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Yeh PT, Yang X, Kennedy CE, Armstrong KA, Fonner VA, Sherryn, O'Reilly KR, Sweat MD. The Impact of Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs on HIV-Related Risk Behaviors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Examining Individual- Versus Community-Level Effects. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3306-3331. [PMID: 37046029 PMCID: PMC10524190 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04051-x] [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: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of needle and syringe exchange programs (NSP) on both individual- and community-level needle-sharing behaviors and other HIV-related outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). A search of five databases for peer-reviewed trial or quasi-experimental studies reported through July 2021 identified 42 interventions delivered in 35 studies, with a total of 56,751 participants meeting inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis showed a significant protective association between NSP exposure and needle-sharing behaviors at the individual-level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16-0.39, 8 trials, n = 3947) and community-level (OR 0.39, CI 0.22-0.69, 12 trials, n = 6850), although with significant heterogeneity. When stratified by needle-sharing directionality, NSP exposure remained associated with reduced receptive sharing, but not distributive sharing. NSP exposure was also associated with reduced HIV incidence and increased HIV testing but there were no consistent associations with prevalence of bloodborne infections. Current evidence suggests positive impacts of NSPs in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Xuhao Yang
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kevin A Armstrong
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Virginia A Fonner
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- FHI 360, Health Services Research Division, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Sherryn
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kevin R O'Reilly
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Michael D Sweat
- Division of Global and Community Health, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Zaccheo SK, Marrone G, Pandey LR, Deuba K. The impact of border crossing and imprisonment on injection practices and risk of HIV and hepatitis C infection among men who inject drugs in Nepal. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 119:104145. [PMID: 37549595 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Nepal, personal drug use is criminalized and among people who inject drugs (PWID), the majority of whom are men, movement across the border with India for drug procurement and use is common. Using a risk environment approach, this study examined associations between border crossing and imprisonment with respect to HIV, HCV and injection risk behavior among men who inject drugs in Nepal. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1345 participants from 14 districts across Nepal. Explanatory variables were prior imprisonment and past-month border crossing to procure or use drugs. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between these variables and HIV, HCV, HIV/HCV co-infection and past-month injection risk behavior among PWID. RESULTS Over half of participants reported prior imprisonment (34.6% prior to past year, 21.6% within past year) and Indo-Nepal border crossing in the past year to use or buy drugs (31.2% sometimes, 20.8% often); over one quarter of participants (29.6%) reported both. Imprisonment prior to the past year was associated with higher odds of all outcome variables: HIV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-4.59), HCV (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.08-2.09), HIV/HCV co-infection (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.58-6.14) and injection risk behavior (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.20-2.25). Past-year border crossing to procure or use drugs was associated with HCV (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.42-2.98) and injection risk behavior (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.04-2.10), with larger effect sizes among PWID who reported both border crossing as well as history of imprisonment. CONCLUSION Imprisonment and border crossing were associated with injection risk behavior and disease outcomes. These findings indicate a need to implement cross-border disease surveillance and harm reduction initiatives in the Indo-Nepal border region and in Nepali prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia K Zaccheo
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gaetano Marrone
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lok Raj Pandey
- National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), Global Fund Programs, Kathmandu, Nepal.
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Satinsky EN, Kleinman MB, Tralka HM, Jack HE, Myers B, Magidson JF. Peer-delivered services for substance use in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 95:103252. [PMID: 33892281 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Addressing the burden of disease associated with substance use is a global priority, yet access to treatment is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Peers, individuals with lived experience of substance use, may play an important role in expanding access to treatment, supporting outcomes, and reducing stigma. While peer-delivered services for substance use have been scaling up in high-income countries (HICs), less is known about their application in LMICs. This systematic review synthesizes the evidence of peer-delivered services for substance use in LMICs. METHODS PsycINFO, Embase, Global Health, PubMed, and six region-specific databases were searched, and articles that described peer-delivered services for substance use and related outcomes in LMICs were included. Risk of bias was evaluated using tools appropriate for each study design. To provide a more stringent evaluation of structured interventions, a subset of articles was analyzed using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) framework. RESULTS The search yielded 6540 articles. These were narrowed down to 34 included articles. Articles spanned four continents, included quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and primarily targeted infectious disease risk behaviors. Ten articles were included in the EPOC sub-analysis. In the context of high risk of bias, some of these articles demonstrated positive impacts of the peer-delivered services, including reductions in risk behaviors and increases in infectious disease knowledge scores, while many others showed no significant difference in outcomes between peer intervention and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Peer-delivered services may be feasible for addressing substance use and reducing infectious disease risk behaviors in LMICs, where there are severe human resource shortages. Globally, peers' lived experience is valuable for engaging patients in substance use treatment and harm reduction services. Further research is needed to better characterize and quantify outcomes for peer-delivered services for substance use in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Mary B Kleinman
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Hannah M Tralka
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Helen E Jack
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Centre for Global Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South Africa Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Chang J, Shelly S, Busz M, Stoicescu C, Iryawan AR, Madybaeva D, de Boer Y, Guise A. Peer driven or driven peers? A rapid review of peer involvement of people who use drugs in HIV and harm reduction services in low- and middle-income countries. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:15. [PMID: 33536033 PMCID: PMC7857348 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Peer involvement of people who use drugs within HIV and harm reduction services is widely promoted yet under-utilised. Alongside political and financial barriers is a limited understanding of the roles, impacts, contexts and mechanisms for peer involvement, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. We conducted a rapid review of available literature on this topic. Methods Within a community-academic partnership, we used a rapid review approach, framed by realist theory. We used a network search strategy, focused on core journals and reference lists of related reviews. Twenty-nine studies were included. We developed thematic summaries framed by a realist approach of exploring interventions, their mechanisms, outcomes and how they are shaped by contexts. Results Reported outcomes of peer involvement included reduced HIV incidence and prevalence; increased service access, acceptability and quality; changed risk behaviours; and reduced stigma and discrimination. Mechanisms via which these roles work were trust, personal commitment and empathy, using community knowledge and experience, as well as ‘bridge’ and ‘role model’ processes. Contexts of criminalisation, under-resourced health systems, and stigma and discrimination were found to shape these roles, their mechanisms and outcomes. Though contexts and mechanisms are little explored within the literature, we identified a common theme across contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. Peer outreach interventions work through trust, community knowledge and expertise, and ‘bridge’ mechanisms (M) to counter criminalisation and constraining clinic and service delivery environments (C), contributing towards changed drug-using behaviours, increased access, acceptability and quality of harm reduction services and decreased stigma and discrimination (O). Conclusion Peer involvement in HIV and harm reduction services in low- and middle-income settings is linked to positive health outcomes, shaped by contexts of criminalisation, stigma, and resource scarcity. However, peer involvement is under-theorised, particularly on how contexts shape mechanisms and ultimately outcomes. Efforts to study peer involvement need to develop theory and methods to evaluate the complex mechanisms and contexts that have influence. Finally, there is a need to expand the range of peer roles, to embrace the capacities and expertise of people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Chang
- International Network of People Who Use Drugs, INPUD Secretariat, Unit 2C09, South Bank Technopark, 90 London Road, London, SE1 6LN, UK.
| | - Shaun Shelly
- South African Network of People Who Use Drugs; University of Pretoria, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Claudia Stoicescu
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, USA.,HIV/AIDS Research Centre, Atma Jaya University, Jakarta, Indonesia
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He J, Wang Y, Du Z, Liao J, He N, Hao Y. Peer education for HIV prevention among high-risk groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:338. [PMID: 32398032 PMCID: PMC7218508 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peer education has become a strategy for health promotion among high-risk groups for HIV infection worldwide. However, the extent to which peer education could have an impact on HIV prevention or the long-term effect of this impact is still unknown. This study thus quantifies the impact of peer education over time among high-risk HIV groups globally. Method Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was used to assess the effects and duration of peer education. A thorough literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed, and studies about peer education on high-risk HIV groups were reviewed. Pooled effects were calculated and the sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Results A total of 60 articles with 96,484 subjects were identified, and peer education was associated with 36% decreased rates of HIV infection among overall high risk groups (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47–0.87). Peer education can promote HIV testing (OR = 3.19; 95%CI:2.13,4.79) and condom use (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 2.11–3.36) while reduce equipment sharing (OR = 0.50; 95%CI:0.33,0.75) and unprotected sex (OR = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.72–0.94). Time trend analysis revealed that peer education had a consistent effect on behavior change for over 24 months and the different follow-up times were a source of heterogeneity. Conclusion Our study shows that peer education is an effective tool with long-term impact for behavior change among high-risk HIV groups worldwide. Low and middle-income countries are encouraged to conduct large-scale peer education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu He
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong Province, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhicheng Du
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jing Liao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Na He
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong Province, China.
