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Bell LM. The Epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Reflections and Insights. Nurs Clin North Am 2024; 59:153-164. [PMID: 38670686 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The ongoing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic reveals sustained health care disparities among Black and Brown people and those living in the United States South. With increased rates of HIV incidence in several geographic regions, we must identify and address the structural barriers that limit advances to end the HIV epidemic. This article will shine a reflective and insightful light on the advances that we have made with HIV treatment and prevention and propose novel ways to close the gap for vulnerable people living with or affected by HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacrecia M Bell
- School of Nursing, Duke University School of Nursing, 307 Trent Drive, DUMC 3322, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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2
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Walsh JL, Quinn KG, Hirshfield S, John SA, Algiers O, Al-Shalby K, Giuca AM, McCarthy C, Petroll AE. Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Impact of 4 Remotely-Delivered Interventions for Rural Older Adults Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1401-1414. [PMID: 38170275 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04227-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLH) who live in rural areas of the United States (US) face more challenges to obtaining medical care and suffer higher mortality rates compared to non-rural PLH. Compared with younger PLH, older PLH (age 50+) also face additional challenges to maintaining their health and wellbeing. Despite the heightened barriers to receiving care and remaining adherent to treatment among older rural PLH, few interventions to increase viral suppression and improve quality of life exist for this population. We pilot-tested four remotely-delivered interventions-group-based social support, group-based stigma-reduction, individual strengths-based case management, and individual technology detailing-aimed to improve care engagement and quality of life in rural older PLH in the southern US. Participants (N = 61, Mage = 58, 75% male) completed surveys and self-collected blood specimens at baseline and 3 months; in between, they were randomized to 0-4 interventions. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact on medication adherence, viral suppression, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and hypothesized mediating mechanisms. More than 80% participated in assigned intervention(s), and 84% completed the study. Interventions were highly acceptable to participants, with more than 80% reporting they would recommend interventions to peers. More than 80% found the social support and case management interventions to be relevant and enjoyable. We found promising preliminary impact of interventions on quality of life, medication adherence, depressive symptoms, internalized stigma, and loneliness. Remotely-delivered interventions targeting rural older PLH are feasible to conduct and acceptable to participants. Larger scale study of these interventions is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Katherine G Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- STAR Program, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven A John
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Olivia Algiers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kamal Al-Shalby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Giuca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin McCarthy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Andrew E Petroll
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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3
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Polonijo AN, Nguyen AL, Greene KY, Lopez JL, Yoo-Jeong M, Ruiz EL, Christensen C, Galea JT, Brown B. Brief virtual intervention associated with increased social engagement and decreased negative affect among people aging with HIV. AIDS Care 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38497407 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2329644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Virtual Villages-online communities that deliver supports to promote aging in place-are proposed to mitigate isolation and support the health of aging populations. Using a community-engaged approach, we developed and pilot-tested a Virtual Village intervention tailored for people living with HIV (PLWH) aged 50+ . The intervention employed a Discord server featuring social interaction, regional and national resources, expert presentations, and mindful meditation exercises. In 2022, a sample of PLWH aged 50+ from three U.S. study sites participated in a four-week pilot. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed participants' demographic characteristics; degree of loneliness, social connectedness, HIV-related stigma, and technology acceptance; mental wellbeing and physical health outcomes; and user experience. Participants (N = 20) were socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse, aged 51-88 years, and predominantly identified as gay or bisexual men (75%). Paired t-tests revealed a significant increase in participants' mean social engagement scores and a significant decrease in participants' mean negative affect scores, following the intervention. User experience scores were acceptable and participants reported a positive sense of connectedness to the Virtual Village community. Results suggest that a virtual community can be accessible to older PLWH and may enhance social engagement and improve aspects of mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Polonijo
- Department of Sociology and the Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, California, USA
| | - Annie L Nguyen
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Karah Y Greene
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jasmine L Lopez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Moka Yoo-Jeong
- School of Nursing, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erik L Ruiz
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Jerome T Galea
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brandon Brown
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
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4
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Kimaru LJ, Habila MA, Mantina NM, Madhivanan P, Connick E, Ernst K, Ehiri J. Neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002870. [PMID: 38349915 PMCID: PMC10863897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Recognizing challenges faced by people living with HIV is vital for improving their HIV treatment outcomes. While individual-level interventions play a crucial role, community factors can shape the impact of individual interventions on treatment outcomes. Understanding neighborhood characteristics' association with HIV treatment outcomes is crucial for optimizing effectiveness. This review aims to summarize the research scope on the association between neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes. The databases PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Elsevier), and PsychINFO (EBSCOhost) were searched from the start of each database to Nov 21, 2022. Screening was performed by three independent reviewers. Full-text publications of all study design meeting inclusion criteria were included in the review. There were no language or geographical limitations. Conference proceedings, abstract only, and opinion reports were excluded from the review. The search yielded 7,822 publications, 35 of which met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Studies assessed the relationship between neighborhood-level disadvantage (n = 24), composition and interaction (n = 17), social-economic status (n = 18), deprivation (n = 16), disorder (n = 8), and rural-urban status (n = 7) and HIV treatment outcomes. The relationship between all neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes was not consistent across studies. Only 7 studies found deprivation had a negative association with HIV treatment outcomes; 6 found that areas with specific racial/ethnic densities were associated with poor HIV treatment outcomes, and 5 showed that disorder was associated with poor HIV treatment outcomes. Three studies showed that rural residence was associated with improved HIV treatment outcomes. There were inconsistent findings regarding the association between neighborhood characteristics and HIV treatment outcomes. While the impact of neighborhood characteristics on disease outcomes is highly recognized, there is a paucity of standardized definitions and metrics for community characteristics to support a robust assessment of this hypothesis. Comparative studies that define and assess how specific neighborhood indicators independently or jointly affect HIV treatment outcomes are highly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Jepkoech Kimaru
