1
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Kalichman SC. Expanding the Scope of AIDS and Behavior: Behavioral Infectiology. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04346-7. [PMID: 38662278 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
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2
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Pheasant-Kelly F. UK media responses to HIV through the lens of COVID-19: a study of multidirectional memory. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2023; 49:735-751. [PMID: 37863647 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2022-012575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
This article proposes correlations and parallels in UK newsprint media coverage of the COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS pandemics through engagement with Michael Rothberg's model of multidirectional memory. It achieves this via qualitative and quantitative analysis of newsprint media during selected timelines of the respective outbreaks. Although the COVID-19 outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China in 2019 and spread globally, has prompted reference to a number of previous traumatic events, including 9/11 and the Holocaust, one might contend that it correlates most closely with HIV/AIDS given the latter's ongoing nature and worldwide reach. COVID-19, having infected 629 million people since December 2019 with 6.5 million deaths by November 2022, still presents a global threat through which we might read the trauma of HIV, a disease that has thus far seen 32.7 million deaths and has infected 75.7 million people worldwide. This relationship exists despite the fact that the two viruses and their effects differ markedly: HIV is a retrovirus, has a long incubation time, is transmitted via bodily fluids, has a low risk of infectivity via everyday contact and, to date, no fully effective vaccine has been developed. Contrastingly, COVID-19 is a coronavirus, has a short incubation time, is transmitted via contact and airborne respiratory aerosols, has a high risk of infectivity via everyday contact, and investment in vaccine development has been significant, with several vaccines now successfully developed. Nonetheless, while the two viruses and their prognoses are quite different and government strategies have followed highly divergent trajectories, certain parallels are apparent to the extent that one might read HIV/AIDS through the lens of COVID-19. It is therefore argued here that the connections between these two traumatic events constitute what Rothberg terms 'multidirectional memory' whereby we understand one traumatic event through another.
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Asogun D, Mahmud MA, Precious AJO, Osazuwa I. The role of Nigerian medical students in the HIV response: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2023; 22:210-216. [PMID: 38015896 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2274343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Background: With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study seeks to understand how medical students' involvement in the HIV response during the COVID-19 pandemic - as well as before and after it - has influenced their decision to specialise in HIV care and their participation in HIV-related activities in the future.Method: Quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilised among medical students from Ambrose Alli University in their fourth, fifth and sixth years of study respectively. Data from this study was analysed using the SPSS version 21 module for descriptive statistics.Results: Medical students were more involved in community-based HIV awareness campaigns (48.6%) during the pre-COVID era, but then became more involved in online awareness campaigns (55%). Only 8.6% were involved in HIV research and evaluation activities. Over 31.2% of respondents were interested in specialising in HIV-related fields, with 23.6% attributing their decision to the COVID-19 pandemic. 92.3% of the respondents were of the opinion that medical students need to become more involved in HIV-related activities. There was statistical significance between the year of study of respondents and awareness of HIV-related activities (p < 0.007). Focused discussions revealed that all students felt that medical students should be more involved in HIV-related activities.Conclusion: Our results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic marginally boosted the number of medical students involved in online awareness campaigns for HIV and AIDs, but there was decreased involvement in community campaigns and participation in community HIV testing. The impact of these findings on the lives of people living with HIV needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Asogun
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Mahmud A Mahmud
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Ighodaro Osazuwa
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Bartholomew Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Yelverton V, Gass SJ, Amoatika D, Cooke C, Ostermann J, Natafgi N, Hair NL, Olatosi B, Owens OL, Qiao S, Li X, Derrick C, Weissman S, Albrecht H. The Future of Telehealth in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Provider Perspectives in South Carolina. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:459-468. [PMID: 37862076 PMCID: PMC10616939 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To ensure care continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has been widely implemented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care. However, participation in and benefits from telehealth were unequal. This study aims to assess the willingness of people living with HIV (PWH) and HIV care providers to use telehealth and perceptions of the future role of telehealth. In-depth interviews with 18 PWH and 10 HIV care providers from South Carolina assessed their willingness to use telehealth, their perspectives on the future of telehealth in HIV care, and recommendations to improve telehealth. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Most PWH were female (61%), Black/African American (67%), and non-Hispanic (78%). Most PWH (61%) and all providers had used telehealth for HIV care. Most PWH and all providers reported being willing to use or (re-)consider telehealth HIV care services in the future. Providers suggested that telehealth is most suitable for routine HIV care encounters and for established, clinically stable, generally healthy PWH. Attitudes toward telehealth were heterogeneous, with most interviewees valuing telehealth similarly or superior to in-person care, yet >20% perceiving it less valuable. Recommendations to improve telehealth included multilevel strategies to address challenges across four domains: technology, the virtual nature of telehealth, administrative processes, and the sociodemographic profile of PWH. Telehealth in HIV care is here to stay; however, it may not yet be suitable for all PWH and all care encounters. Decision processes related to telehealth versus in-person care need to involve providers and PWH. Existing telehealth options require multilevel adjustments addressing persistent challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Yelverton