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Prevalence, estimated incidence, risk behaviours, and genotypic distribution of hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs accessing harm-reduction services in Kenya: a retrospective cohort study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 19:1255-1263. [PMID: 31540840 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30264-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa has a large population of people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet little is known about HCV among people who inject drugs this region. We assessed the prevalence of HCV mono-infection and HIV-HCV co-infection, and the estimated incidence, genotypes, and risk behaviours associated with HCV among people who inject drugs in Kenya. METHODS People aged 18 years or older who were living in Nairobi, coastal Kenya, or western Kenya, had a history of injection drug use, and had used any illicit drugs in the past 12 months were recruited at needle and syringe programme sites using respondent-driven sampling. Participants were screened for the presence of an anti-HCV antibody. Those who were anti-HCV positive underwent confirmatory HCV RNA testing, and those with detectable HCV RNA were genotyped. Participants were interviewed regarding parenteral risk behaviours and exposure to services received at the needle and syringe programme sites. We examined correlates of HCV infection and HIV-HCV co-infection using bivariate and multivariate regression, and estimated HCV incidence. FINDINGS Of 2188 enrolled participants, 291 (13%) were anti-HCV positive: 183 (22%) of 842 participants in coastal Kenya, 105 (13%) of 817 in Nairobi, and three (1%) of 529 in western Kenya. 284 anti-HCV-positive participants underwent successful HCV RNA testing, of whom 230 (81%) were viraemic. Estimated incidence rates of anti-HCV positivity per 100 person-years were 6·31 in coastal Kenya, 3·19 in Nairobi, and 0·22 in western Kenya. HCV incidence rate was greater in coastal Kenya compared with Nairobi (incidence rate ratio 1·97 [95% CI 1·35-2·93], p=0·0001) and the western region (28·17 [7·55-236·58], p<0·0001). In the coastal region, history of incarceration, more years injecting, more injections in the past month, and receptive cooker sharing were associated with increased risk of HCV, while female sex, more years injecting, more injections in the past month, and regular use of a syringe with a detachable needle were associated with HCV risk in Nairobi. HCV prevalence among HIV-positive participants was 50% (66 of 131 participants) in coastal Kenya, 35% (42 of 121) in Nairobi, and 4% (one of 23) in western Kenya. Risk factors for HIV-HCV co-infection were similar to those observed for HCV mono-infection. The prevailing genotypes were 1a (51%), 4a (47%), and mixed (2%; three 1a/4a and one 1a/2b). INTERPRETATION HCV prevalence, estimated incidence, and risk behaviours among people who inject drugs in Kenya vary with region, with the highest estimated incidence observed in coastal Kenya. These findings should be used to inform focused strategies to reduce HCV transmission, such as expansion of needle and syringe programmes, upscaling of opioid agonist therapy, and treatment as prevention in regions affected by injection drug use and HCV. FUNDING National Institute on Drug Abuse.
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Des Jarlais DC, Hammett TM, Kieu B, Chen Y, Feelemyer J. Working With Persons Who Inject Drugs and Live in Rural Areas: Implications From China/Vietnam for the USA. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:302-307. [PMID: 29948610 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0405-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe a small city/rural area HIV prevention project (the Cross Border Project) implemented in Ning Ming County, Guangxi Province, China, and Lang Son province, Vietnam, and consider its implications for addressing the opioid/heroin epidemic in small cities/rural areas in the USA. The description and the outcomes of the Cross Border project were taken from published reports, project records, and recent data provided by local public health authorities. Evaluation included serial cross-sectional surveys of people who inject drugs to assess trends in risk behaviors and HIV prevalence. HIV incidence was estimated from prevalence among new injectors and through BED testing. RECENT FINDINGS The Cross Border project operated from 2002 to 2010. Key components of the project 2 included the use of peer outreach workers for HIV/AIDS education, distribution of sterile injection equipment and condoms, and collection of used injection equipment. The project had the strong support of local authorities, including law enforcement, and the general community. Significant reductions in risk behavior, HIV prevalence, and estimated HIV incidence were observed. Community support for the project was maintained. Activities have been continued and expanded since the project formally ended. The Cross Border project faced challenges similar to those occurring in the current opioid crisis in US small cities/rural areas: poor transportation, limited resources (particularly trained staff), poverty, and potential community opposition to helping people who use drugs. It should be possible to adapt the strategies used in the Cross Border project to small cities/rural areas in the US opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don C Des Jarlais
- The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 39 Broadway 5th Floor Suite 530, New York, NY, 10006, USA.