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Magdiel A. Habila
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Namoonga M. Mantina
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Connick
- Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kacey Ernst
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - John Ehiri
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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Menza TW, Jensen A, Hixson LK. Predictors of Viral Suppression Among People Living with HIV in Rural Oregon. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:154-163. [PMID: 37610534 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04145-6] [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: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
With recent outbreaks of HIV in rural areas of the United States, it has become increasingly important to understand the factors affecting health outcomes of people with HIV living in rural areas. We assessed predictors of durable HIV viral suppression among rural participants using a pooled 7-year dataset from the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a cross-sectional, representative sample of individuals receiving HIV medical care in Oregon. Only 77.3% of rural participants achieved durable HIV viral suppression, while 22.7% had at least one detectable HIV viral load measurement within the past 12 months. The primary predictors of viral suppression were ARV adherence, poverty, and reported heavy drinking in the past 30 days. These results highlight the influence of social factors on health outcomes for persons with HIV living in rural areas and inform areas for policy and program change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy W Menza
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Ann Jensen
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lindsay K Hixson
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
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Cen HS, Dandamudi S, Lei X, Weight C, Desai M, Gill I, Duddalwar V. Diversity in Renal Mass Data Cohorts: Implications for Urology AI Researchers. Oncology 2023:000535841. [PMID: 38104555 PMCID: PMC11178677 DOI: 10.1159/000535841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective We examine the heterogeneity and distribution of the cohort populations in two publicly used radiological image cohorts, Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCIA TCGA KIRC) collection and 2019 MICCAI Kidney Tumor Segmentation Challenge (KiTS19), and deviations in real world population renal cancer data from National Cancer Database (NCDB) Participant User Data File (PUF) and tertiary center data. PUF data is used as an anchor for prevalence rate bias assessment. Specific gene expression and therefore biology of RCC differ by self-reported race especially between the African American and Caucasian population. AI algorithms learn from datasets, but if the dataset misrepresents the population, reinforcing bias may occur. Ignoring these demographic features may lead to inaccurate downstream effects, thereby limiting the translation of these analyses to clinical practice. Consciousness of model training biases is vital to patient care decisions when using models in clinical settings. Method Data evaluated included the gender, demographic and reported pathologic grading and cancer staging. American Urological Association risk levels were used. Poisson regression was used to estimate the population-based and sample specific estimation for prevalence rate and corresponding 95% confidence interval. SAS 9.4 was used for data analysis. Result Compared to PUF, KiTS19 and TCGA KIRC over sampled Caucasian by 9.5% (95% CI, -3.7% to 22.7%) and 15.1% (95% CI, 1.5% to 28.8%), under sampled African American by -6.7% (95% CI, -10% to -3.3%), -5.5% (95% CI, -9.3% to -1.8%). Tertiary also under sampled African American by -6.6% (95% CI, -8.7% to -4.6%). The tertiary cohort largely under sampled aggressive cancers by -14.7% (95% CI, -20.9% to -8.4%). No statistically significant difference was found among PUF, TCGA, and KiTS19 in aggressive rate, however heterogeneities in risk are notable. Conclusion Heterogeneities between cohorts need to be considered in future AI training and cross-validation for renal masses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmony Selena Cen
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Xiaomeng Lei
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chris Weight
- Urologic Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mihir Desai
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Inderbir Gill
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vinay Duddalwar
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Arifin B, Rokhman MR, Zulkarnain Z, Perwitasari DA, Mangau M, Rauf S, Noor R, Padmawati RS, Massi MN, van der Schans J, Postma MJ. The knowledge mapping of HIV/AIDS in Indonesians living on six major islands using the Indonesian version of the HIV-KQ-18 instrument. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293876. [PMID: 37948410 PMCID: PMC10637659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Indonesia's total number of HIV/AIDS cases is still high. Inadequate knowledge about the risk of HIV infection will influence HIV prevention and therapy. This study aimed to map the level of HIV-related knowledge among Indonesians living on six major islands in Indonesia and investigate the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and HIV/AIDS knowledge. This cross-sectional study used the Bahasa Indonesia version of the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire-18 items (HIV-KQ-18) Instrument. Data collection was done online through the Google form application. A total of 5,364 participants were recruited. The participants from Java had the highest degree of HIV/AIDS knowledge, which was 12.5% higher than participants from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua, and Maluku. Linear regression showed that region, educational level, monthly expenditure, occupation, background in health sciences, and workshop attendance were significantly correlated with HIV knowledge. Participants typically understand that "HIV/AIDS transmission" only happens when sex partners are changed. Additionally, the government still needs improvement in HIV/AIDS education, particularly in the HIV incubation period, HIV transmission from pregnant women to the fetus, and condom use as one method of protection. There are disparities in HIV/AIDS knowledge levels among the major islands of Indonesia. Based on these findings, the government's health promotion program to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS must be implemented vigorously. Additionally, in line with our research findings, it is essential to broaden the scope of HIV/AIDS education and promotion materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bustanul Arifin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Center of Health Behavior and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - M. Rifqi Rokhman
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Science in Healthy Ageing & healthcaRE (SHARE), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Marianti Mangau
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Saidah Rauf
- Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Maluku, Ambon, Indonesia
| | - Rasuane Noor
- Universitas Muhammadiyah Metro, Lampung, Indonesia
| | - Retna Siwi Padmawati
- Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Center of Health Behavior and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Nasrum Massi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Jurjen van der Schans
