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Cama E, Beadman K, Beadman M, Walker M, Treloar C. Insights from the scale-up and implementation of the Deadly Liver Mob program across nine sites in New South Wales, Australia, according to the RE-AIM framework. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:154. [PMID: 37864220 PMCID: PMC10588043 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00889-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Deadly Liver Mob (DLM) program is a peer-led health promotion program that aims to improve access to screening and treatment for blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. In this paper, we used client and staff insights to explore the successes and challenges of implementing the DLM program according to the RE-AIM framework, which explores real-world implementation of interventions according to reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. METHODS Clients and staff were recruited through the DLM program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and 11 non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander health workers, as well as 33 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients of the program. RESULTS Findings show the positive effects of the DLM program, in creating a culturally safe and sensitive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to access care. In particular, the employment of frontline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers to deliver the education was touted as one of the primary successes of the program, in enabling workers to build trust between clients and mainstream health systems, which has the flow on effect of encouraging clients to go through to screening. The use of the RE-AIM framework illustrates the challenges of implementing real-world interventions across various locations, such as the difficulties in delivering DLM in regional and remote areas due to covering large geographic areas with minimal public transport available. CONCLUSIONS The data emphasise the need for interventions to be adaptable and flexible, altering elements of the program to suit local and community needs, such as by offering mobile and outreach services to enable access across regional and rural areas. The findings of this evaluation have been used to develop tools so that the learnings from DLM can be shared with others who may be hoping to implement DLM or other similar programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cama
- Centre for Social Research in Health, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Kim Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mitch Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Melinda Walker
- Centre for Social Research in Health, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, John Goodsell Building, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Høj SB, Minoyan N, Zang G, Larney S, Bruneau J. Gender, sexual orientation identity, and initiation of amphetamine injecting among people who inject drugs: Examination of an expanding drug era in Montreal, Canada, 2011-19. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 251:110956. [PMID: 37716286 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amphetamine injection is expanding in North America and has been associated with male homosexuality among people who inject drugs (PWID). Applying subcultural evolution theory, we examined overall and gender-stratified trends in amphetamine injection and assessed sexual orientation as a gender-specific predictor of initiation among PWID in Montreal, Canada. METHODS Data were from HEPCO, an open prospective cohort of PWID. Gender and sexual orientation were self-identified at enrolment. Interviewer-administered questionnaires at three-monthly (HCV RNA-negative participants) or yearly (RNA-positive) intervals captured past three-month amphetamine injection and covariates. Annual prevalence and linear trends in amphetamine injection were estimated using GEE. Incidence was computed among naïve individuals and hazard ratios for initiation estimated using gender-stratified, time-varying Cox regression models. RESULTS 803 participants contributed 8096 observations between March 2011 and December 2019. Annual prevalence of amphetamine injecting increased from 3.25% [95%CI: 2.06-4.43%] to 12.7% [9.50-16.0] (trend p<0.001). Bivariate Cox regression models suggested similar and divergent predictors of initiation by gender. Incidence was 3.27 per 100 person-years [95%CI: 2.51-4.18] among heterosexual men, 7.18 [3.50-13.2] among gay/bisexual men, 1.93 [0.78-4.02] among heterosexual women and 5.30 [1.69-12.8] among gay/bisexual women. Among men, gay/bisexual identity doubled risk of initiation after adjusting for age, ethnicity, calendar year (aHR 2.16 [1.07-4.36]) and additional covariates (2.56 [1.24-5.30]). Among women, evidence for an association with gay/bisexual identity was inconclusive (aHR 2.63 [0.62-11.2]) and sample size precluded further adjustment CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of amphetamine injection among PWID increased four-fold from 2011 to 2019, with elevated risk of initiation in gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Bordier Høj
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montreal H2X 0A9, Canada.
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montreal H2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montreal H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Geng Zang
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montreal H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Sarah Larney
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montreal H2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montreal H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montreal H2X 0A9, Canada; Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montreal H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Cama E, Beadman K, Beadman M, Smith KA, Christian J, Jackson AC, Tyson B, Anderson C, Smyth L, Heslop J, Gahan G, Tawil V, Sheaves F, Maher L, Page J, Tilley D, Ryan A, Grant K, Donovan B, Stevens A, Slattery T, Pearce K, John-Leader F, Walden A, Lenton J, Crowley M, Treloar C. Increasing access to screening for blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: evaluation of the Deadly Liver Mob program's 'cascade of care' across nine sites in New South Wales, Australia. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:125. [PMID: 37670361 PMCID: PMC10478220 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00850-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are disproportionately impacted by blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Stigma remains one of the key barriers to testing and treatment for BBVs and STIs, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Deadly Liver Mob (DLM) is a peer-delivered incentivised health promotion program by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. The program aims to increase access to BBV and STI education, screening, treatment, and vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in recognition of the systemic barriers for First Nations people to primary care, including BBV- and STI-related stigma, and institutional racism. This paper presents routinely collected data across nine sites on the 'cascade of care' progression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients through the DLM program: hepatitis C education, screening, returning for results, and recruitment of peers. METHODS Routinely collected data were collated from each of the DLM sites, including date of attendance, basic demographic characteristics, eligibility for the program, recruitment of others, and engagement in the cascade of care. RESULTS Between 2013 and 2020, a total of 1787 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients were educated as part of DLM, of which 74% went on to be screened and 42% (or 57% of those screened) returned to receive their results. The total monetary investment of the cascade of care progression was approximately $56,220. Data highlight the positive impacts of the DLM program for engagement in screening, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive, and safe programs led by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, the data also indicate the points at which clients 'fall off' the cascade, underscoring the need to address any remaining barriers to care. CONCLUSIONS The DLM program shows promise in acting as a 'one stop shop' in addressing the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in relation to BBVs and STIs. Future implementation could focus on addressing any potential barriers to participation in the program, such as co-location of services and transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cama
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Kim Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mitch Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kerri-Anne Smith
- Needle and Syringe Program, Mount Druitt Community Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Mount Druitt, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Jade Christian
- Needle and Syringe Program, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Aunty Clair Jackson
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Beverley Tyson
- Dubbo Sexual Health, Western NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Clayton Anderson
- Dubbo Sexual Health, Western NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Larissa Smyth
- Byron Central Hospital, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health District, Byron Bay, NSW, 2481, Australia
| | - Jennifer Heslop
- HIV & Related Programs, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health District, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450, Australia
| | - Gary Gahan
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, 1340, Australia
| | - Victor Tawil
- Centre for Population Health, Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Felicity Sheaves
- Needle and Syringe Program, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Louise Maher
- Needle and Syringe Program, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Julie Page
- Needle and Syringe Program, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Donna Tilley
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Ann Ryan
- HIV & Related Programs Unit, Western and Far West NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Kim Grant
- HIV & Related Programs Unit, Western and Far West NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Annabelle Stevens
- Centre for Population Health, Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, 2065, Australia
| | - Trevor Slattery
- HIV & Related Programs Unit, Western and Far West NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Kate Pearce
- Needle and Syringe Program, Mount Druitt Community Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Mount Druitt, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Franklin John-Leader
- HIV & Related Programs, Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health District, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450, Australia
| | - Andrew Walden
- Needle and Syringe Program, Western NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Jo Lenton
- Broken Hill Community Centre, Far West Local Health District, Broken Hill, NSW, 2880, Australia
| | - Margaret Crowley
- Dubbo Sexual Health, Western NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Gicquelais RE, Astemborski J, Werb D, Kirk GD, Mehta SH, Genberg BL. Context and correlates of providing assistance with someone's first injection in the AIDS linked to the IntraVenous Experience cohort, Baltimore, MD. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110909. [PMID: 37517262 PMCID: PMC10529208 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110909] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The social processes around initiating injection may be well-suited to intervention, yet there is substantial heterogeneity in the reported experiences of people who inject drugs (PWID) who assist with another individual's first drug injection. We aimed to describe the lifetime prevalence and context of providing initiation assistance among a cohort of PWID. METHODS Participants of the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort of PWID in Baltimore, Maryland (n=848) were surveyed during 2019-2020 about assisting with another person's first injection. Associations between factors related to injection risk and history of providing assistance were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. RESULTS At baseline, participants were primarily male (66.1%), black (82.9%), aged a median of 42 years, and had been injecting a median of 18 years. Overall, 19% (n=157) of participants reported ever providing assistance for a median of 2 people (Interquartile Range: 1-4). Having hepatitis C infection (adjusted Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval]: 2.5 [1.4-4.6]), syringe sharing (2.2 [1.2-3.9]), and injecting ≥3 times per day (2.0 [1.2-3.4]) at study enrollment were associated with a history of assistance. Participants primarily assisted friends (58.0%), acquaintances (29.9%), and partners (21.7%). Common reasons for assisting were the other person's lack of injection knowledge (73.7%) or sharing drugs (44.9%). Additional reasons included to prevent injury. CONCLUSION PWID with a history of assisting with another person's first injection exhibited heightened vulnerability to infections and more frequent substance use. Expanding implementation of interventions with an emphasis on harm reduction is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Gicquelais
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, 701 Highland AveMadisonWI53705, United States
| | - Jacqueline Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe StBaltimoreMD21205, United States
| | - Daniel Werb
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoCA92161, United States
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe StBaltimoreMD21205, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious DiseasesBaltimoreMD21205, United States
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe StBaltimoreMD21205, United States
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe StBaltimoreMD21205, United States.
