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Lee JS, Batchelder AW, Stanton AM, Westphal L, Klevens RM, Mayer KH, O'Cleirigh C. Structural vulnerabilities and PrEP awareness among Boston heterosexuals and people who inject drugs at risk for HIV: findings from 2018 to 2019 cycles from the Boston, MA site of the NHBS. AIDS Care 2024; 36:641-651. [PMID: 38091449 PMCID: PMC10994762 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2288646] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Little is known about biopsychosocial factors relating to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness among people with either heterosexual or injection drug use HIV risk behaviors. Participants engaged in vaginal/anal sex with a person of the opposite sex (N = 515) or were people who injected drugs (PWID; N = 451) in the past 12 months from 2018-2019 in Boston, MA. We examined associations between PrEP awareness and: homelessness; perceived HIV-related stigma; country of birth; bacterial STDs, chlamydia, and/or gonorrhea in the past 12 months, lifetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, sexual orientation, and poverty. More PWID (36.8%) were aware of PrEP than people with heterosexual HIV risk (28%; p = .001). Among people with heterosexual risk, homelessness (aOR = 1.99, p = .003), and among PWID: homelessness (aOR = 2.11, p = .032); bacterial STD (aOR = 2.96, p = .012); chlamydia (aOR = 6.14, p = .008); and HCV (aOR = 2.40, p < .001) were associated with increased likelihood of PrEP awareness. In the combined sample: homelessness (aOR = 2.25, p < .001); HCV (aOR = 2.18, p < .001); identifying as homosexual (aOR = 3.71, p = .036); and bisexual (aOR = 1.55, p = .016) were each associated with PrEP awareness. Although having an STD, HCV, identifying as homosexual or bisexual, and experiencing homelessness were associated with increased PrEP awareness, most participants were unaware of PrEP. Efforts to increase PrEP awareness could engage PWID and heterosexual HIV risk behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lee
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A W Batchelder
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A M Stanton
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - L Westphal
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R M Klevens
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C O'Cleirigh
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Zovich B, Freeland C, Moore H, Sapp K, Qureshi A, Holbert R, Zambrano J, Bhangoo D, Cohen C, Hass RW, Jessop A. Dismantling Barriers to Hepatitis B and Delta Screening, Prevention, and Linkage to Care among the PWUD Community in Philadelphia. Viruses 2024; 16:628. [PMID: 38675969 PMCID: PMC11054430 DOI: 10.3390/v16040628] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis B and delta viruses (HBV/HDV) among people who use drugs (PWUD) remains largely unknown. In the context of one Philadelphia-based harm reduction organization (HRO), this study aimed to assess HBV/HDV prevalence and facilitate linkage to care. Participants completed a demographic HBV/HDV risk factor survey and were screened for HBV and reflexively for HDV if positive for HBV surface antigen or isolated core antibody. Fisher's exact tests and regression were used to understand relationships between risks and HBV blood markers. Of the 498 participants, 126 (25.3%) did not have hepatitis B immunity, 52.6% had been vaccinated against HBV, and 17.9% had recovered from a past infection. Eleven (2.2%) participants tested positive for isolated HBV core antibody, 10 (2.0%) for HBV surface antigen, and one (0.2%) for HDV antibody. History of incarceration was associated with current HBV infection, while transactional sex and experience of homelessness were predictive of previous exposure. This study found high rates of current and past HBV infection, and a 10% HBV/HDV co-infection rate. Despite availability of vaccine, one quarter of participants remained vulnerable to infection. Findings demonstrate the need to improve low-threshold HBV/HDV screening, vaccination, and linkage to care among PWUD. The study also identified gaps in the HBV/HDV care cascade, including lack of point-of-care diagnostics and lack of support for HROs to provide HBV services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holly Moore
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Kara Sapp
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | | | - Rachel Holbert
- HepTREC at Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19134, USA
| | | | - Daljinder Bhangoo
- Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Chari Cohen
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Richard W. Hass
- Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Amy Jessop
- HepTREC at Prevention Point Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19134, USA
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3
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Hatch MA, Laschober TC, Paschen-Wolff M, Ertl MM, Nelson CM, Wright L, Lancaster C, Feaster DJ, Forrest D, Hankey C, Monger M, Fegley JP, Irving R, Young C, Rose J, Spector A, Dresser L, Moran L, Jelstrom E, Tross S. PrEP for people who use opioids: A NIDA clinical trials network survey study in Southern U.S. cities where HIV incidence is high. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111133. [PMID: 38447393 PMCID: PMC11131129 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111133] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use opioids (PWUO) are at increased risk for HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective but underutilized as HIV prevention among PWUO. This study examined predictors of willingness to take daily oral PrEP and long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP among PWUO across eight Southern urban cities with high HIV incidence. METHODS HIV-negative PWUO (N = 308) seeking services in community-based programs participated in this cross-sectional survey study. Measures included demographics, sexual risk behavior, substance use frequency, and awareness of and willingness to take oral and injectable PrEP. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models. RESULTS Willingness to take daily oral and LAI PrEP was moderately high (69.16% and 62.02%, respectively). Half had heard of PrEP, but only 4% had ever taken it. Only education and condomless vaginal sex predicted willingness to take oral PrEP. Only education predicted willingness to take LAI PrEP. Polysubstance use was prevalent, with substantial proportions of PWUO reporting frequent use of injection drugs (opioids or stimulants, 79.5%), non-injection opioids (73.3%), non-injection stimulants (71.1%), cannabis (62.6%), and hazardous drinking (29.6%). About 20% reported past-year condomless anal sex, and one-third reported past-year condomless vaginal sex. CONCLUSIONS PWUO in this study were amenable to PrEP, particularly in light of education and condomless vaginal sex. Careful consideration for matching PrEP messaging to the PWUO audience is needed. PrEP promotion should expand beyond men who have sex with men to include groups such as these predominantly heterosexual, polysubstance-using PWUO with HIV risk who were open to both formulations of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Hatch
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA.
