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Skaathun B, Strathdee SA, Shrader CH, Nacht CL, Borquez A, Artamonova I, Harvey-Vera A, Vera CF, Rangel G, Ignacio C, Woodworth B, Chaillon A, Vasylyeva TI. HIV-1 transmission dynamics among people who inject drugs on the US/Mexico border during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prosepective cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 33:100751. [PMID: 38711788 PMCID: PMC11070707 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Background We examined HIV prevalence and transmission dynamics among people who inject drugs in the U.S./Mexico border region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods People who inject drugs aged ≥18 years from 3 groups were recruited: people who inject drugs who live in San Diego (SD) and engaged in cross-border drug use in Tijuana, Mexico (SD CBDUs), and people who inject drugs in SD and Tijuana (TJ) who did not engage in cross-border drug use (NCBDUs). We computed HIV prevalence at baseline and bivariate incidence-density rates (IR) at 18-month follow-up. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was used to identify local transmission clusters, estimate their age, and effective reproductive number (Re) over time within the clusters. Findings At baseline (n = 612), 26% of participants were female, 9% engaged in sex work, and HIV prevalence was 8% (4% SD CBDU, 4% SD NCBDU, 16% TJ NCBDU). Nine HIV seroconversions occurred over 18 months, IR: 1.357 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.470, 2.243); 7 in TJ NCBDU and 2 in SD CBDU. Out of 16 identified phylogenetic clusters, 9 (56%) had sequences from both the U.S. and Mexico (mixed-country). The age of three youngest mixed-country dyads (2018-2021) overlapped with the COVID-related US-Mexico border closure in 2020. One large mixed-country cluster (N = 15) continued to grow during the border closure (Re = 4.8, 95% Highest Posterior Density (HPD) 1.5-9.1) with 47% engaging in sex work. Interpretation Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the border closure, cross-border HIV clusters grew. Efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. should take into account cross-border HIV-1 transmission from Tijuana. Mobile harm reduction services and coordination with municipal HIV programs to initiate anti-retroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxisis are needed to reduce transmission. Funding This research was supported by the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust and the San Diego Center for AIDS Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Skaathun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Steffanie A. Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Cho-Hee Shrader
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, 116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States
| | - Carrie L. Nacht
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Irina Artamonova
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Alicia Harvey-Vera
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
- U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Paseo del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, Tijuana, BC 22320, Mexico
| | - Carlos F. Vera
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Paseo del Centenario 10851, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, Tijuana, BC 22320, Mexico
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Carretera Escenica Tijuana-Ensenada Toll Boot Escenica Tijuana-Ensenada Sn San Antonio del Mar, Tijuana, BC 22560, Mexico
| | - Caroline Ignacio
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Brendon Woodworth
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Antoine Chaillon
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Tetyana I. Vasylyeva
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, United States
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Echeverría N, Comas V, Aldunate F, Perbolianachis P, Moreno P, Cristina J. In the era of rapid mRNA-based vaccines: Why is there no effective hepatitis C virus vaccine yet? World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1234-1268. [PMID: 34786164 PMCID: PMC8568586 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i10.1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for no less than 71 million people chronically infected and is one of the most frequent indications for liver transplantation worldwide. Despite direct-acting antiviral therapies fuel optimism in controlling HCV infections, there are several obstacles regarding treatment accessibility and reinfection continues to remain a possibility. Indeed, the majority of new HCV infections in developed countries occur in people who inject drugs and are more plausible to get reinfected. To achieve global epidemic control of this virus the development of an effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine becomes a must. The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic led to auspicious vaccine development against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which has renewed interest on fighting HCV epidemic with vaccination. The aim of this review is to highlight the current situation of HCV vaccine candidates designed to prevent and/or to reduce HCV infectious cases and their complications. We will emphasize on some of the crossroads encountered during vaccine development against this insidious virus, together with some key aspects of HCV immunology which have, so far, hampered the progress in this area. The main focus will be on nucleic acid-based as well as recombinant viral vector-based vaccine candidates as the most novel vaccine approaches, some of which have been recently and successfully employed for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Finally, some ideas will be presented on which methods to explore for the design of live-attenuated vaccines against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Echeverría
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Comas
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Fabián Aldunate
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Paula Perbolianachis
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Pilar Moreno
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Juan Cristina
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.
