Housing First: Unsuppressed Viral Load Among Women Living with HIV in San Francisco

The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Women in the United States

Substantial improvements have been made in reducing HIV incidence rates among women in the United States. However, numerous disparities affect women's risk of HIV acquisition, in addition to affecting treatment outcomes for women living with HIV. As people with HIV continue to live longer due to antiretroviral therapy, clinicians must be cognizant of various health, financial, and social implications that can affect HIV self-management. Successfully ending the HIV epidemic will require more targeted approaches on prevention, linkage to care, and treatment while also addressing underlying factors that affect women's engagement in HIV-related services across the HIV care continuum.

Feasibility of Implementing a Low-Barrier Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Program for HIV Treatment and Prevention for People Experiencing Homelessness

BACKGROUND

Long-acting (LA) antiretrovirals may provide meaningful benefit to people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness (PEH) who face disproportionate structural and psychosocial barriers in adhering to daily oral HIV antiretroviral therapy or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but their use in these populations has not been studied.

SETTING

The Maria X. Martinez Health Resource Center is a low-barrier (eg, no appointment) community-based clinic serving San Francisco PEH.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary care model with robust monitoring and outreach support was developed to provide LA antiretroviral therapy (ART) and LA-PrEP to eligible patients experiencing difficulties adhering to oral antiretrovirals. Feasibility was assessed by evaluating the rates of HIV viremia and on-time injections among patients receiving LA antiretrovirals over the first 24 months of program implementation.

RESULTS

Between November 2021 and November 2023, 33 patients initiated LA-ART or LA-PrEP (median age, 37 years; 27% transgender/nonbinary; 73% non-White; 27% street homeless; 52% sheltered homeless; 30% with opioid use disorder; 82% with methamphetamine use disorder). Among 18 patients with HIV, 14 initiated LA-ART injections with detectable viremia (median CD4 count, 340 cells/mm 3 ; mean log 10 viral load, 3.53; SD, 1.62), 8 had never previously been virally suppressed, and all but 1 achieved or maintained virologic suppression (mean, 9.67 months; SD, 8.30). Among 15 LA-PrEP patients, all remained HIV negative (mean, 4.73 months; SD, 2.89). Of 224 total injections administered, 8% were delayed >7 days.

DISCUSSION

The implementation of LA antiretrovirals is feasible in low-barrier, highly supportive clinical settings serving vulnerable PEH. Expansion of such programs will be critical in ending the HIV epidemic.

Overamped: Stimulant Use and HIV Pathogenesis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the era of HIV treatment as prevention (TasP), more clarity is needed regarding whether people with HIV who use stimulants (i.e., methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine) display elevated HIV viral load and greater immune dysregulation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although rates of viral suppression have improved in the TasP era, stimulant use was independently associated with elevated viral load in 23 of 28 studies included in our review. In the 12 studies examining other HIV disease markers, there was preliminary evidence for stimulant-associated alterations in gut-immune dysfunction and cellular immunity despite effective HIV treatment. Studies generally focused on documenting the direct associations of stimulant use with biomarkers of HIV pathogenesis without placing these in the context of social determinants of health. Stimulant use is a key barrier to optimizing the effectiveness of TasP. Elucidating the microbiome-gut-brain axis pathways whereby stimulants alter neuroimmune functioning could identify viable targets for pharmacotherapies for stimulant use disorders. Examining interpersonal, neighborhood, and structural determinants that could modify the associations of stimulant use with biomarkers of HIV pathogenesis is critical to guiding the development of comprehensive, multi-level interventions.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Tuberculosis Among People Experiencing Homelessness in the United States: Current Recommendations

OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health problem, especially among people experiencing homelessness (PEH). The Advisory Council for the Elimination of Tuberculosis issued recommendations in 1992 for TB prevention and control among PEH. Our goal was to provide current guidelines and information in one place to inform medical and public health providers and TB programs on TB incidence, diagnosis, and treatment among PEH.

METHODS

We reviewed and synthesized diagnostic and treatment recommendations for TB disease and latent TB infection (LTBI) as of 2022 and information after 1992 on the magnitude of homelessness in the United States, the incidence of TB among PEH, the role of public health departments in TB case management among PEH, and recently published evidence.