| | - Tanja C Laschober
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Margaret Paschen-Wolff
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center at New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Melissa M Ertl
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Department of Psychology, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - C Mindy Nelson
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lynette Wright
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Chloe Lancaster
- University of South Florida, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Lifelong Learning, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David Forrest
- University of Miami, Department of Anthropology, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Colby Hankey
- Aspire Health Partners, HIV Services, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Mauda Monger
- My Brother's Keeper, 710 Avignon Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157, USA
| | - Joshua P Fegley
- CrescentCare, 330 Tulane Ave, 1st Floor, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
| | - Rhonda Irving
- Capitol Area Reentry Program, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, USA
| | - Cynthia Young
- Capitol Area Reentry Program, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, USA
| | - Juliana Rose
- Gateway Community Services, Research Department, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Anya Spector
- Stella and Charles Guttman Community College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Landhing Moran
- Center for the Clinical Trials Network, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Susan Tross
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Suprasert B, Tate M, Reagan D, Ruiz R, Gao K, McNaughton K, Miller K, Marr A, Taylor KD, Wilson EC, McFarland W. Continuing Low Awareness and Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID), San Francisco, 2022. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04308-z. [PMID: 38526638 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04308-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Clinical trials provide evidence that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV acquisition including through sharing of injection equipment among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, uptake among many populations at risk for HIV has been slow, particularly among PWID. We examined data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) from San Francisco in 2022 to measure PrEP uptake and identify factors associated with PrEP awareness among PWID. Of 479 PWID with HIV-negative or unknown HIV status, 54.9% were aware of PrEP, 5.9% had discussed PrEP with a healthcare provider, and 1.5% had used PrEP in the past year. Lack of PrEP awareness was associated with being age 50 years and older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.40, 95% CI 0.27-0.60), being men who have sex with women (vs. men who have sex with men, aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.92), having a disability (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.95), using heroin as their most frequently injected drug (aOR 0.51, 95% CI, 0.34-0.78), not having tested for HIV, HCV, or an STD in the past year (aOR 0.43, 95% CI 0.28-0.64), and not having access to new sterile needles in the past year (aOR 0.28, 95%CI 0.08-1.00). We found negligible change in the awareness and uptake of PrEP among PWID since previously measured in NHBS in 2018. Low PrEP use among PWID may be addressed by increasing provider discussion of PrEP with their PWID patients and clients during routine care, expanding testing for injection-related infections among PWID, and integrating PrEP access into harm reduction programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bow Suprasert
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA.
| | - Moranda Tate
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Danyion Reagan
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Raul Ruiz
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Katherine Gao
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Katherine McNaughton
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Kassandra Miller
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
| | - Alexander Marr
- Institute of Global Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly D Taylor
- Institute of Global Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Prevention Science, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erin C Wilson
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Willi McFarland
- Department of Public Health, Center for Public Health Research, San Francisco, CA, 94102-6033, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Wyllie TJS, Brown JL, Meisman A, Bayyari N, Mangeot C, Sun Q, Mullins TLK. Attitudes and Intentions toward Use of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Adults Receiving Treatment for Opioid Use. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:369-379. [PMID: 37917069 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2275556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV, little is known about PrEP awareness and factors associated with intention to take PrEP among people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Methods: HIV-negative adults recruited from an outpatient treatment program in Cincinnati, Ohio completed self-administered surveys. Items derived from literature and health behavioral theory included demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, HIV prevention practices, PrEP knowledge, and attitudes toward PrEP. Primary outcomes were 1) intention to ask a clinician about PrEP and 2) intention to accept PrEP if recommended by a clinician. Outcomes were dichotomized into higher vs. lower intention for analyses in logistic regression models. Results: Among 198 participants, 60.3% reported past injection drug use. Among 58 participants (29.3%) meeting criteria for PrEP, 24% were aware of PrEP, 15.5% had discussed it with a clinician, and 5% had taken it. Factors associated with intention to ask a clinician about PrEP included being somewhat confident about consistent condom use (p < 0.01), motivation to comply with normative beliefs (p < 0.01), and reporting that PrEP fits very well (p < 0.01) and is easy to fit (p < 0.01) into current prevention practices. Factors associated with intention to accept PrEP if recommended by a clinician included motivation to comply with normative beliefs (p < 0.01) and PrEP being easy to fit into current prevention practices (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Among participants meeting indications for PrEP, only 24% were aware of it and few had taken it. Interventions that normalize PrEP and target incorporating PrEP into current prevention practices may improve uptake among individuals with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tornia J S Wyllie
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrea Meisman
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nadia Bayyari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- College of Allied Health Sciences - School of Social Work, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Colleen Mangeot
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Qin Sun
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tanya L Kowalczyk Mullins
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Dzinamarira T, Moyo E. The use of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among people who inject drugs: barriers, and recommendations. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1265063. [PMID: 37732092 PMCID: PMC10507712 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1265063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- ICAP at Columbia University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Enos Moyo
