1
|
Skaathun B, Strathdee SA, Shrader CH, Nacht CL, Borquez A, Artamonova I, Harvey-Vera A, Vera CF, Rangel G, Ignacio C, Woodworth B, Chaillon A, Vasylyeva TI. HIV-1 transmission dynamics among people who inject drugs on the US/Mexico border during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prosepective cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 33:100751. [PMID: 38711788 PMCID: PMC11070707 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Background We examined HIV prevalence and transmission dynamics among people who inject drugs in the U.S./Mexico border region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods People who inject drugs aged ≥18 years from 3 groups were recruited: people who inject drugs who live in San Diego (SD) and engaged in cross-border drug use in Tijuana, Mexico (SD CBDUs), and people who inject drugs in SD and Tijuana (TJ) who did not engage in cross-border drug use (NCBDUs). We computed HIV prevalence at baseline and bivariate incidence-density rates (IR) at 18-month follow-up. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was used to identify local transmission clusters, estimate their age, and effective reproductive number (Re) over time within the clusters. Findings At baseline (n = 612), 26% of participants were female, 9% engaged in sex work, and HIV prevalence was 8% (4% SD CBDU, 4% SD NCBDU, 16% TJ NCBDU). Nine HIV seroconversions occurred over 18 months, IR: 1.357 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.470, 2.243); 7 in TJ NCBDU and 2 in SD CBDU. Out of 16 identified phylogenetic clusters, 9 (56%) had sequences from both the U.S. and Mexico (mixed-country). The age of three youngest mixed-country dyads (2018-2021) overlapped with the COVID-related US-Mexico border closure in 2020. One large mixed-country cluster (N = 15) continued to grow during the border closure (Re = 4.8, 95% Highest Posterior Density (HPD) 1.5-9.1) with 47% engaging in sex work. Interpretation Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the border closure, cross-border HIV clusters grew. Efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. should take into account cross-border HIV-1 transmission from Tijuana. Mobile harm reduction services and coordination with municipal HIV programs to initiate anti-retroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxisis are needed to reduce transmission. Funding This research was supported by the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust and the San Diego Center for AIDS Research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britt Skaathun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Steffanie A. Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Cho-Hee Shrader
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, 116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Carrie L. Nacht
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Irina Artamonova
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Alicia Harvey-Vera
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Paseo del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, Tijuana, BC 22320, Mexico
| | - Carlos F. Vera
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Paseo del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, Tijuana, BC 22320, Mexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Carretera Escenica Tijuana-Ensenada Toll Boot Escenica Tijuana-Ensenada Sn San Antonio del Mar, Tijuana, BC 22560, Mexico
| | - Caroline Ignacio
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Brendon Woodworth
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Antoine Chaillon
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Tetyana I. Vasylyeva
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pines HA, Eger WH, Skaathun B, Vera CF, Harvey-Vera A, Rangel G, Strathdee SA, Bazzi AR. Willingness to use and distribute HIV self-testing kits among people who inject drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:4. [PMID: 38172795 PMCID: PMC10765917 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00922-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) could increase HIV testing access among people who inject drugs (PWID), and secondary distribution (i.e., peer-delivery) of HIVST kits in PWID social networks could further expand coverage. We assessed willingness to use and distribute HIVST kits among PWID in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. METHODS From 2020 to 2021, HIV-negative PWID in San Diego, USA, and Tijuana, Mexico, completed surveys and provided data on individual (N = 539) and social network (N = 366) characteristics. We used modified Poisson regression to examine the effects of individual and social network characteristics on willingness to use and distribute HIVST kits. RESULTS Most participants were willing to use (81%) and distribute (81%) HIVST kits. At the individual level, prior HIV testing was positively associated with willingness to use (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.40) and distribute (aPR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.12-1.43) HIVST kits, while perceiving oneself to be at higher HIV risk than others was negatively associated with willingness to use HIVST kits (aPR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93). At the network level, willingness to distribute HIVST kits was positively associated with network size (aPR = 1.04 per member, 95% CI 1.01-1.08) and greater proportions of one's network encouraging them to use drugs (aPR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.16-1.44) and having a history of homelessness (aPR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.31-1.74) or detention/arrest (aPR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.36-1.82), and negatively associated with a greater proportion of one's network including "very close" persons (aPR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.94). CONCLUSIONS We found high potential for HIVST kits and their secondary distribution to increase HIV testing among PWID who face the greatest barriers to facility-based testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Pines
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - William H Eger
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Britt Skaathun
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carlos F Vera
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alicia Harvey-Vera
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- Mexico Section of the US-Mexico Border Health Commission, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | | | - Angela R Bazzi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rivera Saldana CD, Abramovitz D, Beletsky L, Borquez A, Kiene S, Marquez LK, Patton T, Strathdee S, Zúñiga ML, Martin NK, Cepeda J. Estimating the impact of a police education program on hepatitis C virus transmission and disease burden among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico: A dynamic modeling analysis. Addiction 2023; 118:1763-1774. [PMID: 37039246 PMCID: PMC10524658 DOI: 10.1111/add.16203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Criminalization of drug use and punitive policing are key structural drivers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk among people who inject drugs (PWID). A police education program (Proyecto Escudo) delivering training on occupational safety together with drug law content was implemented between 2015 and 2016 in Tijuana, Mexico, to underpin drug law reform implementation. We used data from a longitudinal cohort of PWID in Tijuana to inform epidemic modeling and assess the long-term impact of Escudo on HCV transmission and burden among PWID in Tijuana. METHODS We developed a dynamic, compartmental model of HCV transmission and incarceration among PWID and tracked liver disease progression among current and former PWID. The model was calibrated to data from Tijuana, Mexico, with 90% HCV seroprevalence. We used segmented regression analysis to estimate impact of Escudo on recent incarceration among an observational