RESULTS

In 2018, there were 1.45 million estimated PEH in the United States. During the past 2 decades, the incidence of TB was >10 times higher and the prevalence of LTBI was 7 to 20 times higher among PEH than among people not experiencing homelessness. TB outbreaks were common in overnight shelters. Permanent housing for PEH and the use of rapid TB diagnostic tests, along with isolation and treatment, reduced TB exposure among PEH. The use of direct observation enhanced treatment adherence among PEH, as did involvement of social workers to help secure shelter, food, safety, and treatment for comorbidities, especially HIV and substance use disorders. Testing and treatment for LTBI prevented progression to TB disease, and shorter LTBI regimens helped improve adherence. Federal agencies and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council have helpful resources.

CONCLUSION

Improvements in TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention among PEH are possible by following existing recommendations and using client-centered approaches.

Socio-ecological Barriers to Viral Suppression Among Transgender Women Living with HIV in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California

Troubling disparities in viral suppression persist among transgender (trans) women living with HIV in the US. We utilized baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention among trans women living with HIV in San Francisco and Los Angeles, to identify the socio-ecological correlates of biologically confirmed viral suppression (< 200 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL). Among 253 participants, the mean age was 43 (SD = 11), 46% identified as Black or African American and 35% were virally non-suppressed. In adjusted Poisson regression models, the following barriers to viral suppression were identified: injection drug use [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.93, Z = - 2.64, p = 0.008], methamphetamine use (aRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.83, Z = - 3.45, p = 0.001), amphetamine use (aRR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.87, Z = - 2.75, p = 0.006), homelessness (aRR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-0.98, Z = - 2.06, p = 0.039), and sex work (aRR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.86, Z = - 2.77, p = 0.009). These findings underscore the importance of interventions that address the socio-ecological barriers to viral suppression among trans women in urban settings.

Precarious Housing Associated with Unsuppressed Viral load, sub-optimal Access to HIV Treatment and Unmet Health care Needs, Among Women Living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada

We investigated associations between (1) housing status (four categories measuring housing stability) and outcomes along the HIV care continuum (not currently on antiretroviral therapy [ART]; sub-optimal ART adherence [< 95% in the last 3-4 weeks]; unsuppressed viral load [> 200 copies/ml], median CD4 < 200 in the last six months), and (2) housing status and unmet primary, dental and mental health care needs in the last six months among WLWH. Housing status was defined according to the Canadian Definition of Homelessness and had four categories: unsheltered (i.e., living in ≥ 1 unsheltered location [e.g., street, abandoned buildings]), unstable (i.e., living in ≥ 1 unstable location [e.g., shelter, couch surfing]), supportive housing (i.e., only living in supportive housing), and stable housing (i.e., only living in one's own housing; reference). At baseline, in the last six months, 47.3% of participants reported unstable housing, followed by 24.4% unsheltered housing, 16.4% stable housing, and 11.9% supportive housing. Overall, 19.1% of the full sample (N = 336, 2010-2019) reported not currently on ART; among participants on ART, 28.0% reported sub-optimal ART adherence. Overall, 32.1% had recent unsuppressed viral load. Among a subsample (n = 318, 2014-2019), 15.7% reported unmet primary care needs, 26.1% unmet dental care needs, and 16.4% unmet mental health care needs. In adjusted models, being unsheltered (vs. stable housing) was associated with not currently on ART, unsuppressed viral load, and unmet primary and dental care needs. Housing and health services need to be developed with and for WLWH to address structural inequities and fulfill basic rights to housing and health.

Viral Breakthrough Episodes Among Persons with HIV in Care in Alberta, Canada: Clinical and Public Health Implications

Unsuppressed HIV viremia damages immunity and increases the risk for secondary HIV transmission. Successful engagement of persons with HIV (PWH) into care resulting in viral suppression is vital. PWH already engaged in care, who, after achieving viral suppression, experience viral breakthrough episodes (VBEs) with a sequence of suppressed/unsuppressed/suppressed viral loads remain problematic. We examined the frequency and outcomes of PWH experiencing VBE. HIV care is provided at no cost to all patients under Alberta's universal health program. All PWH followed at Southern Alberta Clinic, Canada, with two or more viral load tests between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2020, were evaluated. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables were determined along with health outcomes (CD4 levels, HIV-related hospitalizations, and HIV/AIDS-related mortality). Descriptive and multi-variable analyses were performed comparing PWH with and without VBEs. Of 2096 PWH, 386 (18%) experienced one or more VBEs. A higher risk of VBEs was seen in adjusted analyses in those diagnosed age ≤40 years. Increased risk of VBE was seen with injection drug use (46%) and in heterosexuals (56%) compared with MSM. Experience of intimate partner violence, unstable housing, homelessness, and past incarceration also increased risks by 36%, 44% 79%, and 51%, respectively. PWH with VBEs experienced lower CD4 counts (median -417/mm³ vs. 576/mm³), higher rates of HIV-related hospitalizations (16% vs. 5%), and a 67% increased risk of death (95% confidence interval 1.17-2.39) over the study period. Nearly 20% of all PWH, after achieving viral suppression, experienced VBEs. Distinct clinical, lifestyle, and life experiences predict PWH at greatest risk for more than one VBEs. Serious negative health outcomes of VBEs were identified, suggesting that novel customized care programming is required for PWH at greatest risk.