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Rosen JG, Toomre T, To C, Olatunde PF, Cooper L, Glick JL, Park JN. Communicative appeals and messaging frames in visual media for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis promotion to cisgender and transgender women. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1007-1023. [PMID: 36074902 PMCID: PMC9992445 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2116111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Women in the USA represent 15% of new HIV diagnoses but only 5% of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. We sought to characterise communicative appeals and messaging frames used in US visual media to cultivate PrEP demand among cisgender and transgender women using content analysis methodology. We catalogued and coded media items (images and videos) from US PrEP marketing campaigns featuring women. Production and content characteristics were abstracted, and communicative appeals from media items were qualitatively coded in duplicate. We then descriptively summarised production and content characteristics and identified discrete subgroups of media items, clustering around specific messaging frames, through qualitative thematic analysis. Racial/ethnic minorities and sexual/gender minority women were heavily featured, and numerous media items leveraged cognitive and social communicative appeals to promote PrEP. We identified three unique messaging frames emerging from coded media items, portraying PrEP as: (1) necessary prevention (protection frame), (2) a desirable yet accessible commodity (aspiration frame), and (3) a conduit to sexual autonomy (empowerment frame). To effectively communicate PrEP information and promote PrEP to women, PrEP marketing should leverage alternative appeals (subjective norms, self-efficacy), address anticipated barriers to uptake (stigma, cost, medication interactions), and deconstruct misconceptions of PrEP use(rs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Teagan Toomre
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - C To
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Praise F. Olatunde
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lyra Cooper
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Glick
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Biomedical Research Excellence on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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8
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Staten MC, Webster A, Carter G. Do Ask, Do Tell: Understanding Disclosure of Sexuality and Implications Among MSM Active Duty Service Members. Mil Med 2023; 188:1656-1663. [PMID: 35860852 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac209] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for over half of new diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) every year in the United States, with over one-third of this population being unaware of their HIV status. The U.S. Military requires biannual HIV testing for all service members. Although this may be an appropriate recommendation for the military at large, current health protection agencies suggest more frequent testing for those at increased risk of HIV transmission, such as those in the MSM community. However, more frequent testing for those at higher risk relies heavily on the preliminary step of patient disclosure of sexual practices to health care providers. MATERIALS AND METHODS An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of the relationship between sexual health variables and the disclosure of sexual identity to health care providers by MSM service members. A convenience sample of MSM currently serving in the U.S. military services (N = 354) was used to collect demographic data, sexual health and history, and opinions concerning medical treatment and HIV. Analyses of the data were conducted using univariate analysis and multivariate regression. RESULTS Men of color were more likely to report a higher degree of sexual identification transparency with their health care providers, which deviates from the civilian population. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake was increased among individuals who were more transparent with their health care providers. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study indicate that feeling more comfortable sharing one's sexual identification with a health care provider results in increased engagement with HIV prevention measures. Potential implications for the Military Health System are the advancement of preventive sexual health screening procedures and the development and revision of policies that promote positive outcomes for gender and sexual minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Colten Staten
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
| | - Alicia Webster
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA
| | - Gregory Carter
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
- The Kinsey Institute, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Rural Center for AIDS and STD Prevention, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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9
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Rosen JG, Zhang L, Pelaez D, Park JN, Glick JL. A Capacity-Strengthening Intervention to Support HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness-Building and Promotion by Frontline Harm Reduction Workers in Baltimore, Maryland: A Mixed Methods Evaluation. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2440-2453. [PMID: 36596866 PMCID: PMC9810241 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03971-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising but underutilized HIV prevention tool among people who inject drugs (PWID). We developed and piloted an intervention to bolster PrEP promotion competencies among frontline harm reduction workers (FHRW) serving PWID clients in Baltimore, Maryland. Between December 2021 and February 2022, we developed and facilitated four trainings, which included didactic and practice-based/role-playing components, with 37 FHRW from four organizations. FHRW completed three structured surveys (pretest, posttest, 6-week posttest) and in-depth interviews (n = 14) to measure changes in PrEP promotion competencies attributable to training participation. PrEP knowledge and self-efficacy increased significantly (p < 0.001) from pretest to posttest, sustained through 6-week posttest. The proportion of FHRW discussing PrEP with clients doubled during the evaluation period (30-67%, p = 0.006). Feeling empowered to discuss PrEP and provision of population-tailored PrEP information were facilitators of PrEP promotion, while limited client interaction frequency/duration, privacy/confidentiality concerns, and anticipated PrEP stigma by clients inhibited PrEP promotion. Our capacity-strengthening intervention successfully increased PrEP knowledge, self-efficacy, and promotion among FHRW, affirming the adaptability and feasibility of integrating our training toolkit into FHRW practice across implementation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E5031, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Leanne Zhang
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danielle Pelaez
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellent on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jennifer L Glick
