Examining the Acceptability of mHealth Technology in HIV Prevention Among High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment

High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal

Mobile technology growth in Nepal offers promising opportunities for using mobile health (mHealth) interventions to facilitate HIV prevention efforts. However, little is known about access and utilization of communication technology and their willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention services in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling survey of 250 MSM in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal from October to December 2022. We collected information on participant characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, ownership, or access to and frequency of use of communication technology (phones, tablets, laptops, and computers), and willingness to use mHealth to access HIV prevention services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Almost all participants had smartphones with the internet (231/250, 92.4%) and accessed the internet daily (219/250, 87.6%) on the smartphone (236/250, 94.4%). The median score for willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention was 10 (IQR: 3 to 17). Willingness to use mHealth was higher among those participants with a high school or above education (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001), had experienced violence (β = 0.231, p = 0.006), and had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001). However, monthly income above NPR 20,000 (USD 150) (β= -0.153, p = 0.008), disclosure of their sexual orientation to anyone (β= -0.159, p = < 0.007), and worry about being negatively judged by health care workers (β= -0.136, p = 0.023) were less willing to use mHealth strategies. The findings from this study suggest that there is a high willingness for utilizing mHealth interventions for HIV prevention in MSM population who are at higher risk of HIV acquisition.

The Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Mobile Applications for HIV Testing, Prevention, and Treatment Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are vulnerable populations to HIV/AIDS. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 637 AGYW in Cameroon to study the feasibility and willingness to use mobile applications (apps) for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. We found that phone ownership is high among AGYW, where 93.9% ( n = 598) of them (median age: 22 years, interquartile range: 21-24 years) had access to a smartphone, 49.5% ( n = 315) frequently searched for health information, and 48.9% ( n = 312) frequently used health-related apps. AGYW's willingness to use mobile apps for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment were 87.9% ( n = 560), 84.4% ( n = 538), and 84.9% ( n = 541), respectively. The high willingness to use apps was associated with older age, HIV testing, and searching for health information on a phone. Barriers to willingness included having no internet access, concerns about internet cost and privacy, and lack of consistent access to a smartphone.

Technology-Assisted Buprenorphine Treatment in Rural and Nonrural Settings: Two Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

Expansion of opioid use disorder treatment is needed, particularly in rural communities.

Objective

To evaluate technology-assisted buprenorphine (TAB) efficacy (1) over a longer period than previously examined, (2) with the addition of overdose education, and (3) among individuals residing in rural communities.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Two parallel, 24-week randomized clinical trials were conducted at the University of Vermont between February 1, 2018, and June 30, 2022. Participants were adults with untreated opioid use disorder from nonrural (trial 1) or rural (trial 2) communities. These trials are part of a programmatic effort to develop TAB protocols to improve treatment availability in underserved areas.

Interventions

Within each trial, 50 participants were randomized to TAB or control conditions. Participants in the TAB group completed bimonthly visits to ingest medication and receive take-home doses via a computerized device. They received nightly calls via an interactive voice response (IVR) system, IVR-generated random call-backs, and iPad-delivered HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and overdose education. Control participants received community resource guides and assistance with contacting resources. All participants received harm reduction supplies and completed monthly assessments.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was biochemically verified illicit opioid abstinence across monthly assessments. Secondary outcomes included self-reported opioid use in both groups and abstinence at bimonthly and random call-back visits, treatment adherence, satisfaction, and changes in HIV, HCV, and overdose knowledge among TAB participants.

Results

Fifty individuals (mean [SD] age, 40.6 [13.1] years; 28 [56.0%] male) participated in trial 1, and 50 (mean [SD] age, 40.3 [10.8] years; 30 [60.0%] male) participated in trial 2. Participants in the TAB group achieved significantly greater illicit opioid abstinence vs controls at all time points in both trial 1 (85.3% [128 of 150]; 95% CI, 70.7%-93.3%; vs 24.0% [36 of 150]; 95% CI, 13.6%-38.8%) and trial 2 (88.0% [132 of 150]; 95% CI, 72.1%-95.4%; vs 21.3% [32 of 150]; 95% CI, 11.4%-36.5%). High abstinence rates were also observed at TAB participants' bimonthly dosing visits (83.0% [95% CI, 67.0%-92.0%] for trial 1 and 88.0% [95% CI, 71.0%-95.0%] for trial 2). Treatment adherence was favorable and similar between trials (with rates of approximately 99% for buprenorphine administration, 93% for daily IVR calls, and 92% for random call-backs), and 183 of 187 urine samples (97.9%) tested negative for illicit opioids at random call-backs. iPad-delivered education was associated with significant and sustained increases in HIV, HCV, and overdose knowledge.

Conclusions and Relevance

In these randomized clinical trials of TAB treatment, demonstration of efficacy was extended to a longer duration than previously examined and to patients residing in rural communities.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03420313.