cohort of PWID. By simulating the observed incarceration trends, we estimated the potential impact of the implemented (2-year reduction in incarceration) and an extended (10-year reduction in incarceration) police education program over a 50-year follow-up (2016-2066) on HCV outcomes (incidence, cirrhosis, HCV-related deaths and disability adjusted life-years averted) compared with no intervention. RESULTS Over the 2-year follow-up, Proyecto Escudo reduced HCV incidence among PWID from 21.5 per 100 person years (/100py) (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = 15.3-29.7/100py) in 2016 to 21.1/100py (UI = 15.0-29.1/100py) in 2018. If continued for 10 years, Escudo could reduce HCV incidence to 20.0/100py (14.0-27.8/100py) by 2026 and avert 186 (32-389) new infections, 76 (UI = 12-160) cases of cirrhosis and 32 (5-73) deaths per 10 000 PWID compared with no intervention over a 50-year time horizon. CONCLUSIONS In Tijuana, Mexico, implementation of a police education program delivering training on occupational safety and drug law content appears to have reduced hepatitis C virus incidence among people who inject drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos D Rivera Saldana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Leo Beletsky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- School of Law and Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Susan Kiene
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lara K Marquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Thomas Patton
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Steffanie Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - María Luisa Zúñiga
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Javier Cepeda
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jaibat L, Cui Z, Mitra S, Loh J, Reddon H, Fairbairn N, Milloy MJ. Perceived Mistreatment in Health Care Settings and its Relationship with HIV Clinical Outcomes in HIV-positive People who Use Drugs in Vancouver, Canada. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1636-1646. [PMID: 36318426 PMCID: PMC10149567 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03895-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) often experience stigma and discrimination by health care professionals. We investigated the prevalence of perceived mistreatment in health care settings and its associations with HIV clinical outcomes and health care-seeking behaviour using data from a long-running prospective cohort of PLWH who use drugs. Of the 857 participants included, 19% reported at least one instance of perceived mistreatment during the study period. In adjusted longitudinal analyses, perceived mistreatment was positively associated with not being on ART in the same follow-up period, and participants who reported perceived mistreatment were less likely to report seeing a physician in the subsequent follow-up period. Daily use of injection drugs was positively associated with reporting perceived mistreatment. These findings demonstrate the implications of negative health care interactions in a population that must consistently engage with the health care system, and the need for stigma-reducing educational interventions for health care professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jaibat
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zishan Cui
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sanjana Mitra
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jane Loh
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hudson Reddon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of social medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 400-1045 Howe St, V6Z2A9, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Division of social medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Algarin AB, Lara MV, Chapin-Bardales J, Baruch-Dominguez R, Sanchez TH, Hernandez-Avila M, Smith LR. Examining Geographical Differences in the HIV Care Continuum Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Mexico. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:772-782. [PMID: 36156172 PMCID: PMC9511456 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed data collected by the Encuesta de Sexo Entre Hombres study from 15,233 Mexican men who have sex with men (MSM) between May-July 2017 to examine differences in the HIV care continuum. Data were stratified into 6 geographical regions. Prevalence ratios assessed associations between region and care outcomes. Among participants never testing HIV positive (n = 13,583), 66.1% had ever been tested and 43.0% in the past year. Among HIV-positive persons (n = 1,650), 83.9% reported counseling post-diagnosis, 61.9% timely linkage to care, 42.4% timely CD4/viral load results, 38.2% timely access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 87.7% were currently on ART. The Ciudad de México /Estado de México region had significantly superior care continuum outcomes in ever and recent HIV testing, linkage to care, CD4/viral load results, and current ART use. Understanding geographical variations in HIV care for MSM in Mexico is one important step to inform efforts for ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 in Latin America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel B Algarin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, 92093-0507, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, 92093-0507, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saldana CDR, Beletsky L, Borquez A, Kiene SM, Marquez LK, Strathdee SA, Zúñiga ML, Cepeda J, Martin NK. Modelling the contribution of incarceration and public health oriented drug law reform to HCV transmission and elimination among PWID in Tijuana, Mexico. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 110:103878. [PMID: 36242829 PMCID: PMC9841890 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incarceration is associated with increased risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). Mexico's previous attempt in implementing a public health-oriented drug law reform resulted in minimal impact on incarceration among PWID. However, implementation of reforms alongside Mexico's HCV elimination program has the potential to reshape the HCV epidemic among PWID in the next decade. We use data from a cohort of PWID in Tijuana, Mexico, to inform epidemic modeling to assess the contribution of incarceration and fully implemented drug reform on HCV transmission and elimination among PWID. METHODS We developed a dynamic, deterministic model of incarceration, HCV transmission and disease progression among PWID. The model was calibrated to data from Tijuana, Mexico, with 90% HCV seroprevalence among 10,000 PWID. We estimated the 10-year population attributable fraction (PAF) of incarceration to HCV incidence among PWID and simulated, from 2022, the potential impact of the following scenarios: 1) decriminalization (80% reduction in incarceration rates); 2) fully implemented drug law reform (decriminalization and diversion to opiate agonist therapy [OAT]); 3) fully implemented drug law reform with HCV treatment (direct-acting antivirals [DAA]). We also assessed the number DAA needed to reach the 80% incidence reduction target by 2030 under these scenarios. RESULTS Projections suggest a PAF of incarceration to HCV incidence of 5.4% (95% uncertainty interval [UI]:0.6-11.9%) among PWID in Tijuana between 2022-2032. Fully implemented drug reforms could reduce HCV incidence rate by 10.6% (95%UI:3.1-19.2%) across 10 years and reduce the number of DAA required to achieve Mexico's HCV incidence reduction goal by 14.3% (95%UI:5.3-17.1%). CONCLUSIONS Among PWID in Tijuana, Mexico, incarceration remains an important contributor to HCV transmission. Full implementation of public health-oriented drug law reform could play an important role in reducing HCV incidence and improve the feasibility of reaching the HCV incidence elimination target by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos D Rivera Saldana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States.