HIV care cascade for women living with HIV in the Greater Toronto Area versus the rest of Ontario and Canada

BACKGROUND

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to 39% of Canada's population living with HIV. To identify gaps in access and engagement in care and treatment, we assessed the care cascade of women living with HIV (WLWH) in the GTA versus the rest of Ontario and Canada (in this case: Quebec and British Columbia).

METHODS

We analyzed 2013-2015 self-reported baseline data from the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study for six care cascade stages: linked to care, retained in care, initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART), currently on ART, ART adherence (≥90%), and undetectable (<50 copies/mL). Multivariable logistic regression was used to reveal associations with being undetectable.

RESULTS

Comparing the GTA to the rest of Ontario and Canada, respectively: 96%, 98%, 100% were linked to care; 92%, 94%, 98% retained in care; 72%, 89%, 96% initiated ART; 67%, 81%, 90% were currently using ART; 53%, 66%, 77% were adherent; 59%, 69%, 81% were undetectable. Factors associated with viral suppression in the multivariable model included: living outside of the GTA (Ontario: aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.09-2.72; Canada: aOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.62-3.62), non-Canadian citizenship (landed immigrant/permanent resident: aOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.66-6.26; refugee/protected person/other status: aOR = 4.77, 95% CI: 1.96-11.64), completed high school (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.15-2.73), stable housing (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.33-3.39), income of ≥$20,000 (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.00-2.31), HIV diagnosis <6 years (6-14 years: aOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.16-2.63; >14 years: aOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.19-2.96), and higher resilience (aOR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04).

CONCLUSION

WLWH living in the GTA had lower rates of viral suppression compared to the rest of Ontario and Canada even after adjustment of age, ethnicity, and HIV diagnosis duration. High-impact programming for WLWH in the GTA to improve HIV outcomes are greatly needed.

Differential Effects of Patient Navigation across Latent Profiles of Barriers to Care among People Living with HIV and Comorbid Conditions

Engaging people living with HIV who report substance use (PLWH-SU) in care is essential to HIV medical management and prevention of new HIV infections. Factors associated with poor engagement in HIV care include a combination of syndemic psychosocial factors, mental and physical comorbidities, and structural barriers to healthcare utilization. Patient navigation (PN) is designed to reduce barriers to care, but its effectiveness among PLWH-SU remains unclear. We analyzed data from NIDA Clinical Trials Network's CTN-0049, a three-arm randomized controlled trial testing the effect of a 6-month PN with and without contingency management (CM), on engagement in HIV care and viral suppression among PLWH-SU (n = 801). Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of individuals' experiences to 23 barriers to care. The effects of PN on engagement in care and viral suppression were compared across latent profiles. Three latent profiles of barriers to care were identified. The results revealed that PN interventions are likely to be most effective for PLWH-SU with fewer, less severe healthcare barriers. Special attention should be given to individuals with a history of abuse, intimate partner violence, and discrimination, as they may be less likely to benefit from PN alone and require additional interventions.

Relationship between Housing Characteristics and Care Outcomes among Women Living with HIV: Latent Class Analysis

Housing plays a critical role in the care outcomes of individuals living with a HIV, yet few studies have examined the unique housing profiles of women living with HIV (WLH), especially among those belonging to low-income racial/ethnic minority groups. In this study, authors conducted a latent class analysis to generate latent profiles of women (N = 1,501) according to their housing status and household characteristics and assessed associations between classes and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and between classes and three HIV care outcomes: retention in care, viral suppression, and sustained viral suppression. A three-class model was selected using five dichotomized housing indicators: housing status, head of household status, living with minors, living with another adult, and disclosure of HIV status to adults with whom they live. While class 1 and class 2 had comparable HIV care outcomes, women in class 3-who were predominately unstably housed, living alone, and did not disclose their HIV status with those with whom they lived-had significantly lower crude odds of successful care outcomes. When accounting for sociodemographic and behavioral factors, significant differences in retention in care persisted. Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions for subgroups of low-income WLH and provide contextual details around the role of housing experiences.