Mobile Health Technology Use and the Acceptability of an mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Cross-sectional Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey

BACKGROUND

The growth in mobile technology access, utilization, and services holds great promise in facilitating HIV prevention efforts through mobile health (mHealth) interventions in Malaysia. Despite these promising trends, there is a dearth of evidence on the use of mHealth platforms that addresses HIV prevention among Malaysian men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to gain insight into (1) access and utilization of communication technology (eg, landline phone, internet, mobile phone), (2) acceptability of mHealth-based interventions for HIV prevention services, and (3) preferences regarding the format and frequency of mHealth interventions among Malaysian men who have sex with men.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey with Malaysian men who have sex with men between July 2018 and March 2020. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in the Greater Kuala Lumpur region of Malaysia. We collected information on demographic characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, access to and the frequency of use of communication technology, and acceptability of using mHealth for HIV prevention using a self-administered questionnaire with a 5-point scale (1, never; 2, rarely; 3, sometimes; 4, often; 5, all the time).

RESULTS

A total of 376 men participated in the survey. Almost all respondents owned or had access to a smartphone with internet access (368/376, 97.9%) and accessed the internet daily (373/376, 99.2%), mainly on a smartphone (334/376, 88.8%). Participants on average used smartphones primarily for social networking (mean 4.5, SD 0.8), followed by sending or receiving emails (mean 4.0, SD 1.0), and searching for health-related information (mean 3.5, SD 0.9). There was high acceptance of the use of mHealth for HIV prevention (mean 4.1, SD 1.5), including for receiving HIV prevention information (345/376, 91.8%), receiving medication reminders (336/376, 89.4%), screening and monitoring sexual activity (306/376, 81.4%) or illicit drug use (281/376, 74.7%), and monitoring drug cravings (280/376, 74.5%). Participants overwhelmingly preferred a smartphone app over other modalities (eg, text, phone call, email) for engaging in mHealth HIV prevention tools. Preference for app notifications ranged from 186/336 (53.9%), for receiving HIV prevention information, to 212/336 (69.3%), for screening and monitoring sexual activity. Acceptance of mHealth was higher for those who were university graduates (P=.003), living in a relationship with a partner (P=.04), engaged in sexualized drug use (P=.01), and engaged in receptive anal sex (P=.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study provide support for developing and deploying mHealth strategies for HIV prevention using a smartphone app in men who have sex with men-a key population with suboptimal engagement in HIV prevention and treatment.

Effect of Reminder System on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence in Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on WeChat Intervention (Preprint)

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial Registration

Acceptability of an mHealth App That Provides Harm Reduction Services Among People Who Inject Drugs: Survey Study

Background

Harm reduction services reduce the negative consequences of drug injection and are often embedded within syringe service programs (SSPs). However, people who inject drugs (PWID) suboptimally engage with such services because of stigma, fear, transportation restrictions, and limited hours of operation. Mobile health (mHealth) apps may provide an opportunity to overcome these barriers and extend the reach of SSPs beyond that of the traditional brick-and-mortar models.

Objective

This study aims to assess the prevalence of smartphone ownership, the level of comfort in providing the personal information required to use mHealth apps, and interest in using an mHealth app to access harm reduction services among PWID to guide the development of an app.

Methods

We administered a survey to 115 PWID who were enrolled via respondent-driven sampling from July 2018 to July 2019. We examined the extent to which PWID had access to smartphones; were comfortable in providing personal information such as name, email, and address; and expressed interest in various app-based services. We measured participant characteristics (demographics, health status, and behaviors) and used binary logistic and Poisson regressions to identify independent correlates of mHealth-related variables. The primary regression outcomes included summary scores for access, comfort, and interest. The secondary outcomes included binary survey responses for individual comfort or interest components.

Results

Most participants were White (74/105, 70.5%), male (78/115, 67.8%), and middle-aged (mean=41.7 years), and 67.9% (74/109) owned a smartphone. Participants reported high levels of comfort in providing personal information to use an mHealth app, including name (96/109, 88.1%), phone number (92/109, 84.4%), email (85/109, 77.9%), physical address (85/109, 77.9%), and linkage to medical records (72/109, 66.1%). Participants also reported strong interest in app-based services, including medication or sterile syringe delivery (100/110, 90.9%), lab or appointment scheduling (90/110, 81.8%), medication reminders (77/110, 70%), educational material (65/110, 59.1%), and group communication forums (64/110, 58.2%). Most participants were comfortable with the idea of home delivery of syringes (93/109, 85.3%). Homeless participants had lower access to smartphones (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.46; P=.001), but no other participant characteristics were associated with primary outcomes. Among secondary outcomes, recent SSP use was positively associated with comfort with the home delivery of syringes (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 1.04-10.3 P=.04), and being older than 50 years was associated with an increased interest in educational materials (AOR 4.64, 95% CI 1.31-16.5; P=.02) and group communication forums (AOR 3.69, 95% CI 1.10-12.4; P=.04).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that aside from those experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, PWID broadly have access to smartphones, are comfortable with sharing personal information, and express interest in a wide array of services within an app. Given the suboptimal access to and use of SSPs among PWID, an mHealth app has a high potential to address the harm reduction needs of this vulnerable population.