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Salome-Joelle Gass
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Amoatika
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Cooke
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jan Ostermann
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nabil Natafgi
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicole L. Hair
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Bankole Olatosi
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Otis L. Owens
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Caroline Derrick
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Prisma Health Midlands, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sharon Weissman
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Prisma Health Midlands, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Helmut Albrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Prisma Health Midlands, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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5
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Beringer R, de Vries B, Gill P, Gutman G. Beyond Mortality: The Social and Health Impacts of COVID-19 among Older (55+) BIPOC and LGBT Respondents in a Canada-Wide Survey. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2044. [PMID: 37510485 PMCID: PMC10379205 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focused on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the marginalized populations-specifically Black and Indigenous people as well as People of Color (BIPOC) compared to White older adults and LGBT individuals compared to heterosexual older adults. Data were derived from our national online survey of Canadians aged 55+, conducted from 10 August to 10 October 2020. The survey explored the influence of COVID-19 on lifestyle changes, well-being, and planning for the future. Our sample comprised 4292 respondents. We compared sets of dichotomous variables with White vs. BIPOC, LGBT vs. heterosexual, and LGBT White vs. LGBT BIPOC respondents. Significantly more BIPOC than White individuals reported changes in accessing food (44.3% vs. 33.2%) and in family income (53.9% vs. 38.9%) and fewer reported feeling accepted and happy, and more felt isolated and judged. Significantly more LGBT than heterosexual respondents reported changes in routines and in accessing social support, medical and mental health care and more feeling depressed, lonely, anxious, and sad. More LGBT-BIPOC than LGBT-White respondents reported changes in access to food (66.7 vs. 30.6, p < 0.001); in family income (66.7 vs. 41.5, p < 0.005); and in access to mental health care (38.5 vs. 24.0, p < 0.05). The only difference in emotional response to COVID-19 was that more BIPOC-LGBT than White-LGBT respondents reported feeling judged (25.9 vs. 14.5, p < 0.05). These findings reflect a complex mix of the effects of marginalization upon BIPOC and LGBT older adults, revealing both hardship and hardiness and warranting further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Beringer
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Brian de Vries
- Gerontology Program, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 92262, USA
| | - Paneet Gill
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2V8, Canada
| | - Gloria Gutman
- Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3, Canada
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6
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Fox A, Kim H. HIV policy legacies, pandemic preparedness and policy effort to address COVID-19. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001767. [PMID: 37363903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
That the world was unprepared for a major infectious disease outbreak is now readily apparent to all credible observers. However, some countries were more prepared than others and we have seen a variety of responses to COVID-19 emerge across nations. While recognizing that the sources of variation in country responses to COVID-19 are many and varied, in this study we seek to examine how policy legacies from national responses to HIV have influenced countries' responses to COVID-19. The aim of this study was to examine whether countries with a more conducive HIV policy environment were better prepared for COVID-19 and have therefore had more preemptive and rights-based responses. Using data from the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker, we develop measures of country effort to respond to COVID-19 including early containment and closure policies, prevention policies, economic policies, and health system policies. We combine this with data from the HIV Policy Lab and correlate overall and disaggregated country HIV Policy scores with COVID-19 Policy scores. We find that the COVID-19 Containment and Closure Measures Index was negatively correlated with supportive social policies related to HIV in the early stages of the pandemic, but the association did not persist as time went on. The COVID-19 Economic Support Measures had prolonged positive associations with supportive social policies related to HIV and negative association with clinical and treatment policies. Countries with stronger structural responses to HIV have been less inclined towards involuntary measures and more prepared for the social and economic elements of COVID-19 pandemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Fox
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Heeun Kim
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany, Albany, NY, United States of America
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7
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Wong NCW, Paat YF. Understanding the Link between COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS Stigmas. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE 2023; 17:272-290. [PMID: 38602905 PMCID: PMC10028685 DOI: 10.1177/19367244231159609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