| | - Theodore M Hammett
- Abt Associates, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 39 Broadway 5th Floor Suite 530, New York, NY, 10006, USA
| | - Binh Kieu
- AIDS Health Care Foundation, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Yi Chen
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control, Nanning, China
| | - Jonathan Feelemyer
- The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 39 Broadway 5th Floor Suite 530, New York, NY, 10006, USA
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Non-Chinese Immigrants: Challenge Faced by Yunnan of China to Achieve the 90-90-90 Goals. Virol Sin 2018; 33:291-293. [PMID: 29931513 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-018-0038-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Coffin PO, Santos GM, Matheson T, Behar E, Rowe C, Rubin T, Silvis J, Vittinghoff E. Behavioral intervention to reduce opioid overdose among high-risk persons with opioid use disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183354. [PMID: 29049282 PMCID: PMC5648110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The United States is amidst an opioid epidemic, including synthetic opioids that may result in rapid death, leaving minimal opportunity for bystander rescue. We pilot tested a behavioral intervention to reduce the occurrence of opioid overdose among opioid dependent persons at high-risk for subsequent overdose. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a single-blinded randomized-controlled trial of a repeated dose motivational interviewing intervention (REBOOT) to reduce overdose versus treatment as usual, defined as information and referrals, over 16 months at the San Francisco Department of Public Health from 2014-2016. Participants were 18-65 years of age, had opioid use disorder by Structured Clinical Interview, active opioid use, opioid overdose within 5 years, and prior receipt of naloxone kits. The intervention was administered at months 0, 4, 8, and 12, preceded by the assessment which was also administered at month 16. Dual primary outcomes were any overdose event and number of events, collected by computer-assisted personal interview, as well as any fatal overdose events per vital records. RESULTS A total of 78 persons were screened and 63 enrolled. Mean age was 43 years, 67% were born male, 65% White, 17% African-American, and 14% Latino. Ninety-two percent of visits and 93% of counseling sessions were completed. At baseline, 33.3% of participants had experienced an overdose in the past four months, with a similar mean number of overdoses in both arms (p = 0.95); 29% overdosed during follow-up. By intention-to-treat, participants assigned to REBOOT were less likely to experience any overdose (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.62 [95%CI 0.41-0.92, p = 0.019) and experienced fewer overdose events (IRR 0.46, 95%CI 0.24-0.90, p = 0.023), findings that were robust to sensitivity analyses. There were no differences between arms in days of opioid use, substance use treatment, or naloxone carriage. CONCLUSIONS REBOOT reduced the occurrence of any opioid overdose and the number of overdoses. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov NCT02093559.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Oliver Coffin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Glenn-Milo Santos
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Tim Matheson
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Emily Behar
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Rowe
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Talia Rubin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Janelle Silvis
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Sypsa V, Psichogiou M, Paraskevis D, Nikolopoulos G, Tsiara C, Paraskeva D, Micha K, Malliori M, Pharris A, Wiessing L, Donoghoe M, Friedman S, Jarlais DD, Daikos G, Hatzakis A. Rapid Decline in HIV Incidence Among Persons Who Inject Drugs During a Fast-Track Combination Prevention Program After an HIV Outbreak in Athens. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:1496-1505. [PMID: 28407106 PMCID: PMC5853582 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A "seek-test-treat" intervention (ARISTOTLE) was implemented in response to an outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Athens. We assess trends in HIV incidence, prevalence, risk behaviors and access to prevention/treatment. Methods Methods included behavioral data collection, provision of injection equipment, HIV testing, linkage to opioid substitution treatment (OST) programs and HIV care during 5 rounds of respondent-driven sampling (2012-2013). HIV incidence was estimated from observed seroconversions. Results Estimated coverage of the target population was 88% (71%-100%; 7113 questionnaires/blood samples from 3320 PWID). The prevalence of HIV infection was 16.5%. The incidence per 100 person-years decreased from 7.8 (95% confidence interval, 4.6-13.1) (2012) to 1.7 (0.55-5.31) (2013; P for trend = .001). Risk factors for seroconversion were frequency of injection, homelessness, and history of imprisonment. Injection at least once daily declined from 45.2% to 18.8% (P < .001) and from 36.8% to 26.0% (P = .007) for sharing syringes, and the proportion of undiagnosed HIV infection declined from 84.3% to 15.0% (P < .001). Current OST increased from 12.2% to 27.7% (P < .001), and 48.4% of unlinked seropositive participants were linked to HIV care through 2013. Repeat participants reported higher rates of adequate syringe coverage, linkage to HIV care and OST. Conclusions Multiple evidence-based interventions delivered through rapid recruitment in a large proportion of the population of PWID are likely to have helped mitigate this HIV outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics
| | - Mina Psichogiou
- First Department of Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Laiko Hospital
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Meni Malliori
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Anastasia Pharris
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lucas Wiessing
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Martin Donoghoe
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Georgios Daikos
- First Department of Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Laiko Hospital
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Regional Features and National Differences in Population Distribution in China’s Border Regions (2000–2015). SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9030336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Prospects for ending the HIV epidemic among persons who inject drugs in Haiphong, Vietnam. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 32:50-6. [PMID: 27006257 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the prospects for "ending the HIV epidemic" among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Haiphong, Vietnam. Reaching an incidence of <0.5/100 person-years at risk (PY) was used as an operational definition for "ending the epidemic." METHODS A respondent driven sampling study of 603 PWID was conducted from September to October 2014. Current heroin use (verified with urine testing and marks of injection) was an eligibility requirement. A structured questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers to obtain demographic, drug use, and risk behavior data; HIV counseling and testing and HCV testing was also conducted. Two methods (by assuming all new injectors were HIV negative at first injection and by slope of prevalence by years injecting) were used for estimating HIV among persons injecting for <5 years ("new injectors"). Comparisons were made to the HIV epidemic among PWID in New York City and modeling of the HIV epidemic in Can Tho province. RESULTS HIV prevalence was 25% in 2014, down from 68% in 2006 and 48% in 2009; overall HCV prevalence in the study was 67%. Among HIV seropositive PWID, 33% reported receiving antiretroviral treatment. The great majority (83%) of subjects reported pharmacies as their primary source of needles and syringes and self-reported receptive and distributive syringe sharing were quite low (<6%). Estimating HIV incidence among non-MSM male new injectors with the assumption that all were HIV negative at first injection gave a rate of 1.2/100 person-years (95% CI -0.24, 3.4). Estimating HIV incidence by the slope of prevalence by years injecting gave a rate of 0.8/100 person-years at risk (95% CI -0.9, 2.5). CONCLUSIONS The current HIV epidemic among PWID in Haiphong is in a declining phase, but estimated incidence among non-MSM new injectors is approximately 1/100 person-years and there is a substantial gap in provision of ART for HIV seropositives. Scaling up interventions, particularly HIV counseling and testing and antiretroviral treatment for all seropositive PWID, should accelerate the decline. Ending the epidemic is an attainable public health goal.
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Samo RN, Agha A, Shah SA, Altaf A, Memon A, Blevins M, Qian HZ, Vermund SH. Risk Factors for Loss to Follow-Up among People Who Inject Drugs in a Risk Reduction Program at Karachi, Pakistan. A Case-Cohort Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147912. [PMID: 26840414 PMCID: PMC4739707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retention of male people who inject drugs (PWIDs) is a major challenge for harm reduction programs that include sterile needle/syringe exchange in resource-limited settings like Pakistan. We assessed the risk factors for loss to follow-up among male PWIDs enrolled in a risk reduction program in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study among 636 HIV-uninfected male PWIDs enrolled during March-June 2009 in a harm reduction program for the estimation of incidence rate. At 24 months post-enrollment, clients who had dropped out of the program were defined as lost to follow-up and included as cases for case-cohort study. RESULTS The median age of the participants was 29 years (interquartile range: 23-36). Active outreach accounted for 76% (483/636) of cohort recruits. Loss to follow-up at 24 months was 25.5% (162/636). In multivariable logistic regression, younger age (AOR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99, p = 0.028), clients from other provinces than Sindh (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01-2.22, p = 0.046), having no formal education (AOR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.35-4.90, p<0.001), a history of incarceration (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.14-2.46, p<0.008), and being homeless (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.00-2.19, p<0.049) were associated with loss to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Our cohort retained 74.5% of male PWIDs in Karachi for 24 months. Its loss to follow up rate suggested substantial ongoing programmatic challenges. Programmatic enhancements are needed for the highest risk male PWIDs, i.e., younger men, men not from Sindh Province, men who are poorly educated, formerly incarcerated, and/or homeless.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rab Nawaz Samo
- Polio Eradication Initiative, World Health Organization, Larkana, Pakistan
- * E-mail:
| | - Ajmal Agha
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Arshad Altaf
- Bridge Consultants Foundation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health & Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Han-Zhu Qian
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health & Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health & Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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HIV Prevalence, Estimated Incidence, and Risk Behaviors Among People Who Inject Drugs in Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 70:420-7. [PMID: 26226249 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa increasingly occurs among people who inject drugs (PWID). Kenya is one of the first to implement a national needle and syringe program. Our study undertook a baseline assessment as part of evaluating needle and syringe program in a seek, test, treat, and retain approach. METHODS Participants enrolled between May and December 2012 from 10 sites. Respondent-driven sampling was used to reach 1785 PWID for HIV-1 prevalence and viral load determination and survey data. RESULTS Estimated HIV prevalence, adjusted for differential network size and recruitment relationships, was 14.5% in Nairobi (95% CI: 10.8 to 18.2) and 20.5% in the Coast region (95% CI: 17.3 to 23.6). Viral load (log10 transformed) in Nairobi ranged from 1.71 to 6.12 (median: 4.41; interquartile range: 3.51-4.94) and in the Coast from 1.71 to 5.88 (median: 4.01; interquartile range: 3.44-4.72). Using log10 viral load 2.6 as a threshold for HIV viral suppression, the percentage of HIV-infected participants with viral suppression was 4.2% in Nairobi and 4.6% in the Coast. Heroin was the most commonly injected drug in both regions, used by 93% of participants in the past month, typically injecting 2-3 times/day. Receptive needle/syringe sharing at last injection was more common in Nairobi (23%) than in the Coast (4%). Estimated incidence among new injectors was 2.5/100 person-years in Nairobi and 1.6/100 person-years in the Coast. CONCLUSIONS The HIV epidemic is well established among PWID in both Nairobi and Coast regions. Public health scale implementation of combination HIV prevention has the potential to greatly limit the epidemic in this vulnerable and bridging population.