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Lewis D, Kenneally M, van denHeuvel C, Byard RW. Methamphetamine deaths: Changing trends and diagnostic issues. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2021; 61:130-137. [PMID: 33423599 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420986707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The term 'amphetamine' refers to a class of synthetic drugs which includes methamphetamine. The latter is a globally popular drug of abuse which induces euphoria, affecting cognitive/psychomotor performance and sleep. It also provokes risk taking and violent behaviour. The central effects of methamphetamine are due to the overproduction of neurotransmitters, resulting in high levels of dopamine. In recent years, there have been significant increases in cases of methamphetamine abuse in North and South America, Australia and Asia due to its ready availability and low cost. The following review examines changing trends in methamphetamine use and problems that arise diagnostically in medico-legal cases in determining the significance of post-mortem blood levels, the relationship of these to ante-mortem levels, the possible effects on physical and psychological behaviours and the possible contribution of the drug to a lethal episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lewis
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | - Roger W Byard
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Australia
- Forensic Science SA, Australia
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Rashti R, Alavian SM, Moradi Y, Sharafi H, Mohamadi Bolbanabad A, Roshani D, Moradi G. Global prevalence of HCV and/or HBV coinfections among people who inject drugs and female sex workers who live with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Virol 2020; 165:1947-1958. [PMID: 32617764 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coinfections of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV) with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) are associated with high morbidity and mortality and poor prognosis. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HCV and/or HBV coinfections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSWs) who live with HIV/AIDS worldwide. Data sources were searched from January 2008 to October 2018 in different databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Ovid. Data were analyzed in Stata 14 software using the Metaprop command. The results showed that the prevalence of HCV among PWID and FSWs with HIV/AIDS was 72% (95% CI: 59%-83%) and 40% (95% CI: 0%-94%), respectively. The prevalence of HBV among PWID and FSWs with HIV/AIDS was 8% (95% CI: 5%-13%) and 2% (95% CI: 0%-7%), respectively, and the prevalence of HCV/HBV in PWID with HIV/AIDS was 11% (95% CI: 7%-15%). The highest prevalence of HCV was observed in PWID in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe regions, and the lowest was observed in the Africa region. The South-East Asia region had the highest prevalence of HBV among PWID, and the Africa region had the lowest prevalence. The high prevalence of HCV coinfection among PWID and FSWs with HIV/AIDS was an alarming health problem and requires appropriate interventions. Therefore, considering that these populations are key populations for HCV elimination, it is recommended to screen them regularly for HCV. In addition, harm reduction and HBV vaccination should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Rashti
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Yousef Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Daem Roshani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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Association of Self-Reported Abscess With High-Risk Injection-Related Behaviors Among Young Persons Who Inject Drugs. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2020; 30:142-150. [PMID: 30822287 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Abscess is a common source of morbidity for people who inject drugs. We used data from the Study to Assess Hepatitis C Risk to measure prevalence of abscess and identify factors associated with the history of abscess. Of 541 participants, 388 (72%) were male and 149 (28%) were female. Almost half (n = 258, 48%) reported ever having an abscess. Persons who inject drugs with an abscess history were significantly more likely to have more injection partners (p = .01), inject heroin daily (p < .05), and share cookers (p = .001) and less likely to report using new syringes with each injection (p = .02). Most reported self-treating their last abscess and increasing drug use when having an abscess. High-risk injection-related activity was associated not only with infections such as HIV and hepatitis C virus but also with abscess. Nurses should screen patients presenting with abscess for high-risk practices and provide prevention education.
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Rashti R, Sharafi H, Alavian SM, Moradi Y, Mohamadi Bolbanabad A, Moradi G. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Prevalence of HBsAg and HIV and HCV Antibodies among People Who Inject Drugs and Female Sex Workers. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060432. [PMID: 32486342 PMCID: PMC7350380 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their co-infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSWs). Data sources were searched from January 2008 to October 2018 in different databases. Data were analyzed in Stata 16 software using the Metaprop command. The results showed that the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among PWID was 15%, 60% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among FSWs was 5%, 1% and 3%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV, HCV/HBV and HIV/HCV/HBV co-infections among PWID was 13%, 2%, 3% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections among FSWs was 3% and 1%, respectively. The results show that the prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in PWID and the prevalence of HIV in FSWs is higher than their prevalence in the general population. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and HCV in PWID appear to be poor, and may not be sufficient to effectively prevent HIV and HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Rashti
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Heidar Sharafi
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Middle East Liver Disease Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Identification of a Syndemic of Blood-Borne Disease Transmission and Injection Drug Use Initiation at the US-Mexico Border. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 79:559-565. [PMID: 30222661 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts to prevent injection drug use (IDU) are increasingly focused on the role that people who inject drugs (PWID) play in the assistance with injection initiation. We studied the association between recent (ie, past 6 months) injection-related HIV risk behaviors and injection initiation assistance into IDU among PWID in the US-Mexico border region. SETTING Preventing Injecting by Modifying Existing Responses (PRIMER) is a multicohort study assessing social and structural factors related to injection initiation assistance. This analysis included data collected since 2014 from 2 participating cohorts in San Diego and Tijuana. METHODS Participants were 18 years and older and reported IDU within the month before study enrollment. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between recent injection-related HIV risk behaviors (eg, distributive/receptive syringe sharing, dividing drugs in a syringe, and paraphernalia sharing) and recent injection initiation assistance. RESULTS Among 892 participants, 41 (4.6%) reported recently providing injection initiation assistance. In multivariable analysis adjusting for potential confounders, reporting a higher number of injection-related risk behaviors was associated with an increased odds of recently assisting others with injection initiation (adjusted odds ratio per risk behavior: 1.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 1.6, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS PWID who recently engaged in one or more injection-related HIV risk behavior were more likely to assist others in injection initiation. These results stress the syndemic of injection initiation and risk behaviors, which indicates that prevention of injection-related HIV risk behaviors might also reduce the incidence of injection initiation.
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Gicquelais RE, Foxman B, Coyle J, Eisenberg MC. Hepatitis C transmission in young people who inject drugs: Insights using a dynamic model informed by state public health surveillance. Epidemics 2019; 27:86-95. [PMID: 30930214 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing injection of heroin and prescription opioids have led to increases in the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in US young adults since the early 2000s. How best to interrupt transmission and decrease HCV prevalence in young people who inject drugs (PWID) is uncertain. We developed an age-stratified ordinary differential equation HCV transmission model of PWID aged 15-64, which we fit to Michigan HCV surveillance data among young PWID aged 15-29. We used Latin hypercube sampling to fit to data under 10,000 plausible model parameterizations. We used the best-fitting 10% of simulations to predict the potential impact of primary (reducing injection initiation), secondary (increasing cessation, reducing injection partners, or reducing injection drug use relapse), and tertiary (HCV treatment) interventions (over the period 2017-2030) on acute and chronic HCV cases by the year 2030. Treating 3 per 100 current and former PWID per year could reduce chronic HCV by 27.3% (range: 18.7-30.3%) and acute HCV by 23.6% (range: 6.7-29.5%) by 2030 among PWID aged 15-29 if 90% are cured (i.e. achieved sustained virologic response [SVR] to treatment). Reducing the number of syringe sharing partners per year by 10% was predicted to reduce chronic HCV by 15.7% (range: 9.4-23.8%) and acute cases by 21.4% (range: 14.2-32.3%) among PWID aged 15-29 by 2030. In simulations of combinations of interventions, reducing injection initiation, syringe sharing, and relapse rates each by 10% while increasing cessation rates by 10% predicted a 27.7% (range: 18.0-39.7%) reduction in chronic HCV and a 38.4% (range: 28.3-53.3%) reduction in acute HCV. Our results highlight the need for HCV treatment among both current and former PWID and the scale up of both primary and secondary interventions to concurrently reduce HCV prevalence and incidence in Michigan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Gicquelais
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Betsy Foxman
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Joseph Coyle
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 320 S Walnut St, Lansing, MI 48933, United States.
