse methadone, and reported higher intention to recover from their addiction. Group 2 participants (post-release), however, reported higher rates of HIV stigma. Structural equation modeling revealed that in both groups, optimism about recovery and awareness of addiction mediated the effect of drug addiction severity on intentions to recover from their addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Polonsky
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julia Rozanova
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lyuba Azbel
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Jacob Izenberg
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Sergii Dvoryak
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Frederick L. Altice
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Factors associated with physical and sexual violence by police among people who inject drugs in Ukraine: implications for retention on opioid agonist therapy. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20897. [PMID: 27435717 PMCID: PMC4951533 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.20897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ukraine's volatile HIV epidemic, one of the largest in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, remains concentrated in people who inject drugs (PWID). HIV prevalence is high (21.3% to 41.8%) among the estimated 310,000 PWID. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is the most cost-effective HIV prevention strategy there, yet OAT services are hampered by negative attitudes and frequent harassment of OAT clients and site personnel by law enforcement. This paper examines the various types of police violence that Ukrainian PWID experience and factors associated with the different types of violence, as well as the possible implications of police harassment on OAT retention. Methods In 2014 to 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in five Ukrainian cities with 1613 PWID currently, previously and never on OAT, using a combination of respondent-driven sampling, as well as random sampling. We analysed correlates of police violence by multiple factors, including by gender, and their effects on duration of OAT retention. Self-reported physical and sexual violence by police were the two primary outcomes, while retention on OAT was used as a secondary outcome. Results Overall, 1033 (64.0%) PWID reported being physically assaulted by police, which was positively correlated with currently or previously being on OAT (69.1% vs. 60.2%; p<0.01). HIV prevalence rates were higher in those receiving OAT than those not on OAT (47.6% vs. 36.1%; p<0.01). Police violence experiences differed by sex, with men experiencing significantly more physical violence, while women experienced more sexual violence (65.9% vs. 42.6%; p<0.01). For PWID who had successfully accessed OAT, longer OAT retention was significantly correlated both with sexual assault by police and fewer non-fatal overdoses. Conclusions Police violence is a frequent experience among PWID in Ukraine, particularly for those accessing OAT, an evidence-based primary and secondary HIV prevention strategy. Police violence experiences, however, were different for men and women, and interventions with police that address these sexual differences and focus on non-violent interactions with PWID to improve access and retention on OAT are crucial for improving HIV prevention and treatment goals for Ukraine.
Collapse
|
56
|
Police, Law Enforcement and HIV. J Int AIDS Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.21260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
|
57
|
Mukherjee TI, Wickersham JA, Desai MM, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Factors associated with interest in receiving prison-based methadone maintenance therapy in Malaysia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 164:120-127. [PMID: 27207155 PMCID: PMC5592792 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is crucial for HIV prevention and treatment in people who inject opioids. In Malaysia, a large proportion of the prison population is affected by both HIV and opioid use disorders. This study assessed individual preferences and factors associated with interest in receiving MMT among male prisoners meeting criteria for opioid dependence in Malaysia. METHODS A convenience sample of 96 HIV-positive and 104 HIV-negative incarcerated men who met pre-incarceration criteria for opioid dependence was interviewed using a structured questionnaire to examine participant characteristics and attitudes toward MMT. Factors associated with interest in prison-based MMT initiation were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Among all participants, 85 (42.5%) were interested in receiving MMT within prison. Independent correlates of interest in prison-based MMT were being previously married (AOR=4.15, 95% CI: 1.15, 15.02), previously incarcerated (AOR=5.68, 95% CI: 1.54, 21.02), depression (AOR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.68, 7.98), daily heroin use in the 30days prior to incarceration (AOR=5.53, 95% CI: 1.65, 18.58), and more favorable attitudes toward MMT (AOR=19.82, 95% CI: 6.07, 64.74). CONCLUSIONS Overall, interest in receiving prison-based MMT was low, and was associated with adverse social, mental health, and drug use consequences. Incarceration provides a unique opportunity to initiate MMT for those who need it, however, optimal scale-up efforts must be systemic and address modifiable factors like improving attitudes toward and motivation for MMT. Informed or shared decision-making tools may be useful in improving expectations and acceptability of MMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trena I. Mukherjee
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mayur M. Desai
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veena Pillai
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L. Altice
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA,Corresponding author at: Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT, USA., (F.L. Altice)