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Perlman DC, Jordan AE, Uuskula A, Huong DT, Masson CL, Schackman BR, Des Jarlais DC. An international perspective on using opioid substitution treatment to improve hepatitis C prevention and care for people who inject drugs: Structural barriers and public health potential. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 26:1056-63. [PMID: 26050614 PMCID: PMC4581906 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are central to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. Opioid substitution treatment (OST) of opioid dependence has the potential to play a significant role in the public health response to HCV by serving as an HCV prevention intervention, by treating non-injection opioid dependent people who might otherwise transition to non-sterile drug injection, and by serving as a platform to engage HCV infected PWID in the HCV care continuum and link them to HCV treatment. This paper examines programmatic, structural and policy considerations for using OST as a platform to improve the HCV prevention and care continuum in 3 countries-the United States, Estonia and Viet Nam. In each country a range of interconnected factors affects the use OST as a component of HCV control. These factors include (1) that OST is not yet provided on the scale needed to adequately address illicit opioid dependence, (2) inconsistent use of OST as a platform for HCV services, (3) high costs of HCV treatment and health insurance policies that affect access to both OST and HCV treatment, and (4) the stigmatization of drug use. We see the following as important for controlling HCV transmission among PWID: (1) maintaining current HIV prevention efforts, (2) expanding efforts to reduce the stigmatization of drug use, (3) expanding use of OST as part of a coordinated public health approach to opioid dependence, HIV prevention, and HCV control efforts, (4) reductions in HCV treatment costs and expanded health system coverage to allow population level HCV treatment as prevention and OST as needed. The global expansion of OST and use of OST as a platform for HCV services should be feasible next steps in the public health response to the HCV epidemic, and is likely to be critical to efforts to eliminate or eradicate HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Perlman
- Mount Sinai Beth Israel, 120 East 16 Street, 12 Floor, New York, NY, 10003 USA
| | - Ashly E. Jordan
- New York University, 726 Broadway, 10 Floor, New York, NY, 10003 USA
| | - Anneli Uuskula
- Department of Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
| | - Duong Thi Huong
- Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 72A Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
| | - Carmen L. Masson
- University of California at San Francisco, 1001 Potrero, San Francisco, CA, 94110 USA
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 425 East 61 Street, Suite 301, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Don C. Des Jarlais
- Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Chemical Dependency Institute, 160 Water Street, 24 Floor, New York, NY 10038, USA
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Marshall Z, Dechman MK, Minichiello A, Alcock L, Harris GE. Peering into the literature: A systematic review of the roles of people who inject drugs in harm reduction initiatives. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 151:1-14. [PMID: 25891234 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs have been central to the development of harm reduction initiatives. Referred to as peer workers, peer helpers, or natural helpers, people with lived experience of drug use leverage their personal knowledge and skills to deliver harm reduction services. Addressing a gap in the literature, this systematic review focuses on the roles of people who inject drugs in harm reduction initiatives, how programs are organized, and obstacles and facilitators to engaging people with lived experience in harm reduction programs, in order to inform practice and future research. METHODS This systematic review included searches for both peer reviewed and gray literature. All titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers. A structured data extraction tool was developed and utilized to systematically code information concerning peer roles and participation, program characteristics, obstacles, and facilitators. RESULTS On the basis of specific inclusion criteria 164 documents were selected, with 127 peer-reviewed and 37 gray literature references. Data extraction identified key harm reduction program characteristics and forms of participation including 36 peer roles grouped into five categories, as well as obstacles and facilitators at systemic, organizational, and individual levels. CONCLUSIONS Research on harm reduction programs that involve people with lived experience can help us better understand these approaches and demonstrate their value. Current evidence provides good descriptive content but the field lacks agreed-upon approaches to documenting the ways peer workers contribute to harm reduction initiatives. Implications and ten strategies to better support peer involvement in harm reduction programs are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Marshall
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Philip Drive, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3V6.
| | - M K Dechman
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Cape Breton University, PO Box 5300, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS, Canada B1P 6L2.
| | - A Minichiello
- Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Cape Breton University, PO Box 5300, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, NS, Canada B1P 6L2.
| | - L Alcock
- Health Sciences Library, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3V6.
| | - G E Harris
- Faculty of Education, G. A. Hickman Building, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X8.
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Go VF, Frangakis C, Minh NL, Latkin C, Ha TV, Mo TT, Sripaipan T, Davis WW, Zelaya C, Vu PT, Celentano DD, Quan VM. Efficacy of a Multi-level Intervention to Reduce Injecting and Sexual Risk Behaviors among HIV-Infected People Who Inject Drugs in Vietnam: A Four-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125909. [PMID: 26011427 PMCID: PMC4444299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Injecting drug use is a primary driver of HIV epidemics in many countries. People who inject drugs (PWID) and are HIV infected are often doubly stigmatized and many encounter difficulties reducing risk behaviors. Prevention interventions for HIV-infected PWID that provide enhanced support at the individual, family, and community level to facilitate risk-reduction are needed. Methods 455 HIV-infected PWID and 355 of their HIV negative injecting network members living in 32 sub-districts in Thai Nguyen Province were enrolled. We conducted a two-stage randomization: First, sub-districts were randomized to either a community video screening and house-to-house visits or standard of care educational pamphlets. Second, within each sub-district, participants were randomized to receive either enhanced individual level post-test counseling and group support sessions or standard of care HIV testing and counseling. This resulted in four arms: 1) standard of care; 2) community level intervention; 3) individual level intervention; and 4) community plus individual intervention. Follow-up was conducted at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Primary outcomes were self-reported HIV injecting and sexual risk behaviors. Secondary outcomes included HIV incidence among HIV negative network members. Results Fewer participants reported sharing injecting equipment and unprotected sex from baseline to 24 months in all arms (77% to 4% and 24% to 5% respectively). There were no significant differences at the 24-month visit among the 4 arms (Wald = 3.40 (3 df); p = 0.33; Wald = 6.73 (3 df); p = 0.08). There were a total of 4 HIV seroconversions over 24 months with no significant difference between intervention and control arms. Discussion Understanding the mechanisms through which all arms, particularly the control arm, demonstrated both low risk behaviors and low HIV incidence has important implications for policy and prevention programming. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01689545
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian F. Go
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Constantine Frangakis
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nguyen Le Minh
- Thai Nguyen Center for Preventive Medicine, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tran Viet Ha
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tran Thi Mo
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Teerada Sripaipan
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Wendy W. Davis
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Carla Zelaya
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Pham The Vu
- Thai Nguyen Center for Preventive Medicine, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - David D. Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vu Minh Quan
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Nguyen HT, Tran AV, Nguyen NB, Nguyen SH, Vu DB, Nguyen NT, Brookmeyer RS, Detels R. Community Mobilization to Reduce Drug Use, Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:189-195. [PMID: 25393171 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. We implemented an intervention to reduce drug use in an urban commune in northern Vietnam. Methods. We encouraged the intervention commune to accept responsibility for developing their own intervention strategies based on a community mobilization model used in southern, rural China. We selected a comparison commune, which had demographic characteristics and a drug history similar to the intervention commune. The 2-year incidence of new drug users was estimated retrospectively in the intervention and comparison communes between baseline (2003) and follow-up (2009). Results. Increased incidence of new (noninjecting) drug users between 2003 and 2009 in the intervention commune was lower than that in the comparison commune, and these participants expressed more positive attitudes toward local authority and people with drug use and HIV/AIDS. Increased condom use during last intercourse with female sex workers and with female casual partners was observed in the intervention commune. HIV prevalence and positive opioid tests decreased more in the intervention commune. Conclusions. Our results suggested that the community mobilization had a positive influence in the intervention commune.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hien Tran Nguyen