Primary care embedded within permanent supportive housing for people who use substances: A qualitative study examining healthcare access in Vancouver, Canada

Marginally housed people who use drugs and alcohol (PWUD/A) face barriers in accessing healthcare services, which may be improved by providing healthcare in housing settings. This case study examines the experiences of healthcare access amongst PWUD/A who live in a permanent supportive housing model in Vancouver, Canada. This model has an embedded multidisciplinary clinic providing in-reach services. Thirty participants were recruited via posters placed throughout the building and semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted remotely. Interviews were conducted with participants who accessed onsite care regularly (n = 15) and those who do not (n = 15). Data were analysed to identify both a priori and emerging themes. Participants who accessed the onsite clinic reported benefiting from stigma-free care. Close proximity and convenience of drop-in appointments enabled participants to engage with healthcare services more consistently, though hours of operation and privacy concerns were barriers for others. Participants who did not use the onsite clinic highlighted the importance of continuity of care with their pre-existing primary care team, particularly if their clinic was in close geographic proximity. However, they also described utilising these services for urgent health needs or as an occasional alternative source of care. Shared perspectives across all participants emphasised the importance of low-barrier services, including medication delivery, convenience and positive therapeutic relationships. Our findings suggest that embedding access to primary care within supportive housing benefits PWUD/A who have previously encountered barriers to healthcare access. This model could be implemented to prevent utilisation of acute healthcare resources and improve health outcomes amongst PWUD/A.

Identifying the best measures of alcohol consumption to predict future HIV viral suppression trajectories

Alcohol use is associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH), but it remains unclear which alcohol use measures best predict future HIV viral non-suppression over time. This study aimed to compare the ability of five alcohol use measures to predict risk of suboptimal HIV viral load trajectories over 36 months. We analyzed data from a cohort of PLWH in Florida including survey data linked to the state HIV surveillance system on prospective HIV viral loads over 36 months (n = 783; 66% male; 55% Black; Mage=46, SD = 11). Four trajectory patterns for HIV viral load were identified: consistently low (65.1%), decreasing (15.9%), increasing (10.6%), and consistently high (8.4%). Past year alcohol use frequency (OR = 2.1, CI:1.0-4.4), drinks consumed on a typical drinking day (OR = 2.2, CI:1.2-4.1), frequency of binge drinking (OR = 2.6, CI:1.3-5.2), and alcohol-related problems score (OR = 1.7, CI:1.1-2.7) were the measures predictive of the risk of future viral non-suppression above specific thresholds.

The prevalence and social-structural correlates of housing status among women living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada

Background

Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience numerous social and structural barriers to stable housing, with substantial implications for access to health care services. This study is the first to apply the Canadian Definition of Homelessness (CDOH), an inclusive national guideline, to investigate the prevalence and correlates of housing status among WLWH in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

Our study utilized data from a longitudinal open cohort of cisgender and trans WLWH aged 14 years and older, in 2010–2019. Cross-sectional descriptive statistics of the prevalence of housing status and other social and structural variables were summarized for the baseline visits. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) for repeated measures to investigate the relationship between social and structural correlates and housing status among WLWH.

Results

The study included 336 participants with 1930 observations over 9 years. Housing status derived from CDOH included four categories: unsheltered, unstable, supportive housing, and stable housing (reference). Evidence suggested high levels of precarious housing, with 24% of participants reporting being unsheltered, 47% reporting unstable housing, 11.9% reporting supportive housing, and 16.4% reporting stable housing in the last six months at baseline. According to the multivariable models, living in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood of Metro Vancouver, hospitalization, physical/sexual violence, and stimulant use were associated with being unsheltered, compared to stable housing; DTES residence, hospitalization, and physical/sexual violence were associated with unstable housing; DTES residence and stimulant use were associated with living in supportive housing.

Conclusion

Complex social-structural inequities are associated with housing instability among WLWH. In addition to meeting basic needs for living, to facilitate access to housing among WLWH, housing options that are gender-responsive and gender-inclusive and include trauma- and violence-informed principles, low-barrier requirements, and strong connections with supportive harm reduction services are critical.