While the HIV/AIDS epidemic has informed the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lack of understanding of the empirical links between stigmas associated with COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS. Surveying 247 adults in the United States online, this study aims to examine the relationships between COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS stigmas in order to understand how they are similar and different from each other, taking into consideration the context relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. Four scales of stigmas conveying different attitudes (i.e., rejection, despise, accusation, and caution) were used to examine the relationships between the stigmas of these two infectious diseases. Findings based on the mean comparisons from paired t tests showed the mean difference in scores between respondents who supported the exclusion of COVID-19-infected individuals versus HIV-infected individuals was statistically significant. In addition, the mean difference in scores between respondents who were wary of their need to protect their rights around COVID-19-infected persons versus HIV-infected persons was statistically significant. Controlling for the respondents' sociodemographics and factors that were relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple regression analyses showed that all four types of COVID-19 stigmas were positively associated with their corresponding types of HIV/AIDS stigmas. The preliminary findings between COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS stigmas suggested that HIV/AIDS stigma mitigation strategies may present a fruitful approach to inform stigma mitigation of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yok-Fong Paat
- The University of Texas at El Paso, El
Paso, TX, USA
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8
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Abrams JA, Rutledge J, Opara I. Learning from community-based HIV prevention to inform control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prev Med 2023; 169:107445. [PMID: 36750159 PMCID: PMC9899509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of future viral pandemics demonstrate a need for strategic prevention campaigns that integrate biomedical, structural, and behavioral interventions within larger scale comprehensive public health initiatives. In Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention, community-based efforts have resulted in reductions in transmission rates, increases in testing, increases in biomedical prevention uptake, and increased engagement in secondary and tertiary prevention efforts. In this paper, we review three community-based strategies (health communication, accessible screening, and accessible prevention resources) that have demonstrated effectiveness in HIV prevention and offer recommendations for utilizing these strategies in the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, health communication strategies have positively influenced HIV testing behavior, sex communication, and condom use among HIV negative individuals and treatment initiation, treatment adherence, and retention in care among people living with HIV. In addition, studies have shown that improving accessibility of HIV screening and prevention resources in community venues such as schools, pharmacies, mobile-testing sites, churches, hair salons, and bars is useful for increasing the uptake of HIV testing, especially among disproportionately affected populations and those deemed hard to reach. Despite differences in modes of transmission, it is plausible that a synergistic multilevel response with emphasis on community-based efforts could lead to similar outcomes for the current COVID-19 pandemic and future viral pandemics. Community-based prevention strategies offer an opportunity to integrate, and bolster disconnected and siloed initiatives that achieve limited impacts independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine A Abrams
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, USA.
| | | | - Ijeoma Opara
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, USA
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9
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Owens C, Hubach RD. An Exploratory Study of the Mpox Media Consumption, Attitudes, and Preferences of Sexual and Gender Minority People Assigned Male at Birth in the United States. LGBT Health 2023. [PMID: 36735618 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the consumption of, attitudes toward, and preferences for mpox media among U.S. sexual and gender minority (SGM) people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Methods: A total of 496 SGM people AMAB completed an online cross-sectional survey between August 6 and 15, 2022. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regressions. Results: Approximately two-thirds of participants overall agreed that media-related content about mpox targeted (66.3%) and stigmatized gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (69.2%). The three most preferred mpox content were the destigmatization of SGM people (44.2%), mpox vaccine accessibility (25.2%), and mpox transmission and prevention (19.2%). Rural participants had a lower likelihood of consuming mpox-related media than urban participants. Conclusion: SGM people AMAB prefer mpox messaging campaigns to be grounded in stigma-reduction to ensure that messages do not perpetrate stigma against them. Stigmatizing content might foster SGM people AMAB to distrust mpox interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Owens
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Randolph D Hubach
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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10
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Holt M, Chan C, Broady TR, Mao L, MacGibbon J, Rule J, Wilcock B, Prestage G, Bavinton BR. Adjusting Behavioural Surveillance and Assessing Disparities in the Impact of COVID-19 on Gay and Bisexual Men's HIV-Related Behaviour in Australia. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:518-534. [PMID: 35895148 PMCID: PMC9326145 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03788-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has disrupted sexual behaviour and access to health systems. We adapted regular HIV behavioural surveillance of gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Australia in response to COVID-19, assessed the impact on the profile of the sample, the participants' HIV-related behaviour, and whether COVID-19 may have accentuated existing disparities in the Australian HIV epidemic. Data collected from five states during July 2017-June 2021 were included (N = 31,460). The emphasis on online recruitment after COVID-19 led to smaller sample sizes, greater geographic reach, and a higher proportion of bisexual-identifying participants. Most participants (88.1%) reported physical distancing and 52.1% had fewer sex partners due to COVID-19. In the COVID-19-affected rounds (July 2020-June 2021), the number of male partners, recent HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use all fell, and HIV risk among the smaller group of participants who reported casual sex increased. COVID-related changes were generally more pronounced among GBM aged under 25 years, participants from suburbs with fewer gay residents, and bisexual men. These groups should be prioritised when encouraging GBM to reengage with HIV testing services and effective prevention methods, like condoms and PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Curtis Chan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy R Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - James MacGibbon