- Roger Detels and Ronald S. Brookmeyer are with the Fielding School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles. Hien Tran Nguyen, Nguyen Binh Nguyen, and Diep Bich Vu are with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam. Anh Viet Tran and Son Hong Nguyen are with the Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi. Nhu To Nguyen is with the Family Health International 360, Hanoi
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Ahmed T, Long NT, Huong PTT, Stewart DE. HIV and Injecting Drug Users in Vietnam: An Overview of Policies and Responses. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Wang K, Fu H, Longfield K, Modi S, Mundy G, Firestone R. Do community-based strategies reduce HIV risk among people who inject drugs in China? A quasi-experimental study in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. Harm Reduct J 2014; 11:15. [PMID: 24885778 PMCID: PMC4022425 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-11-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) is high in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in southwest China. To address this epidemic, Population Services International (PSI) and four cooperating agencies implemented a comprehensive harm reduction model delivered through community-based drop-incenters (DiC) and peer-led outreach to reduce HIV risk among PWID. Methods We used 2012 behavioral survey data to evaluate the effectiveness of this model for achieving changes in HIV risk, including never sharing needles or syringes, always keeping a clean needle on hand, HIV testing and counseling (HTC), and consistent condom use. We used respondent-driven sampling to recruit respondents. We then used coarsened exact matching (CEM) to match respondents during analysis to improve estimation of the effects of exposure to both DiC and outreach, only DiC, and only outreach, modeled using multivariable logistic regression. Results We found a significant relationship between participating in both peer-led DiC-based activities and outreach and having a new needle on hand (odds ratio (OR) 1.53, p < .05) and consistent condom use (OR 3.31, p < .001). We also found a significant relationship between exposure to DiC activities and outreach and HIV testing in Kunming (OR 2.92, p < .01) and exposure to peer-led outreach and HIV testing through referrals in Gejiu, Nanning, and Luzhai (OR 3.63, p < .05). Conclusions A comprehensive harm reduction model delivered through peer-led and community-based strategies reduced HIV risk among PWID in China. Both DiC activities and outreach were effective in providing PWID behavior change communications (BCC) and HTC. HTC is best offered in settings like DiCs, where there is privacy for testing and receiving results. Outreach coverage was low, especially in Guangxi province where the implementation model required building the technical capacity of government partners and grassroot organizations. Outreach appears to be most effective for referring PWID into HTC, especially when DiC-based HTC is not available and increasing awareness of DiCs where PWID can receive more intensive BCC interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- PSI/China, 909-9 F, M2 Building, Harmonious Society, Xiaokang Rd, Hongyun Community, Wuhua District, Kunming 650000, China.
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Abdul-Quader AS, Feelemyer J, Modi S, Stein ES, Briceno A, Semaan S, Horvath T, Kennedy GE, Des Jarlais DC. Effectiveness of structural-level needle/syringe programs to reduce HCV and HIV infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:2878-92. [PMID: 23975473 PMCID: PMC6509353 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Needle-syringe programs (NSP) have been effective in reducing HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID). Achieving sustainable reductions in these blood-borne infections requires addressing structural factors so PWID can legally access NSP services. Systematic literature searches collected information on NSP coverage and changes in HIV or HCV infection prevalence or incidence at the population level. Included studies had to document biomarkers (HIV or HCV) coupled with structural-level NSP, defined by a minimum 50 % coverage of PWID and distribution of 10 or more needles/syringe per PWID per year. Fifteen studies reported structural-level NSP and changes in HIV or HCV infection prevalence/incidence. Nine reported decreases in HIV prevalence, six in HCV infection prevalence, and three reported decreases in HIV incidence. The results support NSP as a structural-level intervention to reduce population-level infection and implementation of NSP for prevention and treatment of HIV and HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu S Abdul-Quader
- Center for Global Health, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Epidemiology and Strategic Information Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CORP Bldg 1 Rm 2308.02, MS E30, Atlanta, GA, 30329-1902, USA,
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Nutbeam D, Padmadas SS, Maslovskaya O, Wu Z. A health promotion logic model to review progress in HIV prevention in China. Health Promot Int 2013; 30:270-80. [PMID: 23753059 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dat037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the theory and concepts of health promotion, this paper proposes a logic model for HIV/AIDS prevention and control which provides a structure for describing planned actions and predicted impacts/outcomes from comprehensive HIV prevention interventions. The potential usefulness of the model is examined by reviewing the evolution of HIV prevention and management in China, drawing on evidence from interventions reported from a mixture of study designs and formats. It reports that HIV interventions in China can be considered in two distinctive phases, before and after 2003 when China commenced its 'official' response to the HIV epidemic. The logic model was useful in comparing actions taken over these two periods highlighting the importance of political leadership in distinguishing between the two phases, and the continuing importance of systematic and broadly based public education and communication. We conclude that the logic model can not only be used as a planning model, but can also be applied retrospectively to assess successes and failures in national and local responses to HIV in complex social settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabu S Padmadas
- Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty & Policy, Social Statistics and Demography Division and
| | - Olga Maslovskaya
- EPSRC Care Life Cycle Research Programme and Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Centre for Public Health Research, Nanjing University, PR China
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Des Jarlais DC, Feelemyer JP, Modi SN, Abdul-Quader A, Hagan H. High coverage needle/syringe programs for people who inject drugs in low and middle income countries: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:53. [PMID: 23332005 PMCID: PMC3567947 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at an elevated risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In many high-income countries, needle and syringe exchange programs (NSP) have been associated with reductions in blood-borne infections. However, we do not have a good understanding of the effectiveness of NSP in low/middle-income and transitional-economy countries. METHODS A systematic literature review based on PRISMA guidelines was utilized to collect primary study data on coverage of NSP programs and changes in HIV and HCV infection over time among PWID in low-and middle-income and transitional countries (LMICs). Included studies reported laboratory measures of either HIV or HCV and at least 50% coverage of the local injecting population (through direct use or through secondary exchange). We also included national reports on newly reported HIV cases for countries that had national level data for PWID in conjunction with NSP scale-up and implementation. RESULTS Studies of 11 NSPs with high-coverage from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Estonia, Iran, Lithuania, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam were included in the review. In five studies HIV prevalence decreased (range -3% to -15%) and in three studies HCV prevalence decreased (range -4.2% to -10.2%). In two studies HIV prevalence increased (range +5.6% to +14.8%). HCV incidence remained stable in one study. Of the four national reports of newly reported HIV cases, three reported decreases during NSP expansion, ranging from -30% to -93.3%, while one national report documented an increase in cases (+37.6%). Estimated incidence among new injectors decreased in three studies, with reductions ranging from -11/100 person years at risk to -16/100 person years at risk. CONCLUSIONS While not fully consistent, the data generally support the effectiveness of NSP in reducing HIV and HCV infection in low/middle-income and transitional-economy countries. If high coverage is achieved, NSP appear to be as effective in LMICs as in high-income countries. Additional monitoring and evaluation research is needed for NSPs where reductions in HIV/HCV infection among PWID are not occurring in order to identify and correct contributing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don C Des Jarlais
- The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City, USA.