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Mazel S, Alexander K, Cioffi C, Terplan M. Interventions to Support Engagement in Addiction Care Postpartum: Principles and Pitfalls. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2023; 14:49-59. [PMID: 37424702 PMCID: PMC10327918 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s375652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a fundamental disconnect between the optimal management of addiction in general and care delivery in pregnancy and postpartum. Addiction is a chronic condition requiring some degree of management across the life course. Yet, in the US, reproductive care is episodic and centers more on pregnancy than at other stages of the reproductive life course. Pregnancy is prioritized in access to insurance as almost all pregnant people are Medicaid eligible but access ends at varying points postpartum. This results in a structural mismatch: the episodic management of the chronic condition of addiction only within gestational periods. Though people with substance use disorder (SUD) may access care in pregnancy, treatment attrition is common postpartum. Postpartum is a time of increased vulnerabilities where insurance churn and newborn caretaking responsibilities collide in a context of care withdrawal from the health system and health providers. In part in consequence, return to use, SUD recurrence, overdose, and overdose death are more common postpartum than in pregnancy, and drug deaths have become a leading cause of maternal deaths in the US. This review addresses interventions to support engagement in addiction care postpartum. We begin with a scoping review of model programs and evidence-informed interventions that have been shown to increase continuation of care postpartum. We then explore the realities of contemporary care through a review of clinical and ethical principles, with particular attention to harm reduction. We conclude with suggestions of strategies (clinical, research, and policy) to improve care postpartum and highlight potential pitfalls in the uptake of evidence-based and person-centered services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayna Mazel
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | - Camille Cioffi
- Center on Parenting and Opioids, Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
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Mackesy-Amiti ME, Boodram B, Page K, Latkin C. Injection partnership characteristics and HCV status associations with syringe and equipment sharing among people who inject drugs. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1191. [PMID: 37340398 PMCID: PMC10283252 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sharing of syringes is the leading transmission pathway for hepatitis C (HCV) infections. The extent to which HCV can spread among people who inject drugs (PWID) is largely dependent on syringe-sharing network factors. Our study aims to better understand partnership characteristics and syringe and equipment sharing with those partners, including measures of relationship closeness, sexual activity, and social support, as well as self and partner HCV status to better inform interventions for young urban and suburban PWID. METHODS Data are from baseline interviews of a longitudinal network-based study of young (aged 18-30) PWID (egos) and their injection network members (alters) in metropolitan Chicago (n = 276). All participants completed a computer-assisted interviewer-administered questionnaire and an egocentric network survey on injection, sexual, and support networks. RESULTS Correlates of syringe and ancillary equipment sharing were found to be similar. Sharing was more likely to occur in mixed-gender dyads. Participants were more likely to share syringes and equipment with injection partners who lived in the same household, who they saw every day, who they trusted, who they had an intimate relationship with that included condomless sex, and who provided personal support. PWID who had tested HCV negative within the past year were less likely to share syringes with an HCV positive partner compared to those who did not know their status. CONCLUSION PWID regulate their syringe and other injection equipment sharing to some extent by sharing preferentially with injection partners with whom they have a close personal or intimate relationship, and whose HCV status they are more likely to know. Our findings underscore the need for risk interventions and HCV treatment strategies to consider the social context of syringe and equipment sharing within partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St., MC 923, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St., MC 923, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Rudolph AE, Rhodes SE. Network Correlates of Using a Syringe After an Injection Partner Among Women Who Inject Drugs in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:957-968. [PMID: 36198856 PMCID: PMC9974550 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This analysis aims to identify relationship-level correlates of receptive syringe sharing among women who inject drugs in Philadelphia. Sixty-four women who injected daily were recruited from Prevention Point Philadelphia's syringe exchange program (9/2/20 - 11/23/20). Interviewer-administered surveys collected (1) individual-level demographics and risk behaviors and (2) relationship-level information about each past-6-month injection partner and injecting practices between the two. We built two separate log-binomial regression models which accounted for clustering of network members within participants to identify relationship-level correlates of using a syringe after a partner. Women reported injecting with a syringe previously used by 21.14% of partners. Women were more likely to use a syringe after sex partners (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [APR]model_1=2.77) and those who provided injection assistance (APRmodel_1=1.92) or emotional support (APRmodel_2=6.19). Future harm reduction efforts could train women to negotiate safer injection practices with sex partners and those who provide injection assistance and/or emotional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex 905, 19122, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Susanna E Rhodes
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex 905, 19122, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Pachuau LN, Tannous C, Dhami MV, Agho KE. HIV among people who inject drugs in India: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1529. [PMID: 35948967 PMCID: PMC9367073 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13922-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the epidemiology of HIV infection among HIV positive people who inject drugs (PWID) in India. Injecting drug use has emerged as an important route of HIV transmission in India. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the risk behaviours associated with HIV infection among HIV positive PWID and assess the data reported. Methods A systematic search of six electronic databases, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase and Ovid Medline was conducted. These databases were searched for published studies on injecting risk behaviours, sexual risk behaviours and socio-demographic factors associated with HIV infection among HIV positive PWID in India. Results A total of 15 studies were included in the review of which 3 studies evaluated HIV/HCV coinfection among HIV positive PWID. Older age, low educational level and employment status were significantly associated with HIV infection. Sharing of syringe and needle, frequency of injection, early initiation of injecting practice, inconsistent condom use and having multiple sexual partners were all commonly associated with HIV infection among HIV positive PWID. Conclusion Our study identified significant injecting and sexual risk behaviours among HIV positive PWID in India. There is an increasing HIV transmission among PWID in different states, more so in the northeastern states and in metropolitan cities in India. More studies need to be conducted in other regions of the country to understand the true burden of the disease. The lack of sufficient data among HIV positive female PWID does not preclude the possibility of a hidden epidemic among female PWID. The need of the hour is for the prevention of further transmission by this high-risk group through the provision of comprehensive programs, surveillance and robust continuation of harm reduction services. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13922-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Ngaihbanglovi Pachuau
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, NSW, DC1797, Penrith, Australia.
| | - Caterina Tannous
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, NSW, DC1797, Penrith, Australia
| | - Mansi Vijaybhai Dhami
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia.,Belmont Hospital, 16 Croudace Bay Road, Belmont, NSW, 2280, Australia
| | - Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, NSW, DC1797, Penrith, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia.,African Vision Research Institute (AVRI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 3629, South Africa
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Li X, Sullivan P, Broz D, Handanagic S. Association Between Dual Partnership and Sexual and Injecting Behaviors Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in 23 US Cities, 2018. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2667-2678. [PMID: 35704143 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02323-6] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Persons who inject drugs (PWID) engaging in receptive syringe sharing with their sex partner (dual partnership) may have different behavior patterns than people who have only sex or syringe sharing partnerships. PWID from 23 US cities were recruited for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance in 2018 using respondent-driven sampling, interviewed, and tested for HIV. Log-linked Poisson regression was conducted to examine the associations between injecting and sexual behaviors and dual partnership. A total of 3435 PWID reported receptive syringe sharing and 42% engaged in dual partnership with their last sharing injecting partner. PWID who reported condomless vaginal or anal sex at last sex were more likely to engage in dual partnership (aPR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.65-2.08). PWID who reported having two or more sex partners (aPR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.62-0.72) or two or more sharing injecting partners (aPR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.50-0.59) were less likely to engage in dual partnership. Findings suggest opportunities for tailored prevention intervention, including couple-based HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and access to syringe services programs coupled with safer injection education to help reduce HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Li
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA.
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dita Broz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Senad Handanagic
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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Xavier J, Greer A, Pauly B, Loyal J, Mamdani Z, Ackermann E, Barbic S, Buxton JA. "There are solutions and I think we're still working in the problem": The limitations of decriminalization under the good Samaritan drug overdose act and lessons from an evaluation in British Columbia, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 105:103714. [PMID: 35561485 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug prohibition has been associated with increased risk of overdose. However, drug prohibition remains the dominant drug policy, including in Canada with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. In 2017, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) was enacted, to encourage people to contact emergency medical services by providing bystanders at the scene of an overdose with legal protection for simple possession and conditions related to simple possession. METHODS We conducted an evaluation of the GSDOA in British Columbia, Canada that included one-on-one interviews with people who use illicit drugs (PWUD), to determine peoples' experiences and perceptions surrounding this form of decriminalization. We present findings from a thematic analysis of 37 interviews. RESULTS We identified limitations of the GSDOA at overdose events; key themes and concerns causing PWUD to hesitate to or avoid contacting emergency medical services included drug confiscation, the thin line between simple possession and drug trafficking, and enforcement of other charges and court ordered conditions that are not legally protected by the GSDOA. Moreover, participants discussed the GSDOA as inequitable; benefiting some while excluding PWUD with intersecting marginalized identities. CONCLUSION Our findings are pertinent in light of many jurisdictions across the world considering dejure decriminalization, including BC and Vancouver. The GSDOA and associated limitations that emerged in our evaluation can serve to guide jurisdictions implementing or amending dejure decriminalization policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Xavier
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control,655W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Alissa Greer
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University,8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Bernadette Pauly
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, HSD Building, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Jackson Loyal
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control,655W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Zahra Mamdani
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control,655W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Emma Ackermann
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control,655W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
| | - Skye Barbic
- Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z8, Canada; British Columbia Center for Disease Control,655W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada.
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11
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Rhed BD, Harding RW, Marks C, Wagner KT, Fiuty P, Page K, Wagner KD. Patterns of and Rationale for the Co-use of Methamphetamine and Opioids: Findings From Qualitative Interviews in New Mexico and Nevada. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:824940. [PMID: 35418887 PMCID: PMC8995976 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.824940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methamphetamine use and methamphetamine-involved deaths have increased dramatically since 2015, and opioid-related deaths now frequently involve methamphetamine. Nevada and New Mexico are states with elevated rates of opioid and methamphetamine use. In this paper, we report results from a qualitative analysis that examined patterns of methamphetamine and opioid co-use over participants' lifespan, factors that influence those patterns, and implications for health outcomes among users. Methods Project AMPED was a multisite, mixed-methods study of methamphetamine use in Northern New Mexico and Northern Nevada. Between December 2019 and May 2020, qualitative interview participants were asked to describe their patterns of and reasons for co-administration of opioids and methamphetamine. Results We interviewed 21 people who reported using methamphetamine in the past 3 months. Four primary patterns of methamphetamine and opioid co-use were identified: [1] using both methamphetamine and heroin, either simultaneously or sequentially (n = 12), [2] using methamphetamine along with methadone (n = 4), [3] using prescription opioids and methamphetamine (n = 1), and [4] using only methamphetamine (n = 4). Among those who used methamphetamine and heroin simultaneously or sequentially, motivations drew from a desire to enhance the effect of one drug or another, to feel the "up and down" of the "perfect ratio" of a goofball, or to mitigate unwanted effects of one or the other. Among those who used methamphetamine and methadone, motivations focused on alleviating the sedative effects of methadone. Conclusion To address the emergent trend of increasing methamphetamine-related deaths, researchers, health care professionals, and community health workers must acknowledge the decision-making processes behind co-use of opioids and methamphetamine, including the perceived benefits and harms of co-use. There is an urgent need to address underlying issues associated with drug use-related harms, and to design interventions and models of treatment that holistically address participants' concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany D Rhed
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Robert W Harding
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Charles Marks
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Katherine T Wagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Phillip Fiuty
- Santa Fe Mountain Center, Santa Fe, NM, United States
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Karla D Wagner
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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12
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Felsher M, Tobin KE, Sulkowski M, Latkin C, Falade-Nwulia O. HCV communication within ego-centric networks of men and women who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109157. [PMID: 34740020 PMCID: PMC8665146 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leveraging interpersonal communication among social networks of people who inject drugs (PWID) may be an innovative strategy to increase awareness and access to hepatitis C (HCV) care. However, little is known about HCV communication patterns among PWID and if these patterns vary by gender. METHODS Egocentric network data collected at baseline from HCV-infected PWID enrolled in a randomized HCV treatment intervention trial in Baltimore, Maryland were analyzed. Logistic generalized estimating models were conducted to identify predictors of HCV communication. RESULTS Among 227 PWID, the mean age was 43.8 (SD=10.3), 28.2% (n = 64) were women and 71.8% (n = 163) were men. Female participants reported 516 dyadic relationships and male participants 1139 dyadic relationships. While there were significant gender differences based on socio-demographics, risk behavior and network composition, there were few differences in HCV communication patterns. Both men and women had increased odds of HCV communication with alters who are currently enrolled in drug treatment (AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.4), alters with whom participants share drug preparation equipment (AOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.9-4.6), alters who are sex partners compared to kin (AOR 3.0; 95% CI: 1.9-4.9) and alters with whom respondents have increased trust (AOR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.11.2) and daily/weekly interactions (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.3-2.1). CONCLUSION PWID engaged with trusted alters about HCV disclosure and information, highlighting the important role network interventions could play in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Felsher
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Karin E Tobin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 5200 Eastern Avenue, MFL Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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13
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The Influence of PrEP-Related Stigma and Social Support on PrEP-Use Disclosure among Women Who Inject Drugs and Social Network Members. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3922-3932. [PMID: 34014430 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising but underutilized HIV prevention strategy for Women who Inject Drugs (WWID). Stigma and disclosure concerns have been key barriers to PrEP use among women in PrEP efficacy trials. Social support has been found to buffer against some PrEP stigma, though these factors have been largely unexplored among WWID. Investigating how WWID disclose PrEP use is important given evidence that disclosure is associated with higher adherence. We aimed to identify the impact of stigma and support on PrEP disclosure within social networks of WWID participating in a PrEP demonstration project in Philadelphia, PA, USA. PrEP-using WWID ≥ 18 years completed social network surveys. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for the correlation of network structure. Thirty-nine WWID (i.e. egos) named an average of 9.5 ± 3.3 network members (i.e. alters), for a total sample of 371 unique relationships. Egos disclosed their PrEP use to an average of 4.0 alters (SD = 2.8). Related to PrEP stigma, participants had 0.4 times decreased odds of PrEP disclosure with alters who would disapprove of them taking PrEP (95% CI: 0.1-0.9). Related to support, participants had 2.5 times higher odds of disclosure among peers who could provide PrEP advice (95% CI: 1.0-6.0). Interventions that increase social support and decrease stigma are pivotal for increasing PrEP use disclosure among WWID.