| | - Marisa C Eisenberg
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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Berbesi-Fernández DY, Segura-Cardona AM, Montoya-Velez LP, Santamaría AÁ. Use of injected heroin and risk of hepatitis C in three cities in Colombia. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2018; 20:435-444. [PMID: 29160436 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5497201700030007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C is one of the most neglected diseases by governments internationally. OBJECTIVE Identify the prevalence of hepatitis C and associated injection drug users in three cities of factors Colombia. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 668 injecting drug users recruited through respondent-driven sampling, inquired about demographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Laboratory testing was used on filter paper and cases of hepatitis C viral load tests with RNA were confirmed. Hepatitis C prevalence and associated factors was estimated with Chi-square test statistics and reasons for crude and adjusted prevalence were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalence of hepatitis C was 17.5% and were found as factors that increase the prevalence of hepatitis: having HIV, injecting another person carrying the virus dose used was sharing a syringe, injected with a syringe and consume marijuana. As a factor that reduces the prevalence, purchase syringes in drug stores or other stores. CONCLUSION This research evidence established consumption of drugs by injection , and the presence of hepatitis C in social networks of IDUs and highlights the importance of developing interventions for harm reduction and prevention of hepatitis C in this population these three cities.
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Guise A, Melo J, Mittal ML, Rafful C, Cuevas-Mota J, Davidson P, Garfein RS, Werb D. A fragmented code: The moral and structural context for providing assistance with injection drug use initiation in San Diego, USA. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 55:51-60. [PMID: 29524733 PMCID: PMC5970953 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use initiation is shaped by social networks and structural contexts, with people who inject drugs often assisting in this process. We sought to explore the norms and contexts linked to assisting others to initiate injection drug use in San Diego, USA, to inform the development of structural interventions to prevent this phenomenon. METHODS We undertook qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of people who inject drugs and had reported assisting others to initiate injection (n = 17) and a sub-sample of people who inject drugs (n = 4) who had not reported initiating others to triangulate accounts. We analyzed data thematically and abductively. RESULTS Respondents' accounts of providing initiation assistance were consistent with themes and motives reported in other contexts: of seeking to reduce harm to the 'initiate', responding to requests for help, fostering pleasure, accessing resources, and claims that initiation assistance was unintentional. We developed analysis of these themes to explore initiation assistance as governed by a 'moral code'. We delineate a fragmented moral code which includes a range of meanings and social contexts that shape initiation assistance. We also show how assistance is happening within a structural context that limits discussion of injection drug use, reflecting a prevailing silence on drug use linked to stigma and criminalization. CONCLUSIONS In San Diego, the assistance of others to initiate injection drug use is governed by a fragmented moral code situated within particular social norms and contexts. Interventions that address the social and structural conditions shaped by and shaping this code may be beneficial, in tandem with efforts to support safe injection and the reduction of injection-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Guise
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA; School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Jason Melo
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Mittal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA; School of Medicine, Universidad Xochicalco, Alamar Sur 4850, Chapultepec Alamar, 22110 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Jazmine Cuevas-Mota
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Peter Davidson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA
| | - Dan Werb
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093, USA; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Conners EE, Gaines TL, Strathdee SA, Magis-Rodriguez C, Brouwer KC. Structural factors associated with methamphetamine smoking among female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018; 37 Suppl 1:S294-S302. [PMID: 29218799 PMCID: PMC5940512 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Smoking methamphetamine is associated with increased risk of HIV among female sex workers (FSW). The structural context of substance use is an important shaper of individual behaviour; however, structural determinants of methamphetamine use among FSWs are largely unknown. We identified individual, structural and neighbourhood factors associated with smoking methamphetamine among FSWs in the border city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. DESIGN AND METHODS A prospective cohort of 301 FSWs sampled from indoor and outdoor sex work venues throughout Tijuana participated in quantitative surveys on behaviours and mapping of home and work neighbourhoods across three visits. Multinomial logistic regression using generalised estimating equations identified individual, structural and neighbourhood variables associated with smoking methamphetamine. RESULTS Methamphetamine use, particularly smoking, was highly prevalent among FSWs. Over half (61%) of FSWs had ever used methamphetamine in their lifetime and at baseline, 38% currently smoked methamphetamine. Smoking methamphetamine daily was associated with living in the red light district [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-6.02] and with perceived homelessness, but only among women in a good financial situation (AOR = 4.08, 95% CI = 1.58-10.50). Smoking methamphetamine less than daily was associated with older age (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.10). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our findings point to the important dynamic between the residential environment and more severe methamphetamine use. FSWs may prioritise the purchase of methamphetamine over stable housing if they have the financial means. Given the high prevalence of smoking methamphetamine among FSWs in Tijuana, drug treatment options, especially for women living in the red light district, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Conners
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
- San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
| | - Tommi L. Gaines
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Carlos Magis-Rodriguez
- National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV and AIDS, Col Anzures, Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Kimberly C. Brouwer
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, University of California, San Diego, USA