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Methadone maintenance therapy in Vietnam: an overview and scaling-up plan. Adv Prev Med 2012; 2012:732484. [PMID: 23227351 PMCID: PMC3512212 DOI: 10.1155/2012/732484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vietnam is among the countries with the highest rate of HIV transmission through injecting drug users. HIV prevalence among injecting drug users is 20% and up to 50% in many provinces. An estimated number of drug users in the country by the end of 2011 were 171,000 in which the most common is heroin (85%). Detoxification at home, community, and in rehabilitation centers have been the main modalities for managing heroin addiction until Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) was piloted in 2008. Recent reports have demonstrated positive treatment outcomes. Incidence of HIV was found remarkably low among patients on MMT. Treatment has significantly improved the quality of life as well as stability for society. The government has granted the Ministry of Health (MoH) to expand Methadone treatment to at least 30 provinces to provide treatment for more than 80,000 drug users by 2015. The Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) and MOH have outlined the role and responsibility of key departments at the central and local levels in implementing and maintaining MMT treatment. This paper will describe the achievements of the MMT pilot program and the scaling-up plan as well as strategies to ensure quality and sustainability and to overcome the challenges in the coming years.
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Hammett TM, Des Jarlais DC, Kling R, Kieu BT, McNicholl JM, Wasinrapee P, McDougal JS, Liu W, Chen Y, Meng D, Doan N, Tho HN, Quyen NH, Tren VH. Controlling HIV epidemics among injection drug users: eight years of Cross-Border HIV prevention interventions in Vietnam and China. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43141. [PMID: 22952640 PMCID: PMC3428343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV in Vietnam and Southern China is driven by injection drug use. We have implemented HIV prevention interventions for IDUs since 2002-2003 in Lang Son and Ha Giang Provinces, Vietnam and Ning Ming County (Guangxi), China. METHODS Interventions provide peer education and needle/syringe distribution. Evaluation employed serial cross-sectional surveys of IDUs 26 waves from 2002 to 2011, including interviews and HIV testing. Outcomes were HIV risk behaviors, HIV prevalence and incidence. HIV incidence estimation used two methods: 1) among new injectors from prevalence data; and 2) a capture enzyme immunoassay (BED testing) on all HIV+ samples. RESULTS We found significant declines in drug-related risk behaviors and sharp reductions in HIV prevalence among IDUs (Lang Son from 46% to 23% [p<0.001], Ning Ming: from 17% to 11% [p = 0.003], and Ha Giang: from 51% to 18% [p<0.001]), reductions not experienced in other provinces without such interventions. There were significant declines in HIV incidence to low levels among new injectors through 36-48 months, then some rebound, particularly in Ning Ming, but BED-based estimates revealed significant reductions in incidence through 96 months. DISCUSSION This is one of the longest studies of HIV prevention among IDUs in Asia. The rebound in incidence among new injectors may reflect sexual transmission. BED-based estimates may overstate incidence (because of false-recent results in patients with long-term infection or on ARV treatment) but adjustment for false-recent results and survey responses on duration of infection generally confirm BED-based incidence trends. Combined trends from the two estimation methods show sharp declines in incidence to low levels. The significant downward trends in all primary outcome measures indicate that the Cross-Border interventions played an important role in bringing HIV epidemics among IDUs under control. The Cross-Border project offers a model of HIV prevention for IDUs that should be considered for large-scale replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore M Hammett
- Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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Jardine M, Crofts N, Monaghan G, Morrow M. Harm reduction and law enforcement in Vietnam: influences on street policing. Harm Reduct J 2012; 9:27. [PMID: 22769590 PMCID: PMC3409021 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-9-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and rationale The HIV epidemic in Vietnam has from its start been concentrated among injecting drug users. Vietnam instituted the 2006 HIV/AIDS Law which includes comprehensive harm reduction measures, but these are unevenly accepted and inadequately implemented. Ward police are a major determinant of risk for IDUs, required to participate in drug control practices (especially meeting quotas for detention centres) which impede support for harm reduction. We studied influences on ward level police regarding harm reduction in Hanoi to learn how to better target education and structural change. Methods After document review, we interviewed informants from government, NGOs, INGOs, multilateral agencies, and police, using semi-structured guides. Topics covered included perceptions of harm reduction and the police role in drug law enforcement, and harm reduction training and advocacy among police. Results Police perceive conflicting responsibilities, but overwhelmingly see their responsibility as enforcing drug laws, identifying and knowing drug users, and selecting those for compulsory detention. Harm reduction training was very patchy, ward police not being seen as important to it; and understanding of harm reduction was limited, tending to reflect drug control priorities. Justification for methadone was as much crime prevention as HIV prevention. Competing pressures on ward police create much anxiety, with performance measures based around drug control; recourse to detention resolves competing pressures more safely. There is much recognition of the importance of discretion, and much use of it to maintain good social order. Policy dissemination approaches within the law enforcement sector were inconsistent, with little communication about harm reduction programs or approaches, and an unfounded assumption that training at senior levels would naturally reach to the street. Discussion Ward police have not been systematically included in harm reduction advocacy or training strategies to support or operationalise legalised harm reduction interventions. The practices of street police challenge harm reduction policies, entirely understandably given the competing pressures on them. For harm reduction to be effective in Vietnam, it is essential that the ambiguities and contradictions between laws to control HIV and to control drugs be resolved for the street-level police.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Jardine
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 4th Floor, 161 Barry Street, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Mackenzie S, Pearson C, Frye V, Gómez CA, Latka MH, Purcell DW, Knowlton AR, Metsch LR, Tobin KE, Valverde EE, Knight KR. Agents of change: peer mentorship as HIV prevention among HIV-positive injection drug users. Subst Use Misuse 2012; 47:522-34. [PMID: 22428820 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2012.644122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a qualitative investigation of peer mentoring among HIV seropositive injection drug users in a randomized controlled trial, the INSPIRE study. Qualitative analyses of 68 in-depth open-ended interviews conducted in 2005 in Baltimore, New York, Miami, and San Francisco revealed that these individuals conceptualized themselves as change agents through the identity of peer mentor at the three related domains of individual, interpersonal, and community-level change. Implications for program development and future research of peer mentoring as a mechanism for HIV prevention are discussed. This study was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Mackenzie
- Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California 94132, USA.