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics, and Finance, Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J. Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Science in Healthy Ageing & healthcaRE (SHARE), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics, and Finance, Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology, and Economics (PTE2), Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Center of Excellence in Higher Education for Pharmaceutical Care Innovation, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
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Ballard AM, Falk D, Greenwood H, Gugerty P, Feinberg J, Friedmann PD, Go VF, Jenkins WD, Korthuis PT, Miller WC, Pho MT, Seal DW, Smith GS, Stopka TJ, Westergaard RP, Zule WA, Young AM, Cooper HLF. Houselessness and syringe service program utilization among people who inject drugs in eight rural areas across the USA: a cross-sectional analysis. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:157. [PMID: 37880724 PMCID: PMC10601138 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00892-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research conducted in urban areas has highlighted the impact of housing instability on people who inject drugs (PWID), revealing that it exacerbates vulnerability to drug-related harms and impedes syringe service program (SSP) use. However, few studies have explored the effects of houselessness on SSP use among rural PWID. This study examines the relationship between houselessness and SSP utilization among PWID in eight rural areas across 10 states. METHODS PWID were recruited using respondent-driven sampling for a cross-sectional survey that queried self-reported drug use and SSP utilization in the prior 30 days, houselessness in the prior 6 months and sociodemographic characteristics. Using binomial logistic regression, we examined the relationship between experiencing houselessness and any SSP use. To assess the relationship between houselessness and the frequency of SSP use, we conducted multinomial logistic regression analyses among participants reporting any past 30-day SSP use. RESULTS Among 2394 rural PWID, 56.5% had experienced houselessness in the prior 6 months, and 43.5% reported past 30-day SSP use. PWID who had experienced houselessness were more likely to report using an SSP compared to their housed counterparts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.24 [95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.01, 1.52]). Among those who had used an SSP at least once (n = 972), those who experienced houselessness were just as likely to report SSP use two (aOR = 0.90 [95% CI 0.60, 1.36]) and three times (aOR = 1.18 [95% CI 0.77, 1.98]) compared to once. However, they were less likely to visit an SSP four or more times compared to once in the prior 30 days (aOR = 0.59 [95% CI 0.40, 0.85]). CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that rural PWID who experience houselessness utilize SSPs at similar or higher rates as their housed counterparts. However, housing instability may pose barriers to more frequent SSP use. These findings are significant as people who experience houselessness are at increased risk for drug-related harms and encounter additional challenges when attempting to access SSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Ballard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, 140 Decatur Street SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Dylan Falk
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Harris Greenwood
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Paige Gugerty
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Judith Feinberg
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- Office of Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wiley D Jenkins
- School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - William C Miller
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David W Seal
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Gordon S Smith
- School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Ryan P Westergaard
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - April M Young
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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9
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Jenkins WD, Phillips G, Rodriguez CA, White M, Agosto S, Luckey GS. Behaviors associated with HIV transmission risk among rural sexual and gender minority and majority residents. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1452-1464. [PMID: 36803272 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2179592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple rural states and communities experience elevated rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), often associated with diminished healthcare access and increased drug use. Though a substantial proportion of rural populations are sexual and gender minorities (SGM), little is known of this group regarding substance use, healthcare utilization, and HIV transmission behaviors. During May-July 2021, we surveyed 398 individuals across 22 rural Illinois counties. Participants included cisgender heterosexual males (CHm) and females (CHf) (n = 110); cisgender non-heterosexual males and females (C-MSM and C-WSW; n = 264); and transgender individuals (TG; n = 24). C-MSM participants were more likely to report daily-to-weekly alcohol and illicit drug use prescription medication misuse (versus CHf; aOR = 5.64 [2.37-13.41], 4.42 [1.56-12.53], and 29.13 [3.80-223.20], respectively), and C-MSM participants more frequently reported traveling to meet with romantic/sex partners. Further, more C-MSM and TG than C-WSW reported healthcare avoidance and denial due to their orientation/identity (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively); 47.6% of C-MSM and 58.3% of TG had not informed their provider about their orientation/identity; and only 8.6% of C-MSM reported ever receiving a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendation. More work is needed to explore the substance use and sexual behaviors of rural SGM, as well as their healthcare interactions, to better target health and PrEP engagement campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiley D Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Services and Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christofer A Rodriguez
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Stempel College, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Megan White
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Stacy Agosto
- Behavioral Health, Shawnee Health Service, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Georgia S Luckey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
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10
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Alexander KA, Mpundu G, Duroseau B, Osian N, Chambers S, McCree D, Tobin KE, Willie TC. Intervention Approaches to Address Intimate Partner Violence and HIV: a Scoping Review of Recent Research. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:296-311. [PMID: 37768511 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00668-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a critical challenge to HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the globe. We examined recently published (January 9, 2017-January 9, 2023) integrated behavioral interventions designed to address IPV and HIV across the care continuum. RECENT FINDINGS Fifteen studies (involving n = 10,947 participants) met the inclusion criteria for this review. Majority (n = 13) of studies focused on IPV and HIV prevention whereas two studies addressed IPV and HIV care engagement among women living with HIV. Ten studies were conducted on the African continent representing 5 countries. Most interventions (n = 11) focused on individual-level outcomes among cisgender women although two involved male partners. About half of the interventions reviewed (n = 8) showed effectiveness on both IPV and HIV outcomes compared to control groups. Integrated HIV/IPV interventions are needed to address the synergistic nature of these epidemics among marginalized populations. Future studies should focus on developing and implementing strength-based interventions among people living with HIV, men, transgender people, and Black women in the USA. Additionally, researchers and program managers should consider addressing structural and internalized stigma as potential behavioral mechanisms for improving health among people simultaneously experiencing or at-risk for HIV and IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila A Alexander
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, N430G, Baltimore, MD, 21213, USA.