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Mirzazadeh A, Evans JL, Hahn JA, Jain J, Briceno A, Shiboski S, Lum PJ, Bentsen C, Davis G, Shriver K, Dimapasoc M, Stone M, Busch MP, Page K. Continued Transmission of HIV Among Young Adults Who Inject Drugs in San Francisco: Still Room for Improvement. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:1383-1394. [PMID: 29168067 PMCID: PMC6054135 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1988-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We measured HIV incidence rate, trend and risk factors in 564 HIV-negative young people (< 30 years) who inject drugs (PWID) in San Francisco between 2000 and 2014. HIV incidence was 0.93/100 person-years (PY; 95% CI 0.50, 1.73). Incidence varied between 0.62/100 PY in 2000-2002 and 1.06/100 PY in 2012-2014 (P for trend = 1.0). HIV incidence varied significantly (P < 0.01) by race/ethnicity: among Hispanics it was 8.19/100 PY (95% CI 3.41, 19.68), African-Americans 4.59/100 PY (95% CI 1.15, 18.37), and Whites 0.26/100 PY (95% CI 0.06, 1.03). Male participants who reported sex with men (MSM) had higher HIV incidence (2.63/100 PY; 95% CI 1.31, 5.25) compared to males who did not report MSM (0.50/100 PY; 95% CI 0.12, 1.99) (P = 0.01). Despite an overall stable HIV incidence trend, incidence was elevated among African-American and Hispanic PWID, and men who have sex with men. Addressing prevention needs in these key populations is critical for the goal of eliminating HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Evans
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Judith A Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Jain
- Department of Global Public Health and Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alya Briceno
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Stephen Shiboski
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 995 Potrero Avenue, Building 80, Ward 84, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Paula J Lum
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mars Stone
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael P Busch
- Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Armenta RF, Collins KM, Strathdee SA, Bulterys MA, Munoz F, Cuevas-Mota J, Chiles P, Garfein RS. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among persons who inject drugs in San Diego, California. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2018; 21:425-431. [PMID: 28284258 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.16.0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons who inject drugs (PWID) might be at increased risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and reactivation of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) due to their injection drug use. OBJECTIVES To determine prevalence and correlates of M. tuberculosis infection among PWID in San Diego, California, USA. METHODS PWID aged 18 years underwent standardized interviews and serologic testing using an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for LTBI and rapid point-of-care assays for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Independent correlates of M. tuberculosis infection were identified using multivariable log-binomial regression. RESULTS A total of 500 participants met the eligibility criteria. The mean age was 43.2 years (standard deviation 11.6); most subjects were White (52%) or Hispanic (30.8%), and male (75%). Overall, 86.7% reported having ever traveled to Mexico. Prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection was 23.6%; 0.8% were co-infected with HIV and 81.7% were co-infected with HCV. Almost all participants (95%) had been previously tested for M. tuberculosis; 7.6% had been previously told they were infected. M. tuberculosis infection was independently associated with being Hispanic, having longer injection histories, testing HCV-positive, and correctly reporting that people with 'sleeping' TB cannot infect others. CONCLUSIONS Strategies are needed to increase awareness about and treatment for M. tuberculosis infection among PWID in the US/Mexico border region.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Armenta
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - K M Collins
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - S A Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - M A Bulterys
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - F Munoz
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - J Cuevas-Mota
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego
| | - P Chiles
- Division of Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - R S Garfein
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego
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Meacham MC, Strathdee SA, Rangel G, Armenta RF, Gaines TL, Garfein RS. Prevalence and Correlates of Heroin-Methamphetamine Co-Injection Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2017; 77:774-81. [PMID: 27588536 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2016.77.774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the western United States-Mexico border region are known to inject both heroin and methamphetamine, little is known about the prevalence and risks associated with co-injection of this depressant-stimulant combination (also known as "goofball" and "Mexican speedball"). METHOD Baseline data from parallel cohort studies of PWID conducted concurrently in San Diego, CA, and Tijuana, Mexico, were used to estimate the prevalence and identify correlates of heroin-methamphetamine co-injection. PWID older than 18 years of age who reported injecting illicit drugs in the past month (N = 1,311; 32.7% female) were recruited in San Diego (n = 576) and Tijuana (n = 735) and completed interviewer-administered questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify correlates of heroin-meth-amphetamine co-injection. RESULTS The prevalence of co-injection in the past 6 months was 39.9% overall and was higher in Tijuana (55.8%) than in San Diego (19.8%). In multivariable analyses adjusting for study cohort, distributive syringe sharing, purchasing syringes prefilled with drugs, finding it hard to get new syringes, reporting great or urgent need for treatment, and younger age were independently associated with co-injection. Past-6-month overdose was significantly associated with higher odds of co-injection in San Diego than in Tijuana. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that heroin-methamphetamine co-injection is more common in Tijuana than in San Diego, yet this practice was only associated with overdose in San Diego. Heroin-methamphetamine coinjection was also independently associated with HIV-associated injection risk behaviors. Overdose-prevention interventions should address co-injection of depressants and stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith C Meacham
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission, Mexico Section, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Richard F Armenta
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tommi L Gaines
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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15
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Comparison of Three Popular Methods for Recruiting Young Persons Who Inject Drugs for Interventional Studies. J Urban Health 2017; 94:587-591. [PMID: 28488087 PMCID: PMC5533661 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-017-0158-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for adverse health outcomes as a result of their drug use, and the resulting social stigma makes this a difficult population to reach for interventions aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. During our study of adult PWID aged ≤40 years living in San Diego during 2009 and 2010, we compared three different sampling methods: respondent-driven sampling (RDS), venue-based sampling at one syringe exchange program (SEP), and street-based outreach. We compared demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral factors and tested participants for HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and compared across the three methods. Overall, 561 (74.8%) of the targeted 750 PWID were enrolled. Venue-based convenience sampling enrolled 96% (242/250) of the targeted participants, followed closely by street-based outreach with 92% (232/250) recruited. While RDS yielded the fewest recruits, producing only 35% (87/250) of the expected participants, those recruited through RDS were more likely to be female, more racially diverse, and younger.