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Stewart A, West BS, Rafful C, Lazos K, Jain J, Gonzalez-Zuniga P, Rocha-Jimenez T. "I would rather do it myself": injection initiation and current injection patterns among women who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:105. [PMID: 34645473 PMCID: PMC8513336 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who inject drugs (WWID) experience unique risks and adverse health outcomes related to injection initiation and patterns of injection drug use. However, there is limited information on injection initiation experiences and injection patterns among women and the protective strategies employed to limit injection-related harms, especially in low- and middle-income settings. Therefore, this study sought to explore injection initiation and current injection patterns (e.g., relying on someone else to inject) among women who inject drugs and engage in sex work in Tijuana, Mexico. METHODS Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 WWID on the following topics: injection initiation, current injection patterns, places where women inject, and protective strategies (i.e., risk reduction). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify and compare common themes and patterns across participants. RESULTS The interviews revealed that the vast majority of study participants were first initiated by another person who injects drugs (PWID), often a male sexual partner. However, the majority of the women transitioned to become self-injectors in order to avoid risks associated with relying on others for injection, including overdose, interpersonal violence, sexual abuse, and wounds. Those who relied on others indicated that they would prefer to inject themselves without assistance from others if they were able to. CONCLUSIONS The narratives uncovered in this study reveal the importance of multiple risk environments in shaping perceived risks associated with injection drug use among women in Tijuana, Mexico. Specifically, the interviews elucidate the connection between interpersonal relationships with other PWID and protective strategies used to minimize risk and harm. These findings highlight the need for women-centered harm reduction programs to facilitate the development of safer drug use environments among WWID in Tijuana, Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Stewart
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brooke S West
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Faculty of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Center on Global Mental Health Research, National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jennifer Jain
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Zuniga
- Wound Clinic Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teresita Rocha-Jimenez
- Division of Infectious Diseases of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Society and Health Research Center, Faculty of Humanities, Universidad Mayor, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
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15
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Minoyan N, Høj SB, Jutras-Aswad D, Vlad D, Martel-Laferrière V, Sylvestre MP, Bruneau J. Gender-specific associations between psychological distress and injecting risk behaviours among people who inject drugs in Montreal, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103319. [PMID: 34154905 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress is common among people who inject drugs (PWID) and may be associated with HCV-related risk behaviours. Previous studies have documented increased vulnerability to both psychological distress and HCV infection among female relative to male PWID. It is, however, unclear whether behavioural responses to distress differ by gender. This study estimated gender-specific associations between psychological distress and i) binge drug injection, and ii) sharing of injection materials. METHODS Data were drawn from HEPCO, a longitudinal cohort study involving three-monthly interviews with active PWID in Montreal, Canada. Past-month psychological distress was assessed with the Kessler (K10) scale, categorized for descriptive analyses as minimal (score 10-15), moderate (16-21), high (22-29), or severe (30-50). Binge was defined as injecting large quantities of drugs until participants could no longer continue (past 3 months). Sharing was defined as injection with previously-used needles or equipment (past 3 months). Generalized additive models were fit to estimate smooth, nonlinear associations between K10 scores and risk behaviours, by gender. Models were adjusted for known determinants of drug-related harms and included random intercepts to model within-subject correlation. RESULTS 805 individuals (82% male) provided 8158 observations (2011-2020). High to severe levels of distress were common and more frequent among women (55% vs 37%). Among men, the odds of binge and sharing monotonically and non-linearly increased with increasing scores of psychological distress. Associations for binge among women were attenuated relative to men but nevertheless increased with distress, albeit in a linear fashion. Sharing was not associated with distress among women. CONCLUSION Psychological distress was differentially associated with injecting risk behaviours among men and women who inject drugs. Assessment of distress may provide novel prevention opportunities for select PWID. Further investigation into gender differences is warranted to inform development and tailoring of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanor Minoyan
- Université de Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal (Québec), Canada H2X 0A9; Department of social and preventive medicine, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal. 7101 Ave Parc, Montréal (Québec), Canada H3N 1X9
| | - Stine Bordier Høj
- Université de Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal (Québec), Canada H2X 0A9
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Université de Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal (Québec), Canada H2X 0A9; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montreal. 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal (Québec), Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Dragos Vlad
- Université de Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal (Québec), Canada H2X 0A9; Department of social and preventive medicine, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal. 7101 Ave Parc, Montréal (Québec), Canada H3N 1X9
| | - Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Université de Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal (Québec), Canada H2X 0A9; Department of microbiology, infectiology and immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal. 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal (Québec), Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Marie-Pierre Sylvestre
- Université de Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal (Québec), Canada H2X 0A9; Department of social and preventive medicine, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal. 7101 Ave Parc, Montréal (Québec), Canada H3N 1X9
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Université de Montréal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM), 900 Rue Saint Denis, Montréal (Québec), Canada H2X 0A9; Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal. 2900 boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal (Québec), Canada H3C 3J7.
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16
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Felsher M, Koku E, Bellamy SL, Mulawa MI, Roth AM. Predictors of Willingness to Diffuse PrEP Information within Ego-Centric Networks of Women Who Inject Drugs. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1856-1863. [PMID: 33386507 PMCID: PMC8084994 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about how social networks among women who inject drugs (WWID) can be leveraged to increase awareness about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We tested the hypothesis that interpersonal characteristics influence willingness of WWID to communicate PrEP information with peers. Forty WWID ≥ 18 years completed social network surveys. Participants named on average 9.3 (SD = 3.3) network members, resulting in 375 unique relationships. WWID were willing to share PrEP information with 83% of network members. Participants had higher odds of willingness to share information within relationships when the network member was female, homeless and perceived to be at risk for HIV. Among relationships with family members and transactional sex clients, stronger emotional closeness was associated with higher odds of willingness to share information. Peer interventions where WWID share PrEP information with peers may be an efficient approach to increase PrEP awareness among this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Felsher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Emmanuel Koku
- Department of Sociology, Drexel University, 3201 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Scarlett L Bellamy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marta I Mulawa
- Duke University School of Nursing, 307 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, 22710, USA
| | - Alexis M Roth
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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17
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Sa M, C R, Ml M, Lr S, J TM, S J, X S, Rs G, Sa S, K D, K H, R M, Mj M, M O, A G, D W, Ai S. Examining the gender composition of drug injecting initiation events: A mixed methods investigation of three North American contexts. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 90:103056. [PMID: 33310638 PMCID: PMC8046711 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender influences the health and social risks faced by individuals initiating drug injecting. Using mixed methods across three settings in North America, we investigated the gender composition of injection initiation events and the gendered risk environments in which they occurred. METHODS The PReventing Injecting by Modifying Existing Responses (PRIMER) study pooled data from three prospective community-recruited cohorts of people who inject drugs (PWID) in San Diego, USA, Vancouver, Canada, and Tijuana, Mexico. A qualitative subsample provided narrative data on their experiences of, and the contexts for, injection initiation events. Guided by Rhodes' risk environment framework, we examined the gender composition of initiation events stratified by city, and analyzed qualitative data using abductive thematic analyses. RESULTS Among 2,622 PWID (Tijuana: n = 531; San Diego: n = 352; Vancouver: n = 1,739), 112 (4.3%) reported providing initiation assistance to injection-naïve individuals in the previous six months. The proportion of gender concordant (e.g., male-male) initiation pairs varied, (χ2 = 10.32, p <0.001) with greater than expected concordance among pairs in Tijuana compared with those in Vancouver or San Diego. Sixty-one interviews provided context for the discrepancy across sites by highlighting the gendered injection initiation risk environments of prison/jail detention in Tijuana, intimate partnerships in San Diego, and overdose risk in Vancouver. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight how gender influences injection initiation events within spatial, social, and economic risk environments, and how this influence varies across settings. These findings can inform interventions to reduce the risk of injection initiation and related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meyers Sa
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Rafful C
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, University City, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mittal Ml
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Xochicalco, Rampa Yumalinda 4850, Colonia Chapultepec Alamar C.P. 22540, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Smith Lr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Tirado-Muñoz J
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jain S
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Sun X
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Garfein Rs
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Strathdee Sa
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - DeBeck K
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9 Canada; School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Hayashi K
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9 Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - McNeil R
- School of Medicine, Yale, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, United States
| | - Milloy Mj
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9 Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9 Canada
| | - Olding M
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9 Canada
| | - Guise A
- Addison House, Guy's Hospital, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, United Kingdom
| | - Werb D
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8 Canada
| | - Scheim Ai
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 1W8 Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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Marotta PL, Gilbert L, Goddard-Eckrich D, Hunt T, Metsch L, Davis A, Feaster D, Wu E, El-Bassel N. A Dyadic Analysis of Criminal Justice Involvement and Sexual HIV Risk Behaviors Among Drug-Involved Men in Community Corrections and Their Intimate Partners in New York City: Implications for Prevention, Treatment and Policies. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1047-1062. [PMID: 33057892 PMCID: PMC8570384 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
People in community corrections have rates of HIV and sexual risk behaviors that are much higher than the general population. Prior literature suggests that criminal justice involvement is associated with increased sexual risk behaviors, yet these studies focus on incarceration and use one-sided study designs that only collect data from one partner. To address gaps in the literature, this study used the Actor Partner-Interdependence Model with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), to perform a dyadic analysis estimating individual (actor-only) partner-only, and dyadic patterns (actor-partner) of criminal justice involvement and greater sexual risks in a sample of 227 men on probation and their intimate partners in New York City, United States. Standard errors were bootstrapped with 10,000 replications to reduce bias in the significance tests. Goodness of fit indices suggested adequate or better model fit for all the models. Significant actor-only relationships included associations between exposures to arrest, misdemeanor convictions, time spent in jail or prison, felony convictions, lifetime number of incarceration events, prior conviction for disorderly conduct and increased sexual risk behaviors. Partner only effects included significant associations between male partners conviction for a violent crime and their female partners' sexual risk behaviors. Men's encounters with police and number of prior misdemeanors were associated with their own and intimate partners' sexual risk behaviors. Women's prior arrest was associated with their own and intimate partners' sexual risk behaviors. The results from the present study suggest that men on probation and their intimate partners' criminal justice involvement are associated with increased engagement in sexual risk behaviors. It is necessary to conduct greater research into developing dyadic sexual risk reduction and HIV/STI prevention interventions for people who are involved in the criminal justice system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Marotta
- Division of Prevention and Community Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 389 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, USA.