| | - Gloria Mpundu
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, N430G, Baltimore, MD, 21213, USA
| | - Brenice Duroseau
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, N430G, Baltimore, MD, 21213, USA
| | - Nkemakolem Osian
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Shadae Chambers
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, N430G, Baltimore, MD, 21213, USA
| | - DaJaneil McCree
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, N430G, Baltimore, MD, 21213, USA
| | - Karin E Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Tiara C Willie
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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11
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Saberi P, Ming K, Arnold EA, Leddy AM, Weiser SD. Extreme weather events and HIV: development of a conceptual framework through qualitative interviews with people with HIV impacted by the California wildfires and their clinicians. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:950. [PMID: 37231393 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15957-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with HIV (PWH) are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of wildfires, given the need for frequent access to healthcare systems, higher burden of comorbidities, higher food insecurity, mental and behavioral health challenges, and challenges of living with HIV in a rural area. In this study, we aim to better understand the pathways through which wildfires impact health outcomes among PWH. METHODS From October 2021 through February 2022, we conducted individual semi-structured qualitative interviews with PWH impacted by the Northern California wildfires and clinicians of PWH who were impacted by wildfires. The study aims were to explore the influence of wildfires on the health of PWH and to discuss measures at the individual, clinic, and system levels that helped to mitigate these impacts. RESULTS We interviewed 15 PWH and 7 clinicians. While some PWH felt that surviving the HIV epidemic added to their resilience against wildfires, many felt that the wildfires compounded the HIV-related traumas that they have experienced. Participants outlined five main routes by which wildfires negatively impacted their health: (1) access to healthcare (medications, clinics, clinic staff), (2) mental health (trauma; anxiety, depression, or stress; sleep disturbances; coping strategies), (3) physical health (cardiopulmonary, other co-morbidities), (4) social/economic impacts (housing, finances, community), and (5) nutrition and exercise. The recommendations for future wildfire preparedness were at the (1) individual-level (what to have during evacuation), (2) pharmacy-level (procedural, staffing), and (3) clinic- or county-level (funds and vouchers; case management; mental health services; emergency response planning; other services such as telehealth, home visits, home laboratory testing). CONCLUSIONS Based on our data and prior research, we devised a conceptual framework that acknowledges the impact of wildfires at the community-, household-, and individual-level with implications for physical and mental health outcomes among PWH. These findings and framework can help in developing future interventions, programs, and policies to mitigate the cumulative impacts of extreme weather events on the health of PWH, particularly among individuals living in rural areas. Further studies are needed to examine health system strengthening strategies, innovative methods to improve access to healthcare, and community resilience through disaster preparedness. TRIAL REGISTRATION N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parya Saberi
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Kristin Ming
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily A Arnold
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anna M Leddy
- Division of pulmonary and critical care medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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12
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Marshall SA, Tao J, Horton HK, Montgomery MC, Baloh J, Gu M, Mabin C, Cima M, Nunn AS, Chan PA, Zaller ND. Barriers and facilitators to HIV care engagement: Recommendations from people with HIV in rural Arkansas. J Rural Health 2023; 39:459-468. [PMID: 36203209 PMCID: PMC10038810 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12717] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about factors affecting HIV care engagement and retention among rural people with HIV (PWH) in the South. About half of PWH in Arkansas reside in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to explore factors affecting engagement and retention in HIV care among PWH in rural areas of Arkansas. METHODS We conducted an exploratory qualitative study in 2020 and completed individual interviews (N = 11) with PWH in rural counties in Arkansas. FINDINGS Content analysis revealed the following themes: (1) Barriers to HIV care included long distances to the nearest HIV clinic and transportation issues along with anticipating and/or experiencing HIV-related stigma; (2) facilitators of HIV care included having a helpful HIV care provider and Ryan White case manager and a social support network that aided them in prioritizing their own health; (3) participants had the most favorable reactions to Ryan White case management, peer navigators, and telemedicine for HIV treatment/care; and (4) participants demonstrated resilience overcoming various obstacles as they worked toward being healthy mentally and physically while living with HIV. CONCLUSION Interventions need to address multilevel factors, including hiring PWH as peer navigators and/or caseworkers and offering HIV care via telemedicine, to improve HIV care engagement and retention among rural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Alexandra Marshall
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jun Tao
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Heather K. Horton
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Madeline C. Montgomery
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jure Baloh
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Mofan Gu
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | | | - Mike Cima
- Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Amy S. Nunn
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Philip A. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Nickolas D. Zaller
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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13
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Owens C, Hubach RD. Rural-urban differences in monkeypox behaviors and attitudes among men who have sex with men in the United States. J Rural Health 2023; 39:508-515. [PMID: 36394371 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE An outbreak of the monkeypox virus has been documented in the United States with most cases occurring among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). As monkeypox cases increase among relatively rural states, current public health messaging may not resonate with rural at-risk populations. Given this, there is a need to assess potential rural-urban differences in monkeypox behaviors and attitudes among MSM. METHODS A total of 582 eligible MSM completed an online cross-sectional survey between August 6 and 15, 2022. Participants answered questions about their demographics, sexual behaviors, monkeypox testing and vaccination behaviors, monkeypox media consumption and attitudes, and their intention and attitudes found in the Health Belief Model of getting the monkeypox vaccine. Rural-urban differences in behaviors and attitudes were assessed with a chi-square test of independence. Differences in intention to get vaccinated and Health Belief Model factors were assessed with a Mann-Whitney U test. FINDINGS Rural MSM, in comparison to their urban counterparts, were found to be less likely to report modifying their behaviors to decrease monkeypox exposure, being susceptible to monkeypox, or perceiving severe consequences acquiring monkeypox. Similarly, rural MSM had a lower intention to get vaccinated for monkeypox. CONCLUSIONS As vaccination uptake among rural populations for vaccine-preventable diseases remains suboptimal, results from this novel study can inform the development of monkeypox prevention, testing, and vaccination messaging campaigns geared toward rural MSM and other at-risk populations. It will be important to ensure that monkeypox prevention, testing, and vaccination interventions are available and accessible in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Owens
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Randolph D Hubach
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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14
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Whitfield DL, Nelson LE, Komárek A, Turner D, Ni Z, Boyd DT, Taggart T, Ramos SR, Wilton L, Beauchamp GG, Hightow-Weidman L, Shoptaw SJ, Magnus M, Mayer KH, Fields SD, Wheeler DP. Implementation of Client-Centered Care Coordination for HIV Prevention with Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: Activities, Personnel Costs, and Outcomes-HPTN 073. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:183-192. [PMID: 34997550 PMCID: PMC9441015 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01209-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black men who have sex with men (MSM) experience disproportionate rates of HIV infection in the USA, despite being no more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors than other MSM racial/ethnic groups. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to reduce risk of HIV acquisition; however, rates of PrEP use among Black MSM remain low. Clinical, psychosocial, and structural factors have been shown to impact PrEP use and adherence among Black MSM. Care coordination of HIV prevention services has the potential to improve PrEP use and adherence for Black MSM, as it has been shown to improve HIV-related care outcomes among people living with HIV. METHODS Client-centered care coordination (C4) is a multi-level intervention designed to address clinical, psychosocial, and structural barriers to HIV prevention services for Black MSM within HPTN 073, a PrEP demonstration project among Black MSM in three cities in the USA. The current study examined the implementation process of C4, specifically investigating the activities, cost, time, and outcomes associated with the C4 intervention. RESULTS On average, participants engaged in five care coordination encounters. The vast majority of care coordination activities were conducted by counselors, averaging 30 min per encounter. The cost of care coordination was relatively low with a mean cost of $8.70 per client encounter. CONCLUSION Although client-centered care coordination was initially implemented in well-resourced communities with robust HIV research and service infrastructure, our findings suggest that C4 can be successfully implemented in resource constrained communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren L Whitfield
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, PA, USA.