| | - Leo Beletsky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; School of Law and Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Susan M Kiene
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States
| | - Lara K Marquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - María Luisa Zúñiga
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States
| | - Javier Cepeda
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rocha-Jiménez T, Pitpitan EV, Cazares R, Smith LR. "He is the Same as Me ": Key Populations' Acceptability and Experience of a Community-Based Peer Navigator Intervention to Support Engagement in HIV Care in Tijuana, Mexico. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2021; 35:449-456. [PMID: 34665000 PMCID: PMC8817705 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Engagement in the HIV care continuum among people living with HIV is essential to prevent ongoing transmission. Although there is evidence for the need for comprehensive approaches (e.g., peer navigation) to improve the HIV care continuum, there is limited knowledge of how the peer navigation model might work to improve the HIV care continuum in low resource settings among Latinx key populations (e.g., persons who inject drugs, female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender women). Therefore, this article aims to qualitatively assess members of key populations' acceptability of Conexiones Saludables (Healthy Connections), a community-based peer navigation intervention implemented in Tijuana, Mexico. This analysis draws upon the postintervention survey data from 34 participants and data from qualitative interviews with 10 participants. Participants found the intervention to be acceptable and discussed the ways in which peer navigators were influential in educating participants about HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART), linking participants to existing HIV care and ancillary services in Tijuana, and in providing emotional and instrumental support to facilitate engagement in HIV treatment and ART adherence. The intervention emphasized the use of peer navigators who had a deep understanding of the sociostructural barriers (e.g., substance use, homelessness) that HIV-positive key populations face in Tijuana. Findings from this study may inform programs with highly vulnerable populations in similar settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresita Rocha-Jiménez
- Society and Health Research Center, Facultad de Humanidades, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eileen V. Pitpitan
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Laramie R. Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fraser H, Borquez A, Stone J, Abramovitz D, Brouwer KC, Goodman-Meza D, Hickman M, Patterson TL, Silverman J, Smith L, Strathdee SA, Martin NK, Vickerman P. Overlapping Key Populations and HIV Transmission in Tijuana, Mexico: A Modelling Analysis of Epidemic Drivers. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3814-3827. [PMID: 34216285 PMCID: PMC8560668 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tijuana, Mexico, has a concentrated HIV epidemic among overlapping key populations (KPs) including people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSW), their male clients, and men who have sex with men (MSM). We developed a dynamic HIV transmission model among these KPs to determine the extent to which their unmet prevention and treatment needs is driving HIV transmission. Over 2020-2029 we estimated the proportion of new infections acquired in each KP, and the proportion due to their unprotected risk behaviours. We estimate that 43.7% and 55.3% of new infections are among MSM and PWID, respectively, with FSW and their clients making-up < 10% of new infections. Projections suggest 93.8% of new infections over 2020-2029 will be due to unprotected sex between MSM or unsafe injecting drug use. Prioritizing interventions addressing sexual and injecting risks among MSM and PWID are critical to controlling HIV in Tijuana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Fraser
- Oakfield House, Population Health Sciences - Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Annick Borquez
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Jack Stone
- Oakfield House, Population Health Sciences - Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | | | | | - David Goodman-Meza
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Oakfield House, Population Health Sciences - Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | | | - Jay Silverman
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Laramie Smith
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Natasha K Martin
- Oakfield House, Population Health Sciences - Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Oakfield House, Population Health Sciences - Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stewart A, West BS, Rafful C, Lazos K, Jain J, Gonzalez-Zuniga P, Rocha-Jimenez T. "I would rather do it myself": injection initiation and current injection patterns among women who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:105. [PMID: 34645473 PMCID: PMC8513336 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who inject drugs (WWID) experience unique risks and adverse health outcomes related to injection initiation and patterns of injection drug use. However, there is limited information on injection initiation experiences and injection patterns among women and the protective strategies employed to limit injection-related harms, especially in low- and middle-income settings. Therefore, this study sought to explore injection initiation and current injection patterns (e.g., relying on someone else to inject) among women who inject drugs and engage in sex work in Tijuana, Mexico. METHODS Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 WWID on the following topics: injection initiation, current injection patterns, places where women inject, and protective strategies (i.e., risk reduction). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify and compare common themes and patterns across participants. RESULTS The interviews revealed that the vast majority of study participants were first initiated by another person who injects drugs (PWID), often a male sexual partner. However, the majority of the women transitioned to become self-injectors in order to avoid risks associated with relying on others for injection, including overdose, interpersonal violence, sexual abuse, and wounds. Those who relied on others indicated that they would prefer to inject themselves without assistance from others if they were able to. CONCLUSIONS The narratives uncovered in this study reveal the importance of multiple risk environments in shaping perceived risks associated with injection drug use among women in Tijuana, Mexico. Specifically, the interviews elucidate the connection between interpersonal relationships with other PWID and protective strategies used to minimize risk and harm. These findings highlight the need for women-centered harm reduction programs to facilitate the development of safer drug use environments among WWID in Tijuana, Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison Stewart
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brooke S West
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Faculty of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Center on Global Mental Health Research, National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jennifer Jain
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Zuniga
- Wound Clinic Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teresita Rocha-Jimenez
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Society and Health Research Center, Faculty of Humanities, Universidad Mayor, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rivera Saldana CD, Abramovitz D, Meacham MC, Gonzalez-Zuniga P, Rafful C, Rangel G, Strathdee SA, Cepeda J. Risk of non-fatal overdose and polysubstance use in a longitudinal study with people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 40:1340-1348. [PMID: 34042226 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among people who inject drugs (PWID), polysubstance use has been associated with fatal and non-fatal overdose (NFOD). However, the risk of overdose due to the cumulative number of various recently used drug types remains unexplored. We estimated the risk of NFOD for different polysubstance use categories among PWID in Tijuana, Mexico. METHODS Data came from 661 participants followed for 2 years in Proyecto El Cuete-IV, an ongoing prospective cohort of PWID. A multivariable Cox model was used to assess the cumulative impact of polysubstance use on the time to NFOD. We used the Cochran-Armitage test to evaluate a dose-response relationship between number of polysubstance use categories and NFOD. RESULTS We observed 115 NFOD among 1029.2 person-years of follow-up (incidence rate: 11.2 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.3-13.3). Relative to those who used one drug class, the adjusted hazard ratio of NFOD for individuals reporting using two drug classes was 1.11 (95% CI 0.69-1.79), three drug classes was 2.00 (95% CI 1.16-3.44) and for those reporting three compared to two was 1.79 (95% CI 1.09-2.97). A significant Cochran-Armitage trend test (P < 0.001) suggested a dose-response relationship. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Polysubstance use was associated with increased risk of NFOD with a dose-response relationship over 2 years. We identified a subgroup of PWID at high risk of NFOD who reported concurrent use of opioids, stimulants and benzodiazepines. Prioritising tailored harm reduction and overdose prevention interventions for PWID who use multiple substances in Tijuana is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos D Rivera Saldana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA.,School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Meredith C Meacham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Zuniga