- The Consultation Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Dawn Goddard-Eckrich
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Tim Hunt
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Metsch
- School of General Studies, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alissa Davis
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Feaster
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elwin Wu
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
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19
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Stockman JK, Syvertsen JL, Hayashi HD, Ludwig-Barron N, Tsuyuki K, Morris MD, Palinkas LA. "Violence and love and drugs…it all goes hand in hand": A mixed methods analysis of the substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS syndemic among women who use methamphetamine. Subst Abus 2021; 42:821-831. [PMID: 33492198 PMCID: PMC8442613 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2020.1865242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The synergistic epidemics of substance use, violence, and HIV/AIDS, also known as the SAVA syndemic, disproportionately affects vulnerable women in the United States. Methamphetamine use is closely linked with physical and sexual violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV), which heightens women's vulnerability to HIV. This mixed methods study examined the prevalence and correlates of violence among women who use methamphetamine, (n = 209) enrolled in an HIV intervention study in San Diego, California. Methods: At baseline, 209 women completed an interviewer-administered computer-assisted survey. A sub set of women who reported lifetime IPV (n = 18) also participated in qualitative interviews to contextualize our understanding of patterns of violence over time. Results: In the overall cohort, reports of lifetime (66.0%) and past 2-month (19.6%) IPV were prevalent. Moreover, women reported lifetime physical only (27.3%), sexual only (6.2%), or both forms of violence (50.7%) by multiple perpetrators. Factors independently associated with lifetime IPV were having unprotected sex with a steady partner (odds ratio [OR]: 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 6.00) and being high on methamphetamine during unprotected sex with a steady partner (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.30, 5.09) within the past 2 months. Our qualitative narratives illuminated how IPV in women's steady relationships often reflects a culmination of violent victimization throughout their lifetime which is further exacerbated by methamphetamine use and sexual risk through gendered power dynamics. Conclusions: HIV prevention interventions should address the SAVA syndemic in a holistic manner, including the role of methamphetamine use in the context of women's abusive steady relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila K. Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Hitomi D. Hayashi
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natasha Ludwig-Barron
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kiyomi Tsuyuki
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meghan D. Morris
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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20
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Tran NK, Felsher M, Pol BVD, Bellamy SL, McKnight J, Roth AM. Intention to initiate and uptake of PrEP among women who injects drugs in a demonstration project: an application of the theory of planned behavior. AIDS Care 2021; 33:746-753. [PMID: 33486981 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1874267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Some women who inject drugs (WWID) would benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), yet there are few studies of issues related to uptake in real-world settings. In this study, participants (n = 95) were offered PrEP and responded to items measuring PrEP-related attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. We tested associations with intention to initiate PrEP and uptake. Most WWID (88%) intended to initiate PrEP and 78% accepted a prescription. Compared to WWID who did not express PrEP intentions, those who did were less concerned about attitudinal and perceived behavioral control constructs such as temporary (75% vs. 36%, p = 0.01) and long-term (63% vs. 27%, p = 0.05) side effects, negative interactions with their birth control (93% vs. 38%, p < 0.01), their ability to take a daily pill (80% vs. 36%, p < 0.01), and the cost of PrEP (87% vs. 36%, p < 0.01). WWID who went on to take PrEP had fewer concerns with subjective norms constructs such as talking to health care providers about sex (91% vs. 65%, p < 0.01) and drug use (88% vs. 55%, p < 0.01) compared to those who did not. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control influenced intention while subjective norms had a greater impact on actual uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen K Tran
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marisa Felsher
- Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Scarlett L Bellamy
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jade McKnight
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexis M Roth
- Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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21
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Marotta PL, Terlikbayeva A, Gilbert L, Davis A, Wu E, Metsch L, Feaster D, El-Bassel N. Dyadic analysis of criminal justice involvement and hiv risks among couples who inject drugs and their intimate partners in almaty, kazakhstan. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 87:102950. [PMID: 33099160 PMCID: PMC8694887 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incarceration increases HIV risk behaviors and strains intimate partnerships of couples of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kazakhstan. Studies are yet to examine dyadic relationships between criminal justice involvement and injection drug and sexual HIV risk behaviors of couples who inject drugs in Kazakhstan. This study examined associations between individual and partner level criminal justice involvement and injection drug and sexual HIV risk behaviors among 216 intimate dyads (n = 432) of PWID in Almaty, Kazakhstan. METHODS The Actor Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) using structural equation modeling examined individual (actor), partner and dyadic patterns (actor-partner) of associations between arrest, incarceration and drug crime conviction of dyads of male and female intimate partners of PWID using baseline data from Project Renaissance, a couples-focused HIV prevention intervention for PWID and their intimate partners. RESULTS Results from the APIM identified significant associations between lifetime (β=0.10, CI95%=0.01.20, p=.021) and recent (β=0.12, CI95%=0.01.26, p=.045) arrest and increased risk of injection drug use with any partner for female partners. Partner-only effects were identified in which male PWID's recent arrest was associated with an increase in their study partners' injection drug risk behaviors (β=0.10 CI95%=0.02, 0.20, p=.044). For female partners, prior incarceration was associated with increased engagement in injection drug risk behaviors (β=0.10 CI95% =0.02, 0.20, p=.035) with any partner. For male partners' prior incarceration was associated with injection drug risk behaviors with their study partners (β=0.10 CI95%= 0.02, 0.20. p<.05). Female partners prior drug crime conviction was associated with their own (β=0.14 CI95%=0.01, 0.28, p=.048) and their intimate partners' (β=0.18, CI95%=0.03, 0.33, p=.024) engagement in injection drug risk behaviors with any injecting partner. Recent drug crime conviction (β=0.12, CI95%=0.01, 0.24, p=.038) and arrest (β=0.13, CI95%, p=.022) was associated with increased engagement in sexual risk behaviors among female partners. CONCLUSION Findings from this study identified differences in how criminal justice involvement impacts sexual and injection drug and sexual risk behaviors between male and female partners of PWID. Future research must investigate how structural interventions at the dyadic level could address the negative impact of criminal justice involvement on sexual and injection drug HIV risks within the contexts of couples who are PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Assel Terlikbayeva
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan; School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York United States of America
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan; School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York United States of America
| | - Alissa Davis
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan; School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York United States of America
| | - Elwin Wu
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan; School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York United States of America
| | - Lisa Metsch
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan; Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University New York, United States of America
| | - Dan Feaster
- Biostatistics Division, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Biostatistics Division, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
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22
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Felsher M, Koku E, Lankenau S, Brady K, Bellamy S, Roth AM. Motivations for PrEP-Related Interpersonal Communication Among Women Who Inject Drugs: A Qualitative Egocentric Network Study. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:86-99. [PMID: 32869694 PMCID: PMC7864555 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320952740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A qualitative egocentric social network approach was taken to explore motivations for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-related communication between women who inject drugs and network members. Eligible participants were HIV-negative, 18 years or older, and participating in a PrEP demonstration project in Philadelphia, PA, USA. The study employed content analysis of in-depth interviews to identify themes related to contextual and relational factors impacting PrEP communication within networks. Participants (n = 20) named on average three network members, resulting in a total of 57 unique relationships. PrEP conversations occurred within 30 of the 57 relationships, and motivations were to benefit others, to benefit themselves, and due to a sense of obligation. Some conversations also occurred when a peer unexpectedly found their pills. Taking a qualitative approach to network analysis provided a nuanced understanding of how interpersonal characteristics motivated PrEP conversations. Network interventions that facilitate information diffusion and social support may increase PrEP uptake and adherence among women who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kathleen Brady
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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23
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Felsher M, Bellamy S, Piecara B, Van Der Pol B, Laurano R, Roth AM. Applying the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Initiation Among Women Who Inject Drugs. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2020; 32:486-492. [PMID: 33779207 PMCID: PMC8010910 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.6.486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study used Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations (BMVP) to identify factors associated with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation among women who inject drugs (WWID) when PrEP was offered at a syringe services program (SSP). Participants (n = 89) were WWID, $ge18 years, and eligible for PrEP. Most (69) initiated PrEP. Chi square and t tests were used to identify bivariate relationships between BMVP factors and PrEP initiation. A greater proportion of PrEP initiators (compared to non-initiators) reported sexual assault, frequent SSP attendance, earning $ge$5,000 annually and inconsistent condom use. Findings can inform the development of gender-specific strategies to promote PrEP among WWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Felsher
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America (USA)
| | - Scarlett Bellamy
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistic, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brogan Piecara
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America (USA)
| | - Barbara Van Der Pol
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rose Laurano
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexis M Roth
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America (USA)
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24
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Owczarzak J, Kazi AK, Mazhnaya A, Alpatova P, Zub T, Filippova O, Phillips SD. "You're nobody without a piece of paper:" visibility, the state, and access to services among women who use drugs in Ukraine. Soc Sci Med 2020; 269:113563. [PMID: 33309442 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In Ukraine, women constitute a third of all new HIV infections, and injection drug use accounts for nearly half of HIV infections among women. Women who use drugs (WWUD) often have diminished access to drug use treatment, HIV care, and other health and social services or underutilize women-specific services such as maternal health services. While interpersonal and contextual factors diminish access to and utilization of services among WWUD, rules, processes, and bureaucratic structures also systematically exclude women from accessing services and resources. Institutions, bureaucratic processes, and instruments of legibility such as documents regulate who can and cannot access services and raise questions about "deservingness." In this paper, we use the lens of bureaucracy to explore paperwork as a form of structural violence through its production of "legible" citizens, often through reinforcement of gender stereotypes and moral narratives of deservingness. Between December 2017 and October 2018, we interviewed 41 medical and social service providers and 37 WWUD in two Ukrainian cities. Our analysis revealed that requirements for internal passports and residency permits-the primary state apparatus through which rights to services are granted in Ukraine-compelled participants to continually render themselves visible to the state in order to receive services, despite financial, logistical and other challenges that undermined women's ability to obtain documents. These requirements exposed them to new forms of stigma and exclusion, such as reduced opportunities for employment and losing custody of children. Nongovernmental organizations, due to funding cuts, curtailed direct services such as support groups but became liaisons between clients and the state. They enforced new narratives of deservingness, such as the ability to define "good" behavior or reward social relationships with agency staff. Ukraine's current reforms to social safety net institutions present an opportunity to interrogate underlying assumptions about spheres of responsibility for the country's most marginalized and stigmatized groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Owczarzak
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House Room 739, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Asiya K Kazi
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205-1996, USA.