Examining Barriers to Medication Adherence and Retention in Care among Women Living with HIV in the Face of Homelessness and Unstable Housing

Despite advances in biomedical treatments, women living with HIV (WLH) who experience homelessness and housing instability suffer suboptimal HIV outcomes, even when linked to treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of housing instability among WLH and to understand its role in their ability to adhere to antiretroviral medication and remain retained in care. Sixteen women who were linked to Ryan White Program HIV care in South Florida participated in in-depth interviews. The findings focus around four larger themes: difficulty storing medication, privacy- and stigma-related issues, inconsistent access to medication and health care disruptions, and competing and unmet physical and mental health needs. Findings underscore the importance of strategies that are responsive to the disruption of routines and are sensitive to privacy issues in shared dwelling spaces; the proactive inquiry of behavioral and environmental considerations when prescribing antiretroviral medication; and the identification and treatment of comorbid conditions. This study provides evidence for strategies to facilitate self-management and improve modifiable system realities to augment larger-level policy and funding shifts that are critically needed to end the epidemic among vulnerable populations living with HIV.

Brief Report: Heterogeneous Preferences for Care Engagement Among People With HIV Experiencing Homelessness or Unstable Housing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND/SETTING

In San Francisco, HIV viral suppression is 71% among housed individuals but only 20% among unhoused individuals. We conducted a discrete choice experiment at a San Francisco public HIV clinic to evaluate care preferences among people living with HIV (PLH) experiencing homelessness/unstable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

From July to November 2020, we conducted a discrete choice experiment among PLH experiencing homelessness/unstable housing who accessed care through (1) an incentivized, drop-in program (POP-UP) or (2) traditional primary care. We investigated 5 program features: single provider vs team of providers; visit incentives ($0, $10, and $20); location (current site vs current + additional site); drop-in vs scheduled visits; in-person only vs optional telehealth visits; and navigator assistance. We estimated relative preferences using mixed-effects logistic regression and conducted latent class analysis to evaluate preference heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We enrolled 115 PLH experiencing homelessness/unstable housing, 40% of whom lived outdoors. The strongest preferences were for the same provider (β = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.41), visit incentives (β = 0.56 per $5; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.66), and drop-in visits (β = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.82). Telehealth was not preferred. Latent class analysis revealed 2 distinct groups: 78 (68%) preferred a flexible care model, whereas 37 (32%) preferred a single provider.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified heterogeneous care preferences among PLH experiencing homelessness/unstable housing during the COVID-19 pandemic, with two-thirds preferring greater flexibility and one-third preferring provider continuity. Telehealth was not preferred, even with navigator facilitation. Including patient choice in service delivery design can improve care engagement, particularly for marginalized populations, and is an essential tool for ending the HIV epidemic.

Structural and community changes during COVID-19 and their effects on overdose precursors among rural people who use drugs: a mixed-methods analysis

BACKGROUND

Drug overdose rates in the United States have been steadily increasing, particularly in rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation strategies may have increased overdose risk for people who use drugs by impacting social, community, and structural factors.

METHODS

The study included a quantitative survey focused on COVID-19 administered to 50 people who use drugs and semi-structured qualitative interviews with 17 people who use drugs, 12 of whom also participated in the quantitative survey. Descriptive statistics were run for the quantitative data. Qualitative coding was line-by-line then grouped thematically. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated during analysis.

RESULTS

Findings demonstrate how COVID-19 disruptions at the structural and community level affected outcomes related to mental health and drug use at the individual level. Themes that emerged from the qualitative interviews were (1) lack of employment opportunities, (2) food and housing insecurity, (3) community stigma impacting health service use, (4) mental health strains, and (5) drug market disruptions. Structural and community changes increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness on the individual level, as well as changes in drug use patterns, all of which are likely to increase overdose risk.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic, and mitigation strategies aimed at curbing infection, disrupted communities and lives of people who use drugs. These disruptions altered individual drug use and mental health outcomes, which could increase risk for overdose. We recommend addressing structural and community factors, including developing multi-level interventions, to combat overdose. Trial registration Clinicaltrails.gov: NCT04427202. Registered June 11, 2020: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04427202?term=pho+mai&draw=2&rank=3.

Molecular Epidemiology of Individuals Experiencing Unstable Housing or Living Homeless at HIV Diagnosis: Analysis of HIV Surveillance Data in King County, Washington

We examined patterns of genetic clustering among individuals diagnosed with HIV between 2010 and 2018 using data from King County, Washington's National HIV Surveillance System. Among 2,371 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, 231 (10%) experienced unstable housing or were living homeless at the time of diagnosis. Among the 1,658 (70%) people with an available HIV-1 pol gene sequence, 1,071 (65%) were identified to be part of 296 genetic clusters. In our analysis, housing status was not associated with genetic clustering (OR 1.02; 95%CI:0.75,1.39). After adjusting for demographic and behavioral factors, people who were living homeless at HIV diagnosis had 35% lower odds of being identified as part of a genetic cluster (AOR 0.65; 95%CI:0.44,0.95) compared to people with stable housing. Our findings highlight that people experiencing unstable housing are disproportionately burdened by HIV, and that within this population in King County, being in a genetic cluster is predominantly associated with substance use.

