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Enns EA, Reilly CS, Horvath KJ, Baker-James K, Henry K. HIV Care Trajectories as a Novel Longitudinal Assessment of Retention in Care. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2532-2541. [PMID: 30852729 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Consistent engagement in care is associated with positive health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, traditional retention measures ignore the evolving dynamics of engagement in care. To understand the longitudinal patterns of HIV care, we analyzed medical records from 2008 to 2015 of PLWH ≥ 18 years-old receiving care at a public, hospital-based HIV clinic (N = 2110). Using latent class analysis, we identified five distinct care trajectory classes: (1) consistent care (N = 1281); (2) less frequent care (N = 270); (3) return to care after initial attrition (N = 192); (4) moderate attrition (N = 163); and (5) rapid attrition (N = 204). The majority of PLWH in Class 1 (73.9%) had achieved sustained viral suppression (viral load ≤ 200 copies/mL at last test and > 12 months prior) by study end. Among the other care classes, there was substantial variation in sustained viral suppression (61.1% in Class 2 to 3.4% in Class 5). Care trajectories could be used to prioritize re-engagement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva A Enns
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St. SE, MMC 729, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Cavan S Reilly
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Karen Baker-James
- Best Practices Integrated Informatics Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Keith Henry
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Wilkerson JM, Noor SW, Rhoton JM, Li D, Rosser BRS. Differentially classified methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men: A latent class analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 192:129-136. [PMID: 30248559 PMCID: PMC6746229 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Substance use interventions for methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men (MSM) are limited by the assumption that they are a uniform group. We hypothesized that an LCA would identify distinct patterns of substance use and demographic and psychosocial variables associated with different substance-using groups would aid in understanding distinctions. Using cross-sectional data from 343 methamphetamine-using MSM, we conducted an LCA to model the patterns of polysubstance use then examined how the classes varied on psychosocial variables defined by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model. FINDINGS Because we were interested in identifying patterns of polysubstance use (PSU) among our sample, we identified four classes: minimal PSU, marijuana PSU, cocaine/hallucinogens PSU, and designer drugs/heroin PSU. Men in the marijuana PSU class were less likely to have positive attitudes towards methamphetamine than participants in the other three classes. Men in the Cocaine and Hallucinogens PSU class were more likely to have higher PANAS scores (OR = 13.00 [3.25, 52.07]) compared to the other classes, and they were more likely to have higher self-efficacy to enact safer substance use strategies (OR = 10.72 [3.23, 35.47]). MSM in the Designer Drug and Heroin PSU class were more likely to have a diagnosis of Hepatitis B (OR = 4.07 [0.86, 19.36] despite having higher knowledge of sexual health practices (OR = 0.55 [0.36, 0.84]. CONCLUSIONS Differential classification for methamphetamine-using MSM suggests an opportunity for tailored interventions and secondary prevention programs. By understanding how men vary on illicit substance use, interventionists can routinely screen and link men before they potentially progress to another classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Michael Wilkerson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St #1200, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Syed W. Noor
- Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Jayson M. Rhoton
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin St #1200, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dennis Li
- Northwestern University, 633 Clark St., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - B. R. Simon Rosser
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Understanding health decision making: An exploration of homophily. Soc Sci Med 2018; 214:118-124. [PMID: 30172920 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon of homophily first was described in Lazarsfeld and Merton's classic 1954 friendship analysis as a tendency for friendships to form between those who are alike in some respect. Although theories of decision making address a host of factors that affect the process, the influence of individuals with homophilic ties remains unaccounted for and unexplained. The purpose of this paper is to review theories relevant to decision making and describe what is known about the relationship between homophily and health care decision making. Further, we provide new evidence suggesting the influence of homophily on decision making in results from a randomized, multi-center clinical trial of American men with localized prostate cancer. A diverse sample of 293 men with a new diagnosis of localized prostate cancer reported relevant personal factors influencing the care management decision before randomization to a decision aid or usual care, between 2013 and 2015. Among these personal factors were the level of influence or importance ascribed to various individuals at the time of the treatment decision. One month later, participants reported how prepared they were for decision making. 123 men (42%) reported friends and/or coworkers as information sources, of which 65 (53%) indicated that friends and/or coworkers influenced the care decision. Men who reported friends/coworkers as information sources had significantly higher one-month preparation scores. Our review of decision making theories and practical applicability suggests the influence of homophilic relationships manifests in health care decision making. Faced with a list of options to manage health conditions, decision makers turn to known individuals in their environments, particularly those individuals with whom the decision maker can identify. Clinicians may solicit information from patients about influential others and explain how that support fits into the health decision at hand without dishonoring the importance of the homophilic relationship.