| | - Alyona Mazhnaya
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,; 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205-1996, USA.
| | - Polina Alpatova
- Institute of Social-Humanitarian Research, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 6 Svobody Sq, Office 351, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine.
| | - Tatyana Zub
- Department of Sociology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 6 Svobody Sq, Office 351, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine.
| | - Olga Filippova
- Department of Sociology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 6 Svobody Sq, Office 351, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine.
| | - Sarah D Phillips
- Department of Anthropology, Indiana University, Student Building 130, 701 E. Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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25
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Jain JP, Abramovitz D, Strathdee SA, Gonzalez-Zuniga P, Rangel G, West BS, Pitpitan EV. Sex Work as a Mediator Between Female Gender and Incident HIV Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2720-2731. [PMID: 32185596 PMCID: PMC7453791 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02828-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We studied mechanisms driving gender differences in HIV incidence among 651 women and men who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana, Mexico, hypothesizing that sex work will mediate the association between female gender and HIV incidence. Of 43 HIV seroconversions occurring between 2011 and 2018, 8.8% were among females and 5.2% among males. HIV incidence density was significantly higher among females versus males (1.75 per 100 person years [PY], 95% CI 1.16-2.66, vs. 0.95 per 100 PY, 95% CI 0.62-1.47). Factors significantly associated with HIV seroconversion were: sex work (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.25, 95% CI 1.05-4.80); methamphetamine injection (aHR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.12-4.73); and methamphetamine and heroin co-injection in the past six months (aHR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.23-4.15). In mediation analyses, sex work mediated a substantial proportion (84.3%) of the association between female gender and HIV incidence. Interventions should target female PWID who engage in sex work to reduce gender-related disparities in HIV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer P Jain
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA.
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Gudelia Rangel
- United States-Mexico Border Health Commission and El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico
- El Colegio de La Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Mexico
| | - Brooke S West
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Eileen V Pitpitan
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
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26
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Meyers SA, Smith LR, Luisa Mittal M, Strathdee SA, Garfein RS, Guise A, Werb D, Rafful C. The role of gender and power dynamics in injection initiation events within intimate partnerships in the US-Mexico border region. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2020; 22:1080-1095. [PMID: 31625809 PMCID: PMC7771651 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2019.1651903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Women's initiation into injection drug use often establishes a pattern of risk following first injection. This study explored sources of gendered power dynamics in injection initiation experiences for people who inject drugs. A qualitative subsample from two prospective community-recruited cohorts of people who inject drugs in San Diego and Tijuana provided data on the contexts surrounding injection initiation processes. Intimate partnerships were identified in initiation; sub-themes were identified drawing on three concepts within the theory of gender and power. With reference to sexual division of labour, men were often responsible for access to resources in partnerships across both contexts, although there were limited accounts of women obtaining those resources. Extending the structure of power, women in San Diego reported that initiation events involving an intimate partner occurred from a position of vulnerability but expressed greater agency when providing initiation assistance. With regard to structure of cathexis, social norms proscribing injection initiation among women exist, particularly in Tijuana. Gendered power dynamics are a multifaceted component of injection initiation events, especially for women in intimate partnerships. These results stress the need for nuance in understanding the intersection of risk, gender and harm reduction within injection initiation events across socio-cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Meyers
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Mittal
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Xochicalco, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andy Guise
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Addison House, Guy's Hospital, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dan Werb
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Rafful
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Global Mental Health Research, National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico City, Mexico
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27
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Felsher M, Ziegler E, Smith LR, Sherman SG, Amico KR, Fox R, Madden K, Roth AM. An Exploration of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Initiation Among Women Who Inject Drugs. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:2205-2212. [PMID: 32274742 PMCID: PMC7773227 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01684-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective but understudied tool for preventing HIV among women who inject drugs (WWID). This article is the first to explore WWID's rationale for PrEP initiation (or refusal) in a real-world setting. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 25 WWID, participating in a PrEP demonstration project operating within a syringe services program, based on whether they initiated or declined PrEP care. Content analysis of qualitative interviews was used to explore decisions to initiate PrEP (or not). We found that WWID view HIV as severe, perceive themselves to be susceptible to HIV, and believe PrEP is beneficial for HIV prevention. For some, however, real and perceived barriers outweighed benefits, leading to decisions not to initiate PrEP. Barriers included HIV stigma, fear of side effects, and needing assurance that PrEP care will be available long-term. Despite viewing PrEP as an important HIV prevention tool, not all WWID who were offered PrEP initiated it. For these women, supports to buffer perceived barriers to initiation and access to post-exposure prophylaxis may be warranted. For women who initiate, it is possible that adherence will wane if perceived risk does not remain high. Research to understand PrEP persistence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Felsher
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3215 Market St., Room 454, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Eliza Ziegler
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rachel Fox
- Public Health Management Corporation Care Clinic, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kayla Madden
- Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexis M Roth
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3215 Market St., Room 454, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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28
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Rezaei O, Ghiasvand H, Higgs P, Noroozi A, Noroozi M, Rezaei F, Armoon B, Bayani A. Factors associated with injecting-related risk behaviors among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis study. J Addict Dis 2020; 38:420-437. [DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1781346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Rezaei
- Fellowship of Psychosomatic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hesam Ghiasvand
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Health Economics Group, Medical School, Saint Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alireza Noroozi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Noroozi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Bahram Armoon
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Azadeh Bayani
- Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Collins AB, Boyd J, Czechaczek S, Hayashi K, McNeil R. (Re)shaping the self: An ethnographic study of the embodied and spatial practices of women who use drugs. Health Place 2020; 63:102327. [PMID: 32224291 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While gendered experiences of drug use have been well-established, understanding how women resist structures that constrain their agency is important for mitigating drug-related harms, especially as overdose has become North America's leading cause of accidental death. Drawing on the intersectional risk environments of WWUD, this ethnographic study examined how gendered expectations of women's drug use, appearance, and comportment influenced vulnerability to overdose within the context of a fentanyl-driven overdose crisis. This community-engaged ethnography, conducted in Vancouver, Canada from May 2017 to December 2018, included in-depth interviews with 35 marginally-housed WWUD (transgender-inclusive) and approximately 100 h of fieldwork in single room accommodation (SRA) housing and an established street-based drug scene. Data were analyzed thematically with attention to embodiment, agency, and intersectionality. Findings highlight how gendered expectations and normative violence impacted women's use of space, both in the drug scene and SRAs. To resist efforts to 'discipline' their bodies, participants engaged in situated gender performances. Physical appearance was also deemed critical to managing drug use disclosure. Participants adopted gendered embodied practices, including altered consumption methods or injecting in less visible areas, to conceal their use from peers and at times, their partners. To resist harms associated with involuntary disclosure, participants often used alone in SRAs or in public spaces. While such practices allowed women to exert agency within constraining systems, they concurrently heightened overdose risk. Findings demonstrate how women engaged in everyday acts of resistance through embodied drug use practices, which increased their agency but elevated overdose risk. Implementing gender-specific programs that increase bodily agency and control (e.g. low-threshold services for personal care, women-focused harm reduction support) are needed to reduce risk of overdose for WWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra B Collins
- School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, United States.
| | - Jade Boyd
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045, Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 400 -1045, Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Sandra Czechaczek
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045, Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045, Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888, University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Ryan McNeil
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045, Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, United States; Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, United States
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Leung J, Peacock A, Colledge S, Grebely J, Cunningham EB, Hickman M, Vickerman P, Stone J, Trickey A, Dumchev K, Lynskey M, Hines L, Griffiths P, Mattick RP, Degenhardt L, Larney S. A Global Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis B Virus Among People Who Inject Drugs-Do Gender-Based Differences Vary by Country-Level Indicators? J Infect Dis 2020; 220:78-90. [PMID: 30726973 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women-specific factors exist that increases vulnerability to drug-related harms from injection drug use, including blood-borne viruses (BBVs), but gender-based differences in BBV prevalence have not been systematically examined. METHODS We conducted meta-analyses to estimate country, regional, and global prevalence of serologically confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV; based on detection of anti-HCV antibody), and hepatitis B virus (HBV; based on detection of HBV surface antigen) in people who inject drugs (PWID), by gender. Gender-based differences in the BBV prevalence (calculated as the risk among women relative to the risk among men) were regressed on country-level prevalence and inequality measures (Gender inequality index, Human development index, Gini coefficient, and high, low or middle income of the country). RESULTS Gender-based differences varied by countries and regions. HIV prevalence was higher among women than men in sub-Saharan Africa (relative risk [RR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-4.4) and South Asia (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7); anti-HCV was lower among women in the Middle East and North Africa (RR, 0.6; 95% CI, .5-.7) and East and Southeast Asia (RR, 0.8; 95% CI, .7-.9). Gender-based differences varied with country-levels of the BBV prevalence in the general population, human development, and income distribution. CONCLUSION HIV was more prevalent in women who inject drugs as compared to their male counterparts in some countries, but there is variation between and within regions. In countries where women are at higher risks, there is a need to develop gender-sensitive harm-reduction services for the particularly marginalized population of women who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janni Leung
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Australia
| | | | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | | | - Michael Lynskey
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsey Hines
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol
| | - Paul Griffiths
- European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Australia
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Women's utilization of housing-based overdose prevention sites in Vancouver, Canada: An ethnographic study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 76:102641. [PMID: 31887644 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.102641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to a fentanyl-driven overdose crisis, low-threshold supervised consumption sites, termed overdose prevention sites (OPS), have been rapidly implemented in Vancouver, Canada. Since approximately 88% of fatal overdoses in the province occur indoors, OPS have been integrated into select non-profit-operated single room accommodations (SRA) housing. We examined the social-structural features of these housing-based OPS (HOPS) on women's overdose risk. METHODS Ethnographic research was conducted from May 2017 to December 2018 in Vancouver. Data included 35 in-depth interviews with women who use drugs living in SRAs and approximately 100 h of observational fieldwork in SRAs and surrounding areas. Data were analyzed using an intersectional risk environment approach, with attention to equity and violence. FINDINGS Findings demonstrate that the social and structural environments of HOPS created barriers for women to access these interventions, resulting in an increased overdose risk. Primary barriers included uncertainty as to who else was accessing HOPS, rules prohibiting smoking, and a lack of trust in staff's abilities to effectively respond to an overdose. Most participants considered HOPS to be unsafe environments, and expressed fear of violence from residents and/or guests. The perceived risk of violence was informed by previous experiences of assault and the witnessing of violence. Many participants thus consumed drugs alone in their rooms to better control their safety, despite heightened overdose risk. Further, most participants did not perceive themselves to be at risk of an overdose due to drug use practices and tolerance levels, and viewed using alone as a safer option than HOPS. CONCLUSION Findings highlight how the low-barrier design and operation of HOPS can undermine women's engagement with HOPS. Overdose prevention strategies in SRAs should also include gender-specific models (e.g. women-only HOPS, women peer workers) to help mitigate barriers to these services within the context of the current overdose crisis.