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Wickersham JA, Azar MM, Cannon CM, Altice FL, Springer SA. Validation of a Brief Measure of Opioid Dependence: The Rapid Opioid Dependence Screen (RODS). JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2015; 21:12-26. [PMID: 25559628 PMCID: PMC4435561 DOI: 10.1177/1078345814557513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Rapid Opioid Dependence Screen (RODS) is an 8-item measure of opioid dependence designed for quick, targeted screening in clinical and research settings. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, criteria, the RODS has an average administration of less than 2 minutes and can easily be administered as a stand-alone instrument or as part of a comprehensive interview. This study reports on the initial validation of the RODS among a sample of 97 newly incarcerated, HIV-positive individuals. Using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview as the primary measure of opioid dependence, the RODS showed good-to-strong sensitivity (.97), specificity (.76), positive predictive value (.69), and negative predictive value (.98), while concordance analysis revealed moderate diagnostic agreement (κ = .67). Psychometric properties revealed strong internal consistency (α = .92) and inter-item correlations (.66 to .87).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marwan M Azar
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA Yale University School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sandra A Springer
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Design and methods of a double blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of extended-release naltrexone for HIV-infected, opioid dependent prisoners and jail detainees who are transitioning to the community. Contemp Clin Trials 2014; 39:256-68. [PMID: 25240704 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with opioid dependence and HIV are concentrated within criminal justice settings (CJS). Upon release, however, drug relapse is common and contributes to poor HIV treatment outcomes, increased HIV transmission risk, reincarceration and mortality. Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is an evidence-based treatment for opioid dependence, yet is not routinely available for CJS populations. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of XR-NTX for HIV-infected inmates transitioning from correctional to community settings is underway to assess its impact on HIV and opioid-relapse outcomes. RESULTS We describe the methods and early acceptability of this trial. In addition we provide protocol details to safely administer XR-NTX near community release and describe logistical implementation issues identified. Study acceptability was modest, with 132 (66%) persons who consented to participate from 199 total referrals. Overall, 79% of the participants had previously received opioid agonist treatment before this incarceration. Thus far, 65 (49%) of those agreeing to participate in the trial have initiated XR-NTX or placebo. Of the 134 referred patients who ultimately did not receive a first injection, the main reasons included a preference for an alternative opioid agonist treatment (37%), being ineligible (32%), not yet released (10%), and lost upon release before receiving their injection (14%). CONCLUSIONS Study findings should provide high internal validity about HIV and opioid treatment outcomes for HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community. The large number of patients who ultimately did not receive the study medication may raise external validity concerns due to XR-NTX acceptability and interest in opioid agonist treatments. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT01246401.
Collapse
|
60
|
Izenberg JM, Bachireddy C, Wickersham JA, Soule M, Kiriazova T, Dvoriak S, Altice FL. Within-prison drug injection among HIV-infected Ukrainian prisoners: prevalence and correlates of an extremely high-risk behaviour. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2014; 25:845-52. [PMID: 24951025 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ukraine, HIV-infection, injection drug use, and incarceration are syndemic; however, few services are available to incarcerated people who inject drugs (PWIDs). While data are limited internationally, within-prison drug injection (WP-DI) appears widespread and may pose significant challenges in countries like Ukraine, where PWIDs contribute heavily to HIV incidence. To date, WP-DI has not been specifically examined among HIV-infected prisoners, the only persons that can transmit HIV. METHODS A convenience sample of 97 HIV-infected adults recently released from prison within 1-12 months was recruited in two major Ukrainian cities. Post-release surveys inquired about WP-DI and injection equipment sharing, as well as current and prior drug use and injection, mental health, and access to within-prison treatment for HIV and other comorbidities. Logistic regression identified independent correlates of WP-DI. RESULTS Complete data for WP-DI were available for 95 (97.9%) respondents. Overall, 54 (56.8%) reported WP-DI, among whom 40 (74.1%) shared injecting equipment with a mean of 4.4 (range 0-30) other injectors per needle/syringe. Independent correlates of WP-DI were recruitment in Kyiv (AOR 7.46, p=0.003), male gender (AOR 22.07, p=0.006), and active pre-incarceration opioid use (AOR 8.66, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS Among these recently released HIV-infected prisoners, WP-DI and injection equipment sharing were frequent and involved many injecting partners per needle/syringe. The overwhelming majority of respondents reporting WP-DI used opioids both before and after incarceration, suggesting that implementation of evidence-based harm reduction practices, such as opioid substitution therapy and/or needle/syringe exchange programmes within prison, is crucial to addressing continuing HIV transmission among PWIDs within prison settings. The positive correlation between Kyiv site and WP-DI suggests that additional structural interventions may be useful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Izenberg
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chethan Bachireddy
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Soule
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tetiana Kiriazova
- Future Without AIDS Foundation, Odessa, Ukraine; Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Sergii Dvoriak
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale University School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|