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Faculty of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.,Global Mental Health Research Center, National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico City, Mexico.,Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- Department of Population Studies, The College of the Northern Border, Tijuana, Mexico.,United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, Tijuana, Mexico
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Javier Cepeda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pines HA, Semple SJ, Magis‐Rodríguez C, Harvey‐Vera A, Strathdee SA, Patrick R, Rangel G, Patterson TL. A comparison of the effectiveness of respondent-driven and venue-based sampling for identifying undiagnosed HIV infection among cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tijuana, Mexico. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25688. [PMID: 33759361 PMCID: PMC7987819 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts to increase HIV testing, diagnosis and care are critical to curbing HIV epidemics among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We compared the effectiveness of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and venue-based sampling (VBS) for identifying previously undiagnosed HIV infection among MSM and TW in Tijuana, Mexico. METHODS Between March 2015 and December 2018, we conducted RDS within the social networks of MSM and TW and VBS at venues frequented by MSM and TW to socialize and meet sexual partners. Those reached by RDS/VBS who reported at least 18 years of age, anal sex with MSM or TW, and no previous HIV diagnosis were eligible for HIV testing. RESULTS Of those screened following recruitment via RDS (N = 1232; 98.6% MSM; 1.3% TW), 60.8% (749/1232) were eligible for HIV testing and 97.5% (730/749) were tested for HIV infection, which led to the identification of 36 newly diagnosed HIV infections (4.9%). Of those screened following recruitment via VBS (N = 2560; 95.2% MSM; 4.6% TW), 56.5% (1446/2560) were eligible for HIV testing and 92.8% (1342/1446) were tested for HIV infection, which led to the identification of 82 newly diagnosed HIV infections (6.1%). The proportion of new HIV diagnoses did not differ by recruitment method (ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.55 to 1.18). Compared to those recruited via RDS, those tested following recruitment via VBS were younger, more likely to identify as gay, and more likely to identify as TW. Compared to those recruited via VBS, those newly diagnosed with HIV infection following recruitment via RDS reported higher levels of internalized stigma and were more likely to report injection drug use and a history of deportation from the United States. CONCLUSIONS Despite RDS and VBS being equally effective for identifying undiagnosed HIV infection, each recruitment method reached different subgroups of MSM and TW in Tijuana. Our findings suggest that there may be benefits to using both RDS and VBS to increase the identification of previously undiagnosed HIV infection and ultimately support HIV care engagement among MSM and TW in Mexico and other similar LMIC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Pines
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCAUSA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCAUSA
| | | | | | - Alicia Harvey‐Vera
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCAUSA
- Universidad XochicalcoTijuanaMexico
| | | | - Rudy Patrick
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- United States‐Mexico Border Health CommissionTijuanaMexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera NorteTijuanaMexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Eustaquio PC, Docken SS, Leyritana KT, Wulandari LPL. HIV care cascade among cisgender men who have sex with men in a key population-led community center in the Philippines. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:718-728. [PMID: 33533689 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420987435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic in the Philippines is the fastest growing globally, and disproportionately affects cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM) demanding effective strategies for this key population (KP) group. KP-specific and community-based (CB) interventions have improved the HIV response elsewhere, but these have yet to be evaluated locally. We analyzed the HIV care cascade outcomes in a KP-led, CB HIV test-and-treat center and determined factors that affect these by performing a retrospective study of medical records of 3137 patients diagnosed from January 2016 to March 2019 in LoveYourself in Manila, Philippines. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine predictors affecting the likelihood of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and viral load (VL) suppression. As to UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, LoveYourself had higher rates than national outcomes with 78% initiated ART and 84% achieved VL suppression. Such satisfactory performance is consistent with other studies exploring CB, KP-led approaches among cis-MSM. Patients who presented with WHO Stages 2-4 and those with sexually transmitted infections were less likely to initiate ART. Patients who presented with WHO Stages 2-4 and those whose ART was started late were less likely to be virally suppressed. These findings suggest the need to develop responsive interventions to reach the UNAIDS targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Steffen S Docken
- Kirby Institute, 2786University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katerina T Leyritana
- Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines, Inc., Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Luh Putu Lila Wulandari
- Kirby Institute, 2786University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Faculty of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Marquez LK, Cepeda JA, Bórquez A, Strathdee SA, Gonzalez-Zúñiga PE, Fleiz C, Rafful C, Garfein RS, Kiene SM, Brodine S, Martin NK. Is hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination achievable among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico? A modeling analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 88:102710. [PMID: 32165050 PMCID: PMC8133359 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2019, Mexico became the first Latin American country committed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination, but the amount of intervention scale-up required is unclear. In Tijuana, HCV among people who inject drugs (PWID) is high; yet there is minimal and intermittent harm reduction, and involuntary exposure to compulsory abstinence programs (CAP) occurs which is associated with increased HCV risk. We determined what combination intervention scale-up can achieve HCV elimination among current and former PWID in Tijuana. METHODS We constructed a dynamic, deterministic model of HCV transmission, disease progression, and harm reduction among current and former PWID parameterized to Tijuana (~10,000 current PWID, 90% HCV seropositive, minimal opiate agonist therapy [OAT] or high coverage needle/syringe programs [HCNSP]). We evaluated the number of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments needed from 2019 to achieve elimination targets (80% incidence reduction, 65% mortality reduction by 2030) with: (a) DAAs alone, (b) DAAs plus scale-up of OAT+HCNSP (up to 50% coverage of OAT and HCNSP separately, producing 25% of PWID receiving both), (c) DAAs plus CAP scale-up to 50%. Scenarios examined the number of DAAs required if prioritized to current PWID or provided regardless of current injection status, and impact of harm reduction interruptions. RESULTS Modeling suggests among ~30,000 current and former PWID in Tijuana, 16,160 (95%CI: 12,770-21,610) have chronic HCV. DAA scale-up can achieve the incidence target, requiring 770 treatments/year (95%CI: 640-970) if prioritized to current PWID. 40% fewer DAAs are required with OAT+HCNSP scale-up to 50% among PWID, whereas more are required with involuntary CAP scale-up. Both targets can only be achieved through treating both current and former PWID (1,710 treatments/year), and impact is reduced with harm reduction interruptions. CONCLUSIONS Elimination targets are achievable in Tijuana through scale-up of harm reduction and DAA therapy, whereas involuntary CAP and harm reduction interruptions hamper elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara K Marquez
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States.