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Massey ESG, Bazzi AR, Sian CR, Gebel CM, Bernstein JA, Assoumou SA. "I've been 95% safe": perspectives on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at a drug detoxification center: a qualitative study. AIDS Care 2023; 35:461-465. [PMID: 35109737 PMCID: PMC9343469 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2031853] [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: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) decreases human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition among persons who inject drugs (PWID); however, its uptake has been suboptimal. We explored HIV risk perceptions and PrEP interest among drug detoxification center patients in the context of the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic. We conducted in-depth interviews of patients (n = 24) and professional key informants (n = 10 physicians, case managers, nurses, and harm reduction educators), and thematic analysis of coded data. The mean age of participants (patients) was 37 years; 54% identified as male and 67% as White. Although 71% reported injecting drugs and 62% had condomless sex in the past 6 months, participants had mixed HIV risk perceptions, and some viewed PrEP as an undesirable indicator of elevated HIV risk. Nevertheless, many participants viewed drug detoxification as a first step towards embarking on a "healthier lifestyle," with some narratives identifying opportunities for delivering PrEP information and services in this setting. Opportunities exist to expand PrEP at drug detoxification centers, but initiatives are needed to educate patients and staff on indications and benefits of this prevention tool. Interventions are also needed to determine the best strategies for implementing PrEP adoption in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene S G Massey
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Health Policy Management Department, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Carlos R Sian
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina M Gebel
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith A Bernstein
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina A Assoumou
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Cosmas M, Loice M, William S, Esther G, Carey F, Tecla T, David B, John K, Aliza MW. Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Acceptability Among Persons who Inject Drugs (PWID) in Kenya: A Qualitative Investigation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2512731. [PMID: 36865213 PMCID: PMC9980217 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2512731/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately affected by HIV despite the availability of multiple efficacious biomedical prevention interventions including oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Little is known about the knowledge, acceptability, and uptake of oral PrEP among this population in Kenya. To inform the development of oral PrEP uptake optimization interventions for PWID in Kenya, we conducted a qualitative assessment to establish oral PrEP awareness and willingness to take PrEP by this group in Nairobi City. Methodology Guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model of health behavior change, we conducted 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) among randomly constituted samples of PWID in four harm reduction drop-in centers (DICs) in Nairobi in January 2022. The domains explored were: perceived risks (behaviour), oral PrEP awareness and knowledge (capability), motivation to use oral PrEP (behaviour), and perceptions on community uptake (motivation and opportunity). Completed FGD transcripts were uploaded to Atlas.ti version 9 and thematic analysis was conducted through an iterative process of review and discussion by two coders. Findings There was a low level of oral PrEP awareness with only 4 of the 46 PWID having heard of PrEP; only 3 out of 46 participants had ever used oral PrEP and 2 out of 3 were no longer using it, indicating a low capacity to make decisions on oral PrEP. Most study participants were aware of the risk posed by unsafe drug injection and expressed willingness to take oral PrEP. Nearly all participants demonstrated low understanding of the role oral PrEP plays in complementing condoms in HIV prevention, presenting an opportunity for awareness creation. While the PWID were eager to learn more about oral PrEP, they favored DICs as places where they would like to obtain information and oral PrEP if they chose to use it, identifying an opportunity for oral PrEP programming interventions. Conclusion Creation of oral PrEP awareness among PWID in Kenya is likely to improve uptake since the PWID are receptive. Oral PrEP should be offered as part of combination prevention approaches, and effective messaging through DICs, integrated outreaches, and social networks are recommended to mitigate displacement of other prevention and harm reduction practices by this population. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record STUDY0001370.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mbogo Loice
- University of Washington, School of Global Health
| | - Sinkele William
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA)
| | - Gitau Esther
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA)
| | | | - Temu Tecla
- University of Washington, School of Global Health
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12
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Person AK, Armstrong WS, Evans T, Fangman JJW, Goldstein RH, Haddad M, Jain MK, Keeshin S, Tookes HE, Weddle AL, Feinberg J. Principles for Ending Human Immunodeficiency Virus as an Epidemic in the United States: A Policy Paper of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the HIV Medical Association. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:1-9. [PMID: 35965395 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While we have the tools to achieve this goal, the persistent barriers to healthcare services experienced by too many individuals will need to be addressed to make significant progress and improve the health and quality of life of all people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The necessary structural changes require actions by federal, state, and local policymakers and range from ensuring universal access to healthcare services to optimizing care delivery to ensuring a robust and diverse infectious diseases and HIV workforce. In this article, we outlines 10 key principles for policy reforms that, if advanced, would make ending the HIV epidemic in the United States possible and could have much more far-reaching effects in improving the health of our nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Person
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wendy S Armstrong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Grady Healthcare System, Infectious Diseases Program, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tyler Evans
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John J W Fangman
- Mass General Brigham Community Physicians, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert H Goldstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marwan Haddad
- Center for Key Populations, Community Health Center, Inc, Middletown, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mamta K Jain
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Susana Keeshin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Hansel E Tookes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrea L Weddle
- HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Judith Feinberg
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and Medicine/Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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13