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16
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Horyniak D, Wagner KD, Armenta RF, Cuevas-Mota J, Hendrickson E, Garfein RS. Cross-border injection drug use and HIV and hepatitis C virus seropositivity among people who inject drugs in San Diego, California. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:9-17. [PMID: 28683432 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are significantly lower among people who inject drugs (PWID) in San Diego, CA, USA compared with PWID in Tijuana, Mexico, located directly across the border. We investigated associations between cross-border injection drug use (IDU), HIV and HCV seroprevalence and engagement in injecting risk behaviours while on each side of the border. METHODS Using baseline interviews and serologic testing data from STAHR II, a longitudinal cohort study of PWID in San Diego, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between recent (past six months) cross-border IDU and HIV and HCV antibody seropositivity, socio-demographics, drug use characteristics, and participants' connections to, and perceptions about Mexico. Chi-squared tests and McNemar tests examined associations between cross-border IDU and injecting risk behaviours. RESULTS Of the 567 participants (93% U.S.-born, 73% male, median age 45 years), 86 (15%) reported recent cross-border IDU. Cross-border IDU was not associated with HIV (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.37-1.95) or HCV seropositivity (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.62-1.65). Age, identifying as Hispanic or Latino/a, and being concerned about risk of violence when travelling to Mexico were independently associated with decreased odds of recent cross-border IDU. Injecting cocaine at least weekly, having ever lived in Mexico and knowing PWID who reside in Mexico were associated with increased odds of recent cross-border IDU. PWID who reported cross-border IDU were significantly less likely to engage in receptive needle sharing, equipment sharing, and public injection while in Mexico compared with in San Diego (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION Prevalence of HIV and HCV infection was similar among PWID who had and had not injected in Mexico, possibly due to practising safer injecting while in Mexico. Research is needed to elucidate contextual factors enabling U.S. PWID to inject safely while in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Horyniak
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd., Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 99 Commercial Rd., Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Karla D Wagner
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA.
| | - Richard F Armenta
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Jazmine Cuevas-Mota
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Erik Hendrickson
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Alaei A, Alaei K, Waye K, Tracy M, Nalbandyan M, Mutlu E, Cetin MK. Hepatitis C infection and other drug-related harms among inpatients who injected drugs in Turkey. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:496-505. [PMID: 27925346 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is easily spread among those who share drug injection equipment. Due to the ease of contraction and growing prevalence of HCV in Eastern Europe, the aims of this study focused on describing risky injection practices as well as the prevalence of HCV, HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) who were admitted to public and private drug treatment centres in Turkey from 2012 to 2013. Other aims included identifying correlates of needle sharing and HCV infection. Of the 4694 inpatients who ever injected drugs and the 3914 who injected in the past 30 days, nearly all (98%) reported heroin as their drug of choice, the vast majority reported ever sharing a needle (73.4% and 79.3%), and the mean age at first injection was 23 years. Of current PWID, 51.9% were HCV-positive, 5.9% were HBV-positive and only 0.34% of lifetime PWID were HIV-positive. Predictors of increased needle sharing include younger age, being unemployed, having lesser education and reporting heroin as a drug of choice. Significant predictors of HCV infection included being 40 years or older, receiving treatment in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, reporting heroin as a primary substance, a longer duration of drug use and sharing needles. With this information, it is essential to improve access to clean injection equipment in Turkey, to focus on improving education on clean injection practices and to enhance efforts in testing and treating HCV-positive PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Alaei
- Global Institute for Health and Human Rights, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behavior, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - K Alaei
- Global Institute for Health and Human Rights, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behavior, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA.,Department of Public Administration and Policy, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - K Waye
- Global Institute for Health and Human Rights, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - M Tracy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - M Nalbandyan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - E Mutlu
- Department of Psychology, Gelisim University, Avcılar, Turkey
| | - M K Cetin
- Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey
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18
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Davis SM, Daily S, Kristjansson AL, Kelley GA, Zullig K, Baus A, Davidov D, Fisher M. Needle exchange programs for the prevention of hepatitis C virus infection in people who inject drugs: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:25. [PMID: 28514954 PMCID: PMC5436422 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research on the effectiveness of needle exchange programs (NEP) in preventing hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people who inject drugs (PWID) has shown mixed findings. The purpose of this study was to use the meta-analytic approach to examine the association between NEP use and HCV prevention in PWIDs. Methods Study inclusion criteria were (1) observational studies, (2) PWIDs, (3) NEP use, (4) HCV status ascertained by serological testing, (5) studies published in any language since January 1, 1989, and (6) data available for measures of association. Studies were located by searching four electronic databases and cross-referencing. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa (NOS) scale. A ratio measure of association was calculated for each result from cohort or case–control studies and pooled using a random effects model. Odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) models were analyzed separately. Results were considered statistically significant if the 95% confidence interval (CI) did not cross 1. Heterogeneity was estimated using Q and I2 with alpha values for Q ≤ 0.10 considered statistically significant. Results Of the 555 citations reviewed, 6 studies containing 2437 participants were included. Studies had an average NOS score of 7 out of 9 (77.8%) stars. Concerns over participant representativeness, unclear adjustments for confounders, and bias from participant nonresponse and loss to follow-up were noted. Results were mixed with the odds ratio model indicating no consistent association (OR, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.05–5.15), and the hazard ratio model indicating a harmful effect (HR, 2.05, 95% CI, 1.39–3.03). Substantial heterogeneity (p ≤ 0.10) and moderate to large inconsistency (I2 ≥ 66%) were observed for both models. Conclusions The impact of NEPs on HCV prevention in PWIDs remains unclear. There is a need for well-designed research studies employing standardized criteria and measurements to clarify this issue. Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42016035315 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12954-017-0156-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Davis
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, PO Box 9149, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9149, USA.