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El-Bassel N, Marotta PL, Goddard-Eckrich D, Chang M, Hunt T, Wu E, Gilbert L. Drug overdose among women in intimate relationships: The role of partner violence, adversity and relationship dependencies. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225854. [PMID: 31881035 PMCID: PMC6934332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the relationship between experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), exposure to prior childhood adversity, lifetime adverse experiences, drug-related relationship dependencies with intimate partners and overdose, hospitalization for drug use, friends and family members who overdosed and witnessing overdose. METHODOLOGY This paper included a sample of 201 women who use drugs in heterosexual relationships with criminal justice-involved men in New York City. We included measures of experiencing overdose, hospitalization for drug use, witnessing overdose, and having friends and family who overdosed. Intimate partner violence consisted of either 1) none/verbal only, 2) moderate and 3) severe abuse. Dichotomous indicators of drug-related relationship dependencies included financial support, drug procurement, splitting and pooling drugs. A scale measured cumulative exposure to childhood adversity and lifetime exposures to adverse events. This paper hypothesized that experiencing moderate and severe IPV, drug-related dependencies and exposure to prior childhood and lifetime adversity would be associated with a greater risk of experiencing overdose, hospitalization for drug use, witnessing overdose and having friends and family members who overdosed. Generalized linear modeling with robust variance estimated relative risk ratios that accounted for potential bias in confidence intervals and adjusted for race, ethnicity, education and marital status. RESULTS We found experiencing moderate or severe IPV was associated with ever being hospitalized for drug use and having a family member who experienced overdose. Experiencing moderate IPV was associated with increased risk of witnessing overdose, Partner drug dependencies were associated with overdose, ever being hospitalized for drug use, witnessing overdose, and having a family member or friend who experienced overdose. Childhood and lifetime adversity exposures were significantly associated with increased risk of overdose, ever being hospitalized for drug use, ever witnessing overdose and having a friend and family member who overdosed. CONCLUSION Findings underscore the intersection of experiencing IPV and drug-related relationship dependencies, childhood adversity and lifetime adversity in shaping experiences of and witnessing overdose among women who use drugs. They highlight the urgent need to address IPV, adversity experiences and drug-related relationship dependencies in overdose prevention for women who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila El-Bassel
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Phillip L. Marotta
- Yale University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Dawn Goddard-Eckrich
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mingway Chang
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tim Hunt
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ewin Wu
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, United States of America
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HCV incidence is associated with injecting partner age and HCV serostatus mixing in young adults who inject drugs in San Francisco. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226166. [PMID: 31821365 PMCID: PMC6903751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HCV incidence is increasing in the US, notably among younger people who inject drugs (PWID). In a cohort of young adult (age<30 years) PWID in San Francisco we examined whether 'injecting partner mixing' factors, i.e. age of partner and knowledge of their HCV serostatus, were associated with HCV transmission. METHODS In 448 susceptible PWID studied prospectively. All participants were asked to report characteristics and behaviors they engaged in with up to 3 injecting partners defined as "people whom you injected the most with" in the past month". These partnerships did not specify that drugs or injecting equipment was shared. HCV incidence was estimated by age of up to 3 injecting partners, categorized as: (i) all <30; (ii) mixed-age (<&≥30); and (iii) all ≥30 years and perceived knowledge of the HCV status of participants' injecting partners' HCV status. Interaction was evaluated between partnership age categories and perceived HCV status of partners. RESULTS Between 2006-2018, overall HCV incidence (/100 person years observation [pyo]) was 19.4 (95% CI: 16.4, 22.9). Incidence was highest in those with mixed-age partnerships: 28.5 (95% CI: 21.8, 37.1) and those whose partners were all <30 (23.9; 95% CI: 18.8, 30.4), and lowest if partners were ≥30 (7.5; 95% CI: 4.8, 11.8). In a multivariable analyses adjusting for age, sex (of index), injection frequency, and injection partnership 'monogamy', we found evidence for an interaction: the highest HCV incidence was seen in PWID whose partners were all <30 and who knew at least one of their partners was HCV-positive (58.9, 95% CI: 43.3, 80.0; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Younger injectors are more likely to acquire HCV from their similarly-aged peers, than older injecting partners. Protective seroadaptive behavior may contribute to reduce incidence. These findings can inform new HCV prevention approaches for young PWID needed to curb the HCV epidemic.
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Chapin-Bardales J, Masciotra S, Smith A, Hoots BE, Martin A, Switzer WM, Luo W, Owen SM, Paz-Bailey G. Characteristics of Persons Who Inject Drugs with Recent HIV Infection in the United States: National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, 2012. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:3277-3285. [PMID: 30778809 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02420-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated characteristics associated with recent HIV infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID) from 19 U.S. cities who participated in 2012 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. Recent infection was defined as having a reactive HIV test, a Bio-Rad Avidity index cutoff ≤ 30%, no reported HIV diagnosis ≥ 12 months before interview, and no evidence of viral suppression. Of 8667 PWID, 50 (0.6%) were recently HIV infected. Having a greater number of sex partners (≥ 2 partners vs. 0) [prevalence ratio (PR) 4.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-17.8], injecting heroin and other drugs (PR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3-6.6) or exclusively non-heroin drugs (PR 5.9, 95% CI 1.7-20.7) compared to injecting only heroin, and having male-male sex in the past year (PR 7.1, 95% CI 3.0-16.6) were associated with recent infection. Promoting not only safe injection practices but also safe sex practices will be key to preventing new HIV infections.
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Latent Classes of Sexual Risk Behavior and Engagement in Outreach, Intervention and Prevention Services Among Women Who Inject Drugs Across 20 US Cities. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 79:305-314. [PMID: 30044301 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring the effects of HIV prevention efforts among persons who inject drugs is key to informing prevention programs and policy. METHODS Data for this study came from the 2012 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance interviews with persons who inject drugs across 20 US cities. The present analyses include those who identified as female, ever had sex with a man, and were at risk of HIV infection (did not report a previous positive HIV test result) (n = 2624). We conducted latent class analysis to identify sexual risk classes, and modeled associations with engagement in HIV prevention services and HIV test results. RESULTS We identified 6 classes of sexual risk behavior: (1) low risk, (2) monogamous, (3) casual partner, (4) multiple partners, (5) exchange sex, and (6) exchange plus main partner. The class distribution was similar across the mainland regions. Bisexual orientation and homelessness were significant predictors of higher-risk class. HIV prevalence and participation in behavioral interventions did not vary significantly by risk class, while obtaining and using free condoms did. Independent of risk class, women in cities in the South were significantly less likely to use free condoms, and HIV prevalence was higher among non-Hispanic black women and women aged 40-49 years. CONCLUSIONS Bisexual orientation and homelessness were predictors of higher risk. Condom distribution programs reached fewer women in cities in the South. Race and age disparities in HIV-positive rates persisted after adjusting for sexual risk class.
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Little KM, Kan M, Samoylova O, Rsaldinova A, Saliev D, Ishokov F, Gray R, Hasen NS. Implementation experiences and insights from the scale-up of an HIV assisted partner notification intervention in Central Asia. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 3:e25313. [PMID: 31321890 PMCID: PMC6639697 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION WHO recommends assisted partner notification (APN) for people living with HIV (PLHIV). These services have not been widely scaled in Central Asia. We describe the results from an APN intervention implemented within a programme focused on PLHIV and people who inject drugs in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan. METHODS Routine data from index cases and their partners were analysed from equal-length periods before and after APN launch. Prior to APN index cases could recruit partners using passive referral, and under APN, had their choice of passive referral or APN (provider, contract or dual-referral). We compared the demographic characteristics of index cases and their sexual/injecting partners from the pre-APN and APN periods, described the number/proportion of HIV cases found (positivity rate) and evaluated predictors of HIV infection among partners using logistic regression. RESULTS Under APN 2676 PLHIV served as index cases and recruited 3735 partners for testing, compared to 4418 index cases and 2240 partners during the pre-APN period. A total of 322 (8.6%) partners were rapid test positive during APN versus 161 (7.2%, p = 0.048) before APN. Women represented 38% of APN index cases (vs. 42% pre-APN), 52% of partners tested (vs. 50% pre-APN) and 56% of all PLHIV identified (vs. 63% pre-APN). Compared to the pre-APN period, the number of partners tested per index case recruited increased (0.5 to 1.4, p < 0.001) and the number of index cases needed to find one HIV-positive partner decreased significantly (27.4 to 8.3, p < 0.001) under APN. CONCLUSIONS APN was feasibly integrated within a people who inject drugs and PLHIV-focused HIV programme, and was acceptable to high-risk populations in Central Asia. Under APN, large numbers of sexual and injecting partners of PLHIV - including women and non-marital partners - were tested while maintaining high positivity rates. Relative to the pre-APN period, APN approximately tripled the number of partners recruited per index case and reduced the number of index cases needed to find a positive partner by >3 times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Little
- Population Services International (PSI)/WashingtonWashingtonDCUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Gray
- Population Services International (PSI)/WashingtonWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Nina S Hasen
- Population Services International (PSI)/WashingtonWashingtonDCUSA
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Morris MD, Andrew E, Tan JY, Maher L, Hoff C, Darbes L, Page K. Injecting-related trust, cooperation, intimacy, and power as key factors influencing risk perception among drug injecting partnerships. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217811. [PMID: 31150518 PMCID: PMC6544289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sharing of injection drug use paraphernalia is a dyadic process linked to the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite this, limited research exists identifying specific dyadic interpersonal factors driving injecting partners' engagement in needle/syringe and ancillary injecting equipment sharing among young adults. Using semi-structured in-depth interview data collected between 2014 and 2015 from twenty-seven people who inject drugs (PWID), we applied an inductive approach to identify key injection drug-related interpersonal factors and developed a conceptual model integrating the findings based on interdependence theory. Interactions between injecting partners resulted in varying levels of injecting-related trust, cooperation, intimacy, and power. These factors interacted to collectively influence the type and level of risk perceived and enacted by injecting partners. The relationship between these injecting-related interpersonal factors, on the one hand, and risk perception on the other was dynamic and fluctuated between actions that protect the self (person-centered) and those that protect the partnership (partnership-centered). These findings indicate that the interpersonal context exerts substantial influence that shapes risk perception in all types of injecting partnerships. Partnership-focused prevention strategies should consider the dynamics of trust, cooperation, intimacy, and power, in characterizing dyadic risk perceptions and in understanding risky injecting practices among PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan D. Morris
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Erin Andrew
- Nursing Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Judy Y. Tan
- Center for AIDS Prevention Science, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Colleen Hoff
- Center for Research and Education on Gender and Sexuality, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Lynae Darbes
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, Department of Health Behavior & Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
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Abstract
Background: There is a dearth of literature concerning the sexual behaviors of women who inject drugs. The existing literature emphasizes the violence, trauma, and social disadvantage experienced by these women and obscures any sense of agency or sexual pleasure. This omission imperils our ability to develop effective interventions for women, ignores the true context of their sexual and injection practices, and presumes women to be free of agency and thus at the will of external social, environmental, and economic factors. This qualitative study strives to extend the boundaries of conventional risk-focused research to understand the complex and multidimensional sexual practices of women who inject drugs. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select women who inject drugs from a syringe exchange program in New York City. The principal investigator and trained study staff conducted interviews with 26 women. The interview transcripts were thematically coded in Atlas.ti with a grounded theory approach to understand the concerns, actions, and practices to further explain patterns. Results: Four themes emerged with respect to women's descriptions of their sexual and injection experiences: (a) linguistic parallels of sexual and injection experiences, (b) substituting sex with injection drug use, (c) pleasure, and (d) injection drug use as intimacy. Our findings indicated that there was much positive discourse about sexual experiences and injection drug practices, with some women describing injecting as a substitute for negative sexual experiences and others noting that injection drug use served as a foundation for intimacy and eroticism in a relationship. Conclusions: In contrast to the literature, women who inject drugs demonstrated power and agency and discussed pleasurable sexual experiences. Ultimately, interventions should recognize the realities of women's experiences to help empower them to practice safer sexual and injection practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Katzman
- New York University School of Medicine , New York , New York , USA
| | - Ellen Tuchman
- New York University Silver School of Social Work , New York , New York , USA
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Mburu G, Limmer M, Holland P. HIV risk behaviours among women who inject drugs in coastal Kenya: findings from secondary analysis of qualitative data. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:10. [PMID: 30728012 PMCID: PMC6364406 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0281-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Injecting drug users are at high risk of HIV infection globally. Research related to female drug users is rare in Kenya, yet it is required to inform the development of gender-sensitive HIV prevention and harm reduction services in East Africa, where injecting drug use is on the rise. Methods This study aimed to document the nature of HIV risks encountered by women who inject drugs in the Mombasa and Kilifi, Kenya. Secondary data analysis was conducted on an existing dataset from a 2015 primary qualitative study involving 24 interviews and 3 focus group discussions with 45 women who inject drugs. These were complemented with five interviews with key stakeholders involved in the provision of services to women who inject drugs. Guided by the social ecology theory, a thematic analysis was conducted to identify the nature of HIV risks and their underlying determinants. Results HIV risk behaviours fell into two broad categories: unsafe injecting and unprotected sex. These risks occurred in the form of sharing of needles, unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex, sexual assaults, injecting drug use during sex, sex work, and other types of transactional sex. The primary determinants underlying these risks were a low-risk perception, inequitable gender power, economic pressures, and poor availability of needles and condoms. These social-ecological determinants did not exist in isolation, but intersected with each other to create powerful influences which exposed women to HIV. Social-ecological determinants exerted constant influence and created a persistent ‘HIV risk environment’ that was involuntarily experienced by women. Conclusion Individual, interpersonal, and societal-structural factors intersect to produce HIV risk behaviours. As a minimum, these risks will require a combination of multifaceted micro-level interventions including self-efficacy training, risk assessment skills, couple counselling, and universal access to the recommended harm reduction package. In addition, the current focus on micro-level interventions in Kenya needs to shift to incorporate macro-level interventions, including livelihood, employability, and gender norms-transforming interventions, to mitigate economic and gender-related drivers of HIV risks. In the Kenyan context, injecting drug use during sex work is emerging as an increasingly important HIV risk behaviour needing to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitau Mburu
- Division of Health Research, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK.