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - John Rule
- National Association of People with HIV Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ben Wilcock
- Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, Sydney, Australia
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Devlin SA, Garcia M, Fujimoto K, Hallmark C, McNeese M, Schneider J, McNulty MC. "Everything…Fell Apart Once COVID-19 Hit"-Leveraging the COVID-19 Response to Strengthen Public Health Activities toward Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15247. [PMID: 36429970 PMCID: PMC9690919 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 caused widespread disruption of activities for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE). In this study we assessed public health perspectives on leveraging the COVID-19 response to advance the goals of EHE. We conducted a qualitative study with 33 public health partners in the Midwestern and Southern United States from October 2020 to February 2022. Participants were asked how the strategies developed for COVID-19 could be applied to the HIV epidemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and examined using rapid qualitative analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) Rebuilding teams and adapting culture for success in EHE activities; (2) Recognizing and modernizing the role of disease intervention specialists (DIS); (3) Enhanced community awareness of the public health role in disease response and prevention; and (4) Leveraging COVID-19 data systems and infrastructure for EHE activities. The COVID-19 pandemic called attention to the dearth of public health funding and outdated information technology (IT) infrastructure used for HIV activities. It also led to greater public health knowledge, including increased familiarity with partner services and molecular epidemiology of HIV, and opportunities to develop new data systems for surveillance that can be applied to efforts for EHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A. Devlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Moctezuma Garcia
- School of Social Work, San José State University, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
| | - Kayo Fujimoto
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Camden Hallmark
- Division of Disease Prevention and Control, Houston Health Department, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Marlene McNeese
- Division of Disease Prevention and Control, Houston Health Department, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Moira C. McNulty
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Kurdekar A, Verma S, Venkataramaniah K. HIV and COVID-19: A Tale of Two Pandemics. Curr HIV Res 2022; 20:CHR-EPUB-125792. [PMID: 36017832 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x20666220823110435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the last 5 decades, we have witnessed two major pandemics, AIDS caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the CoronaVirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergence of COVID-19 has raised many concerns for researchers, doctors, patients, and other institutions associated with HIV. A lot of debate has persisted on clinical outcomes, the use of antiretrovirals, and vaccines on HIV patients infected with COVID-19. This note attempts to present different aspects of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 across themes like SARS-CoV-2 coinfections in people living with HIV, the psychological impact, treatments, vaccination, etc. We highlight how learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic can help us in tackling the HIV pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Kurdekar
- Optics and Microfluidics Instrumentation, Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Shruti Verma
- Optics and Microfluidics Instrumentation, Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Kamisetti Venkataramaniah
- Optics and Microfluidics Instrumentation, Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, Indian Institute of Science, CV Raman Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560012, India
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13
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Timofeeva A, Sedykh S, Nevinsky G. Post-Immune Antibodies in HIV-1 Infection in the Context of Vaccine Development: A Variety of Biological Functions and Catalytic Activities. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030384. [PMID: 35335016 PMCID: PMC8955465 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike many other viruses, HIV-1 is highly variable. The structure of the viral envelope changes as the infection progresses and is one of the biggest obstacles in developing an HIV-1 vaccine. HIV-1 infection can cause the production of various natural autoantibodies, including catalytic antibodies hydrolyzing DNA, myelin basic protein, histones, HIV-integrase, HIV-reverse transcriptase, β-casein, serum albumin, and some other natural substrates. Currently, there are various directions for the development of HIV-1 vaccines: stimulation of the immune response on the mucous membranes; induction of cytotoxic T cells, which lyse infected cells and hold back HIV-infection; immunization with recombinant Env proteins or vectors encoding Env; mRNA-based vaccines and some others. However, despite many attempts to develop an HIV-1 vaccine, none have been successful. Here we review the entire spectrum of antibodies found in HIV-infected patients, including neutralizing antibodies specific to various viral epitopes, as well as antibodies formed against various autoantigens, catalytic antibodies against autoantigens, and some viral proteins. We consider various promising targets for developing a vaccine that will not produce unwanted antibodies in vaccinated patients. In addition, we review common problems in the development of a vaccine against HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Timofeeva
- SB RAS Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (S.S.); (G.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-91-32-027-154
| | - Sergey Sedykh
- SB RAS Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (S.S.); (G.N.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Georgy Nevinsky