Evaluation of HIV/AIDS-related mobile health applications content using an evidence-based content rating tool

Background

Despite the increasing number of mobile health applications, the validity of their content is understudied. The objective of this study was to rate the content of HIV/AIDS-related mobile applications and to determine the extent to which evidence-based medicine is being incorporated into their content using a new tool called the Evidence-based content rating tool of mobile health applications (EBCRT-mHealth).

Methods

All available HIV/AIDS-related applications in Iran from Cafe Bazaar and Google Play Store were evaluated. This study was first conducted in 2018, then after almost two years in 2021 was done again. In this study, researchers developed the EBCRT-mHealth tool to rate the content of applications based on the evidence-based medicine pyramid. Its reliability was calculated (α = 0.78), and five specialists confirmed its validity. Two reviewers independently reviewed all HIV/AIDS applications directly downloaded and installed from the Google Play Store and Cafe Bazaar.

Results

Out of 980 retrieved applications, in 2018, 85, and in 2021, 78 applications were included in the study. Only in 17 (28%) out of the 60 in 2018, and 25 (51%) in 2021 Google Play store applications the source of content information was mentioned. All Cafe Bazaar mobile applications mentioned the source of information. The mean rating of all application content in 2018 was 2.38 (SD = 0.74), and in 2021 was 2.90 (SD = 1.35) out of 5. The mean rating of the content of Cafe Bazaar applications in 2018 was 2.10 (SD = 0.49), and in 2021 was 1.94 (SD = 0.29). The mean content rating of Google Play store applications in 2018 was 2.50 (SD = 0.80) and in 2021 was 3.86 (SD = 1.18).

Conclusion

After two years, the rating of the content of HIV/AIDS-related applications available in Iran that existed in Cafe Bazaar decreased from "poor" to "inappropriate". Also, the content score of the Google Play Store applications increased from "poor" to "good". It is critical to ensure the credibility of the sources used in developing their content and removing applications with inappropriate and unreliable content from the App Stores. Also, mobile health application developers should use the highest quality information in their applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-021-01498-7.

Preference for and Efficacy of a PrEP Decision Aid for Women with Substance Use Disorders

BACKGROUND

Women with substance use disorders (SUDs) are a key population for HIV prevention with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), though uptake is limited by awareness of PrEP, misestimation of personal HIV risk, and minimally integrated HIV prevention and addiction treatment services. Patient-centered decision aids (DA) could address these barriers to PrEP, but no extant DA for PrEP has been published, including for women with SUDs.

METHODS

We developed a patient-centered PrEP DA for women in addiction treatment. In a pilot randomized preference trial, we compared the DA to enhanced standard of care (eSOC) providing standardized information. The primary outcome was opting to receive more information through the DA; we also assessed the impact of the DA on PrEP decisional preference and PrEP uptake over 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 164 enrolled participants (DA: 83; eSOC: 81) were similar in terms of HIV risk and demographics, which are representative of women in addiction treatment programs nationally, and most (92%) had opioid use disorder. Half of participants were PrEP eligible, though 37% underestimated their personal HIV risk. Independent correlates of selecting the PrEP DA relative to eSOC included higher alcohol use severity (aOR 4.13, 95% CI 1.05-16.28, p=0.04) and perception of high risk for HIV (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.19-7.35, p=0.02). For those selecting the DA, interest in PrEP increased significantly from 25% to 89%. DA participants were also significantly more likely than eSOC participants to see a provider for PrEP during follow-up (15.7% vs 6.2%; p=0.05).

CONCLUSION

Half of the women selected to use the DA, and those who did significantly increased their engagement in the HIV prevention cascade through increased interest in and initiation of PrEP. Future iterations should accelerate the HIV prevention cascade for women with SUDs by integrating PrEP decision aids into existing addiction treatment services and actively linking women to PrEP.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Texting Intervention to Maintain Sexual Risk Reduction with Clients Among Female Sex Workers in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Mobile phone technology may help sustain reductions in HIV/STI transmission risk behaviors among female sex workers (FSWs). We examined the efficacy of a text messaging intervention designed to maintain behavioral improvements in safer sex practices among 602 FSWs in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. We hypothesized that FSWs who received brief risk reduction counseling and theory-based safer sex maintenance text messages over a 24-month period would have fewer incident HIV/STIs and report greater maintenance of safer sex practices compared to FSWs who received counseling and texts on maintaining general health. Theory-based texts did not change the odds of becoming infected with HIV/STIs in either study site. However, they did lead to significant, sustained protected sex in Tijuana. Theory-based text messaging interventions may help sustain reductions in sexual risk behavior among FSWs.Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov. Identifier: NCT02447484.