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Hautala D, Abadie R, Thrash C, Reyes JC, Dombrowski K. Latent Risk Subtypes Based on Injection and Sexual Behavior Among People Who Inject Drugs in Rural Puerto Rico. J Rural Health 2018; 34:236-245. [PMID: 28880420 PMCID: PMC5842093 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) in Puerto Rico engage in high levels of injection and sexual risk behavior, and they are at high risk for HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) infection, relative to their US counterparts. Less is known, however, about the clustering of risk behavior conducive to HIV and HCV infection among rural Puerto Rican communities. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine concurrent injection and sexual risk subtypes among a rural sample of PWID in Puerto Rico. METHODS Data were drawn from a respondent-driven sample collected in 2015 of 315 PWID in 4 rural communities approximately 30-40 miles from San Juan. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to examine risk subtypes using 3 injection and 3 sexual risk indicators. In addition, demographic and other PWID characteristics were examined as possible predictors of latent class membership. RESULTS Four LCA subtypes were identified: low risk (36%), high injection/low sexual risk (22%), low injection/high sexual risk (20%), and high risk (22%). Younger age and past year homelessness predicted high risk latent class membership, relative to the other classes. In addition, daily speedball use predicted membership in the high injection/low sexual risk class, relative to the low risk and low injection/high sexual risk classes. CONCLUSION/IMPORTANCE The findings suggest ways in which PWID risk clusters can be identified for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dane Hautala
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Roberto Abadie
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Courtney Thrash
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Juan Carlos Reyes
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Kirk Dombrowski
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Budambula V, Matoka C, Ouma J, Ahmed AA, Otieno MF, Were T. Socio-demographic and sexual practices associated with HIV infection in Kenyan injection and non-injection drug users. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:193. [PMID: 29378631 PMCID: PMC5789578 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5100-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substance use is increasingly becoming prevalent on the African continent, fueling the spread of HIV infection. Although socio-demographic factors influence substance consumption and risk of HIV infection, the association of these factors with HIV infection is poorly understood among substance users on the African continent. The objective of the study was to assess socio-demographic and sexual practices that are associated with HIV infection among injection drug users (IDUs), non-IDUs, and non-drug users (DUs) at an urban setting of coastal Kenya. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 451 adults comprising HIV-infected and -uninfected IDUs (n = 157 and 39); non-IDUs (n = 17 and 48); and non-DUs (n = 55 and 135); respectively at coastal, Kenya. Respondent driven sampling, snowball and makeshift methods were used to enroll IDUs and non-IDUs. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to enroll non-DUs from the hospital’s voluntary HIV testing unit. Participant assisted questionnaire was used in collecting socio-demographic data and sexual practices. Results Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that higher likelihood of HIV infection was associated with sex for police protection (OR, 9.526; 95% CI, 1.156-78.528; P = 0.036) and history of sexually transmitted infection (OR, 5.117; 95% CI, 1.924-13.485; P = 0.001) in IDUs; divorced, separated or widowed marital status (OR, 6.315; 95% CI, 1.334-29.898; P = 0.020) in non-IDUs; and unemployment (OR, 2.724; 95% CI, 1.049-7.070; P = 0.040) in non-drug users. However, never married (single) marital status (OR, 0.140; 95% CI, 0.030-0.649; P = 0.012) was associated with lower odds for HIV infection in non-drug users. Conclusion Altogether, these results suggest that socio-demographic and sexual risk factors for HIV transmission differ with drug use status, suggesting targeted preventive measures for drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Budambula
- Department of Environment and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, P. O. Box 90420-80100, Mombasa, Kenya.
| | - Charles Matoka
- Department of Applied Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, P. O. Box 90420-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - James Ouma
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Kabianga, P. O. Box 2030-20200, Kericho, Kenya
| | | | - Michael F Otieno
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tom Were
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya.