- SB RAS Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (S.S.); (G.N.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Beltran RM, Holloway IW, Hong C, Miyashita A, Cordero L, Wu E, Burris K, Frew PM. Social Determinants of Disease: HIV and COVID-19 Experiences. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:101-112. [PMID: 35107810 PMCID: PMC8808274 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The differential impact of the COVID-19 and HIV pandemics on marginalized communities has renewed calls for more robust and deeper investigation into structural and social causes of health inequities contributing to these infections, including underlying factors related to systematic racism. Using the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, we analyzed parallel and divergent factors associated with COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS and the prevalence of disparate disease in diverse communities. We utilized PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant literature (N = 210 articles) that resulted in a review of 125 articles included in our synthesis. RECENT FINDINGS With racial health inequities as a core contributor to disease vulnerability, we also identified other factors such as economic stability, social and community support, the neighborhood and built environment, healthcare access and quality, and education access and quality as important socioecological considerations toward achieving health equity. Our review identifies structural and systematic factors that drive HIV and COVID-19 transmission. Our review highlights the importance of not solely focusing on biomedical interventions as solutions to ending HIV and COVID-19, but rather call for building a more just public health and social service safety net that meets the needs of people at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raiza M Beltran
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, UCLA Global HIV Prevention Research Program, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Ian W Holloway
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California HIV/AIDS Research Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chenglin Hong
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California HIV/AIDS Research Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ayako Miyashita
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luisita Cordero
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wu
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California HIV/AIDS Research Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Burris
- UNLV School of Public Health, UNLV Population Health & Health Equity Initiative, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Paula M Frew
- UNLV School of Public Health, UNLV Population Health & Health Equity Initiative, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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15
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Parikh N, Chaudhuri A, Syam SB, Singh P, Pal P, Pillala P. Diseases and Disparities: The Impact of COVID-19 Disruptions on Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among the HIV Community in India. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:315-329. [PMID: 35048205 PMCID: PMC8769775 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
People with HIV navigate numerous challenges to access healthcare in India. The lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presents further challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This research explored the impact of the pandemic on SRH services, and the depth of disruptions faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) in accessing treatment. Using purposive sampling with maximum variation technique, we recruited and conducted 150 telephonic in-depth interviews with PLHIV and HIV care providers (HCPs) from five states in India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana). The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five main themes were identified: the effect of COVID-19 on (1) access to care, (2) quality of care, (3) social determinants of health, (4) system and community resilience, and (5) support required to address population-specific vulnerabilities. Despite the availability of free government treatment services during the pandemic, profound disruptions in the SRH services, particularly antiretroviral therapy and HIV care, were reported by PLHIV and HCPs. This qualitative study revealed how existing inequities in HIV treatment and care are exacerbated by the pandemic. These findings highlight that the pandemic response should be community-centered to prevent extreme disruptions in healthcare which will have a disastrous effect on the lives of PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Parikh
- Swasti Health Catalyst, 25, 3rd Floor, Raghavendra Nilaya, 1st Main Road, AECS Layout, Ashwathnagar, near Paratha Plaza, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560094, India.
| | - Angela Chaudhuri
- Swasti Health Catalyst, 25, 3rd Floor, Raghavendra Nilaya, 1st Main Road, AECS Layout, Ashwathnagar, near Paratha Plaza, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560094, India
| | - Syama B Syam
- Swasti Health Catalyst, 25, 3rd Floor, Raghavendra Nilaya, 1st Main Road, AECS Layout, Ashwathnagar, near Paratha Plaza, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560094, India
| | - Pratishtha Singh
- Swasti Health Catalyst, 25, 3rd Floor, Raghavendra Nilaya, 1st Main Road, AECS Layout, Ashwathnagar, near Paratha Plaza, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560094, India
| | - Prachi Pal
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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16
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Rabow MW, Huang CHS, White-Hammond GE, Tucker RO. Witnesses and Victims Both: Healthcare Workers and Grief in the Time of COVID-19. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:647-656. [PMID: 33556494 PMCID: PMC7864782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Heathcare Workers (HCWs) recognize their responsibility to support the bereaved loved ones of our patients, but we also must attend to our own professional and personal grief in the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 grief is occurring in the setting of incomplete grief, disenfranchised grief, fractured US governmental leadership, and evidence of great mistrust, systemic racism, and social injustice. In the intensity and pervasiveness of COVID-19, HCW fears for themselves, their colleagues, and their own loved ones are often in conflict with professional commitments. Even at the dawn of promising national and global vaccination programs, significant HCW morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 has already become clear, will continue to grow, and these effects likely will last far into the future. Given the risks of complicated grief for HCWs in the setting of COVID-19 deaths, individual HCWs must put every effort into their own preparation for these deaths as well as into their own healthy grieving. Equally importantly, our healthcare systems have a primary responsibility both to prepare HCWs and to support them in their anticipatory and realized grief. Special attention must be paid to our HCW trainees, who may have not yet developed personal or professional grief management strategies and are coming into healthcare practice during a time of great disruption to both teaching and clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Rabow