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Corneli A, Perry B, Des Marais A, Choi Y, Chen H, Lilly R, Ayers D, Bennett J, Kestner L, Meade CS, Sachdeva N, McKellar MS. Participant perceptions on the acceptability and feasibility of a telemedicine-based HIV PrEP and buprenorphine/naloxone program embedded within syringe services programs: a qualitative descriptive evaluation. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:132. [PMID: 36463214 PMCID: PMC9719634 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00718-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for HIV and opioid overdose. We piloted PARTNER UP, a telemedicine-based program to provide PWID with access to both oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) through two syringe services programs (SSPs) in North Carolina. We conducted a qualitative evaluation to assess the acceptability and feasibility of PARTNER UP from the participant perspective. METHODS PARTNER UP participants met with a provider for an initial in-person visit at the SSP, followed by weekly telemedicine visits in month 1 and then monthly telemedicine visits until program end at month 6. Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted in-depth interviews with a subsample of PARTNER UP participants at 1 month and 4 months. Informed by the technology acceptance model, we assessed participant perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of PARTNER UP, as well as their intent to continue to use the program's components. We audio-recorded all interviews with participants' permission and used applied thematic analysis to analyze the verbatim transcripts. RESULTS We interviewed 11 of 17 people who participated in PARTNER UP-10 in the month 1 interview and 8 in the month 4 interview. Nearly all participants were motivated to join for consistent and easy access to buprenorphine/naloxone (i.e., MOUD); only a few joined to access PrEP. Most were comfortable accessing healthcare at the SSP because of their relationship with and trust toward SSP staff, and accessing services at the SSP was preferred compared with other healthcare centers. Some participants described that telemedicine allowed them to be honest and share more information because the visits were not in-person and they chose the location, although the initial in-person meeting was helpful to build provider trust and rapport. Most participants found the visit schedule to be feasible, although half described needing to reschedule at least once. Nearly all participants who were interviewed intended to continue with MOUD after the program ended, whereas none were interested in continuing with PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Participant narratives suggest that the PARTNER UP telemedicine program was acceptable and feasible. Future studies should continue to explore the benefits of embedding both PrEP and MOUD into SSPs with larger numbers of participants. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04521920.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Corneli
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - Brian Perry
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Andrea Des Marais
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Yujung Choi
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Hillary Chen
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA
| | - Rebecca Lilly
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC USA ,Present Address: Port City Harm Reduction, Wilmington, NC USA
| | - Denae Ayers
- Queen City Harm Reduction, Charlotte, NC USA
| | - Jesse Bennett
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC USA
| | | | - Christina S. Meade
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
| | - Nidhi Sachdeva
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Present Address: North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Raleigh, NC USA
| | - Mehri S. McKellar
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC USA
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14
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Eger WH, Altice FL, Lee J, Vlahov D, Khati A, Osborne S, Wickersham JA, Bohonnon T, Powell L, Shrestha R. Using nominal group technique to identify barriers and facilitators to preventing HIV using combination same-day pre-exposure prophylaxis and medications for opioid use disorder. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:120. [PMID: 36307817 PMCID: PMC9616614 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventing HIV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a key element of the US Ending the HIV Epidemic strategy and includes both pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). While both lead to decreases in HIV transmission, MOUD has other social and health benefits; meanwhile, PrEP has additional HIV prevention advantages from sexual risk and the injection of stimulants. However, these medications are often prescribed in different settings and require multiple visits before initiation. Strategies to integrate these services (i.e., co-prescription) and offer same-day prescriptions may reduce demands on patients who could benefit from them. METHODS Nominal group technique, a consensus method that rapidly generates and ranks responses, was used to ascertain barriers and solutions for same-day delivery of PrEP and MOUD as an integrated approach among PWID (n = 14) and clinical (n = 9) stakeholders. The qualitative portion of the discussion generated themes for analysis, and the ranks of the proposed barriers and solutions to the program are presented. RESULTS The top three barriers among PWID to getting a same-day prescription for both PrEP and MOUD were (1) instability of insurance (e.g., insurance lapses); (2) access to a local prescriber; and (3) client-level implementation factors, such as lack of personal motivation. Among clinical stakeholders, the three greatest challenges were (1) time constraints on providers; (2) logistics (e.g., coordination between providers and labs); and (3) availability of providers who can prescribe both medications. Potential solutions identified by both stakeholders included pharmacy delivery of the medications, coordinated care between providers and health care systems (e.g., case management), and efficiencies in clinical care (e.g., clinical checklists), among others. CONCLUSIONS Implementing and sustaining a combined PrEP and MOUD strategy will require co-training providers on both medications while creating efficiencies in systems of care and innovations that encourage and retain PWID in care. Pilot testing the co-prescribing of PrEP and MOUD with quality performance improvement is a step toward new practice models.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Eger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jessica Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Antoine Khati
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Sydney Osborne
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Terry Bohonnon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Rd, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
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15
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Logistical Facilitators and Barriers to PrEP Implementation in Methadone Clinic Settings: Provider and Staff Perspectives. J Addict Med 2022; 16:e278-e283. [PMID: 35165229 PMCID: PMC9375804 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily oral medication for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, in methadone clinics. METHODS Medical and nonmedical staff (n = 30) at 2 methadone clinics in Northern New Jersey were qualitatively interviewed about various aspects of substance use treatment, clinical operations, and HIV risk and prevention among their patient populations. Audio-recorded interviews were professionally transcribed, then coded and analyzed by the research team. RESULTS Themes surrounding the viability of PrEP implementation emerged for both logistical facilitators and barriers. Facilitators included availability of prescribing clinicians, ability to conduct lab testing on-site, and availability of existing hepatitis C programs as a blueprint for PrEP management. Barriers included increased provider burden, financial concerns, and perceptions that PrEP provision is outside the clinic's treatment scope. CONCLUSIONS Although staff expressed willingness and potential ability to provide PrEP, they identified barriers regarding insurance reimbursement, limited funding, and concerns that PrEP would extend the clinic's treatment scope. However, given the enabling factors such as availability of providers and existing clinical infrastructure, providing PrEP could increase clinic revenue through insurance reimbursement and federal funding for PrEP-related services. Clinic-level education is needed for clinical and nonclinical staff to better understand the logistics of implementing PrEP, particularly regarding prescribing practices, billing and insurance concerns, and the essential nature of HIV prevention as a critical component of substance use treatment.