Feasibility and Acceptability of an mHealth-Based Approach as an HIV Prevention Strategy Among People Who Use Drugs on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

INTRODUCTION

There has been increasing interest in the use of mHealth technology in health care. To our knowledge, however, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the utilization of text messaging services (short message service; SMS) for HIV prevention among opioid-dependent people who use drugs (PWUD). As part of our formative work, we conducted an in-depth feasibility and acceptability study on the use of SMS reminders for HIV prevention in this risk group.

METHODS

Forty HIV-negative, opioid-dependent PWUD who are currently taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were enrolled in the study. Participants received daily PrEP text reminders and weekly HIV risk reduction-related messages, which were developed using a user-centered approach. Participants were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Following the post-intervention assessment, participants completed an in-depth qualitative interview.

RESULTS

Feasibility of text messaging service was high, as assessed by participants' willingness to receive text messages (100%), retention (95%), and successful delivery of text messages (97%). Results further showed that participants were satisfied and perceived the use of daily PrEP reminder text messages as valuable and acceptable [mean: 75.0 (range 0-100)]. Whereas, acceptability for the weekly text messages on HIV risk reduction was 60.3 (±15.6), with 58.3% recommending them for future use. Thematic data exploration revealed important information for understanding and refining SMS content as well as logistical preferences.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging-based approach as a potential tool for primary HIV prevention to improve PrEP adherence and HIV risk reduction among this underserved population. HIV risk reduction text messages need further modifications to become more appealing, with participant feedback taken into consideration.

Online HIV information seeking and pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness among people who use drugs

People who use drugs (PWUD) remain at high risk for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), both from injection and from sexual risk-taking. In 2016, 9% of 39,782 new HIV diagnoses occurred among people who inject drugs in the United States. Reaching PWUD with accurate information about and motivation for initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains challenging and remains the first crucial step in the knowledge-attitude-behavior change continuum. This study seeks to contribute to closing this information gap by examining the HIV information-seeking behaviors among PWUD who are not on PrEP, so as to identify potential strategies to increase adoption of HIV prevention such as PrEP as part of overall health and related to risk-taking behaviors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2016 among HIV-negative PWUD (n = 400), 57.3% of whom reported injecting at least once in a week, chronically maintained on methadone treatment (MMT) at a large addiction treatment program. The study found that the number of hours spent online by people who use drugs was comparable to the general population. Awareness about PrEP and the seeking of HIV-related information was low in this population. Looking for sex partners online, perception of risk, having multiple partners were associated with seeking HIV information. Although using injection drugs was related to high perception of risk of acquiring HIV, it was not associated with seeking HIV information online. It is imperative to further understand the online HIV information seeking behavior of this population and provide targeted information in order to increase awareness and knowledge about HIV-related risk and methods of prevention, including information about PrEP.

Attitudes, Beliefs, and Willingness Toward the Use of mHealth Tools for Medication Adherence in the Florida mHealth Adherence Project for People Living With HIV (FL-mAPP): Pilot Questionnaire Study

Background

Antiretroviral (ART) adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH) continues to be a challenge despite advances in HIV prevention and treatment. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are increasingly deployed as tools for ART adherence. However, little is known about the uptake and attitudes toward commercially available, biprogrammatic mobile apps (ie, designed for both smartphone and short message service [SMS] messaging) among demographically diverse PLWH.

Objectives

The Florida mHealth Adherence Project for PLWH (FL-mAPP) is an innovative pilot study that aimed to determine the acceptability of a commercially available, biprogrammatic mHealth intervention platform to ensure medication adherence and gauge the current attitudes of PLWH toward current and future mHealth apps.

Methods

A predeveloped, commercially available, biprogrammatic mHealth platform (Care4Today Mobile Health Manager, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) was deployed, with self-reported ART adherence recorded in the app and paper survey at both short term (30-day) or long-term (90-day) follow-ups. Consented participants completed baseline surveys on sociodemographics and attitudes, beliefs, and willingness toward the use of mHealth interventions for HIV care using a 5-point Likert scale. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified correlations with successful uptake of the mHealth platform.