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Chao-Hui S Huang
- Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Rodney O Tucker
- Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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17
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Kalichman SC, El-Krab R, Shkembi B, Kalichman MO, Eaton LA. Prejudicial beliefs and COVID-19 disruptions among sexual minority men living with and not living with HIV in a high SARS-CoV-2 prevalence area. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:1310-1317. [PMID: 33956159 PMCID: PMC8135944 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound health and social impacts. COVID-19 also affords opportunities to study the emergence of prejudice as a factor in taking protective actions. This study investigated the association of COVID-19 concerns, prejudicial beliefs, and personal actions that involve life disruptions among people not living with and people living with HIV. 338 Black/African American men not living with HIV who reported male sex partners and 148 Black/African American men living with HIV who reported male sex partners completed a confidential survey that measured COVID-19 concern, COVID-19 prejudice, and personal action and institutionally imposed COVID-19 disruptions. Participants reported having experienced multiple social and healthcare disruptions stemming from COVID-19, including reductions in social contacts, canceling medical appointments, and inability to access medications. Mediation analyses demonstrated that COVID-19 concerns and COVID-19 prejudice were associated with personal action disruptions, indicating that these social processes are important for understanding how individuals modified their lives in response to COVID-19. It is imperative that public health efforts combat COVID-19 prejudice as these beliefs undermine investments in developing healthcare infrastructure to address COVID-19 prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Renee El-Krab
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Bruno Shkembi
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Moira O Kalichman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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18
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Gil RM, Freeman T, Mathew T, Kullar R, Ovalle A, Nguyen D, Kottkamp A, Poon J, Marcelin J, Swartz TH. The LGBTQ+ communities and the COVID-19 pandemic: a call to break the cycle of structural barriers. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1810-1820. [PMID: 34323998 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted LGBTQ+ communities. Many disparities mirror those of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These health inequities have repeated throughout history due to the structural oppression of LGBTQ+ people. We aim to demonstrate that the familiar patterns of LGBTQ+ health disparities reflect a perpetuating, deeply rooted cycle of injustice imposed on LGBTQ+ people. Here, we contextualize COVID-19 inequities through the history of the HIV/AIDS crisis, describe manifestations of LGBTQ+ structural oppression exacerbated by the pandemic, and provide recommendations for medical professionals and institutions seeking to reduce health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Macias Gil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Napa/Solano, CA; USA
| | - Tracey Freeman
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh-Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA; USA
| | - Trini Mathew
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI; USA
| | | | - Anais Ovalle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth, NH, USA
| | - Don Nguyen
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh-Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA; USA
| | - Angélica Kottkamp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY; USA
| | - Jin Poon
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Vallejo, CA; USA
| | - Jasmine Marcelin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Talia H Swartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; USA
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19
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Crawford D, Allan B, Cogle A, Brown G. Client-led care in HIV: perspectives from community and practice. HIV Med 2021; 22 Suppl 1:3-14. [PMID: 34296511 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While current antiretroviral and care strategies can effectively suppress HIV, achieving optimal quality of life (QoL) requires a wider consideration of clients' well-being, the complexity of individuals' lives and social determinants of health. The objective of this commentary was to develop a definition of client-led care in the Australian context and its key supporting principles for people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS The authors used two sources of evidence to support their HIV community experience with client-led care: (1) a scoping review of the literature, and (2) consultations with colleagues who were PLHIV advocates or HIV specialist physicians. The findings from the scoping review and consultations were summarised and the key principles of client-led care compared with those identified by the authors. RESULTS Seven articles met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis in the scoping review. Five PLHIV advocates and three HIV specialist physicians were consulted. Key principles supporting client-led care identified by the authors based on their experience centred around the themes of: (1) clients and healthcare providers working in partnership, (2) information and communication, (3) coordinating access to care, (4) building trust, and (5) respect for client's needs and preferences. The principles identified by the authors were supported by those of the scoping review and colleague consultations. CONCLUSIONS A client-led approach can complement conventional HIV care strategies and enable empowerment and greater engagement with care, potentially improving the care continuum and overall QoL for individuals living with HIV who can, and want to, lead their own care.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Crawford
- Positive Life New South Wales, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
| | - Brent Allan
- International AIDS Society and the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aaron Cogle
- National Association of People Living with HIV, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Graham Brown
- Centre for Social Impact, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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20