| | - Shay Daily
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Alfgeir L Kristjansson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - George A Kelley
- Department of Biostatistics, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Keith Zullig
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Adam Baus
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Danielle Davidov
- School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, PO Box 9149, Morgantown, WV, 26506-9149, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Melanie Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, PO Box 9163, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
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Berbesi D, Segura A, Cardona D, Agudelo A. Factors associated with syringe exchange among injection drug users in Colombia. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2016.1223763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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Johnston LG, Hakim AJ, Dittrich S, Burnett J, Kim E, White RG. A Systematic Review of Published Respondent-Driven Sampling Surveys Collecting Behavioral and Biologic Data. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1754-76. [PMID: 26992395 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1346-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Reporting key details of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey implementation and analysis is essential for assessing the quality of RDS surveys. RDS is both a recruitment and analytic method and, as such, it is important to adequately describe both aspects in publications. We extracted data from peer-reviewed literature published through September, 2013 that reported collected biological specimens using RDS. We identified 151 eligible peer-reviewed articles describing 222 surveys conducted in seven regions throughout the world. Most published surveys reported basic implementation information such as survey city, country, year, population sampled, interview method, and final sample size. However, many surveys did not report essential methodological and analytical information for assessing RDS survey quality, including number of recruitment sites, seeds at start and end, maximum number of waves, and whether data were adjusted for network size. Understanding the quality of data collection and analysis in RDS is useful for effectively planning public health service delivery and funding priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G Johnston
- University of California, San Francisco, Global Health Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Avi J Hakim
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samantha Dittrich
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Janet Burnett
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Evelyn Kim
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard G White
- CMMID and Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Schulte M, Hser Y, Saxon A, Evans E, Li L, Huang D, Hillhouse M, Thomas C, Ling W. Risk Factors Associated with HCV Among Opioid-Dependent Patients in a Multisite Study. J Community Health 2016; 40:940-7. [PMID: 25814381 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-015-0016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We examined risk factors associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among opioid-dependent patients enrolled into medication-assisted therapy (buprenorphine or methadone) to determine factors affecting chronic infection. Patients (N = 1039) were randomized as part of a larger, multisite clinical trial sponsored by the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network assessing liver function. HCV status was first assessed with an antibody screen; if positive, then current infection was determined with an antigen screen testing for detectable virus. Patients were classified as HCV negative, HCV positive but have cleared the virus, or as having chronic HCV. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine demographic and behavioral correlates of the three groups. Thirty-four percent of patients were classified with chronic infection and 14% had evidence of prior infection with apparent clearing of the virus. Chronic infection was associated with recent injection drug use and cocaine use. Chronic HCV infection was also associated with being older and Hispanic. Age, ethnicity, and current drug use increase the likelihood of being chronically infected with HCV. Strategies targeting high risk subgroups can aid in preventing further disease escalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schulte
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA, 90025, USA,
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22
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Mehta SR, Wertheim JO, Brouwer KC, Wagner KD, Chaillon A, Strathdee S, Patterson TL, Rangel MG, Vargas M, Murrell B, Garfein R, Little SJ, Smith DM. HIV Transmission Networks in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region. EBioMedicine 2015; 2:1456-63. [PMID: 26629540 PMCID: PMC4634195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV sequence data can be used to reconstruct local transmission networks. Along international borders, like the San Diego-Tijuana region, understanding the dynamics of HIV transmission across reported risks, racial/ethnic groups, and geography can help direct effective prevention efforts on both sides of the border. METHODS We gathered sociodemographic, geographic, clinical, and viral sequence data from HIV infected individuals participating in ten studies in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. Phylogenetic and network analysis was performed to infer putative relationships between HIV sequences. Correlates of identified clusters were evaluated and spatiotemporal relationships were explored using Bayesian phylogeographic analysis. FINDINGS After quality filtering, 843 HIV sequences with associated demographic data and 263 background sequences from the region were analyzed, and 138 clusters were inferred (2-23 individuals). Overall, the rate of clustering did not differ by ethnicity, residence, or sex, but bisexuals were less likely to cluster than heterosexuals or men who have sex with men (p = 0.043), and individuals identifying as white (p ≤ 0.01) were more likely to cluster than other races. Clustering individuals were also 3.5 years younger than non-clustering individuals (p < 0.001). Although the sampled San Diego and Tijuana epidemics were phylogenetically compartmentalized, five clusters contained individuals residing on both sides of the border. INTERPRETATION This study sampled ~ 7% of HIV infected individuals in the border region, and although the sampled networks on each side of the border were largely separate, there was evidence of persistent bidirectional cross-border transmissions that linked risk groups, thus highlighting the importance of the border region as a "melting pot" of risk groups. FUNDING NIH, VA, and Pendleton Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay R Mehta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Diego, #8208 200 W. Arbor St. San Diego, CA 92103, United States ; Division of Infectious Diseases, San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, United States
| | - Joel O Wertheim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Diego, #8208 200 W. Arbor St. San Diego, CA 92103, United States
| | - Kimberly C Brouwer
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, #0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Karla D Wagner
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada Reno, Lombardi Building, 203, MS 0274, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Antoine Chaillon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Diego, #8208 200 W. Arbor St. San Diego, CA 92103, United States
| | - Steffanie Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, #0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Thomas L Patterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego #0680, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Maria G Rangel
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, San Antonio del Mar, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Mlenka Vargas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Diego, #8208 200 W. Arbor St. San Diego, CA 92103, United States
| | - Ben Murrell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Diego, #8208 200 W. Arbor St. San Diego, CA 92103, United States
| | - Richard Garfein
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, #0507, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Susan J Little
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Diego, #8208 200 W. Arbor St. San Diego, CA 92103, United States
| | - Davey M Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Diego, #8208 200 W. Arbor St. San Diego, CA 92103, United States ; Division of Infectious Diseases, San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, United States
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Xu H, Yu G, Sun H, Lv J, Wang M, Kong F, Zhang M, Chi X, Wang X, Wu R, Gao X, Zhong J, Sun B, Jiang J, Pan Y, Niu J. Use of parenteral caffeinum natrio-benzoicum: an underestimated risk factor for HCV transmission in China. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:928. [PMID: 26386815 PMCID: PMC4575778 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2299-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fuyu city in China has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection resulting in a high morbidity and mortality from chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors for HCV infection in Fuyu city. METHODS Recruitment of study subjects involved a cross-sectional survey using non-random, convenience sampling. Information on demographic variables, risk factors for HCV infection, clinical manifestations, behavioral practices and family history was collected by administering a questionnaire. Anti-HCV antibody was detected using Abbott ARCHITECT i2000SR. HCV infection was confirmed by HCV-RNA testing by the Roche Taqman HCV test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with HCV infection. RESULTS Out of 3,228 persons that participated in the survey, 3,219 were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of HCV infection was 42.1 % (1355/3219). Among 734 patients with chronic HCV infection whose HCV-RNA genotyping was performed, genotype 1b was the most common (58.0 %), followed by genotype 2a (40.2 %), while co-infection with genotypes 1b and 2a was detected in 1.8 % of the subjects. On univariate analysis, male gender, older age, parenteral caffeinum natrio-benzoicum and share syringes (PCNBSS), and nine other factors were significantly associated with HCV infection. After adjusting for potential confounders, male gender, old age, cigarette smoking, lower education level, history of blood transfusion, blood donation, prior dental surgery, and PCNBSS were found to be independently associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of HCV infection is likely to be high among residents in Fuyu and we observed that genotypes 1b and 2a dominated in the city. Our findings support the hypothesis that PCNBSS which became endemic in Fuyu city during 1970s-1980s is strongly associated with HCV positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqin Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
- Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, No.519 Dongminzhu Street, Changchun, 130061, China.