Results

Among 132 PLWH, 66% (n=87) initially agreed to use the mHealth platform, of which 54% (n=47) successfully connected to the platform. Of the 87 agreeing to use the mHealth platform, we found an approximate 2:1 ratio of persons agreeing to try the smartphone app (n=59) versus the SMS text messages (n=28). Factors correlating with mHealth uptake were above high school level education (adjusted odds ratio 2.65; P=.05), confidence that a clinical staff member would assist with mHealth app use (adjusted odds ratio 2.92, P=.048), belief that PLWH would use such an mHealth app (adjusted odds ratio 2.89; P=.02), and ownership of a smartphone in contrast to a “flip-phone” model (adjusted odds ratio 2.80; P=.05). Of the sample, 70.2% (n=92) reported daily interest in receiving medication adherence reminders via an app (80.4% users versus 64.7% nonusers), although not significantly different among the user groups (P=.06). In addition, 34.8% (n=16) of mHealth users reported a theoretical “daily” interest and 68.2% (n=58) of non-mHealth users reported no interest in using an mHealth app for potentially tracking alcohol or drug intake (P=.002).

Conclusions

This commercially available, biprogrammatic mHealth platform showed feasibility and efficacy for enhanced ART and medication adherence within public health clinics and successfully included older age groups. Successful use of the platform among demographically diverse PLWH is important for HIV implementation science and promising for uptake on a larger scale.

Rationale and design of an integrated bio-behavioral approach to improve adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV risk reduction among opioid-dependent people who use drugs: The CHRP-BB study

BACKGROUND

Few primary HIV prevention strategies have successfully integrated both behavioral and biomedical components, with modest HIV risk reduction outcomes among opioid-dependent people who use drugs (PWUD). In response to this unmet need, we developed a brief, bio-behavioral intervention to simultaneously promote PrEP adherence and reduce HIV risk among opioid-dependent PWUD.

METHODS

Using a Hybrid Type I implementation science design, we will examine the efficacy of the integrated bio-behavioral, Community-friendly Health Recovery Program (CHRP-BB) compared to a time-and-attention matched control condition among HIV-negative, opioid-dependent PWUD who are prescribed PrEP and enrolled in a methadone maintenance program (MMP) using a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants are assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention (8 weeks) and follow-ups at weeks 20, 32, and 44 post-intervention. The primary outcome is biomedical (PrEP adherence), with secondary outcomes including behavioral (self-reported drug- and sex-related HIV risk behaviors), ongoing drug use (confirmed with urine drug testing), and related domains of the theoretical information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model of behavior change related to PrEP adherence and HIV-transmission-risk reduction. Additionally, we will conduct a process evaluation of delivery/implementation of the intervention to collect valuable information to be used in future implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will be among the first prospective trial to test an integrated bio-behavioral intervention to improve adherence to PrEP and HIV risk reduction among opioid-dependent PWUD.

Health-related internet use among opioid treatment patients

The Internet and smartphones have become commonplace and can be effective in overcoming traditional barriers to accessing health information about substance use disorders (SUD), and their prevention or treatment. Little is known, however, about specific factors that may influence the use of these technologies among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations with SUDs. This study characterized the use of digital technologies and the Internet among individuals receiving treatment for opioid use disorder, focusing on identifying predictors of Internet use for health-related purposes. Participants came from an urban opioid replacement therapy program and completed a face-to-face survey on Internet and technology use. We examined the association between online health information seeking and technology acceptance variables, including perceived usefulness, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions (e.g., availability of devices/services and technical support). Participants (N = 178, ages 18–64) endorsed high rates of current smartphone ownership (94%) and everyday Internet use (67%). 88% of participants reported searching online for information about health or medical topics in the past 3 months. Predictors of Internet use for health-related purposes were higher technology acceptance for mobile Internet use, younger age, current employment, and less bodily pain. Our results demonstrate high acceptance and use of mobile technology and the Internet among this sample of socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals with SUDs. However, these findings also highlight the importance of identifying barriers that disadvantaged groups face in using mobile technologies when designing technology-based interventions for this population.

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94% of those surveyed with an opioid use disorder owned a smartphone.

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67% used the Internet everyday, and 88% searched the Internet for health information.

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Technology acceptance and bodily pain predicted online health information seeking.

Viral suppression among HIV-infected methadone-maintained patients: The role of ongoing injection drug use and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART)

INTRODUCTION

Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is associated with improved virologic outcomes, yet no studies have explored factors associated with viral suppression in HIV-infected patients on MMT. Given the critical role of sustained viral suppression in maximizing benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART), we sought to assess factors associated with viral suppression in patients stabilized on MMT.

METHODS

A sample of 133 HIV-infected, methadone-maintained patients who reported HIV-risk behaviors were assessed using an audio-computer assisted self-interview (ACASI). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant correlates of viral suppression.

RESULTS

Among all participants, self-reported HIV risk behaviors were highly prevalent and over 80% had achieved viral suppression. Independent correlates of viral suppression were: having optimal adherence to ART (aOR = 4.883, p = .009), high CD4 count (aOR = 2.483, p = .045), and ongoing injection drug use (aOR = 0.081, p = .036). Furthermore, results revealed a significant interaction effect that involved optimal ART adherence and injection of drug use on viral suppression (aOR = 2.953, p = .029).