| | - Javier A Cepeda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Annick Bórquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Patricia E Gonzalez-Zúñiga
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Clara Fleiz
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, United States
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, United States; Center on Global Mental Health Research, National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico City, United States; Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, OH, Canada
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Susan M Kiene
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Stephanie Brodine
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vrancken B, Mehta SR, Ávila-Ríos S, García-Morales C, Tapia-Trejo D, Reyes-Terán G, Navarro-Álvarez S, Little SJ, Hoenigl M, Pines HA, Patterson T, Strathdee SA, Smith DM, Dellicour S, Chaillon A. Dynamics and Dispersal of Local HIV Epidemics Within San Diego and Across The San Diego-Tijuana Border. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 73:e2018-e2025. [PMID: 33079188 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolutionary analyses of well-annotated HIV sequence data can provide insights into viral transmission patterns and associated factors. Here, we explored the transmission dynamics of the HIV-1 subtype B epidemic across the San Diego (US) - Tijuana (Mexico) border region to identify factors that could help guide public health policy. METHODS HIV pol sequences were collected from people with HIV in San Diego County and from Tijuana between 1996-2018. A multistep phylogenetic approach was used to characterize the dynamics of spread. The contribution of geospatial factors and HIV risk group to the local dynamics were evaluated. RESULTS Phylogeographic analyses of the 2,034 sequences revealed an important contribution of local transmission in sustaining the epidemic, as well as a complex viral migration network across the region. Geospatial viral dispersal between San Diego communities occurred predominantly among men-who-have-sex with-men with central San Diego being the main source (34.9%) and recipient (39.5%) of migration events. HIV migration was more frequent from San Diego county towards Tijuana than vice versa. Migrations were best explained by driving time between locations. CONCLUSION The US-Mexico border may not be a major barrier to the spread of HIV, which may stimulate coordinated transnational intervention approaches. Whereas a focus on central San Diego has the potential to avert most spread, the substantial viral migration independent of central San Diego shows that county-wide efforts will be more effective. Combined, this work shows that epidemiological information gleaned from pathogen genomes can uncover mechanisms that underlie sustained spread and, in turn, can be a building block of public health decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bram Vrancken
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Computational and Evolutionary Virology, KU Leuven, Herestraat, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sanjay R Mehta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| | - Santiago Ávila-Ríos
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan, Colonia Sección XVI, CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia García-Morales
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan, Colonia Sección XVI, CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniela Tapia-Trejo
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Calzada de Tlalpan, Colonia Sección XVI, CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Reyes-Terán
- Coordinating Commission of the Mexican National Institutes of Health, Periférico Sur, Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Susan J Little
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| | - Heather A Pines
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| | - Thomas Patterson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| | - Davey M Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Computational and Evolutionary Virology, KU Leuven, Herestraat, Leuven, Belgium.,Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, av. FD Roosevelt, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Antoine Chaillon
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, CA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Skaathun B, Pines HA, Patterson TL, Semple SJ, Pekar J, Harvey-Vera A, Rangel G, Mehta SR. Recent HIV Infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tijuana. Rev Saude Publica 2020; 54:82. [PMID: 32876301 PMCID: PMC7446761 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2020054002179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize recent HIV infections among newly diagnosed men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tijuana. METHODS Limiting Antigen (LAg)-Avidity testing was performed to detect recent HIV infection within a cohort of newly-diagnosed men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tijuana. Logistic regression was used to determine characteristics associated with recent infection. A partial transmission network was inferred using HIV-1 pol sequences. Tamura-Nei 93 genetic distances were measured between all pairs of sequences, and the network was constructed by inferring putative transmission links (genetic distances ≤ 1.5%). We assessed whether recent infection was associated with clustering within the inferred network. RESULTS Recent infection was detected in 11% (22/194) of newly-diagnosed participants. Out of the participants with sequence data, 60% (9/15) with recent infection clustered compared with 31% (43/139) with chronic infection. Two recent infections belonged to the same cluster. In adjusted analyses, recent infection was associated with years of residence in Tijuana (OR = 1.5; 95%CI 1.01-1.09), cocaine use (past month) (OR = 8.50; 95%CI 1.99-28.17), and ever experiencing sexual abuse (OR = 2.85; 95%CI 1.03-7.85). DISCUSSION A total of 11% of men newly diagnosed with HIV who have sex with men and transgender women in Tijuana were recently infected. The general lack of clustering between participants with recent infection suggests continued onward HIV transmission rather than an outbreak within a particular cluster.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britt Skaathun
- University of CaliforniaDepartment of MedicineDivision of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthSan DiegoLa JollaUSAUniversity of California, San Diego. Department of Medicine. Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health. San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Heather A. Pines
- University of CaliforniaDepartment of MedicineDivision of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthSan DiegoLa JollaUSAUniversity of California, San Diego. Department of Medicine. Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health. San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Thomas L Patterson
- University of CaliforniaDepartment of PsychiatrySan DiegoLa JollaUSAUniversity of California, San Diego. Department of Psychiatry. San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Shirley J Semple
- University of CaliforniaDepartment of PsychiatrySan DiegoLa JollaUSAUniversity of California, San Diego. Department of Psychiatry. San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Jonathan Pekar
- University of CaliforniaBioinformatics and Systems Biology ProgramSan DiegoLa JollaUSAUniversity of California, San Diego. Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program. San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Alicia Harvey-Vera
- Universidad XochicalcoTijuanaBaja CaliforniaMexicoUniversidad Xochicalco. Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- United States-Mexico Border Health CommissionTijuanaBaja CaliforniaMexicoUnited States-Mexico Border Health Commission. Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera NorteTijuanaBaja CaliforniaMexicoEl Colegio de la Frontera Norte. Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Sanjay R. Mehta