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16
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Abstract
Since July 2017, when In the Clinic last addressed management of HIV infection, there have been meaningful improvements in our ability to prevent HIV and to manage patients living with HIV. New approaches to preexposure prophylaxis and more effective treatments have made the elimination of HIV infection a feasible goal. The federal "Ending the HIV Epidemic" initiative aims at a 90% reduction in new HIV diagnoses by 2030. This article provides updated information on how clinicians should use these improvements to manage their patients who are at risk for HIV infection or are newly diagnosed with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Feinberg
- West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Susana Keeshin
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
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17
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Acceptability of a HIV self-testing program among people who use illicit drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 103:103613. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Walters SM, Frank D, Van Ham B, Jaiswal J, Muncan B, Earnshaw V, Schneider J, Friedman SR, Ompad DC. PrEP Care Continuum Engagement Among Persons Who Inject Drugs: Rural and Urban Differences in Stigma and Social Infrastructure. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1308-1320. [PMID: 34626265 PMCID: PMC8501360 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03488-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents HIV acquisition, yet PrEP uptake has been low among people who inject drugs. Stigma has been identified as a fundamental driver of population health and may be a significant barrier to PrEP care engagement among PWID. However, there has been limited research on how stigma operates in rural and urban settings in relation to PrEP. Using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 57) we explore PrEP continuum engagement among people actively injecting drugs in rural and urban settings. Urban participants had more awareness and knowledge. Willingness to use PrEP was similar in both settings. However, no participant was currently using PrEP. Stigmas against drug use, HIV, and sexualities were identified as barriers to PrEP uptake, particularly in the rural setting. Syringe service programs in the urban setting were highlighted as a welcoming space where PWID could socialize and therefore mitigate stigma and foster information sharing.
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19
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Gebru NM, Benvenuti MC, Rowland BHP, Kalkat M, Chauca PG, Leeman RF. Relationships among Substance Use, Sociodemographics, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Related Attitudes among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:786-798. [PMID: 35188880 PMCID: PMC9082761 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly efficacious HIV preventive medication, is underutilized. Identifying correlates of PrEP awareness and attitudes may help increase PrEP use. Thus, we evaluated (1) PrEP awareness; (2) differences in awareness related to substance use and sociodemographics; (3) initial PrEP information sources; and (4) possible associations between information sources and PrEP-related attitudes. Young adult (ages 18-30) HIV-negative MSM from Southern U.S. undertook a web survey including questions about substance use, sexual behaviors, perceived HIV risk, and PrEP. Participants were recruited using in-person and online approaches between January 2018-January 2020. Of 506 participants, 89% were aware of PrEP. Participants with high alcohol consumption and greater perceived HIV risk had higher odds of PrEP unawareness with a trend for minority race/ethnicity. PrEP-aware participants reported high overall perceived safety, confidence in PrEP's efficacy, and low perceived difficulties with adherence though those with higher perceived HIV risk and individuals who used tobacco had less favorable attitudes. Most participants first heard about PrEP from the internet. There were no statistically significant differences in PrEP-related attitudes across initial information sources. Associations between substance use and racial/ethnic minority status and lack of PrEP awareness suggest priority subgroups for educational campaigns. Future campaigns may tailor outreach materials to the respective audience (e.g., Spanish materials for Hispanic people) and disseminate where individuals who use substances may be more likely to see them (e.g., liquor and convenience stores). Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nioud Mulugeta Gebru
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maria Costanza Benvenuti
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bonnie H. P. Rowland
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher Kalkat
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Patricia G. Chauca
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert F. Leeman
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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20