CONCLUSION

Overall, our findings highlight unaddressed HIV-related treatment challenges faced by certain group of methadone-maintained patients. These findings have significant implications for the HIV treatment as prevention efforts and, thus, indicate the need for comprehensive efforts to promote viral suppression in this risk population.

A novel mHealth application for improving HIV and Hepatitis C knowledge in individuals with opioid use disorder: A pilot study

AIMS

There is a critical need to reduce infectious disease transmission among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Here we examine the ability of a novel, automated educational intervention, delivered via iPad in a single visit, to improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) knowledge among adults with OUD.

METHODS

Participants were 25 adults enrolled in a 12-week trial evaluating the efficacy of an Interim Buprenorphine Treatment for reducing illicit opioid use and other risk behaviors during delays to opioid treatment. Participants completed baseline HIV and HCV knowledge assessments with corrective feedback. They then completed an interactive HIV flipbook and HCV video followed by a second administration of the knowledge assessments. The knowledge assessments were repeated at post-intake Weeks 4 and 12.

RESULTS

At baseline, participants answered 69% and 65% of items correctly on the HIV and HCV assessments, respectively. The educational intervention was associated with significant increases in knowledge (86% and 86% correct on the HIV and HCV assessments, respectively; p's<.001). These improvements persisted throughout the study, with scores at Week 4 and 12 significantly greater than baseline (p's<.001).

CONCLUSION

This HIV+Hepatitis Education intervention was associated with significant and sustained improvements in knowledge of HIV + HCV transmission and risk behaviors in this vulnerable group of individuals with OUD. Given the continuing opioid epidemic, efforts are urgently needed to reduce HIV and HCV contraction and transmission among individuals with OUD. Mobile health educational interventions may offer a time- and cost-effective approach for addressing these risks.

Integrated Bio-behavioral Approach to Improve Adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Reduce HIV Risk in People Who Use Drugs: A Pilot Feasibility Study

This study reports the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the bio-behavioral community-friendly health recovery program-an integrated, HIV prevention intervention to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and HIV-risk reduction behaviors among high-risk people who use drugs. We used a within-subjects, pretest-posttest follow-up design to recruit participants, who were HIV-uninfected, methadone-maintained and reported HIV-risk behaviors and had initiated PrEP (n = 40; males: 55%). Participants were assessed at baseline (T₀), immediately post-intervention (4 weeks: T₄) and 4 weeks post-intervention (T₈). Immediately after completing the four weekly intervention groups, participants underwent a post-intervention assessment including in-depth qualitative interviews. Feasibility was high, assessed by participant willingness to enroll (90.1%) and retention (95%). Results showed that participants were highly satisfied and perceived the intervention as valuable and acceptable [mean: 81.3 (range 0-100)]. Significant enhancements in self-reported PrEP adherence [F(2,74) = 7.500, p = 0.001] and PrEP-related knowledge [F(2,74) = 3.828, p = 0.026] were observed. Drug-related (e.g., injection of drugs, sharing of injection equipment) and sex-related (e.g., number of sexual partners, condomless sex) risk behaviors were reduced, while information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB) constructs increased. The results support feasibility and high acceptability and support further examination of the efficacy of this combination bio-behavioral intervention in a prospective clinical trial.

Measuring Acceptability and Preferences for Implementation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Using Conjoint Analysis: An Application to Primary HIV Prevention Among High Risk Drug Users

Although people who use drugs (PWUD) are one of the key risk populations who could benefit from the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to date, little attention has been given to incorporating PrEP into HIV prevention approaches targeting this underserved group. This study investigated the acceptability of PrEP based on a number of known PrEP attributes among high-risk PWUD in a drug treatment setting. A total of 400 HIV-negative PWUD, who reported drug- and/or sex-related risk behaviors were recruited from a methadone clinic to complete a stated preference (full-profile conjoint) survey. Participants ranked the eight hypothetical PrEP program scenarios with varied combinations of six attributes related to PrEP (cost, dosing, efficacy, side-effects, treatment setting, and frequency of HIV testing). SPSS conjoint procedure was used to estimate the relative importance of each attribute and preferences across eight possible PrEP delivery programs. PrEP acceptability ranged from 30.6 to 86.3% with a mean acceptability of 56.2% across the eight hypothetical PrEP program scenarios. The PrEP program scenario with the highest acceptability had the following attribute levels: insurance covered, daily dosing, 95% effective, no side-effects, treatment at HIV clinic, and HIV testing needed every 6 months. The cost associated with PrEP was the most important attribute (relative importance score: RIS = 38.8), followed by efficacy (RIS = 20.5) and side effects (RIS = 11.9); other attributes had no significant effect. Our findings reported a high acceptability of PrEP in response to different PrEP program scenarios with different attribute profiles. As the result of having this information, researchers and policymakers will be better equipped for evidence informed targeting and dissemination efforts to optimize PrEP uptake among this underserved population.