| | - Mark Limmer
- Division of Health Research, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Paula Holland
- Division of Health Research, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
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Underreported injection drug use and its potential contribution to reported increase in sexual transmission of HIV in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:1. [PMID: 30611251 PMCID: PMC6321689 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0274-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We conducted a cross-sectional integrated bio-behavioral survey among sex partners of persons who inject drugs (PWID) to explore reasons for reported increase in reporting of heterosexually transmitted HIV in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Methods Sexual partners of PWID were recruited through PWID. Behavioral data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Dried blood spots were obtained and tested for HIV and hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCVAb). Descriptive univariate and bivariate analyses, and multivariate analyses using logistic regression modeling were performed to identify factors associated with HIV and HCV infections. Results Among 1982 sex partners of PWID, overall HIV prevalence was 6.4%; 5.1% and 12.9% among those reported never and ever injecting drugs, respectively (p < 0.001). Overall, HCVAb prevalence was 21.3%; 15.0% and 53.9% among those reported never and ever injecting drugs, respectively (p < 0.001). Of HCV-positive participants, 58% and 34% (p < 0.001) reported prior history of injecting drug use among men and women, respectively. HIV prevalence was lower among HCV-negative (4.2%) compared to HCV-positive participants (14.4%) (p < 0.001). HIV prevalence was 3.5% (95%CI = 2.4–4.6) in a subset of female participants with no reported prior injecting drug use history and who were HCVAb-negative and did not report having an HIV-positive sex partner. Participant sex and number of sex partners as well as use of condoms in the past 12 months were not associated with HIV seropositivity. Conclusions High prevalence of HCV among sex partners of PWID who denied ever injecting drugs suggests underreporting of injecting practices. The increased attribution of HIV infection to sexual transmission based on self-report may be partly explained by underreporting of injection drug use due to stigmatization of this behavior.
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Malaguti A, Sani F, Stephens BP, Ahmad F, Dugard P, Dillon JF. Change in injecting behaviour among people treated for hepatitis C virus: The role of intimate partnerships. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:65-72. [PMID: 30260560 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Injecting behaviour in people who inject drugs is the main risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Psychosocial factors such as having a partner who injects drugs and living with other drug users have been associated with increases in injecting risk behaviour. This study aimed to investigate changes in injecting behaviour during treatment for HCV infection whilst exploring the role of psychosocial factors on patients' injecting behaviour. Eradicate-C was a single-centred clinical trial (ISRCTN27564683) investigating the effectiveness of HCV treatment within the injecting drug-using population between 2012 and 2017. A total of 94 participants completed up to 24 weeks of treatment, with social and behavioural measures taken at different intervals throughout treatment. Data for 84 participants were analysed retrospectively to explore mechanisms of potential behavioural changes which had occurred during treatment. Injecting frequency reduced significantly between baseline (week 1) and every 4-weekly interval until week 26. Not being on opiate substitution therapy (OST) was associated with a statistically significant decrease in injecting frequency, χ2 (1) = 10.412, P = 0.001, as was having a partner who also used drugs, in particular when that partner was also on treatment for HCV infection, Z = -2.312, P = 0.021. Treating a hard-to-reach population for HCV infection is not only possible, but also bears health benefits beyond treatment of HCV alone. Enrolling couples on HCV treatment when partners are sero-concordant has shown enhanced benefits for reduction in injecting behaviour. Implications for practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Malaguti
- School of Social Sciences (Psychology), University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,Adult Psychological Therapies Service, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK.,Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Managed Care Network, Public Health Directory, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Fabio Sani
- School of Social Sciences (Psychology), University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Brian P Stephens
- Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Farsana Ahmad
- Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Pat Dugard
- School of Social Sciences (Psychology), University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
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Owczarzak J, Phillips SD, Cho W. 'Pure' drug users, commercial sex workers and 'ordinary girls': gendered narratives of HIV risk and prevention in post-Soviet Ukraine. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2018; 20:1171-1184. [PMID: 29417879 PMCID: PMC6082725 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2017.1421708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
International best practices call for a gender-responsive approach to HIV prevention for women, including those who use drugs and those who engage in sex work. This paper draws on multiple qualitative data sources collected over five years in Ukraine to explore the notions of gender, women and family that buttress HIV-related programmes for women. Our analysis reveals that service providers often cast women as hapless victims of unfortunate family circumstances and troubled personal relationships that produce sudden poverty, or social strivers who seek access to wealth and privilege at the expense of their health. Women are portrayed as most vulnerable to HIV when they lack a male 'protector'. We argue that the programmes constituted around these stereotypes of women and their vulnerabilities reflect new forms of institutional power that deflect attention away from gendered socio-economic processes that contribute to women's HIV vulnerability, including job insecurity and unemployment, workplace discrimination, unreliable social benefits and power imbalances within their relationships. We explore how to transform HIV prevention efforts to better address the causes of women's increased vulnerability to HIV in Ukraine and in Eastern Europe more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Owczarzak
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Woojeong Cho
- Department of Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
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Marotta PL, Terlikbayeva A, Gilbert L, Hunt T, Mandavia A, Wu E, El-Bassel N. Intimate relationships and patterns of drug and sexual risk behaviors among people who inject drugs in Kazakhstan: A latent class analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 192:294-302. [PMID: 30304712 PMCID: PMC6415908 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple drug and sexual risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) in intimate relationships increase the risk of HIV and HCV transmission. Using data on PWID in intimate partnerships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, this study performed latent class analysis (LCA) on drug and sexual risk behaviors and estimated associations between dyadic relationship factors and membership in latent classes. METHODS LCA was performed on a sample of 510 PWID (181-females/FWID, 321-males/MWID) to identify levels of drug and sexual risk behaviors. Generalized structural equation modeling with multinomial regressions estimated associations between relationship factors (length risk reduction communication, risk reduction self-efficacy) and class membership after adjusting for substance use severity, overdose, depression, binge drinking, intimate partner violence, structural factors, and sociodemographic characteristics. Models were sex-stratified to include FWID and PWID. RESULTS A 3-class model best fit the data and consisted of low, medium, and high-risk classes. GSEM found that greater injection self-efficacy was associated with a lower likelihood of membership in the high-risk class for PWID and FWID. For MWID, greater length of the relationship was associated with a lower likelihood of membership in the medium-risk class. Greater relationship communication was associated with increased risk of membership in the high-risk latent class for MWID. CONCLUSIONS Future research must investigate if increasing risk reduction and safe sex self-efficacy could reduce drug and sexual risk behaviors and HIV transmission among PWID and their intimate partners. Interventions are needed that reduce power inequities within relationships as a method of increasing self-efficacy, particularly among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L. Marotta
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Social Intervention Group, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Global Research Center of Central Asia, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Assel Terlikbayeva
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Social Intervention Group, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Global Research Center of Central Asia, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Social Intervention Group, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Global Research Center of Central Asia, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Tim Hunt
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Social Intervention Group, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Global Research Center of Central Asia, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Amar Mandavia
- Teachers College of Columbia University, Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 428 Horace Mann, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Center for the Study of Social Difference, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, 767 Schermerhorn Extension, MC 5508, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Elwin Wu
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Social Intervention Group, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Global Research Center of Central Asia, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Columbia University School of Social Work, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Social Intervention Group, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA,Global Research Center of Central Asia, 1255 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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Marotta PL, Gilbert L, Terlikbayeva A, Wu E, El-Bassel N. Differences by sex in associations between injection drug risks and drug crime conviction among people who inject drugs in Almaty, Kazakhstan. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 60:96-106. [PMID: 30219718 PMCID: PMC6340710 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.07.014] [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] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The criminalization of drug use leads to high rates of drug crime convictions for engaging in injection drug use behaviors, introducing barriers to HIV prevention and drug treatment for PWID. Females (FWID) face unique vulnerabilities to HIV compared to males (MWID) in Kazakhstan. This study examined sex differences in associations between HIV/HCV infection, HIV knowledge, injection drug risk behaviors, and conviction for a drug crime in a sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. METHODS Analyses were performed on baseline data from 510 PWID and stratified by males (MWID) (329) and females (FWID) (181) from Kazakhstan in a couples-focused HIV prevention intervention. Logistic regression analyses using mixed effects (AOR) examined associations between HIV/HCV infection, HIV knowledge, injection drug risk behaviors, drug use severity, drug treatment history and conviction for a drug crime. RESULTS About three quarters of PWID reported drug crime conviction (73.92%, n = 377). HCV infection was associated with increased odds of drug crime conviction for FWID (AOR = 4.35, CI95 = 1.83-10.31, p < .01) and MWID (AOR = 3.62, CI95 = 1.09-12.07, p < .01). HIV transmission knowledge was associated with increased odds of conviction for MWID (AOR = 1.19, CI95 = 1.00-1.41, p < .05). Injection drug risk knowledge was associated with lower odds of conviction (AOR = .75, CI95 = .59-.94, p < .05) for FWID. Receptive syringe sharing (AOR = 3.48, CI95 = 1.65-7.31, p < .01), splitting drug solutions (AOR = 4.12, CI95 = 1.86-7.31, p < .05), and injecting with more than two partners (AOR = 1.89, CI95 = 1.06-3.34, p < .05) was associated with increased odds of conviction for FWID. Receptive syringe or equipment sharing with intimate partners was associated with conviction for both MWID (AOR = 1.90, CI95 = 1.03-3.92, p < .05) and FWID (AOR = 1.95, CI95 = 1.02-3.70, p < .05). For FWID, injection drug use in public spaces was associated with conviction (AORME = 3.25, CI95 = 1.31-7.39, p < .01). Drug use severity was associated with increased odds of conviction for FWID (AOR = 1.29, CI95 = 1.09-1.53, p < .001) and MWID (AOR = 1.24, CI95 = 1.09-1.41, p < .001). Ever receiving drug treatment was associated with conviction for MWID (AOR = 2.31, CI95 = 1.32-4.12, p < .01). CONCLUSION High-risk behaviors, HCV infection and more severe substance use disorders are associated with drug crime conviction for PWID, particularly FWID. Structural interventions are necessary to increase the engagement of PWID with drug crime convictions in HIV prevention and substance abuse treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- Columbia University, United States; Global Research Center of Central Asia, Kazakhstan; Social Intervention Group, United States