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Iseselo MK, Tarimo EAM, Sandstrom E, Kulane A. Awareness and willingness to use HIV oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among people who inject drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A cross-sectional survey. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000776. [PMID: 36962766 PMCID: PMC10121179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of HIV infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could help in HIV prevention among PWIDs. However, little is known about PrEP use among PWIDs in low and middle-income countries. This study reports the awareness of and willingness to use PrEP and the associated factors among PWID in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit PWIDs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Chi-square statistical test was used during data analysis. The P-value of < 0.05 was used to ascertain the statistically significant relationship. IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 was used to analyze the data. The analysis consisted of 260 PWIDs. The mean age of the respondents was 39.0 years with a standard deviation (SD) of ±7.5. Most of the respondents were male (n = 232, 89.2%) with primary education (n = 176, 67.7%). Despite the low awareness of PrEP (n = 42, 165.28%) in the study sample, the majority (n = 239, 91.9%) were willing to use PrEP. Both awareness of and willingness to use PrEP were associated with gender (p = .002 and p = < .001), awareness of HIV prevention programs(p = < .001 and p = .006), selling sex (p = .010 and p = .021), and frequency of condomless sexual intercourse (p = .029 and p = .025) respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, only gender(p = 0.046) was related to awareness of PrEP while awareness of HIV prevention programs (p = 0.009), the risk level of HIV infection(p = < .001), number of sexual partners(p = 0.046), and frequency of condomless sex(p = 0.032) were associated with willingness to use PrEP. Other factors were not statistically significant. Despite low awareness, PWIDs are highly willing to use PrEP. Future research should assess the acceptability of injectable PrEP for PWID, as their acquaintance with injection may make the formulation more practical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masunga K Iseselo
- Department of Clinical Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Nursing Management, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Global Public Health, Equity and Health Policy Research Group, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Edith A M Tarimo
- Department of Nursing Management, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eric Sandstrom
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Asli Kulane
- Department of Global Public Health, Equity and Health Policy Research Group, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Walters SM, Perlman DC, Guarino H, Mateu-Gelabert P, Frank D. Lessons from the First Wave of COVID-19 for Improved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Treatment: Benefits of Easier Access, Extended Take Homes, and New Delivery Modalities. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1144-1153. [PMID: 35443862 PMCID: PMC9709780 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2064509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are associated with important public health benefits. Program changes implemented in response to COVID-19 hold promise as ongoing strategies to improve MOUD treatment. Methods: MOUD patients on buprenorphine or methadone, providers, government regulators, and persons who use drugs not in MOUD were recruited in the Northeast region of the United States between June and October of 2020 via advertisements, fliers, and word of mouth. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Interviews were professionally transcribed and thematically coded by two independent coders. Results: We conducted interviews with 13 people currently on buprenorphine, 11 currently on methadone, 3 previously on buprenorphine, 4 previously on methadone, and 6 who used drugs but had never been on MOUD. In addition, we interviewed MOUD providers, clinic staff, and government officials at agencies that regulate MOUD. Most participants found increased take-home doses, home medication delivery, and telehealth implemented during COVID-19 to be favorable, reporting that these program changes reduced travel time to clinics, facilitated retention in care, and reduced stigma associated with clinic attendance. However, some participants reported negative consequences of COVID-19, most notably, decreased access to basic resources, such as food, clothing, and harm reduction materials that had previously been distributed at some MOUD clinics. Conclusion: Access to and retention in MOUD can be lifesaving for persons using drugs. COVID-19-impelled program changes, including increased take-home doses, home medication delivery, and telehealth generally improved participants' experiences with MOUD. Making these permanent could improve retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - David C Perlman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA.,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Honoria Guarino
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA.,Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - David Frank
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA.,Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, NYU School of Global Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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22
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Considerations for the Design of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Interventions for Women: Lessons Learned from the Implementation of a Novel PrEP Intervention. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3987-3999. [PMID: 34138377 PMCID: PMC8210500 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among women in the United States has been low. To increase uptake, we developed a peer outreach and navigation PrEP intervention. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 32 cisgender women and 3 transgender women were conducted to assess the intervention. We used a thematic approach to identify barriers to, and facilitators of the intervention. Facilitators included interest in PrEP, offer of health and social services, the intervention’s women-focused approach, and peer outreach and navigation. Barriers were perceived HIV risk, concerns about medication side effects or interactions, housing insecurity and travel, co-occurring health-related conditions, and caregiving responsibilities. We recommend that future interventions consider packaging PrEP in local community settings, such as syringe exchange programs; include services such as food and housing assistance; use peers to recruit and educate women; integrate a culturally appropriate women’s focus; and consider providing same-day PrEP.