| | - Ge Yu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Haibo Sun
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Juan Lv
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Moli Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Fei Kong
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Mingyuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Xiumei Chi
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
- Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, No.519 Dongminzhu Street, Changchun, 130061, China.
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
- Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, No.519 Dongminzhu Street, Changchun, 130061, China.
| | - Ruihong Wu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
- Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, No.519 Dongminzhu Street, Changchun, 130061, China.
| | - Xiuzhu Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
- Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, No.519 Dongminzhu Street, Changchun, 130061, China.
| | - Jin Zhong
- Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bing Sun
- Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jing Jiang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, No. 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No.71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
- Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, No.519 Dongminzhu Street, Changchun, 130061, China.
- Jilin Province Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, No.519 Dongminzhu Street, Changchun, 130061, China.
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Siddiqui SS, Armenta RF, Evans JL, Yu M, Cuevas-Mota J, Page K, Davidson P, Garfein RS. Effect of legal status of pharmacy syringe sales on syringe purchases by persons who inject drugs in San Francisco and San Diego, CA. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:1150-7. [PMID: 26252980 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sharing blood-contaminated syringes is the main risk factor for acquiring and transmitting blood-borne infections among persons who inject drugs (PWID). To reduce this risk, in 2005, California enacted legislation allowing local health jurisdictions to legalize non-prescription syringe sales after approving a disease prevention demonstration project (DPDP). With San Francisco approving a DPDP immediately and San Diego never approving one, we compared PWID across cities for their use of pharmacies PWID to obtain syringes. METHODS PWID age 18-30 years old were recruited into separate studies in San Francisco (n=243) and San Diego (n=338) between 2008 and 2011. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare the proportions of PWID who obtained syringes from pharmacies by city while controlling for sociodemographics, injection practices and other risk behaviors. RESULTS Overall, most PWID were White (71%), male (63%), and between the ages of 18-25 years (55%). Compared to San Francisco, a smaller proportion of PWID in San Diego had bought syringes from pharmacies in the prior three months (16.9% vs. 49.8%; p<0.001), which remained statistically significant after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral factors (adjusted odds ratio=4.45, 95% confidence interval: 2.98, 6.65). CONCLUSIONS Use of pharmacies to obtain syringes was greater where it was legal to do so. Public health policy can influence HIV and hepatitis C associated risk among PWID; however, implementation of these policies is crucial for the benefits to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira S Siddiqui
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Richard F Armenta
- Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Evans
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jazmine Cuevas-Mota
- Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peter Davidson
- Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Collier MG, Bhaurla SK, Cuevas-Mota J, Armenta RF, Teshale EH, Garfein RS. Awareness of HCV infection among persons who inject drugs in San Diego, California. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:302-3. [PMID: 25521877 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We asked persons who inject drugs questions about HCV, including past testing and diagnosis followed by HCV testing. Of 540 participants, 145 (27%) were anti-HCV positive, but of those who were positive, only 46 (32%) knew about their infection. Asking about previous HCV testing results yielded better results than did asking about prior HCV diagnosis. Factors associated with knowing about HCV infection included older age, HIV testing, and drug treatment. Comprehensive approaches to educating and screening this population for HCV need implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa G Collier
- Melissa G. Collier and Eyasu H. Teshale are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Sandeep K. Bhaurla, Jazmine Cuevas-Mota, Richard F. Armenta, and Richard S. Garfein are with the Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
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26
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Hepatitis A and B among young persons who inject drugs--vaccination, past, and present infection. Vaccine 2015; 33:2808-12. [PMID: 25889161 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aims were to assess hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) susceptibility and infection among young persons who inject drugs (PWID) who may have been vaccinated as children and to evaluate self-report of HAV and HBV vaccination. METHODS We recruited PWID aged 18-40 years-old in San Diego during 2009 and 2010 and collected demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral factors. Participants were asked if they had been vaccinated against HAV and HBV, and serum samples were collected for HAV and HBV serologic testing. RESULTS Of 519 participants, 365 (72%) were male, 252 (49%) were white non-Hispanic, 38 (7%) were Black non-Hispanic, 138 (27%) were White Hispanic, and 22 (4%) were born outside the U. S. Of the total participants, 245 (47%) had surface hepatitis B antibody (anti-HBs) titers <10mIU/ml (i.e., HBV susceptible) and 325 (63%) had no detectable HAV antibodies (HAV susceptible). Hepatitis B surface antigen was detected in 7 (1%) of total participants; and 135 (26%) were anti-HCV-antibody positive. Compared to serologic findings, self-report of HBV and HAV vaccination was 71% and 41% sensitive, and 58% and 73% specific, respectively. CONCLUSION HAV and HBV antibodies in half or more of this young PWID population did not have levels indicative of protection, and about a quarter had HCV infection, putting them at risk for complications resulting from co-infection with HAV or HBV. Programs serving this population should vaccinate PWIDs against HAV and HBV and not rely on self-report of vaccination.