| | | | - Elwin Wu
- Columbia University, United States; Global Research Center of Central Asia, Kazakhstan; Social Intervention Group, United States
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Columbia University, United States; Global Research Center of Central Asia, Kazakhstan; Social Intervention Group, United States
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Flath N, Tobin K, Mihailovic A, Hammond P, Latkin C. Evaluating a Dyadic Intervention on Risk Reduction Among People Who Inject Drugs. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2018; 12:1178221818799753. [PMID: 30210233 PMCID: PMC6131273 DOI: 10.1177/1178221818799753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Among 100 people who inject drugs enrolled in a peer mentorship intervention aiming to promote injection-related risk reduction behavior change, we evaluated the role of participation in a dyad session on reducing sharing of syringes and cookers in the past 6 months. Dyad participants (n = 69) invited an injection, sex partner, or family member to the study site to reinforce learnt behavior change tools by practicing communication skills and risk reduction lessons. In all, 31 participants did not participate in the dyad session. We descriptively assessed changes in sharing injection equipment between the 2 time points of pre- and postintervention using the tests of proportions by dyad participation. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sex was used with an interaction term (time points × dyad participation) to evaluate the dyad effect. Dyad participants reported reduced syringe and cooker sharing at postintervention (sharing syringe: 17% versus 39%, P < .05 and cooker: 32% versus 59%, P < .01). There was no difference between the dyad group's sharing injection equipment behavior after the intervention (sharing syringes: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-3.9 and cookers: aOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.1-3.5). The role of the dyad session alone on risk taking was not effective. With a small sample size, it is important to continue to evaluate the nature of peer-based dyadic experiences in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Flath
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karin Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aleks Mihailovic
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paige Hammond
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Syringe Sharing in Drug Injecting Dyads: A Cross-Classified Multilevel Analysis of Social Networks. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:10-18. [PMID: 29766329 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We examined the association of dyadic-level factors with syringe sharing among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kerman, Iran. In a cross-sectional study, we collected data on 329 drug-injecting dyads by individual face-to-face interviews. An injecting dyad was defined as 2 PWID who knew each other and injected drugs together during the last 6 months. If they reported at least 1 occasion of syringe sharing, the dyad was considered high-risk. Dyadic-level factors associated with syringe sharing were assessed using cross-classified multilevel logistic regression. The rate of syringe sharing was significantly higher for dyads who were more intimate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.5, CI 95%, 2.3-8.6), who had instrumental support (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.5), and who pooled money for drugs (AOR 4.1, 95% CI 2.0-8.3). The rate was lower in same-sex dyads (AOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9) and in dyads who shared health information (AOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Findings highlight close-peer influences on syringe-sharing behavior.
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Benfer I, Zahnow R, Barratt MJ, Maier L, Winstock A, Ferris J. The impact of drug policy liberalisation on willingness to seek help for problem drug use: A comparison of 20 countries. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 56:162-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Tirado-Muñoz J, Gilchrist G, Fischer G, Taylor A, Moskalewicz J, Giammarchi C, Köchl B, Munro A, Dąbrowska K, Shaw A, Di Furia L, Leeb I, Hopf C, Torrens M. Psychiatric comorbidity and intimate partner violence among women who inject drugs in Europe: a cross-sectional study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2018; 21:259-269. [PMID: 29230558 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-017-0800-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Women who inject drugs (WWID) are an especially vulnerable group of drug users. This study determined the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and intimate partrner violence (IPV), and factors associated with psychiatric comorbidity among WWID recruited from drug treatment services (67%) and harm reduction services in five European regions in Austria, Catalonia, Italy, Poland, and Scotland. Psychiatric comorbidity was assessed among 226 WWID using the Dual Diagnosis Screening Instrument. IPV was assessed using the Composite Abuse Scale and injecting and sexual risk behaviors were assessed using a battery of questionnaires adapted and developed for the study. Eighty-seven percent met criteria for at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder. The most common disorders were depression (76%), panic (54%), and post-traumatic stress (52%). WWID recruited in drug treatment services were almost three times as likely (OR 2.90 95% CI 1.30-6.43; p = 0.007) to meet criteria for a lifetime psychiatric disorder than those recruited from harm reduction services, specifically dysthymia (OR 5.32 95% CI 2.27-12.48; p = 0.000) and post-traumatic stress disorder (OR 1.83 95% CI 1.02-3.27; p = 0.040). WWID who reported sharing needles and syringes were almost three times as likely to meet criteria for lifetime psychiatric comorbidity than those who did not (OR 2.65 95% CI 1.07-6.56). Compared to WWID who had not experienced IPV, victims (70%) were almost two times more likely to meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (OR 1.95 95% CI 1.10-3.48). Psychiatric comorbidity and IPV among WWID are common. Drug treatment and harm reduction services should address psychiatric comorbidity and IPV to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Tirado-Muñoz
- Addiction Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gail Gilchrist
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Avril Taylor
- School of Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland
| | - Jacek Moskalewicz
- Department of Studies on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Birgit Köchl
- Addiction Clinic, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alison Munro
- School of Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland
| | - Katarzyna Dąbrowska
- Department of Studies on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - April Shaw
- School of Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland
| | | | - Isabella Leeb
- Addiction Clinic, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Hopf
- Addiction Clinic, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marta Torrens
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain. .,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Zahnow R, Winstock AR, Maier LJ, Levy J, Ferris J. Injecting drug use: Gendered risk. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 56:81-91. [PMID: 29614392 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research demonstrates gender related differences in drug-use practices and risk behaviours. Females' structural vulnerability stemming from traditional gender roles and gender-power relations may enhance their propensity to experience injecting related risk. In this paper we explore gender differences in injection practices at the initiation event, during the first year of injecting and in the most recent 12-month period, to inform more effective harm reduction strategies. METHODS Data used in this study were drawn from the Global Drug Survey 2015. The study employs chi-square and logistic regression to assess gender differences in injection behaviours in a sample of current injectors residing in six global regions: North-West Europe; Southern Eastern Europe; North America. South America and Oceania. RESULTS Females were more likely than males to report being injected by an intimate partner at initiation (OR = 4.4, 95%CI: 2.2-8.8), during the first year of injecting (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 2.4-9.3) and in the most recent 12-month period (OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.0-6.2). Females reported greater difficulties accessing sterile equipment (X2(2,N = 453) = 8.2, p = 0.02) and were more likely to share injecting equipment than males (X2(1,N = 463) = 3.9, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight females' continued dependence on their intimate partner to administer the injection into the first year of their injecting career. Females remained more likely than males to rely on intimate partners for injection during the most recent 12-month period. Females report greater difficulties in sourcing sterile equipment and are more likely to share injecting equipment. We suggest that these findings reflect the broader social structure in which females are disempowered through traditional gender roles and the lack of gender appropriate harm reduction services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Zahnow
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Australia.
| | | | - Larissa J Maier
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jay Levy
- International Network of People who Use Drugs (INPUD), United Kingdom
| | - Jason Ferris
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Australia
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Fraser S, Treloar C, Gendera S, Rance J. 'Affording' new approaches to couples who inject drugs: A novel fitpack design for hepatitis C prevention. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 50:19-35. [PMID: 28982041 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the West, hepatitis C is predominantly transmitted via the sharing of contaminated drug-injecting equipment. Although the majority of this sharing occurs between sexual partners, the responsibility for avoiding transmission has long been conceived as an individual responsibility, with prevention measures such as the distribution of sterile injecting equipment such as injecting packs ('fitpacks') aimed at individuals without regard for the social contexts of injecting. In this article we draw on the work of Bruno Latour to reconceptualise the fitpack. We argue that the fitpack is not inert or neutral in its meaning or effects, that instead it 'affords' particular meanings and actions, for example, that injecting is an individual practice and safety an individual responsibility. METHOD To challenge these affordances, we developed a new fitpack prototype aimed at couples, along with related health promotion messages. We asked 13 couples who inject drugs to examine and reflect on these new objects and messages. RESULTS Overall, we found a high level of support for the broad idea of couples-oriented materials, as well as for our prototype and associated materials. Participants identified opportunities for improving the materials and commented on implications of the symbols and language used. Together the interviews demonstrated ways in which the new fitpacks and messages could afford couples-oriented safe injecting, and better recognition of relationships that are often dismissed by researchers and health care providers as insincere. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that first, there is a need and desire for a greater range in harm reduction resources. Second, it is essential to find ways of better acknowledging the validity and value of relationships between people who inject. Third, and more broadly, recognition must be given to the role of technological objects in materialising meanings and, as Latour might put it, 'moralities', and in turn to interrogating these meanings and moralities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Fraser
- Social Studies of Addiction Concepts Research Program, National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Australia.
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jake Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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