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Broz D, Carnes N, Chapin-Bardales J, Des Jarlais DC, Handanagic S, Jones CM, McClung RP, Asher AK. Syringe Services Programs' Role in Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.: Why We Cannot Do It Without Them. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:S118-S129. [PMID: 34686281 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diagnoses of HIV among people who inject drugs have increased in the U.S. during 2014-2018 for the first time in 2 decades, and multiple HIV outbreaks have been detected among people who inject drugs since 2015. These epidemiologic trends pose a significant concern for achieving goals of the federal initiative for Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Syringe services programs are cost effective, safe, and highly effective in reducing HIV transmission and are an essential component of a comprehensive, integrated approach to addressing these concerns. Yet, geographic coverage of these programs remains limited in the U.S., and many jurisdictions continue to have laws and policies that limit or disallow syringe services programs. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the role of syringe services programs in the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Empirical and model-based evidence consistently shows that syringe services programs have the highest impact in HIV prevention when combined with access to medications for substance use disorder and antiretroviral therapy. Their effectiveness is further maximized when they provide services without restrictions and include proven and innovative strategies to expand access to harm-reduction and clinical services (e.g., peer outreach, telehealth). Increasing geographic and service coverage of syringe services programs requires strong and sustainable policy, funding, and community support and will need to address new challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Syringe services programs have a key role in all 4 Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative strategies-Prevent, Diagnose, Treat, and Respond-and thus are instrumental to its success in preventing disease and saving lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dita Broz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Neal Carnes
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Johanna Chapin-Bardales
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Don C Des Jarlais
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Health, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Senad Handanagic
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher M Jones
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland
| | - R Paul McClung
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Alice K Asher
- Office of Policy, Planning and Partnerships, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Assoumou SA, Paniagua SM, Gonzalez P, Wang J, Beckwith CG, White LF, Taylor JL, Coogan K, Samet JH, Linas BP. HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Buprenorphine at a Drug Detoxification Center During the Opioid Epidemic: Opportunities and Challenges. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2591-2598. [PMID: 33751315 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03220-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and buprenorphine decrease HIV acquisition. Between November, 2016 and July, 2017, we surveyed persons (N = 200) at a drug detoxification center to assess their interest in PrEP and in buprenorphine, and to examine factors associated with such interests. Over the previous 6 months, 58% (117/200) injected drugs, 87% (173/200) used opioids, 50% (85/171) had condomless sex. Only 22% (26/117) of persons who injected drugs were aware of PrEP, yet 74% (86/116) and 72% (84/116) were interested in oral or injectable PrEP, respectively. Thirty-eight percent (47/125) of persons not receiving buprenorphine or methadone expressed interest in buprenorphine. After multivariable adjustment, Latinx ethnicity was associated with interest in PrEP (aOR 3.80; 95% CI 1.37-10.53), while male gender (aOR 2.76; 95% CI 1.21-6.34) was associated with interest in buprenorphine. Opportunities exist to implement PrEP and buprenorphine within drug detoxification centers.Clinical trial registration NCT02869776. Clinicaltrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02869776?term=Sabrina+Assoumou&cond=HIV+HCV&rank=1 .
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Walters SM, Kral AH, Lamb S, Goldshear JL, Wenger L, Bluthenthal RN. Correlates of Transactional Sex and Violent Victimization among Men Who Inject Drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. J Urban Health 2021; 98:70-82. [PMID: 33409836 PMCID: PMC7873178 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00494-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Men who inject drugs (MWID) and engage in transactional sex (i.e., receive money or drugs in exchange for sex) are vulnerable to HIV and violence. However, MWID who engage in transactional sex have been less studied than women. We examine factors associated with transactional sex among MWID in Los Angeles and San Francisco and whether transactional sex is associated with violent victimization. MWID were recruited using targeted sampling methods in 2011-2013 and completed surveys that covered demographics, drug use, HIV risk, violence, transactional sex, and other items. Multivariable logistic regression was used to (1) determine factors independently associated with transactional sex and (2) determine if transactional sex was independently associated with violence victimization in the last 6 months among MWID. An interaction term between income source and sexual identity was included in the transactional sex model. Of the 572 male PWID in the sample, 47 (8%) reported transactional sex in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV infection was 7% for MWID who did not report transactional sex, 17% for MWID who reported transactional sex, and 24% for MWID who reported transactional sex and reported gay or bisexual identity. In multivariable analysis, transactional sex was positively associated with gay or bisexual identity (GB without illegal income adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.86-14.27; GB with illegal income AOR = 13.55, CI = 4.57-40.13), coerced sex in the last 12 months (AOR = 11.66, CI = 1.94-70.12), and violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.31, CI = 1.13-4.75). Transactional sex was negatively associated with heroin injection (last 30 days) (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.18-0.78). Transactional sex was independently associated with violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.00-4.14) while controlling for confounders. MWID who engaged in transactional sex are at elevated risk for HIV and multiple forms of violent victimization. Interventions focused on this at-risk subpopulation are urgently needed and should include access to substance use disorder treatment, victimization services, and harm reduction services across the HIV care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Shona Lamb
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse L Goldshear
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Troutman J. African American Women's Current Knowledge, Perceptions, and Willingness of PrEP Use for HIV Prevention in the South. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE, SCIENCE AND THE HUMANITIES 2021; 11:51-72. [PMID: 36818214 PMCID: PMC9930508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
African American women accounted for approximately 60% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the United States, with the greatest burden occurring in the South. Past efforts to prevent HIV focused on behavioral interventions aimed at reducing sexual risk behavior. More recent HIV prevention methods have included oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretroviral drugs. Although PrEP has been designated as an effective HIV prevention method since 2012, awareness and uptake of PrEP remains low among African American women. Our study explored African American women's knowledge, perceptions, and willingness of PrEP use. Four focus groups were held in April 2019, consisting of 27 women, who identified as African American and resided in South Carolina. Focus group topics focused on participants' awareness, perceptions, and potential use of PrEP. The majority of women had heard of PrEP; however, over half of the participants were in the HIV or health field. Overall, participants believed that the "lay woman" would be unaware of PrEP. Participants' perceptions of PrEP included stigma of PrEP use, benefits to non-monogamous couples, and experiences with PrEP clients. The majority of women were willing to use PrEP, but major concerns around short and long-term side effects were expressed. Participants provided recommendations to improve PrEP uptake among African American women that included targeted campaigns and spokespersons. African American women are interested and supportive of PrEP use for HIV prevention in the South, where HIV rates remain highest. Past PrEP implementation efforts have not been relatable to African American women; therefore, awareness and uptake rates remain low. Future efforts to increase PrEP awareness and uptake among African American women should be relevant, and should provide comprehensive information on potential side effects, purpose of use, and eligibility criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Troutman
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Discovery I, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, , ,
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