Factors Influencing Adherence to Antipsychotic Medications in Women with Delusional Disorder: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

Adherence to medication regimens is of great importance in psychiatry because drugs sometimes need to be taken for long durations in order to maintain health and function.

OBJECTIVE

To review influences on adherence to antipsychotic medications, the treatment of choice for delusional disorder (DD), and to focus on adherence in women with DD.

METHOD

A non-systematic narrative review of papers published since 2000 using PubMed and Google Scholar and focusing on women with DD and medication adherence.

RESULTS

Several factors have been identified as exerting influence on adherence in women with persistent delusional symptoms who are treated with antipsychotics. Personality features, intensity of delusion, perception of adverse effects, and cognitive impairment are patient factors. Clinical time spent with the patient, clarity of communication and regular drug monitoring are responsibilities of the health provider. Factors that neither patient nor clinician can control are the social determinants of health such as poverty, easy access to healthcare, and cultural variables.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been little investigation into factors that influence adherence in the target population discussed here -e.g. women with DD. Preliminary results of this literature search indicate that solutions from outside the field of DD may apply to this population. Overall, a solid therapeutic alliance appears to be the best hedge against non-adherence.

Unmet Needs Among Out of Care and Recently Diagnosed Women of Color With HIV: Opportunities for Focused Interventions

OBJECTIVE

Women of color (WoC) have lower retention in care and higher HIV/AIDS-related morbidity, compared with other populations. Barriers to care include lack of family support, inadequate HIV/AIDS services, and stigma, and women may face greater unmet needs for services including housing and employment. This descriptive study explores the unmet needs of WoC participating in the Health Resources and Services Administration's Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program, Dissemination of Evidence Informed Interventions (HRSA/SPNS DEII) Initiative.

SETTING

Six urban health clinics across the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Eligible participants were cis- or transgender women who were newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the past 12 months, out of care for at least 6 months, or not virally suppressed. Participants enrolled from November 2016 to November 2018.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Our primary outcome of interest was unmet needs at enrollment for 6 core services: housing, transportation, benefits, mental health or substance use treatment, medication assistance, and medical care. We examined differences in unmet needs stratified by participant characteristics and used multivariate regression to identify the social and health risk factors associated with higher unmet needs.

RESULTS

Among the 529 WoC, the most frequently reported expressed needs were transportation (50.1%), housing (41.2%), benefits (28.2%), medication assistance (24.5%), and substance use or mental health treatment (24.3%). Participants with a significantly higher number of overall unmet needs included those who were older (40 years or older), were unstably housed, had a history of incarceration, identified as a transgender woman, were US born, had no caregiver responsibilities, and did not have a case manager at enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate the importance of screening for and developing focused strategies to address the unmet needs for WoC if viral suppression is to be achieved.

Multilevel Analysis of Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics Associated with Viral Suppression Among Adults with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Understanding the impact of neighborhood context on viral suppression outcomes may help explain health disparities and identify future interventions. We assessed the relationship between individual characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic context, and viral suppression using multilevel logistic regression models. Adults with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2000 and 2017, who resided in Rio de Janeiro and had an HIV-1 RNA level (viral load) measured 90-270 days after ART initiation were included. Overall, 83.9% achieved viral suppression. Participants who were older, had a higher level of education, and identified as heterosexual cisgender men and cisgender men-who-have-sex-with-men had increased odds of viral suppression. Later calendar year of ART initiation carried the strongest association with viral suppression, reflecting the increased effectiveness and tolerability of ART over time. Neighborhood socioeconomic indicators did not predict viral suppression in unadjusted or adjusted analyses, which may result from the integrated care provided in our health care facility together with Brazil's universal treatment.

Impact of Canadian human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law on experiences of violence from sexual partners among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada: Implications for sexual rights

Objectives:

People living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada can face criminal charges for human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure before sex, unless a condom is used and their viral load is <1500 copies/mL. We measured the reported impact of human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law on violence from sexual partners among women living with human immunodeficiency virus in Canada.

Methods:

We used cross-sectional survey data from wave 3 participant visits (2017–2018) within Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study; a longitudinal, community-based cohort of women living with human immunodeficiency virus in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Our primary outcome was derived from response to the statement: ‘[HIV non-disclosure case law has] increased my experiences of verbal/physical/sexual violence from sexual partners’. Participants responding ‘strongly agree/agree’ were deemed to have experienced increased violence due to the law. Participants responding ‘not applicable’ (i.e. those without sexual partners) were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors independently associated with increased violence from sexual partners due to human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law.