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto-St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arnošt Komárek
- Department of Probability and Mathematical Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - DeAnne Turner
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zhao Ni
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Donte T Boyd
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tamara Taggart
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human Development, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Geetha G Beauchamp
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven J Shoptaw
- Division of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Sheldon D Fields
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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15
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Sell J, Chen R, Huber C, Parascando J, Nunez J. Primary Care Provider HIV PrEP Knowledge, Attitudes, and Prescribing Habits: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Late Adopters in Rural and Suburban Practice. J Prim Care Community Health 2023; 14:21501319221147254. [PMID: 36625276 PMCID: PMC9834790 DOI: 10.1177/21501319221147254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a recommended strategy for HIV prevention, yet PrEP prescribing rates in primary care remain low. The aim of this study was to further describe the current knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing behaviors of HIV PrEP in primary care providers with a focus on the perceived barriers and facilitators to PrEP prescribing. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of primary care providers at rural and suburban practices in a large academic institution. RESULTS Survey response rate was 48.0% (n = 134). Most respondents (96.3%) reported little clinical experience in care of persons living with HIV. Respondents self-reported positive attitudes and high overall knowledge of PrEP with low prescribing rates and less comfort with lab testing. More respondents are asked about PrEP by patients (54%) than start conversations about PrEP with patients (39%). Family Physicians and providers 5 to 10 years from completion of training overall reported higher knowledge, attitudes and prescribing behaviors. Lack of PrEP education was identified as the greatest barrier and an electronic medical record order set as the greatest facilitator to prescribing PrEP. CONCLUSIONS With the goal to end the HIV epidemic, PrEP provision in nonurban primary care settings may be an important strategy for increased access to PrEP and reduced HIV transmission. This study, which includes a variety of providers that possess high knowledge, yet low experience prescribing PrEP, likely demonstrates the limitations of interventions which solely focus on provider education. System-based practice solutions, such as order sets, may be needed to target infrequent prescribers of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrett Sell
- Penn State Health Hershey Medical
Center, Hershey, PA, USA,Jarrett Sell, Department of Family and
Community Medicine, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, 500 University
Dr., Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Rensa Chen
- Penn State Health Hershey Medical
Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan Nunez
- Penn State Health Hershey Medical
Center, Hershey, PA, USA
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16
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Owens C, Voorheis E, Lester JN, Green HD, Herbenick D, Dodge B, Hubach RD. The lived experiences of rural HIV social workers. AIDS Care 2023; 35:48-52. [PMID: 34612112 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1981817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
HIV service providers are the primary implementers of HIV care services, but rural HIV service providers are under researched. We used an interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore rural HIV service providers' lived experiences of working in HIV care, who work in a rural region of a Midwestern state in the United States. From July to August 2019, 15 HIV service providers participated in a one-hour semi-structured telephone interview that elicited their experiences working in the rural HIV care continuum. Participants were tired of constantly educating and working to reduce HIV stigma; however, they received support from family and friends once they educated them about HIV. Participants felt they lacked control over systems and they developed emotional-based coping to address constant occupational stressors. Findings highlight the importance of resiliency and advocacy research and practice across ecological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Owens
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.,Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Eva Voorheis
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jessica N Lester
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Harold D Green
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Brian Dodge
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Randolph D Hubach
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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17
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Rich SN, Prosperi MCF, Dellicour S, Vrancken B, Cook RL, Spencer EC, Salemi M, Mavian C. Molecular Epidemiology of HIV-1 Subtype B Infection across Florida Reveals Few Large Superclusters with Metropolitan Origin. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0188922. [PMID: 36222706 PMCID: PMC9769514 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01889-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Florida is considered an epicenter of HIV in the United States. The U.S. federal plan for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) within 10 years prioritizes seven of Florida's 67 counties for intervention. We applied molecular epidemiology methods to characterize the HIV infection networks in the state and infer whether the results support the EHE. HIV sequences (N = 34,446) and associated clinical/demographic metadata of diagnosed people with HIV (PWH), during 2007 to 2017, were retrieved from the Florida Department of Health. HIV genetic networks were investigated using MicrobeTrace. Associates of clustering were identified through boosted logistic regression. Assortative trait mixing was also assessed. Bayesian phylogeographic methods were applied to evaluate evidence of imported HIV-1 lineages and illustrate spatiotemporal flows within Florida. We identified nine large clusters spanning all seven EHE counties but little evidence of external introductions, suggesting-in the absence of undersampling-an epidemic that evolved independently from the rest of the country or other external influences. Clusters were highly assortative by geography. Most of the sampled infections (82%) did not cluster with others in the state using standard molecular surveillance methods despite satisfactory sequence sampling in the state. The odds of being unclustered were higher among PWH in rural regions, and depending on demographics. A significant number of unclustered sequences were observed in counties omitted from EHE. The large number of missing sequence links may impact timely detection of emerging transmission clusters and ultimately hinder the success of EHE in Florida. Molecular epidemiology may help better understand infection dynamics at the population level and underlying disparities in disease transmission among subpopulations; however, there is also a continuous need to conduct ethical discussions to avoid possible harm of advanced methodologies to vulnerable groups, especially in the context of HIV stigmatization. IMPORTANCE The large number of missing phylogenetic linkages in rural Florida counties and among women and Black persons with HIV may impact timely detection of ongoing and emerging transmission clusters and ultimately hinder the success of epidemic elimination goals in Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannan N. Rich
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Mattia C. F. Prosperi
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Vrancken
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert L. Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Emma C. Spencer
- Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection, Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Marco Salemi
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Carla Mavian
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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18