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Lee HY, Yang YH, Yu WJ, Su LW, Lin TY, Chiu HJ, Tang HP, Lin CY, Pan RN, Li JH. Essentiality of HIV testing and education for effective HIV control in the national pilot harm reduction program: the Taiwan experience. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2012; 28:79-85. [PMID: 22313534 DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2005, a national pilot harm reduction program (PHRP), which mainly included a methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) and a needle/syringe exchange program (NSP), was implemented in Taiwan. We conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of harm reduction measures on HIV control among injecting drug users (IDUs) between PHRP and nonPHRP. The data on HIV, collected from incumbent Taiwanese authorities, were analyzed for their associations, risk and protective factors with PHRP measures. While the monthly HIV incidences did not show significant differences before and after PHRP in the four areas with PHRP (Taipei City, Taipei County, Taoyuan County and Tainan County), a significant increase in the HIV incidence was found in the 21 areas without PHRP. Hence, the implementation of the PHRP did result in a significant difference in the monthly HIV incidence between areas with and without the PHRP. Mandatory HIV testing was significantly associated with the HIV incidence according to the generalized estimation equations (GEE) model. With adjustments of time period and area with PHRP, and urban area, protective factors associated with HIV incidence were: educational materials, condoms, dilution water, and alcohol sponges/swabs. MMTP contributed to a higher HIV incidence, probably due to the concurrent HIV testing upon admission. Since HIV testing was not required in the NSP, the HIV testing-dependent MMTP may explain the association of the PHRP intervention and an increased HIV incidence. In summary, HIV testing and education were essential for effective HIV control upon implementing the PHRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Ya Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Shen SY, Zhang ZB, Tucker JD, Chang H, Zhang GR, Lin AH. Peer-based behavioral health program for drug users in China: a pilot study. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:693. [PMID: 21899764 PMCID: PMC3189137 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many injection drug users (IDUs) in China have high risk sexual behaviors that contribute to the spread of HIV infection. Although many IDUs in China move through drug rehabilitation centers, this opportunity for sexual health education has largely been overlooked. METHODS A convenience sample of 667 drug users from two rehabilitation centers in South China was recruited in the study. Two hundred and forty seven drug users from a single Guangdong Province rehabilitation center received the peer-based education intervention, while 420 drug users from another rehabilitation center received routine HIV/STI education and was used as the control. One hundred and eighty nine (22.1%) individuals refused to participate in the study. HIV/STI behavioral and knowledge domains were assessed at 3 months in rehabilitation centers after the intervention (first follow-up) and at 2-23 months in the community after release (second follow-up). RESULTS Drug users who completed the intervention reported more frequent condom use with casual sex partners (60.0% vs. 12.5% condom use every time, p = 0.011) and less frequent injection (56.7% vs. 26.4% no injection per day, p = 0.008) at the second follow-up compared to those in the routine education group. Loss to follow up was substantial in both control and intervention groups, and was associated with living far from the detention center and having poor HIV knowledge at baseline. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that rehabilitation centers may be a useful location for providing behavioral HIV/STI prevention services and referral of individuals to community-based programs upon release. More research is needed on behalf of detained drug users in China who have complex social, medical, and legal needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Ying Shen
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun-Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
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30
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Nam NTT, Bygbjerg IC, Mogensen HO, Rasch V. Antiretroviral therapy: unmet need and associated socio-demographic characteristics among HIV-positive women in Haiphong, Vietnam. AIDS Care 2011; 23:1-9. [PMID: 21218271 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2010.496846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In Vietnam, ARV access has been scaled up since 2005 in high HIV prevalence areas in order to meet increasing demands for HIV treatment. This paper aims to estimate ARV unmet need and its associated socio-demographic characteristics among HIV-positive women in Haiphong, Vietnam. A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires and CD4 cell count was conducted with 353 HIV-positive women recruited from groups of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), by snowball technique through member of PLWHA groups and the local AIDS management system (Provincial AIDS Center (PAC)). The percentage of HIV-positive women having an unmet ARV need was estimated to be 40%, particularly high among women who were not registered at PAC. Having an unmet ARV need was associated with not participating in PLWHA groups (OR 6.5; 2.4-17.2) and being younger than 30 years old (OR 2.9; 1.1-7.3).
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Implementation science for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2010; 55 Suppl 1:S27-31. [PMID: 21045596 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3181f9c1da] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Implementation science is the scientific study of methods to promote the integration of research findings and evidence-based interventions into health care policy and practice and hence to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services and care. Implementation science is distinguished from monitoring and evaluation by its emphasis on the use of the scientific method. The origins of implementation science include operations research, industrial engineering, and management science. Today, implementation science encompasses a broader range of methods and skills including decision science and operations research, health systems research, health outcomes research, health and behavioral economics, epidemiology, statistics, organization and management science, finance, policy analysis, anthropology, sociology, and ethics. Examples of implementation science research are presented for HIV prevention (prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, male circumcision) and HIV and drug use (syringe distribution, treating drug users with antiretroviral therapy and opioid substitution therapy). For implementation science to become an established field in HIV/AIDS research, there needs to be better coordination between funders of research and funders of program delivery and greater consensus on scientific research approaches and standards of evidence.
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Gyarmathy VA, Rácz J. [Social networks, risk dyads, and their role in the epidemiology and prevention of drug related infectious diseases]. Orv Hetil 2010; 151:1289-94. [PMID: 20656668 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2010.28860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the case of risk behaviors where infection transmission occurs through social relationships (e.g. via sharing drugs and injecting equipment, or through sexual relations), prevention should follow (among others) the path of the social network. Previous studies have shown that sharing of injecting equipment is more likely to occur in larger and denser networks and that more popular individuals are more likely to engage in risk behaviors, become infected or transmit infection. Primary targets of social network interventions are central individuals, and information diffuses from them to the more peripheral members of the network. The most effective preventions are those where social network interventions targeting high-risk, central individuals are complemented by concurrent individual counseling and/or dyad interventions. Injecting drug users in Hungary would also benefit from such a multifaceted prevention approach aiming to reduce risky injecting behavior. This population needs prevention, in whatever form available, to prevent the deterioration of the current HCV and HIV epidemiological situation in Hungary and the development of an HIV epidemic that will eventually spread over to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Anna Gyarmathy
- Európai Kábítószer- és Kábítószerfüggoség-megfigyelo Központ (EMCDDA), Lisszabon Portugália.
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Degenhardt L, Mathers B, Vickerman P, Rhodes T, Latkin C, Hickman M. Prevention of HIV infection for people who inject drugs: why individual, structural, and combination approaches are needed. Lancet 2010; 376:285-301. [PMID: 20650522 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)60742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
HIV can spread rapidly between people who inject drugs (through injections and sexual transmission), and potentially the virus can pass to the wider community (by sexual transmission). Here, we summarise evidence on the effectiveness of individual-level approaches to prevention of HIV infection; review global and regional coverage of opioid substitution treatment, needle and syringe programmes, and antiretroviral treatment; model the effect of increased coverage and a combination of these three approaches on HIV transmission and prevalence in injecting drug users; and discuss evidence for structural-level interventions. Each intervention alone will achieve modest reductions in HIV transmission, and prevention of HIV transmission necessitates high-coverage and combined approaches. Social and structural changes are potentially beneficial components in a combined-intervention strategy, especially when scale-up is difficult or reductions in HIV transmission and injection risk are difficult to achieve. Although further evidence is needed on how to optimise combinations of interventions in different settings and epidemics, we know enough now about which actions are effective: the challenge is to deliver these well and to scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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34
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Strathdee SA, Hallett TB, Bobrova N, Rhodes T, Booth R, Abdool R, Hankins CA. HIV and risk environment for injecting drug users: the past, present, and future. Lancet 2010; 376:268-84. [PMID: 20650523 PMCID: PMC6464374 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)60743-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We systematically reviewed reports about determinants of HIV infection in injecting drug users from 2000 to 2009, classifying findings by type of environmental influence. We then modelled changes in risk environments in regions with severe HIV epidemics associated with injecting drug use. Of 94 studies identified, 25 intentionally examined risk environments. Modelling of HIV epidemics showed substantial heterogeneity in the number of HIV infections that are attributed to injecting drug use and unprotected sex. We estimate that, during 2010-15, HIV prevalence could be reduced by 41% in Odessa (Ukraine), 43% in Karachi (Pakistan), and 30% in Nairobi (Kenya) through a 60% reduction of the unmet need of programmes for opioid substitution, needle exchange, and antiretroviral therapy. Mitigation of patient transition to injecting drugs from non-injecting forms could avert a 98% increase in HIV infections in Karachi; whereas elimination of laws prohibiting opioid substitution with concomitant scale-up could prevent 14% of HIV infections in Nairobi. Optimisation of effectiveness and coverage of interventions is crucial for regions with rapidly growing epidemics. Delineation of environmental risk factors provides a crucial insight into HIV prevention. Evidence-informed, rights-based, combination interventions protecting IDUs' access to HIV prevention and treatment could substantially curtail HIV epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffanie A Strathdee
- University of California, San Diego, Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, CA 92093-0507, USA.