Results:

We included 619/937 wave 3 participants. Median age was 46 (interquartile range: 39–53) and 86% had experienced verbal/physical/sexual violence in adulthood. Due to concerns about human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law, 37% had chosen not to have sex with a new partner, and 20% had disclosed their human immunodeficiency virus status to sexual partners before a witness. A total of 21% self-reported that human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law had increased their experiences of verbal/physical/sexual violence from sexual partners. In adjusted analyses, women reporting non-White ethnicity (Indigenous; African/Caribbean/Black; Other), unstable housing and high human immunodeficiency virus–related stigma had significantly higher odds of reporting increased violence from sexual partners due to human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law.

Conclusion:

Findings bolster concerns that human immunodeficiency virus criminalization is a structural driver of intimate partner violence, compromising sexual rights of women living with human immunodeficiency virus. Human immunodeficiency virus non-disclosure case law intersects with other oppressions to regulate women’s sexual lives.

African American/Black and Latino Adults with Detectable HIV Viral Load Evidence Substantial Risk for Polysubstance Substance Use and Co-occurring Problems: A Latent Class Analysis

Substance use problems are highly prevalent among persons living with (PLWH) in the United States and serve as serious barriers to engagement in HIV care. Yet, in contrast to studies of single substances, little is known about patterns of polysubstance use in this population. Moreover, other risk factors (e.g., financial hardship, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health distress) are also prevalent and complicate HIV management. The present study drew on a cross-sectional survey with African American/Black and Latino (AABL) adult PLWH from low socioeconomic status backgrounds in New York City who were insufficiently engaged in HIV care and evidenced detectable HIV viral load (N = 512). We used latent class analysis (LCA) to explore patterns of polysubstance use and their relationships to financial hardship, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health. LCA yielded three substance use classes: Class 1, a high polysubstance use/high-risk substance use class (9%); Class 2, a polysubstance use/moderate substance use risk class (18%); and Class 3, a moderate polysubstance use/moderate-to-low-risk substance use class (74%). Mental health symptoms were prevalent in all classes, but Class 1 had greater mental health distress than the other two classes. Current homelessness was more prevalent in Classes 1 and 2. We cannot end the HIV epidemic without engaging and treating AABL PLWH who have serious barriers to engagement along the HIV care continuum, and who evidence polysubstance use along with co-occurring risk factors. Clinical settings can develop outreach and engagement approaches to bring this subpopulation of PLWH into care settings, and further, specialized services are needed to successfully screen, treat, and retain them.

Evaluation of the POP-UP programme: a multicomponent model of care for people living with HIV with homelessness or unstable housing

OBJECTIVE

Homelessness is the greatest risk factor for HIV viremia in San Francisco. Innovative care models for people with HIV (PWH) with homelessness or unstable housing (HUH) are needed to address this inequity. We developed a novel low-barrier clinic-based program for PWH-HUH in an urban safety-net clinic ('POP-UP') and report outcomes on care engagement and viral suppression.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING

San Francisco General Hospital HIV Clinic (Ward 86).

PARTICIPANTS

We enrolled PWH who are HUH, viraemic and for whom usual care is not working (at least one missed primary care appointment and at least two drop-in visits at Ward 86 in the last year).

INTERVENTION

POP-UP provides drop-in comprehensive primary care, housing assistance and case management, financial incentives and patient navigation with frequent contact.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We describe uptake of eligible patients into POP-UP, and cumulative incidence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, return to care and virologic suppression 6 months post-enrolment, estimated via Kaplan--Meier.

RESULTS

Out of 192 referred patients, 152 were eligible, and 75 enrolled. All 75 were off ART and viraemic; 100% had a substance use disorder; and 77% had a mental health diagnosis. Over three-quarters restarted ART within 7 days of enrolment, and 91% returned for follow-up within 90 days. The cumulative incidence of viral suppression at 6 months was 55% (95% confidence interval 43-68).

CONCLUSION

A novel care model for PWH-HUH demonstrates early success in engaging viraemic patients in care and improving viral suppression. Low-barrier, high-contact primary care programmes offering comprehensive services and incentives may improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and HIV Spotlight the United States Imperative for Permanent Affordable Housing

Job loss and evictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to significantly increase homelessness in the coming months. Reciprocally, homelessness and the many vulnerabilities that inevitably accompany it are driving COVID-19 outbreaks in U.S. shelters and other congregate living situations. Unless we intervene to address homelessness, these co-existing and synergistic situations will make the current public health crisis even worse.