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Jacka B, Bray B, Applegate TL, Marshall BDL, Lima VD, Hayashi K, DeBeck K, Raghwani J, Harrigan PR, Krajden M, Montaner J, Grebely J. Drug use and phylogenetic clustering of hepatitis C virus infection among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada: A latent class analysis approach. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:28-36. [PMID: 28719060 PMCID: PMC5743579 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study estimated latent classes (ie, unobserved subgroups in a population) of people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada, and examined how these classes relate to phylogenetic clustering of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV antibody-positive people who use drugs from two cohorts in Vancouver, Canada (1996-2012), with a Core-E2 sequence were included. Time-stamped phylogenetic trees were inferred, and phylogenetic clustering was determined by time to most common recent ancestor. Latent classes were estimated, and the association with the phylogenetic clustering outcome was assessed using an inclusive classify/analyse approach. Among 699 HCV RNA-positive participants (26% female, 24% HIV+), recent drug use included injecting cocaine (80%), injecting heroin (70%), injecting cocaine/heroin (ie, speedball, 38%) and crack cocaine smoking (28%). Latent class analysis identified four distinct subgroups of drug use typologies: (i) cocaine injecting, (ii) opioid and cocaine injecting, (iii) crack cocaine smoking and (iv) heroin injecting and currently receiving opioid substitution therapy. After adjusting for age and HIV infection, compared to the group defined by heroin injecting and currently receiving opioid substitution therapy, the odds of phylogenetic cluster membership was greater in the cocaine injecting group (adjusted OR [aOR]: 3.06; 95% CI: 1.73, 5.42) and lower in the crack cocaine smoking group (aOR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.48). Combining latent class and phylogenetic clustering analyses provides novel insights into the complex dynamics of HCV transmission. Incorporating differing risk profiles associated with drug use may provide opportunities to further optimize and target HCV treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Jacka
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Bethany Bray
- The Methodology Center, Pennsylvania University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | | | - Viviane Dias Lima
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC,School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - P Richard Harrigan
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Julio Montaner
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver BC,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW, Australia
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Bohora S, Chaffin M, Shaboltas A, Bonner B, Isurina G, Batluk J, Bard D, Tsvetkova L, Skitnevskaya L, Volkova E, Balachova T. Latent Class Analysis of HIV Risk Behaviors Among Russian Women at Risk for Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:243-252. [PMID: 29047000 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The number of HIV cases attributed to heterosexual contact and the proportion of women among HIV positive individuals has increased worldwide. Russia is a country with the highest rates of newly diagnosed HIV infections in the region, and the infection spreads beyond traditional risk groups. While young women are affected disproportionately, knowledge of HIV risk behaviors in women in the general population remains limited. The objectives of this study were to identify patterns of behaviors that place women of childbearing age at high risk for HIV transmission and determine whether socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol use are predictive of the risk pattern. A total of 708 non-pregnant women, aged between 18 and 44 years, who were at risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy were enrolled in two regions in Russia. Participants completed a structured interview focused on HIV risk behaviors, including risky sexual behavior and alcohol and drug use. Latent class analysis was utilized to examine associations between HIV risk and other demographic and alcohol use characteristics and to identify patterns of risk among women. Three classes were identified. 34.93% of participants were at high risk, combining their risk behaviors, e.g., having multiple sexual partners, with high partner's risk associated with partner's drug use (class I). Despite reporting self-perceived risk for HIV/STI, this class of participants was unlikely to utilize adequate protection (i.e., condom use). The second high risk class included 13.19% of participants who combined their risky sexual behaviors, i.e., multiple sexual partners and having STDs, with partner's risk that included partner's imprisonment and partner's sex with other women (class II). Participants in this class were likely to utilize protection/condoms. Finally, 51.88% of participants were at lower risk, which was associated primarily with their partners' risk, and these participants utilized protection (class III). The odds of being in class I compared with class III were 3.3 (95% CI [1.06, 10.38]) times higher for those women who had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores ≥ 8 than those who had lower scores, and were 3.9 (95% CI [1.69, 8.97]) times higher for those who used alcohol before sex than those who did not. In addition, women who drank more days per week were 1.36 times more likely to be in class II than in class III. The study informs prevention by identifying specific population groups and targets for interventions. Alcohol use is a significant predictor and an overarching factor of HIV risk in women. Since at-risk drinking is common among young Russian women, alcohol risk reduction should be an essential component of HIV prevention efforts.