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Gravett RM, Marrazzo JM. HIV and COVID-19: Lessons From HIV and STI Harm Reduction Strategies. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:261-270. [PMID: 34105091 PMCID: PMC8186366 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights the intersection of the COVID-19, HIV, and STI pandemics and examines how harm reduction strategies can be applied broadly to controlling a pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remarkable advances in the understanding of COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis, and treatment have been made at a much faster pace than prior pandemics, yet much more still remains to be discovered. Many of the strategies to control the COVID-19 pandemic mirror those employed to stem the HIV pandemic. Harm reduction principles used in the HIV pandemic can be applied to reduce the morbidity and mortality of the COVID-19 pandemic through effective prevention, detection, and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie M Gravett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, THT 215, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Blvd, THT 215, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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21
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Restar AJ, Garrison-Desany HM, Adamson T, Childress C, Millett G, Jarrett BA, Howell S, Glick JL, Beckham SW, Baral S. HIV treatment engagement in the context of COVID-19: an observational global sample of transgender and nonbinary people living with HIV. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:901. [PMID: 33980193 PMCID: PMC8114659 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV services, like many medical services, have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are limited data on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV treatment engagement outcomes among transgender (trans) and nonbinary people. This study addresses a pressing knowledge gap and is important in its global scope, its use of technology for recruitment, and focus on transgender people living with HIV. The objective of this study is to examine correlates of HIV infection and HIV treatment engagement outcomes (i.e., currently on ART, having an HIV provider, having access to HIV treatment without burden, and remote refills) since the COVID-19 pandemic began. METHODS We utilized observational data from the Global COVID-19 Disparities Survey 2020, an online study that globally sampled trans and nonbinary people (n = 902) between April and August 2020. We conducted a series of multivariable logistic regressions with lasso selection to explore correlates of HIV treatment engagement outcomes in the context of COVID-19. RESULTS Of the 120 (13.3%) trans and nonbinary people living with HIV in this survey, the majority (85.8%) were currently on HIV treatment. A smaller proportion (69.2%) reported having access to an HIV provider since COVID-19 control measures were implemented. Less than half reported being able to access treatment without burdens related to COVID-19 (48.3%) and having the ability to remotely refill HIV prescription (44.2%). After adjusting for gender in the multivariable models, younger age and anticipated job loss were significantly associated with not having access to HIV treatment without burden. Outcomes also significantly varied by geographic region, with respondents reporting less access to an HIV provider in nearly every region outside of South-East Asia. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that currently taking ART, having access to an HIV provider, and being able to access HIV treatment without burden and remotely refill HIV medication are suboptimal among trans and nonbinary people living with HIV across the world. Strengthening support for HIV programs that are well-connected to trans and nonbinary communities, increasing remote access to HIV providers and prescription refills, and providing socioeconomic support could significantly improve HIV engagement in trans and nonbinary communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjee Javellana Restar
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Henri M Garrison-Desany
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Tyler Adamson
- Department of Health, Policy, and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chase Childress
- School of Law and School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Brooke A Jarrett
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Glick
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S Wilson Beckham
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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22
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Schnoll R, Bernstein SL, Kaufman A, Gross R, Catz SL, Cioe PA, Hitsman B, Marhefka SL, Pacek LR, Vidrine DJ, Vilardaga R, Edelman EJ, McClure JB, Ashare R, Lockhart E, Crothers K. COVID-19 Challenges Confronted by Smoking Cessation Clinical Trials for People Living with HIV: The Experience of Grantees of the United States National Cancer Institute. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 23:1629-1632. [PMID: 33657227 PMCID: PMC7989188 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Schnoll
- Department of Psychiatry and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven L Bernstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale Center for Implementation Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Annette Kaufman
- Tobacco Control Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert Gross
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sheryl L Catz
- Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Patricia A Cioe
- Center for Alcohol & Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brian Hitsman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Stephanie L Marhefka
- College of Public Health and Division of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren R Pacek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Damon J Vidrine
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Roger Vilardaga
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - E Jennifer Edelman
- Yale School of Medicine and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer B McClure
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca Ashare
- Department of Psychiatry and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lockhart
- College of Public Health, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kristina Crothers
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, and University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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23