Preventing homelessness and providing permanent affordable housing has reduced the ravages of the HIV epidemic. We must take the lessons learned in 40 years of fighting HIV to respond effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. Housing is an investment that will curb the spread of COVID-19 and help protect all of us from future pandemics.

Viral suppression during COVID-19 among people with HIV experiencing homelessness in a low-barrier clinic-based program

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) threatens to further worsen HIV outcomes among people experiencing homelessness. We conducted an interrupted time-series analysis of care engagement and viral suppression among unhoused individuals in the 'POP-UP' low-barrier, high-intensity HIV primary care program during COVID-19. Among 85 patients, care engagement and viral suppression did not decrease in the 5 months following implementation of San Francisco's 'shelter-in-place' ordinance. Low-barrier, in-person HIV care for homeless individuals may be important for maintaining HIV outcomes during COVID-19.

Outcome expectancies toward adherence to antiretroviral therapy for pregnant and postpartum women with HIV

Objectives:

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in care significantly drop for women with HIV during the postpartum period. We have a limited understanding of how outcome expectancies influence maternal adherence and retention in care.

Methods:

Women with HIV from an urban academic clinic completed in-depth interviews in the third trimester and at 3 to 9 months postpartum to evaluate outcome expectancies, facilitators, and barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence and retention in care. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed for content. A codebook was created using deductive (based on the theory of reasoned action approach) and inductive (based on emergent themes) codes.

Results:

We conducted 21 interviews with 12 women during pregnancy and 9 women during postpartum period. Participants had a mean age of 31 (standard deviation = 5.7) and most were African American (75%). Outcome expectancies centered mostly around pediatric health to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV and to be healthy to raise their children. Other outcome expectancies included preventing transmission of HIV to their partners. Social support from partners served as a strong facilitator as they helped routinize pill-taking behaviors, provided reminders, and decreased social isolation. Barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence included depression, the disruption of scheduling routines, and the physical demands associated with the postpartum period. These barriers were accentuated for women with multiple children.

Conclusion:

Women’s commitment to pediatric health was the primary motive for antiretroviral therapy adherence. Partners also served an important role. These findings suggest that interventions linking pediatric and maternal health, and partner support can improve maternal HIV treatment in the postpartum period.

Structural Barriers to Women's Sustained Engagement in HIV Care in Southern California

Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, the number of women living with HIV (WLHIV) continues to increase. Despite the decrease in HIV diagnosis among women in California, less than half of WLHIV are retained in HIV care. Structural barriers put women at increased risk for delayed HIV diagnosis, delayed entry into HIV care, and poorer treatment outcomes. The objective of this qualitative analysis is to identify how structural barriers negatively impact women's sustained engagement in HIV care in Southern California. WLHIV accessing local HIV support services participated in a qualitative study by completing a semi-structured interview and brief survey between January and April 2015 (n = 30). Poverty, unemployment, housing instability, and needs for transportation emerged as the dominant structural barriers for women when discussing their challenges with sustained engagement in HIV care. System-level interventions that decrease these noted barriers may help improve HIV care continuum for women living in Southern California.

Getting to Zero San Francisco: A Collective Impact Approach

BACKGROUND

Building on several decades of innovative HIV prevention and treatment programming in San Francisco, in 2014, a small group of academic, civic, and community leaders launched Getting to Zero San Francisco, a city-wide consortium focused on getting to zero HIV infections, zero HIV-related deaths, and zero HIV stigma and discrimination.

SETTING

San Francisco city and county.

METHODS

The consortium operates under the principles of collective impact composed of 5 components: a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and organization backbone. Two flagship initiatives are described: citywide scale-up of pre-exposure prophylaxis and rapid antiretroviral therapy upon diagnosis.

RESULTS

The number of new HIV diagnoses declined by over 50% from 399 to 197 from 2013 to 2018; the time from diagnosis to viral suppression decreased from 134 to 62 days during that period. However, continued racial/ethnic disparities in new HIV diagnoses and viral suppression rates point to the need for the Getting to Zero San Francisco committees to focus on racial/ethnic equity as a primary focus. Cisgender and transgender women, people who inject drugs, and people who are homeless also have lower viral suppression rates; ongoing initiatives are attempting to address these disparities.

CONCLUSION

A collective impact implementation strategy that operates by unifying municipal organizations toward a common goal was associated with citywide gains in reducing new HIV diagnosis and time to viral suppression in San Francisco. Formal evaluation of this strategy will help elucidate under which conditions this approach is most likely to succeed.