- University of CaliforniaDepartment of MedicineDivision of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthSan DiegoLa JollaUSAUniversity of California, San Diego. Department of Medicine. Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health. San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- University of CaliforniaDepartment of PathologySan DiegoLa Jolla,USAUniversity of California, San Diego. Department of Pathology. San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDepartment of MedicineSan DiegoUSASan Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Department of Medicine. San Diego, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
West BS, Becerra Ramirez M, Bristow CC, Abramovitz DA, Vera A, Staines H, Gudelia Rangel M, Patterson TL, Strathdee SA. Correlates of trichomoniasis among female sex workers who inject drugs in two Mexico-US border cities. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:866-875. [PMID: 32623979 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420929463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper evaluates correlates of trichomoniasis among female sex workers who inject drugs (FSWIDs) in two Mexico-US border cities. HIV-negative FSWIDs aged 18 years or older were enrolled in a study between 2008 and 2010 in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez (Cd.), Mexico. All participants underwent a baseline interviewer-administered survey and did a rapid test for trichomoniasis. Using regression to estimate prevalence ratios, we examined sociodemographics, sex work characteristics, sexual health and behavior, substance use, and police and violence exposures as potential correlates of trichomoniasis. Of 584 women (284 in Tijuana, 300 in Cd. Juarez), prevalence of trichomoniasis was 33.6%. Factors associated with trichomoniasis in multivariable analysis were having money stolen by police in the past six months (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] =1.448, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.152-1.821), recent methamphetamine use (aPR = 1.432, CI = 1.055-1.944), lifetime syphilis infection (aPR = 1.360, CI = 1.061-1.743), ever use of a home remedy to treat vaginal symptoms (aPR = 1.301, CI = 1.027-1.649), and number of regular clients in the past month (aPR = 1.006 per client, CI = 1.004-1.009), while controlling for age and city of interview. Alongside the need for trichomoniasis surveillance and treatment programs, findings indicate that both structural and behavioral factors serve as primary correlates of trichomoniasis among FSWIDs in these cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke S West
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Milagros Becerra Ramirez
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles International Medical Graduate Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claire C Bristow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniela A Abramovitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alicia Vera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hugo Staines
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, México
| | | | - Thomas L Patterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cepeda JA, Bórquez A, Magana C, Vo A, Rafful C, Rangel G, Medina‐Mora ME, Strathdee S, Martin NK. Modelling integrated antiretroviral treatment and harm reduction services on HIV and overdose among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23 Suppl 1:e25493. [PMID: 32562375 PMCID: PMC7305416 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV epidemic in Tijuana, Mexico is concentrated in key populations, including people who inject drugs (PWID). However, HIV interventions among PWID are minimal, and federal funding was provided for compulsory abstinence programmes associated with HIV and overdose. Alternatively, opioid agonist therapy reduces overdose, reincarceration, HIV, while improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes. We assessed potential impact and synergies of scaled-up integrated ART and opioid agonist therapy, compared to scale-up of each separately, and potential harms of compulsory abstinence programmes on HIV and fatal overdose among PWID in Tijuana. METHODS We developed a dynamic model of HIV transmission and overdose among PWID in Tijuana. We simulated scale-up of opioid agonist therapy from zero to 40% coverage among PWID. We evaluated synergistic benefits of an integrated harm reduction and ART scale-up strategy (40% opioid agonist therapy coverage and 10-fold ART recruitment), compared to scale-up of each intervention alone or no scale-up of low coverage ART and no harm reduction). We additionally simulated compulsory abstinence programmes (associated with 14% higher risk of receptive syringe sharing and 76% higher odds of overdose) among PWID. RESULTS Without intervention, HIV incidence among PWID could increase from 0.72 per 100 person-years (PY) in 2020 to 0.92 per 100 PY in 2030. Over ten years, opioid agonist therapy scale-up could avert 31% (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 18%, 46%) and 22% (95% UI: 10%, 28%) new HIV infections and fatal overdoses, respectively, with the majority of HIV impact from the direct effect on HIV transmission due to low ART coverage. Integrating opioid agonist therapy and ART scale-up provided synergistic benefits, with opioid agonist therapy effects on ART recruitment/retention averting 9% more new infections compared to ART scale-up alone. The intervention strategy could avert 48% (95% UI: 26%, 68%) of new HIV infections and one-fifth of fatal overdoses over ten years. Conversely, compulsory abstinence programmes could increase HIV and overdoses. CONCLUSIONS Integrating ART with opioid agonist therapy could provide synergistic benefits and prevent HIV and overdoses among PWID in Tijuana, whereas compulsory abstinence programmes could cause harm. Policymakers should consider the benefits of integrating harm reduction and HIV services for PWID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Cepeda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Annick Bórquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Christopher Magana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Anh Vo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Faculty of PsychologyUniversidad Nacional Autonoma de MexicoMexico CityMexico
- Center on Global Mental Health ResearchNational Institute on Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente MuñizMexico CityMexico
- Centre on Drug Policy EvaluationSt. Michael’s HospitalTorontoCanada
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- Comisión de Salud Fronteriza México‐Estados UnidosTijuanaMexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera NorteTijuanaMexico
| | - María E Medina‐Mora
- Center on Global Mental Health ResearchNational Institute on Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente MuñizMexico CityMexico
| | - Steffanie Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCAUSA
- Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pavlopoulou ID, Dikalioti SK, Gountas I, Sypsa V, Malliori M, Pantavou K, Jarlais DD, Nikolopoulos GK, Hatzakis A. High-risk behaviors and their association with awareness of HIV status among participants of a large-scale prevention intervention in Athens, Greece. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:105. [PMID: 31992240 PMCID: PMC6986033 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aristotle was a seek-test-treat intervention during an outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Athens, Greece that started in 2011. The aims of this analysis were: (1) to study changes of drug injection-related and sexual behaviors over the course of Aristotle; and (2) to compare the likelihood of risky behaviors among PWID who were aware and unaware of their HIV status. Methods Aristotle (2012–2013) involved five successive respondent-driven sampling rounds of approximately 1400 PWID each; eligible PWID could participate in multiple rounds. Participants were interviewed using a questionnaire, were tested for HIV, and were classified as HIV-positive aware of their status (AHS), HIV-positive unaware of their status (UHS), and HIV-negative. Piecewise linear generalized estimating equation models were used to regress repeatedly measured binary outcomes (high-risk behaviors) against covariates. Results Aristotle recruited 3320 PWID (84.5% males, median age 34.2 years). Overall, 7110 interviews and blood samples were collected. The proportion of HIV-positive first-time participants who were aware of their HIV infection increased from 21.8% in round A to 36.4% in the last round. The odds of dividing drugs at least half of the time in the past 12 months with a syringe someone else had already used fell from round A to B by 90% [Odds Ratio (OR) (95% Confidence Interval-CI): 0.10 (0.04, 0.23)] among AHS and by 63% among UHS [OR (95% CI): 0.37 (0.19, 0.72)]. This drop was significantly larger (p = 0.02) among AHS. There were also decreases in frequency of injection and in receptive syringe sharing in the past 12 months but they were not significantly different between AHS (66 and 47%, respectively) and UHS (63 and 33%, respectively). Condom use increased only among male AHS from round B to the last round [OR (95% CI): 1.24 (1.01, 1.52)]. Conclusions The prevalence of risky behaviors related to drug injection decreased in the context of Aristotle. Knowledge of HIV infection was associated with safer drug injection-related behaviors among PWID. This highlights the need for comprehensive interventions that scale-up HIV testing and help PWID become aware of their HIV status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna D Pavlopoulou
- Pediatric Research Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula K Dikalioti
- Pediatric Research Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Nursing, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Gountas
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Meni Malliori
- Psychiatric Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Pantavou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, P.O.Box 20537, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
West BS, Abramovitz DA, Gonzalez-Zuniga P, Rangel G, Werb D, Cepeda J, Beletsky L, Strathdee SA. Drugs, discipline and death: Causes and predictors of mortality among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, 2011-2018. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 75:102601. [PMID: 31775080 PMCID: PMC6957706 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) experience multiple risk factors for mortality; yet, we know little about causes of death among PWID in Tijuana, Mexico, an area with high levels of injecting and changes in policy/law enforcement responses to substance use. This study examines rates, causes, and predictors of mortality among Tijuana PWID. METHODS Data come from a community-based cohort of PWID aged ≥18 who injected drugs in the past month. Mortality was confirmed by death certificate over 78 months during 2011-2018. Predictors of mortality were identified using time-updated Cox regression, controlling for age. RESULTS Among 734 participants, there were 130 deaths (54 confirmed, 76 unconfirmed), with an incidence rate of 17.74 deaths per 1000 person-years for confirmed deaths (95% Confidence Interval (CI)=13.01, 22.48) and 39.52 for unconfirmed deaths (CI=32.72, 46.31). Confirmed deaths resulted from homicide/trauma (26%), overdose (26%), septic shock (18%) and HIV-related causes (9%). In multivariable analysis of confirmed deaths, baseline HIV seropositivity (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR]=6.77, CI=1.98, 23.17), incident HIV infection (aHR=3.19, CI=1.02, 9.96), and number of times being beaten by police in the past 6 months at baseline (aHR=1.08 per time, CI=1.04, 1.12) were predictive of death; whereas, injection cessation for 6+ months during time at risk (aHR=0.25, CI=0.33, 0.79) was protective. CONCLUSION In addition to overdose and HIV prevention efforts, attention to structural conditions that potentiate mortality is needed, including improved access to medication-assisted treatment to support injection cessation and a shift from police as a source of harm to harm reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke S West
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Daniela A Abramovitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Zuniga
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Dan Werb
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Javier Cepeda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Leo Beletsky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States; Northeastern University School of Law and Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pitpitan EV, Mittal ML, Smith LR. Perceived Need and Acceptability of a Community-Based Peer Navigator Model to Engage Key Populations in HIV Care in Tijuana, Mexico. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2020; 19:2325958220919276. [PMID: 32314646 PMCID: PMC7175050 DOI: 10.1177/2325958220919276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prior work found <4% of key populations living with HIV (KPLWH) in Tijuana, Mexico, were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The goal of this pilot study was to examine community stakeholders' perceived need and acceptability of a peer-navigator program to improve ART coverage. METHODS We held a community forum and measured perspectives of key stakeholders in local organizations that serve KPLWH using online surveys, and in-depth interviews (with select key informants). RESULTS Univariate descriptive statistics and emergent thematic analysis illustrated that there was general consensus that the program could improve ART coverage for KPLWH by helping to overcome geographic, transportation, and sociostructural barriers to HIV care. Police harassment, mobility, and non-HIV comorbidities were identified as challenges the program would need to navigate. CONCLUSIONS Community stakeholders expressed perceived need and acceptability of a program to improve HIV care outcomes among KPLWH in Tijuana. The program should address the challenges identified by community stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eileen V. Pitpitan
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Mittal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Laramie R. Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bórquez A, Garfein RS, Abramovitz D, Liu L, Beletsky L, Werb D, Mehta SR, Rangel G, Magis-Rodríguez C, González-Zúñiga P, Strathdee SA. Prevalence and Correlates of Injecting with Visitors from the United States Among People Who Inject Drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 21:1200-1207. [PMID: 30771144 PMCID: PMC6697237 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-019-00868-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cross-border infectious disease transmission is a concern related to drug tourism from the U.S. to Mexico. We assessed this risk among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana, Mexico. We measured the prevalence and identified correlates of injecting with PWID visiting from the U.S. among PWID in Tijuana using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Of 727 participants, 18.5% injected during the past 6 months in Mexico with U.S. PWID described mostly as friends (63%) or acquaintances (26%). Injecting with U.S. PWID was independently associated with higher education [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.13/year], deportation from the U.S. (aOR = 1.70), younger age at first injection (aOR = 0.96/year), more lifetime overdoses (aOR = 1.08), and, in the past 6 months, backloading (aOR = 4.00), syringe confiscation by the police (aOR = 3.02) and paying for sex (aOR = 2.98; all p-values < 0.05). Nearly one-fifth of PWID in Tijuana recently injected with U.S. PWID, and their reported risk behaviors could facilitate cross-border disease transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Bórquez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA
| | - R S Garfein
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA.