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Tanner AE, Palakshappa D, Morse CG, Mann-Jackson L, Alonzo J, Garcia M, Wright E, Dharod A, Isom S, Sucaldito AD, Aviles LR, Rhodes SD. Exploring the consequences of food insecurity and harnessing the power of peer navigation and mHealth to reduce food insecurity and cardiometabolic comorbidities among persons with HIV: protocol for development and implementation trial of weCare/Secure. Trials 2022; 23:998. [PMID: 36510319 PMCID: PMC9743787 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06924-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity, or the lack of consistent access to nutritionally adequate and safe foods, effects up to 50% of people living with HIV (PWH) in the United States (US). PWH who are food insecure have lower antiretroviral adherence, are less likely to achieve viral suppression, and are at increased risk developing of serious illnesses, including cardiometabolic comorbidities. The objectives of this study are to better understand how food insecurity contributes to the development of cardiometabolic comorbidities among PWH and to test a novel bilingual peer navigation-mHealth intervention (weCare/Secure) designed to reduce these comorbidities in food-insecure PWH with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS In Aim 1, we will recruit a longitudinal cohort of 1800 adult (≥18 years) PWH from our clinic-based population to determine the difference in the prevalence and incidence of cardiometabolic comorbidities between food-secure and food-insecure PWH. Food insecurity screening, indicators of cardiometabolic comorbidities, and other characteristics documented in the electronic health record (EHR) will be collected annually for up to 3 years from this cohort. In Aim 2, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial among a sample of food-insecure PWH who have prediabetes or T2DM to compare changes in insulin sensitivity over 6 months between participants in weCare/Secure and participants receiving usual care. In Aim 3, we will conduct semi-structured individual in-depth interviews to explore the effect of the intervention among intervention participants with varying insulin sensitivity outcomes. TRIAL STATUS Aim 1 (longitudinal cohort) recruitment began in May 2022 and is ongoing. Aim 2 (intervention) recruitment is planned for spring 2023 and is expected to be completed in spring 2024. Aim 3 (process evaluation) data collection will occur after sufficient completion of the 6-month assessment in Aim 2. Final results are anticipated in fall 2025. CONCLUSIONS This research seeks to advance our understanding of how food insecurity impacts the development of cardiometabolic comorbidities among PWH and how food insecurity interventions may alleviate relevant comorbidities. Given the growing interest among health systems in addressing food insecurity, if the intervention is found to be efficacious, it could be broadly disseminated across HIV clinical care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04943861 . Registered on June 29, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E. Tanner
- grid.266860.c0000 0001 0671 255XDepartment of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Coleman 437E, Greensboro, NC 27402 USA
| | - Deepak Palakshappa
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA ,grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA ,grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Caryn G. Morse
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Section on Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Lilli Mann-Jackson
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Jorge Alonzo
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Manuel Garcia
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Elena Wright
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Ajay Dharod
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA ,grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Internal Medicine, Informatics and Analytics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA ,grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Wake Forest Center for Healthcare Innovation, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA ,grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Wake Forest Center for Biomedical Informatics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Scott Isom
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Ana D. Sucaldito
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Lucero Refugio Aviles
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Scott D. Rhodes
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Section on Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA ,grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, USA
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Quinn K, John S, Hirshfield S, Algiers O, O'Neil A, Petroll A, Walsh J. Challenges to meeting the HIV care needs of older adults in the rural South. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100113. [PMID: 36620181 PMCID: PMC9815493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
People living with HIV in rural parts of the Southern United States face poor outcomes along the HIV care continuum. Additionally, over half of people with diagnosed HIV are age 50 and older. Older adults living with HIV in the rural South often have complex health and social needs associated with HIV, aging, and the rural environment. Research is needed to understand what support organizations and clinics need in providing care to this population. This qualitative study examines the challenges health and social service providers face in caring for older patients living with HIV. In 2020-2021, we interviewed 27 key informants who work in organizations that provide care to older adults with HIV in the seven states with high rural HIV burden: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Our findings highlight how racism and poverty; culture, politics, and religion; and a lack of healthcare infrastructure collectively shape access to HIV care for older adults in the South. Rural health and social service providers need structural-level changes to improve their care and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.G. Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
| | - S.A. John
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
| | - S. Hirshfield
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11203, United States
| | - O. Algiers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
| | - A. O'Neil
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226, United States
| | - A.E. Petroll
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
| | - J.L. Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2071 N. Summit Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
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Sharpe JD, Sanchez TH, Siegler AJ, Guest JL, Sullivan PS. Association between the geographic accessibility of PrEP and PrEP use among MSM in nonurban areas. J Rural Health 2022; 38:948-959. [PMID: 34997634 PMCID: PMC9259757 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The US HIV epidemic has become a public health issue that increasingly affects men who have sex with men (MSM), including those residing in nonurban areas. Increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in nonurban areas will prevent HIV acquisition and could address the growing HIV epidemic. No studies have quantified the associations between PrEP access and PrEP use among nonurban MSM. METHODS Using 2020 PrEP Locator data and American Men's Internet Survey data, we conducted multilevel log-binomial regression to examine the association between area-level geographic accessibility of PrEP-providing clinics and individual-level PrEP use among MSM residing in nonurban areas in the United States. FINDINGS Of 4,792 PrEP-eligible nonurban MSM, 20.1% resided in a PrEP desert (defined as more than a 30-minute drive to access PrEP), and 15.2% used PrEP in the past 12 months. In adjusted models, suburban MSM residing in PrEP deserts were less likely to use PrEP in the past year (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.15, 0.80) than suburban MSM not residing in PrEP deserts, and other nonurban MSM residing in PrEP deserts were less likely to use PrEP in the past year (aPR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.60, 0.95) than other nonurban MSM not residing in PrEP deserts. CONCLUSIONS Structural interventions designed to decrease barriers to PrEP access that are unique to nonurban areas in the United States are needed to address the growing HIV epidemic in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Danielle Sharpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Travis H. Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Aaron J. Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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21
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From crisis to crisis: impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV and HIV/AIDS service organizations in Indiana. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:622. [PMID: 35534824 PMCID: PMC9081957 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic thrust people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV/AIDS service organizations into an environment ripe with uncertainty. This study examined Indiana HIV/AIDS service provider perceptions of how COVID-19 affected the overall health and access to care of their clients, and how the organizations prepared for, adapted, and responded to the needs of PLWH during the pandemic. Methods Guided by the socioecological model, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten different HIV/AIDS service organizations across the state of Indiana. Results Despite the profound disruptions experienced by HIV programs, HIV/AIDS service organizations responded quickly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic through myriad innovative strategies, largely informed by prior experiences with the HIV epidemic. Conclusions The lessons provided by HIV/AIDS service organizations are invaluable to informing future pandemic response for PLWH. Service delivery innovations in response to the COVID-19 crisis may provide insights to improve HIV care continuity strategies for vulnerable populations far beyond the pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07998-0.