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Brawner BM, Guthrie B, Stevens R, Taylor L, Eberhart M, Schensul JJ. Place Still Matters: Racial/Ethnic and Geographic Disparities in HIV Transmission and Disease Burden. J Urban Health 2017; 94:716-729. [PMID: 28879489 PMCID: PMC5610132 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-017-0198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neighborhood-level structural interventions are needed to address HIV/AIDS in highly affected areas. To develop these interventions, we need a better understanding of contextual factors that drive the pandemic. We used multinomial logistic regression models to examine the relationship between census tract of current residence and mode of HIV transmission among HIV-positive cases. Compared to the predominantly white high HIV prevalence tract, both the predominantly black high and low HIV prevalence tracts had greater odds of transmission via injection drug use and heterosexual contact than male-to-male sexual contact. After adjusting for current age, gender, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and most recently recorded CD4 count, there was no statistically significant difference in mode of HIV transmission by census tract. However, heterosexual transmission and injection drug use remain key concerns for underserved populations. Blacks were seven times more likely than whites to have heterosexual versus male-to-male sexual contact. Those who had Medicaid or were uninsured (versus private insurance) were 23 and 14 times more likely, respectively, to have injection drug use than male-to-male sexual contact and 10 times more likely to have heterosexual contact than male-to-male sexual contact. These findings can inform larger studies for the development of neighborhood-level structural interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette M Brawner
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 419, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Barbara Guthrie
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robin Stevens
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 419, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lynne Taylor
- Biostatistics Analysis Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Grau LE, Zhan W, Heimer R. Prevention knowledge, risk behaviours and seroprevalence among nonurban injectors of southwest Connecticut. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016; 35:628-36. [PMID: 27073014 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Little is known about injection-associated risk behaviours, knowledge and seroprevalence of viral infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in nonurban locales in the US. Harm reduction services are more available in urban locales. The present study examined a cohort of active PWID residing in non urban areas of Connecticut to investigate how primarily injecting in urban or non urban areas was associated with injection-associated risk behaviours, knowledge and prevalence of blood-borne viruses. DESIGN AND METHODS We described the sample and performed bivariate and multivariable analyses on injection-associated risk behaviours, HIV/hepatitis/overdose knowledge and baseline serological data to identify differences between individuals who injected primarily in nonurban locales and those who did not. RESULTS Harm reduction knowledge and use of harm reduction services were poor in both groups. Those injecting most often in urban settings were 1.88 (1.19, 2.98 95% confidence interval) times more likely to engage in at least one injection-associated risk behaviour than their nonurban counterpart. Seroprevalence rates (23.6% for hepatitis B virus, 39.2% for hepatitis C virus, and 1.1% for HIV) were no different between the two groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The data provided little evidence that the benefits of urban harm reduction programs, such as syringe exchange, risk reduction interventions and education programs have penetrated into this nonurban population, even among those who injected in urban locales where such programs exist. Harm reduction interventions for nonurban communities of PWID are needed to reduce HIV and hepatitis B and C transmission. [Grau LB, Zhan W, Heimer R. Prevention knowledge, risk behaviours and seroprevalence among nonurban injectors of southwest Connecticut. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:628-636].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta E Grau
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA.
| | - Weihai Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA.,Department of Children and Families, Hartford, USA
| | - Robert Heimer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
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Wilkerson JM, Noor SW, Breckenridge ED, Adeboye AA, Rosser BRS. Substance-use and sexual harm reduction strategies of methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men and inject drugs. AIDS Care 2015; 27:1047-54. [PMID: 25837492 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Research indicates that men who have sex with men (MSM), use methamphetamine, and inject drugs are at high risk of HIV infection and they employ multiple harm reduction strategies simultaneously to reduce that risk. In this study, we identified substances most commonly injected and harm reduction strategies most often employed by methamphetamine-using MSM, used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify patterns of harm reduction strategies, and differentiated MSM within each class by individual characteristics. We analyzed data from 284 participants who completed an online cross-sectional survey. Commonly injected substances were methamphetamine (93.70%), gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone (41.55%), flunitrazepam (40.49%), and cocaine (35.56%). The substance-use strategies most often used were avoidance of sharing needles (85.92%) and use of bleach to clean drug paraphernalia (64.08%). The sexual strategy most often used was avoidance of condomless anal intercourse (CAS) while using drugs (77.11%). Using an LCA approach, we identified three classes distinguishable by age, race/ethnicity, and outness. One class (19%) employed lay strategies to reduce harm: they avoided sharing drug preparation equipment, serosorted when sharing needles and equipment or having CAS, and practiced withdrawal when having CAS. The largest class (53%) combined sexual and substance-use strategies: they avoided sharing needles, used bleach to clean needles and equipment, avoided CAS when using drugs, and used extra lubricant when having CAS. The remaining class (28%) employed only substance-use rather than sexual strategies. More MSM of color were in the substance-use class, and more young, non-Hispanic White men were in the lay class. The low utilization of sexual strategies by younger, non-Hispanic White men in the lay class is concerning as they are just as likely as older, non-Hispanic White men in the combined class to have CAS with multiple male partners. Interventionists should consider these differences when developing interventions tailored to methamphetamine-using MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Wilkerson