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Ruiz-Frutos C, Ortega-Moreno M, Allande-Cussó R, Domínguez-Salas S, Dias A, Gómez-Salgado J. Health-related factors of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among non-health workers in Spain. SAFETY SCIENCE 2021; 133:104996. [PMID: 32952305 PMCID: PMC7489927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2020.104996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-health workers engaged in essential activities during the pandemic are less researched on the effects of COVID-19 than health workers. OBJECTIVE to study the differences between those who work away from home and those who do so from home, when the effects of fear of contagion cross with those of confinement, about the psychological distress during the COVID-19 in Spain. DESIGN Observational descriptive cross-sectional study. DATA SOURCES The study was carried out receiving 1089 questionnaires from non-health workers that were working away from home and doing so from their homes. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and occupational data, physical symptoms, self-perceived health, use of preventive measures and possible contacts, and the Goldberg GHQ-12. RESULTS 71.6% of non-health female workers and 52.4% of non-health male workers had psychological distress, with differences among those working away from home and those working from home. The level of psychological distress among non-health workers is predicted by 66.5% through the variables: being a woman, 43 years old or younger, having a home with no outdoor spaces, poor perception of health, number of symptoms, and having been in contact with contaminated people or material. Among workers who work away from home, being self-employed is another predictive variable of distress. CONCLUSION More than the half of the sample showed inadequate management of the psychological distress. There are modifiable factors which provide necessary elements to support a positive attitude of the workers, such as: knowledge of hygiene, transmission of the virus, protective measures, and social distancing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
| | | | - Regina Allande-Cussó
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville 41009, Spain
| | - Sara Domínguez-Salas
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, 41704 Dos Hermanas, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Adriano Dias
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Collective/Public Health Postgraduate Program. Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/Unesp, Botucatu/São Paulo, 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
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24
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Ruiz-Frutos C, Ortega-Moreno M, Allande-Cussó R, Ayuso-Murillo D, Domínguez-Salas S, Gómez-Salgado J. Sense of coherence, engagement, and work environment as precursors of psychological distress among non-health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. SAFETY SCIENCE 2021; 133:105033. [PMID: 33046949 PMCID: PMC7539829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2020.105033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interrelationship between the sense of coherence, work environment, work engagement, and psychological distress have particular interest in non-health workers who carried out essential activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of the COVID-19 on the physical and mental health of non-health workers. DESIGN Observational descriptive cross-sectional study. DATA SOURCES 1089 questionnaires have been analysed. Engagement (UWES-9), sense of coherence (SOC-13), mental health (Goldberg GHQ-12), demographic data, perception of health and stress and work environment were assessed. RESULTS At low levels of engagement, the percentage of distress is higher (77.9%). Low levels of sense of coherence correspond to the highest percentages of distress (86.3%). The 94.1% believe it necessary for professionals and volunteers involved in COVID-19 to receive psychological support. Low comprehensibility is mediated by the perception of stress; if the perception is low, comprehensibility is modulated by the level of significance; if it is low, it generates 95.9% of distress. CONCLUSION The interrelationship between the sense of coherence, work environment, work engagement, and psychological distress have particular interest in non-health workers who carried out essential activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost all respondents believed that professionals and volunteers involved in COVID-19 should receive psychological support. This may be an indicator of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, 092301 Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Regina Allande-Cussó
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry. University of Seville, Seville 41009, Spain
| | | | - Sara Domínguez-Salas
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas, 41704 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, 092301 Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Brooks M, Brown C, Liu W, Siegel SD. Mapping the ChristianaCare response to COVID-19:: Clinical insights from the Value Institute's Geospatial Analytics Core. Dela J Public Health 2020; 6:66-70. [PMID: 34467114 PMCID: PMC8389823 DOI: 10.32481/djph.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 exemplifies the spatial nature of infectious disease in both its mechanism of transmission and the community-level conditions that facilitate its spread. With a long history of use for infectious disease applications, maps and geographic information systems (GIS) have been widely used in recent months for surveillance and risk prediction mapping. The Value Institute's Geospatial Analytics Core applied spatial methodologies to inform ChristianaCare's pandemic response around telehealth, testing disparities, and test site prioritization. METHODS Descriptive data related to disparities in telehealth utilization were mapped to identify areas in which intervention is needed to increase telehealth access. Cluster detection methodology was used to identify "hot" and "cold" spots for COVID-19 testing by place and race across New Castle County, DE. A composite risk score was created to prioritize communities for testing sites. All analyses took place in Delaware from March-June 2020, with particular emphasis on New Castle County. RESULTS Parts of northeastern New Castle County and western Sussex County were highlighted for intervention to increase broadband internet access for telehealth utilization. "Cold" spots for COVID-19 testing were found in New Castle County, indicating neighborhoods in which testing levels were significantly lower than expected. Data for testing levels, disease positivity, and socioeconomic risk factors were used to identify communities in northeastern New Castle County that warranted new test sites to mitigate disease spread. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Geospatial methodologies can be used to combine electronic health record data and population-level spatial data for pandemic response efforts. This allows health systems to confidently identify areas of need while mitigating disparities in resource allocation.
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