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Kerkerian G, Krentz HB, Gill MJ. Longitudinal analysis of HIV outcomes for persons living with HIV in non-urban areas in southern Alberta, Canada. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CANADA = JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE L'ASSOCIATION POUR LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE ET L'INFECTIOLOGIE CANADA 2022; 7:44-53. [PMID: 36340845 PMCID: PMC9603016 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2021-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many challenges remain in successfully engaging people with HIV (PWH) into lifelong HIV care. Living in non-urban or rural areas has been associated with worse outcomes. Uncertainties remain regarding how to provide optimal HIV care in non-urban areas. METHODS Using a retrospective descriptive analysis framework, we compared multiple measurable HIV care metrics over time on the basis of urban versus non-urban residency, under a centralized HIV care model. We examined rates of HIV diagnosis, access to and retention in HIV care, and longitudinal outcomes for all newly diagnosed PWH between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2020, categorized by their home location at the time of HIV diagnosis in southern Alberta. RESULTS Of 719 newly diagnosed PWH, 619 (86%) lived in urban areas and 100 (14%) lived in non-urban areas. At HIV diagnosis, the groups had no significant differences in initial CD4 count or clinical characteristics (p = 0.73). Non-urban PWH, however, had slightly longer times to accessing HIV care and initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) (p < 0.01). Non-urban PWH showed trends toward slightly lower retention in care and lower sustained ART use, with higher rates of unsuppressed viral loads at 12, 24, and 36 months after diagnosis (p < 0.01). However, by 2020 both cohorts had suppression rates above 90%. CONCLUSIONS Sustained retention in care was more challenging for non-urban PWH; however, adherence to ART and viral suppression rates were more than 90%. Although encouraging, challenges remain in identifying and reducing unique barriers for optimal care of PWH living in non-urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Kerkerian
- Southern Alberta Clinic, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hartmut B Krentz
- Southern Alberta Clinic, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M John Gill
- Southern Alberta Clinic, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Robillard AG, Julious CH, Smallwood SW, Douglas M, Gaddist BW, Singleton T. Structural Inequities, HIV Community-Based Organizations, and the End of the HIV Epidemic. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:417-425. [PMID: 35196039 PMCID: PMC8887177 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Community-based organizations (CBOs) are integral to achieving the goal of Ending the HIV epidemic (EHE). Their familiarity with and proximity to communities position them to effectively implement strategies necessary to address determinants of health through their formal and informal medical and social services. However, structural inequities have contributed to the demise of many organizations that were instrumental in early responses to the HIV epidemic. We define structural inequities for HIV CBOs as systems in which policies, institutional practices, organizational (mis)representations, and other norms work to produce and maintain inequities that affect CBOs' ability to survive and thrive. In this discussion, we describe the organizational threats to grassroots HIV CBOs and the risks to livelihood and longevity, including examples. The invaluable role of HIV CBOs in EHE and their role in responding to existing and novel infectious diseases like COVID-19 should not be overlooked. Recommendations to promote structural equity are offered. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(3):417-425. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306688).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa G Robillard
- At the time of the writing of this essay, Alyssa G. Robillard was with the Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services, Columbia, SC. Carmen H. Julious is with Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. Stacy W. Smallwood is with the Department of Health Policy & Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Mark Douglas was with My Brothaz HOME Inc, Savannah, GA. Bambi W. Gaddist was with South Carolina HIV Council doing business as Wright Wellness Center, Columbia. Tyler Singleton was with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
| | - Carmen H Julious
- At the time of the writing of this essay, Alyssa G. Robillard was with the Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services, Columbia, SC. Carmen H. Julious is with Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. Stacy W. Smallwood is with the Department of Health Policy & Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Mark Douglas was with My Brothaz HOME Inc, Savannah, GA. Bambi W. Gaddist was with South Carolina HIV Council doing business as Wright Wellness Center, Columbia. Tyler Singleton was with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
| | - Stacy W Smallwood
- At the time of the writing of this essay, Alyssa G. Robillard was with the Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services, Columbia, SC. Carmen H. Julious is with Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. Stacy W. Smallwood is with the Department of Health Policy & Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Mark Douglas was with My Brothaz HOME Inc, Savannah, GA. Bambi W. Gaddist was with South Carolina HIV Council doing business as Wright Wellness Center, Columbia. Tyler Singleton was with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
| | - Mark Douglas
- At the time of the writing of this essay, Alyssa G. Robillard was with the Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services, Columbia, SC. Carmen H. Julious is with Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. Stacy W. Smallwood is with the Department of Health Policy & Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Mark Douglas was with My Brothaz HOME Inc, Savannah, GA. Bambi W. Gaddist was with South Carolina HIV Council doing business as Wright Wellness Center, Columbia. Tyler Singleton was with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
| | - Bambi W Gaddist
- At the time of the writing of this essay, Alyssa G. Robillard was with the Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services, Columbia, SC. Carmen H. Julious is with Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. Stacy W. Smallwood is with the Department of Health Policy & Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Mark Douglas was with My Brothaz HOME Inc, Savannah, GA. Bambi W. Gaddist was with South Carolina HIV Council doing business as Wright Wellness Center, Columbia. Tyler Singleton was with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
| | - Tyler Singleton
- At the time of the writing of this essay, Alyssa G. Robillard was with the Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services, Columbia, SC. Carmen H. Julious is with Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. Stacy W. Smallwood is with the Department of Health Policy & Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro. Mark Douglas was with My Brothaz HOME Inc, Savannah, GA. Bambi W. Gaddist was with South Carolina HIV Council doing business as Wright Wellness Center, Columbia. Tyler Singleton was with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
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Assessing the Health Outcomes of the Food Access Pilot Project: An Evaluation of a Medically Supportive Food Support Program for People Living with HIV in Rural California Counties. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2613-2622. [PMID: 35122577 PMCID: PMC9252945 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03589-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity disproportionately affects rural communities and people living with HIV (PLHIV). The Food Access Pilot Project (FAPP) was a California state-funded program that provided home-delivered, medically supportive meals via online meal vendors to food-insecure PLHIV in three rural counties. We performed longitudinal, retrospective analyses of FAPP participant data (n = 158; 504 and 460 person-time observations for viral load and CD4 count, respectively) over 36 months from a Ryan White client management database. Pre-post analyses demonstrated increased prevalence of food security and CD4 ≥ 500 between baseline and 12 months. Population-averaged trends using generalized estimating equations adjusted for participant demographics demonstrated increased odds of viral suppression and CD4 ≥ 500, and increased CD4 count (cells/mm3) for every six months of program enrollment. Home-delivered, medically supportive meals may improve food security status, HIV viral suppression, and immune health for low-income PLHIV in rural settings.