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Muñoz F, Burgos JL, Cuevas-Mota J, Teshale E, Garfein RS. Individual and socio-environmental factors associated with unsafe injection practices among young adult injection drug users in San Diego. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:199-210. [PMID: 24920342 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Unsafe injection practices significantly increase the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs). We examined individual and socio-environmental factors associated with unsafe injection practices in young adult IDUs in San Diego, California. Of 494 IDUs, 46.9 % reported receptive syringe sharing and 68.8 % sharing drug preparation paraphernalia in the last 3 months. Unsafe injection practices were associated with increased odds of having friends who injected drugs with used syringes, injecting with friends or sexual partners, and injecting heroin. Perceived high susceptibility to HIV and perceived barriers to obtaining sterile syringes were associated with increased odds of receptive syringe sharing, but not with sharing injection paraphernalia. Over half the IDUs reported unsafe injection practices. Our results suggest that personal relationships might influence IDUs' perceptions that dictate behavior. Integrated interventions addressing individual and socio-environmental factors are needed to promote safe injection practices in this population.
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Roth AM, Armenta RA, Wagner KD, Roesch SC, Bluthenthal RN, Cuevas-Mota J, Garfein RS. Patterns of drug use, risky behavior, and health status among persons who inject drugs living in San Diego, California: a latent class analysis. Subst Use Misuse 2015; 50:205-14. [PMID: 25313832 PMCID: PMC4356115 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2014.962661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among persons who inject drugs (PWID), polydrug use (the practice of mixing multiple drugs/alcohol sequentially or simultaneously) increases risk for HIV transmission and unintentional overdose deaths. Research has shown local drug markets influence drug use practices. However, little is known about the impact of drug mixing in markets dominated by black tar heroin and methamphetamine, such as the western United States. METHODS Data were collected through an ongoing longitudinal study examining drug use, risk behavior, and health status among PWID. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of substance use (heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, alcohol, and marijuana) via multiple administration routes (injecting, smoking, and swallowing). Logistic regression was used to identify behaviors and health indicators associated with drug use class. RESULTS The sample included 511 mostly white (51.5%) males (73.8%), with mean age of 43.5 years. Two distinct classes of drug users predominated: methamphetamine by multiple routes (51%) and heroin by injection (49%). In multivariable logistic regression, class membership was associated with age, race, and housing status. PWID who were HIV-seropositive and reported prior sexually transmitted infections had increased odds of belonging to the methamphetamine class. Those who were HCV positive and reported previous opioid overdose had an increased odds of being in the primarily heroin injection class (all P-values < .05). CONCLUSION Risk behaviors and health outcomes differed between PWID who primarily inject heroin vs. those who use methamphetamine. The findings suggest that in a region where PWID mainly use black tar heroin or methamphetamine, interventions tailored to sub-populations of PWID could improve effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Roth
- 1Drexel University, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
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Mahajan R, Collier MG, Kamili S, Drobeniuc J, Cuevas-Mota J, Garfein RS, Teshale E. Hepatitis E virus among persons who inject drugs, San Diego, California, USA, 2009-2010. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 19:1664-6. [PMID: 24047923 PMCID: PMC3810760 DOI: 10.3201/eid1910.130630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Data about prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in persons who inject drugs are limited. Among 18–40-year-old persons who inject drugs in California, USA, prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis E virus was 2.7%. This prevalence was associated with age but not with homelessness, incarceration, or high-risk sexual behavior.
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Robertson AM, Garfein RS, Wagner KD, Mehta SR, Magis-Rodriguez C, Cuevas-Mota J, Moreno-Zuniga PG, Strathdee SA. Evaluating the impact of Mexico's drug policy reforms on people who inject drugs in Tijuana, B.C., Mexico, and San Diego, CA, United States: a binational mixed methods research agenda. Harm Reduct J 2014; 11:4. [PMID: 24520885 PMCID: PMC3944401 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-11-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Policymakers and researchers seek answers to how liberalized drug policies affect people who inject drugs (PWID). In response to concerns about the failing “war on drugs,” Mexico recently implemented drug policy reforms that partially decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use while promoting drug treatment. Recognizing important epidemiologic, policy, and socioeconomic differences between the United States—where possession of any psychoactive drugs without a prescription remains illegal—and Mexico—where possession of small quantities for personal use was partially decriminalized, we sought to assess changes over time in knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and infectious disease profiles among PWID in the adjacent border cities of San Diego, CA, USA, and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Methods Based on extensive binational experience and collaboration, from 2012–2014 we initiated two parallel, prospective, mixed methods studies: Proyecto El Cuete IV in Tijuana (n = 785) and the STAHR II Study in San Diego (n = 575). Methods for sampling, recruitment, and data collection were designed to be compatible in both studies. All participants completed quantitative behavioral and geographic assessments and serological testing (HIV in both studies; hepatitis C virus and tuberculosis in STAHR II) at baseline and four semi-annual follow-up visits. Between follow-up assessment visits, subsets of participants completed qualitative interviews to explore contextual factors relating to study aims and other emergent phenomena. Planned analyses include descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data, content analysis and other mixed-methods approaches for qualitative data, and phylogenetic analysis of HIV-positive samples to understand cross-border transmission dynamics. Results Investigators and research staff shared preliminary findings across studies to provide feedback on instruments and insights regarding local phenomena. As a result, recruitment and data collection procedures have been implemented successfully, demonstrating the importance of binational collaboration in evaluating the impact of structural-level drug policy reforms on the behaviors, health, and wellbeing of PWID across an international border. Conclusions Our prospective, mixed methods approach allows each study to be responsive to emerging phenomena within local contexts while regular collaboration promotes sharing insights across studies. The strengths and limitations of this approach may serve as a guide for other evaluations of harm reduction policies internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0507, USA.
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