Using technology to assess and intervene with illicit drug-using persons at risk for HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes recent literature on novel ways technology is used for assessment of illicit drug use and HIV risk behaviours, suggestions for optimizing intervention acceptability, and recently completed and ongoing technology-based interventions for drug-using persons at risk for HIV and others with high rates of drug use and HIV risk behaviour.

RECENT FINDINGS

Among studies (n = 5) comparing technology-based to traditional assessment methods, those using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) had high rates of reported drug use and high concordance with traditional assessment methods. The two recent studies assessing the acceptability of mHealth approaches overall demonstrate high interest in these approaches. Current or in-progress technology-based interventions (n = 8) are delivered using mobile apps (n = 5), text messaging (n = 2) and computers (n = 1). Most intervention studies are in progress or do not report intervention outcomes; the results from one efficacy trial showed significantly higher HIV testing rates among persons in need of drug treatment.

SUMMARY

Studies are needed to continually assess technology adoption and intervention preferences among drug-using populations to ensure that interventions are appropriately matched to users. Large-scale technology-based intervention trials to assess the efficacy of these approaches, as well as the impact of individual intervention components, on drug use and other high-risk behaviours are recommended.

Developing an Integrated, Brief Biobehavioral HIV Prevention Intervention for High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment: The Process and Outcome of Formative Research

To date, HIV prevention efforts have largely relied on singular strategies (e.g., behavioral or biomedical approaches alone) with modest HIV risk-reduction outcomes for people who use drugs (PWUD), many of whom experience a wide range of neurocognitive impairments (NCI). We report on the process and outcome of our formative research aimed at developing an integrated biobehavioral approach that incorporates innovative strategies to address the HIV prevention and cognitive needs of high-risk PWUD in drug treatment. Our formative work involved first adapting an evidence-based behavioral intervention-guided by the Assessment-Decision-Administration-Production-Topical experts-Integration-Training-Testing model-and then combining the behavioral intervention with an evidence-based biomedical intervention for implementation among the target population. This process involved eliciting data through structured focus groups (FGs) with key stakeholders-members of the target population (n = 20) and treatment providers (n = 10). Analysis of FG data followed a thematic analysis approach utilizing several qualitative data analysis techniques, including inductive analysis and cross-case analysis. Based on all information, we integrated the adapted community-friendly health recovery program-a brief evidence-based HIV prevention behavioral intervention-with the evidence-based biomedical component [i.e., preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)], an approach that incorporates innovative strategies to accommodate individuals with NCI. This combination approach-now called the biobehavioral community-friendly health recovery program-is designed to address HIV-related risk behaviors and PrEP uptake and adherence as experienced by many PWUD in treatment. This study provides a complete example of the process of selecting, adapting, and integrating the evidence-based interventions-taking into account both empirical evidence and input from target population members and target organization stakeholders. The resultant brief evidence-based biobehavioral approach could significantly advance primary prevention science by cost-effectively optimizing PrEP adherence and HIV risk reduction within common drug treatment settings.

Interest in use of mHealth technology in HIV prevention and associated factors among high-risk drug users enrolled in methadone maintenance program

The adoption of mobile technologies for health (mHealth) in healthcare has grown considerably in recent years, but systematic assessment of interest in the use of mHealth in HIV prevention efforts among people who use drugs (PWUD) is lacking. We therefore examined interest in use of mHealth technology in HIV prevention and associated individual-level factors among high-risk PWUD enrolled in methadone maintenance program. A total of 400 HIV-negative PWUD, who reported drug- and/or sex-related risk behaviors completed a standardized assessment using audio computer assisted self-interview (ACASI). Results revealed significant interest in using mHealth-based approaches for specific purposes, including: to receive medication reminders (72.3%), to receive information about HIV risk reduction (65.8%), and to assess HIV risk behaviors (76.5%). Multivariate analysis showed that interest in receiving medication reminders was associated with currently taking medication and being neurocognitively impaired, whereas interest in receiving HIV-risk reduction information was associated with being non-white, married, and perceiving the person was at high-risk for contracting HIV. Similarly, participants' interested in using mHealth for HIV risk behavior assessment was associated with having recently visited a healthcare provider and exhibiting depressive symptoms. Overall, this study demonstrated that high-risk PWUD are interested in using mHealth-based tools as a key part of an HIV prevention approach within a common type of drug treatment settings. Thus, formative research on preferences for design and functionality of mHealth-based HIV prevention tools are now needed, followed by practical development, implementation, and evaluation of these new intervention strategies.