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35
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Pattanaphesaj J, Teerawattananon Y. Reviewing the evidence on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HIV prevention strategies in Thailand. BMC Public Health 2010; 10:401. [PMID: 20604975 PMCID: PMC2912810 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Following universal access to antiretroviral therapy in Thailand, evidence from National AIDS Spending Assessment indicates a decreasing proportion of expenditure on prevention interventions. To prompt policymakers to revitalize HIV prevention, this study identifies a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDs preventive interventions that are likely to be effective and cost-effective in Thailand. Methods A systematic review of the national and international literature on HIV prevention strategies from 1997 to 2008 was undertaken. The outcomes used to consider the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions were changes in HIV risk behaviour and HIV incidence. Economic evaluations that presented their results in terms of cost per HIV infection averted or cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained were also included. All studies were assessed against quality criteria. Results The findings demonstrated that school based-sex education plus life-skill programs, voluntary and routine HIV counselling and testing, male condoms, street outreach programs, needle and syringe programs, programs for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, male circumcision, screening blood products and donated organs for HIV, and increased alcohol tax were all effective in reducing HIV infection among target populations in a cost-effective manner. Conclusion We found very limited local evidence regarding the effectiveness of HIV interventions amongst specific high risk populations. This underlines the urgent need to prioritise health research resources to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HIV interventions aimed at reducing HIV infection among high risk groups in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntana Pattanaphesaj
- Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Ministry of Public Health, Tiwanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
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Li J, Ha TH, Zhang C, Liu H. The Chinese government's response to drug use and HIV/AIDS: a review of policies and programs. Harm Reduct J 2010; 7:4. [PMID: 20205729 PMCID: PMC2847555 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-7-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Illicit drug use has become popular in China. Acknowledging the challenge of illicit drug use, China has adopted several new policies on the management of illicit drug use in recent years. This study reviews the current policies on drug use and assesses the harm reduction interventions among drug users in China. The review documents that the new policies on drug use provide a variety of choices of detoxification treatment for drug users. The methadone maintenance treatment and needle exchange programs have been adopted as harm reduction models in China. Most of the reviewed harm reduction programs have been successfully implemented and yielded positive effects in reducing drug related risk behaviors among drug users. Although there remain barriers to the effective implementation of policies on drug use and harm reduction programs, Chinese government has shown their commitment to support the expansion of harm reduction interventions for drug users throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Li
- Yunnan Institute for Drug Abuse, Yunnan, China.
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37
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Broadhead RS, Hammett TM, Kling R, Ngu D, Liu W, Chen Y, Quyen HN, Binh KT, Van Tren H, Borch C, Gauchat G, Des Jarlais DC. Peer-Driven Interventions in Vietnam and China to Prevent HIV: A Pilot Study Targeting Injection Drug Users. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/002204260903900403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic in China and Vietnam is on the increase among injection drug users (IDUs). We report on the results of a pilot outreach study in northern Vietnam and southern China to test the feasibility of a peer-driven intervention (PDI) to prevent HIV among IDUs. In the PDI, recruitment relies on a “chain-referral” model in which IDUs carry-out the core outreach activities that salaried outreach-workers/peer-educators traditionally provide. A 6-month follow-up was built into the study design to measure possible changes in IDUs' risk behaviors. The impact results of the pilot study are reported bearing on several different measures, such as changes in IDUs' rates of lending or borrowing used syringes, willingness to enter into drug treatment, baseline and follow-up recruitment success, and effectiveness of serving as peer-educators in the community. The evidence suggests the PDI is highly feasible and deserving of greater research in both China and Vietnam.
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Li X, He G, Wang H, Williams AB. Consequences of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS in China: recommendations for integrated care of HIV-infected drug users. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2009; 23:877-84. [PMID: 19799494 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2009.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug abuse is a complicated social phenomenon rather than a neural disease. It especially fuels the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Researchers have shown interest in HIV-infected drug users as the socially and medically marginalized population, but they did not provide good enough care. Based on published English and Chinese journal articles and official reports, this integrated literature review summarizes the epidemic of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS, and comments on the clinical and psychosocial consequences, and harm reduction measures in China. Officially registered drug users have reached more than 1 million recently. A little under half of the people living with HIV/AIDS are injection drug users, as they transmit the disease through needle sharing and unprotected sexual behavior. The main consequences of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS included high prevalence of hepatitis viruses and tuberculosis co-infections, severe mental problems and extreme poverty. Even health professionals hold discriminative attitude toward drug users because of condemnation of drug abuse behavior and fear of HIV infection. Although interventions for drug addiction and harm reduction have been scaled up quickly, such as methadone maintenance treatment and needle syringe programs, the measures should be further revised, and the effectiveness needs to be evaluated appropriately. To enhance HIV-infected drug users' quality of life and the utility of medical services, improving health care providers' attitude is the first step. Then securing good quality of integrated medical care services with multidisciplinary cooperation will be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhong Li
- School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guoping He
- School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Hong Y, Li X. HIV/AIDS behavioral interventions in China: a literature review and recommendation for future research. AIDS Behav 2009; 13:603-13. [PMID: 19015973 PMCID: PMC2896041 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-008-9483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past two decades, China has witnessed an alarming increase of HIV/AIDS epidemic. Meanwhile, a number of HIV prevention interventions have been conducted. This study reviews existing studies in literature on behavioral interventions on HIV/AIDS in China. Of 25 studies we identified, most have been concentrated in South and South-West China, mainly targeting injection drug users and female sex workers. The most commonly used intervention strategy was individual-oriented HIV-related knowledge education and behavioral skill training. All studies reported positive intervention effects including improved HIV-related knowledge, increased condom use, reduced needle sharing, and reduced STI. Literature also suggests a lack of intervention among other at-risk populations such as MSM, migrant workers, and non-injecting drug users, lack of studies with rigorous evaluation design, inadequate follow-up, limited outcome measurement, and lack of multi-faceted structural interventions. The existing intervention studies document strong evidence of controlling HIV/AIDS epidemic through effective behavioral intervention. More efforts are needed to control the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in China. Future studies need to employ more rigorous methodology and incorporate environmental or structural factors for different populations at risk of HIV infection in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hong
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Koester S. The disconnect between China's public health and public security responses to injection drug use, and the consequences for human rights. PLoS Med 2008; 5:e240. [PMID: 19071956 PMCID: PMC2596855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stephen Koester discusses a research article by Elizabeth Cohen and Joseph Amon that illustrates how injection drug users are caught between China's conflicting policies and practices toward drug use and HIV prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Koester
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States of America.
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Abstract
Greece has experienced early the effect of HIV/AIDS on morbidity and mortality. The era of highly active antiretroviral therapy has alleviated many of the consequences of the epidemic, however, HIV infection remains an issue of utmost significance. Men who have sex with men are the driving force of the HIV epidemic in Greece followed by heterosexually-infected individuals, while infections among injecting drug users remain at low levels. HIV-1 molecular epidemiology studies reveal a high genetic heterogeneity amongst the circulating strains in Greece. The epidemic began with subtype B, as in most of the European countries, however, subtype A was detected at a high prevalence among the newly diagnosed HIV-1-infected individuals in recent years. HIV requires an effective and sustained response meeting the needs of vulnerable subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nikolopoulos
- National Retrovirus Reference Center, Department of Hygiene Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece.
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