| | - D Abramovitz
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA
| | - L Liu
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - L Beletsky
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA
- School of Law and Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Werb
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - S R Mehta
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA
| | - G Rangel
- Comisión de Salud Fronteriza México-Estados Unidos, Tijuana, Mexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico
| | | | - P González-Zúñiga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA
| | - S A Strathdee
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0725, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Marks C, Zúñiga ML. CAM Practices and Treatment Adherence Among Key Subpopulations of HIV+ Latinos Receiving Care in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region: A Latent Class Analysis. Front Public Health 2019; 7:179. [PMID: 31316963 PMCID: PMC6610997 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Latinos living in the United States-Mexico border region bear a disproportionate HIV/AIDS burden compared to individuals living in the interior of both nations and face a constellation of barriers that determine their ability to access and adhere to HIV care. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may be associated with suboptimal treatment adherence. Sociodemographic factors, health practices, and social determinants of health unique to the border region may further contribute to health disparities that undermine care engagement and continuity. Improved understanding of HIV-positive Latino subgroups and their risk profiles can lead to more effective, targeted clinical and public health interventions. We undertook this study to identify and characterize distinct classes of HIV-positive Latinos in the San Diego-Tijuana border region, differentiated by HIV and border-related factors, utilizing latent class analysis. We investigated relationships between class membership and CAM utilization and self-reported antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Five distinct classes were identified with unique demographic, HIV risk, and border mobility profiles. CAM was recently used by nearly half of each class, though there were significant differences in the proportion of CAM use by class ranging from 44.4 to 90.9%. As well, all classes were currently receiving ART at similarly high rates and ART adherence outcomes were not significantly different based on class. Findings highlight the significant use of CAM by all HIV-positive Latinos in the border region and imply the need for a research framework which appropriately acknowledges the heterogeneous nature of this population, such as intersectionality. Further research is recommended into understanding how patients integrate CAM into HIV treatment and the risks and benefits of incorporating CAM into HIV treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Marks
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- SDSU-UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Research on Substance Use, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - María Luisa Zúñiga
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
- SDSU-UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Research on Substance Use, San Diego, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Semple SJ, Pines HA, Strathdee SA, Vera AH, Rangel G, Magis-Rodriguez C, Patterson TL. Uptake of a Partner Notification Model for HIV Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Tijuana, Mexico. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2042-2055. [PMID: 29159592 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1984-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Undiagnosed HIV infection is common among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Latin America. We examined uptake of a partner notification (PN) model among MSM and TW in Tijuana, Mexico. Forty-six HIV-positive MSM/TW enrolled as index patients, and reported 132 MSM/TW sexual partners for PN. Of notified partners (90/132), 39% declined eligibility screening or participation, 39% tested for HIV, and of those 28% were newly-diagnosed HIV-positive. Partners who were seen by the index patient more than once in the past 4 months and those who primarily had sex with the index patient in one of their homes were more likely to be notified via PN (76% vs. 50%; p = 0.01 and 86% vs. 64%, p = 0.02, respectively). Lower than expected PN uptake was associated with problems identifying index patients, obtaining reliable partner contact information, and engaging notified partners.
Collapse
|
25
|
Mehta SR, Chaillon A, Gaines TL, Gonzalez-Zuniga PE, Stockman JK, Almanza-Reyes H, Chavez JR, Vera A, Wagner KD, Patterson TL, Scott B, Smith DM, Strathdee SA. Impact of Public Safety Policies on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Dynamics in Tijuana, Mexico. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:758-764. [PMID: 29045592 PMCID: PMC5848227 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background North Tijuana, Mexico is home to many individuals at high risk for transmitting and acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recently, policy shifts by local government impacted how these individuals were handled by authorities. Here we examined how this affected regional HIV transmission dynamics. Methods HIV pol sequences and associated demographic information were collected from 8 research studies enrolling persons in Tijuana and were used to infer viral transmission patterns. To evaluate the impact of recent policy changes on HIV transmission dynamics, qualitative interviews were performed on a subset of recently infected individuals. Results Between 2004 and 2016, 288 unique HIV pol sequences were obtained from individuals in Tijuana, including 46.4% from men who have sex with men, 42.1% from individuals reporting transactional sex, and 27.8% from persons who inject drugs (some individuals had >1 risk factor). Forty-two percent of sequences linked to at least 1 other sequence, forming 37 transmission clusters. Thirty-two individuals seroconverted during the observation period, including 8 between April and July 2016. Three of these individuals were putatively linked together. Qualitative interviews suggested changes in policing led individuals to shift locations of residence and injection drug use, leading to increased risk taking (eg, sharing needles). Conclusions Near real-time molecular epidemiologic analyses identified a cluster of linked transmissions temporally associated with policy shifts. Interviews suggested these shifts may have led to increased risk taking among individuals at high risk for HIV acquisition. With all public policy shifts, downstream impacts need to be carefully considered, as even well-intentioned policies can have major public health consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay R Mehta
- Departments of Medicine University of California, La Jolla
- Departments of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla
- San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California
| | | | - Tommi L Gaines
- Departments of Medicine University of California, La Jolla
| | | | | | - Horatio Almanza-Reyes
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud Valle de Las Palmas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Baja California, México
| | - Jose Roman Chavez
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud Valle de Las Palmas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Baja California, México
| | - Alicia Vera
- Departments of Medicine University of California, La Jolla
| | - Karla D Wagner
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno
| | | | - Brianna Scott
- Departments of Medicine University of California, La Jolla
| | - Davey M Smith
- Departments of Medicine University of California, La Jolla
- San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Behavioral and Psychosocial Correlates of HIV Testing Among Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in Tijuana, Mexico. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2322-2331. [PMID: 27566649 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We use data collected from a sample of 400 male clients of female sex workers (FSW) to examine their HIV testing behavior. We present frequencies of HIV testing and used bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess its socio-demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial correlates. We found that the majority (55 %) of male clients of FSW in Tijuana, Mexico had never had an HIV test and the prevalence of HIV testing within the past year was low (9 %). In multivariable analyses, significant correlates of having ever tested for HIV were higher age, higher HIV knowledge score, lower sexual compulsiveness score, lower misogynistic attitudes score, having a condom break during sex with a FSW, and higher frequency of sex with a FSW while she was high. Our findings represent an important starting point for developing effective interventions to address the need to promote HIV testing among this population.
Collapse
|