Willingness to Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): An Empirical Test of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model among High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment

Evidence from recent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials has demonstrated its safety and efficacy in significantly reducing the risk of HIV acquisition for those who are at considerable risk of acquiring HIV infection. With a rapid increase in the amount of research on the efficacy of PrEP for HIV prevention, complementary research on the willingness to use PrEP has grown, especially among MSM, but limited research has been focused among people who use drugs (PWUD). As part of the formative process, we utilized the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model of health behavior change to characterize and guide intervention development for promoting willingness to use PrEP among high-risk PWUD. The analysis included 400 HIV-negative high-risk PWUD enrolled in a community-based methadone maintenance treatment who reported drug- and/or sex-related HIV risk behaviors in the past 6-months. Analyses revealed support for the IMB model as PrEP-related behavioral skills were found to mediate the influence of PrEP-related information and motivation on willingness to use PrEP. The results provide evidence as to the utility of the IMB model to increase willingness to use PrEP among high-risk PWUD. It therefore makes an important contribution to our understanding of the applicability of theoretically-grounded models of willingness to use PrEP among high-risk PWUD, who are one of the key risk populations who could benefit from the use of PrEP.

Intent to Use Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV Risk Behaviors, and Self-Report Neurocognitive Symptoms by High-Risk Drug Users: A Mediation Analysis

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and HIV risk are significant correlates of intent to use preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The extent to which similar outcomes could occur when these factors operate together, particularly for people who use drugs (PWUD), remains an important unanswered question. We therefore sought evidence that HIV risk behavior mediated the relationship between NCI and intent to use PrEP in high-risk PWUD in treatment. HIV-uninfected, methadone-maintained people who reported HIV-risk behaviors were enrolled (n = 400). Variables of interest (NCI, HIV risk behaviors, intent to use PrEP) were assessed using audio computer-assisted self-interview. We found preliminary evidence of indirect effect of HIV risk behaviors, such that NCI had an increased impact on intent to use PrEP via HIV risk behaviors. As a result of having this information, clinicians and researchers will be better equipped for evidence-informed targeting and dissemination efforts to optimize PrEP uptake by this underserved population.

A Self-Report Measure to Detect Neurocognitive Impairment among Incarcerated People Living with HIV in Malaysian Context: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

While neurocognitive impairment (NCI) among people living with HIV (PLWH) who use drugs and its impact on HIV treatment outcomes continue to be widely investigated, there remains a critical gap in NCI assessment among HIV-infected people who use drugs (PWUD) in Malaysian context. The present study, therefore, sought to improve the utility of the existing Neuropsychological Impairment Scale (NIS) as a screening tool for assessing NCI by establishing its psychometric properties in the Malaysian context. The NIS is a brief, self-report measure originally designed to assess NCI by having individuals rate a range of items that may influence cognitive functioning. HIV-infected male prisoners (N=301) administered the full 95-item NIS. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using principal axis factoring and orthogonal varimax rotation. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha. The EFA resulted in an abbreviated, psychometrically sound, eight-factor structure (54-item) revised NIS - now referred to as the Brief Inventory of Neuro-cognitive Impairment-Malaysia (BINI-M). It is better designed to detect NCI in PLWH, ranging from generalized neurocognitive symptoms to more specific forms of impairment with excellent to average reliability. The BINI-M may serve as a useful tool for clinicians and researchers to assess NCI in PLWH and can inform enhanced treatment strategies in the Malaysian context.

Correlates of willingness to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis and anticipation of practicing safer drug- and sex-related behaviors among high-risk drug users on methadone treatment

BACKGROUND

Although people who use drugs (PWUD) are key populations recommended to receive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, few data are available to guide PrEP delivery in this underserved group. We therefore examined the willingness to initiate PrEP and the anticipation of HIV risk reduction while on PrEP among high-risk PWUD.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 400 HIV-negative, opioid dependent persons enrolled in a methadone program and reporting recent risk behaviors, we examined independent correlates of being willing to initiate PrEP.

RESULTS

While only 72 (18%) were aware of PrEP, after being given a description of it, 251 (62.7%) were willing to initiate PrEP. This outcome was associated with having neurocognitive impairment (aOR=3.184, p=0.004) and higher perceived HIV risk (aOR=8.044, p<0.001). Among those willing to initiate PrEP, only 12.5% and 28.2%, respectively, indicated that they would always use condoms and not share injection equipment while on PrEP. Consistent condom use was associated with higher income (aOR=8.315, p=0.016), always using condoms with casual partners (aOR=6.597, p=0.001), and inversely associated with ongoing drug injection (aOR=0.323, p=0.027). Consistent safe injection, however, was inversely associated with age (aOR=0.948, p=0.035), ongoing drug injection (aOR=0.342, p<0.001), and perceived HIV risk (aOR=0.191, p=0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

While willingness to initiate PrEP was high and correlated with being at elevated risk for HIV, anticipated higher risk behaviors in this group even while on PrEP suggests that the next generation of HIV prevention approaches may need to combine biomedical and behavioral components to sustain HIV risk reduction over time.