- a Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health , The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) , Houston , TX , USA
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11
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Using the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System to inform HIV prevention efforts in the United States. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 3:S233-6. [PMID: 24659359 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0738-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system (NHBS) was designed to monitor HIV prevalence and risk factors for infection among higher-risk individuals, i.e., sexually active men who have sex with men who attend venues, injection drug users who injected in the past 12 months, and heterosexuals living in low socioeconomic urban areas. These groups were selected as priorities for behavioral surveillance since they represent the major HIV transmission routes and the populations with the highest HIV burden. NHBS contributes to the nation's program of HIV surveillance by being the only multi-site population-based system that provides estimates on key HIV prevention measures among high-risk HIV-negative individuals, HIV-positive individuals unaware of their infection, and HIV-positive individuals aware of their infection who are in and out of care. Accurate and precise data on the behaviors in these populations are critical for tracking the epidemic, planning effective responses, and monitoring and evaluating those responses. Reports in this supplement illustrate the uses of NHBS data at the national and local level and reflect ongoing efforts to improve the system and remains essential for characterizing and monitoring the burden of HIV infection and sexual and behavioral risks.
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Noor SWB, Ross MW, Lai D, Risser JM. Use of latent class analysis approach to describe drug and sexual HIV risk patterns among injection drug users in Houston, Texas. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 3:276-83. [PMID: 24510363 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0713-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Following latent class analysis (LCA) approach we examined patterns of HIV risk using two related domains of behavior: drug use, and sexual activity among 523 injection drug users (IDUs) recruited into the 2009 National HIV behavioral surveillance system. Using posterior probability of endorsing six drug and sexual items, we identified three distinct classes representing underlying HIV risk. Forty percent of our participants were at highest risk, 25 % at medium risk, and 35 % at lowest risk for HIV infection. Compared to the Lowest-risk class members, the Highest-risk class members had riskier drug and sexual behaviors and had higher prevalence of HIV cases (6 vs. 4 %). This analysis underscores the merit of LCA to empirically identify risk patterns using multiple indicators and our results show HIV risk varies among IDUs as their drug and sexual behaviors. Tailored and targeted prevention and treatment interventions for the dual risk pattern are required rather than for drug or sexual risk in silos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed W B Noor
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, WBOB-300, 1300 2nd St South, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA,
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Heimer R, Barbour R, Palacios WR, Nichols LG, Grau LE. Associations between injection risk and community disadvantage among suburban injection drug users in southwestern Connecticut, USA. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:452-63. [PMID: 23921583 PMCID: PMC3917972 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Increases in drug abuse, injection, and opioid overdoses in suburban communities led us to study injectors residing in suburban communities in southwestern Connecticut, US. We sought to understand the influence of residence on risk and injection-associated diseases. Injectors were recruited by respondent-driven sampling and interviewed about sociodemographics, somatic and mental health, injection risk, and interactions with healthcare, harm reduction, substance abuse treatment, and criminal justice systems. HIV, hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) serological testing was also conducted. Our sample was consistent in geographic distribution and age to the general population and to the patterns of heroin-associated overdose deaths in the suburban towns. High rates of interaction with drug abuse treatment and criminal justice systems contrasted with scant use of harm reduction services. The only factors associated with both dependent variables-residence in less disadvantaged census tracts and more injection risk-were younger age and injecting in one's own residence. This contrasts with the common association among urban injectors of injection-associated risk behaviors and residence in disadvantaged communities. Poor social support and moderate/severe depression were associated with risky injection practices (but not residence in specific classes of census tracts), suggesting that a region-wide dual diagnosis approach to the expansion of harm reduction services could be effective at reducing the negative consequences of injection drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Heimer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Russell Barbour
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, 135 College St., Suite 200, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wilson R. Palacios
- Department of Criminology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Lisa G. Nichols
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 15 York St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lauretta E. Grau
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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