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Zang X, Mah C, Linh Quan AM, Min JE, Armstrong WS, Behrends CN, Del Rio C, Dombrowski JC, Feaster DJ, Kirk GD, Marshall BDL, Mehta SH, Metsch LR, Pandya A, Schackman BR, Shoptaw S, Strathdee SA, Krebs E, Nosyk B. Human Immunodeficiency Virus transmission by HIV Risk Group and Along the HIV Care Continuum: A Contrast of 6 US Cities. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:143-150. [PMID: 34723929 PMCID: PMC8752472 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the sources of HIV transmission provides a basis for prioritizing HIV prevention resources in specific geographic regions and populations. This study estimated the number, proportion, and rate of HIV transmissions attributable to individuals along the HIV care continuum within different HIV transmission risk groups in 6 US cities. METHODS We used a dynamic, compartmental HIV transmission model that draws on racial behavior-specific or ethnic behavior-specific and risk behavior-specific linkage to HIV care and use of HIV prevention services from local, state, and national surveillance sources. We estimated the rate and number of HIV transmissions attributable to individuals in the stage of acute undiagnosed HIV, nonacute undiagnosed HIV, HIV diagnosed but antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve, off ART, and on ART, stratified by HIV transmission group for the 2019 calendar year. RESULTS Individuals with undiagnosed nonacute HIV infection accounted for the highest proportion of total transmissions in every city, ranging from 36.8% (26.7%-44.9%) in New York City to 64.9% (47.0%-71.6%) in Baltimore. Individuals who had discontinued ART contributed to the second highest percentage of total infections in 4 of 6 cities. Individuals with acute HIV had the highest transmission rate per 100 person-years, ranging from 76.4 (58.9-135.9) in Miami to 160.2 (85.7-302.8) in Baltimore. CONCLUSION These findings underline the importance of both early diagnosis and improved ART retention for ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. Differences in the sources of transmission across cities indicate that localized priority setting to effectively address diverse microepidemics at different stages of epidemic control is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Cassandra Mah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda My Linh Quan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeong Eun Min
- Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy S Armstrong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julia C Dombrowski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Gregory D. Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Brandon DL Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lisa R Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Ankur Pandya
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Emanuel Krebs
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bohdan Nosyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University; Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Center for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Surratt HL, Yeager HJ, Adu A, González EA, Nelson EO, Walker T. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Barriers, Facilitators and Unmet Need Among Rural People Who Inject Drugs: A Qualitative Examination of Syringe Service Program Client Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:905314. [PMID: 35706473 PMCID: PMC9189386 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.905314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for HIV infection, yet in rural areas PWID are understudied with respect to prevention strategies. Kentucky is notable for heavy rural HIV burden and increasing rates of new HIV diagnoses attributable to injection drug use. Despite high need and the strong evidence for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a gold-standard biomedical HIV prevention tool, scale up has been limited among PWID in Kentucky and elsewhere. This paper explores individual, environmental, and structural barriers and facilitators of PrEP care from the perspective of PWID in rural Kentucky. METHODS Data are drawn from an ongoing NIH-funded study designed to adapt and integrate a PrEP initiation intervention for high-risk PWID at point of care in two rural syringe service programs (SSPs) in southeastern Kentucky. As part of this initiative, a qualitative study guided by PRISM (Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model) was undertaken to gather SSP client perspectives on intervention needs related to PrEP, competing needs related to substance use disorder, as well as tangible supports for and barriers to PrEP uptake. Recruitment and interviews were conducted during September-November 2021 with 26 SSP clients, 13 from each of the two SSP sites. A semi-structured guide explored injection behaviors, SSP use, knowledge of PrEP, perceived barriers to PrEP, as well as aspects of the risk environment (e.g., housing instability, community stigma) that may impact PrEP uptake. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and verified by project staff. A detailed coding scheme was developed and applied by independent coders using NVivo. Coded transcripts were synthesized to identify salient themes in the data using the principles of thematic analysis All study procedures were approved by the University IRB. RESULTS Participants were 96% white, 42% female, with a median age of 41 years (range 21-62); all reported injection use within the past month. Overall, we found low PrEP awareness among this sample, yet interest in PrEP was high, with several indicating PrEP is urgently needed. Clients reported overwhelmingly positive experiences at the SSPs, considering them trusted and safe locations to receive health services, and were enthusiastic about the integration of co-located PrEP services. Lack of basic HIV and PrEP knowledge and health literacy were in evidence, which contributed to common misperceptions about personal risk for HIV. Situational risks related to substance use disorder, particularly in the context of withdrawal symptoms and craving, often lead to heightened HIV injection and sexual risk behaviors. Stigma related to substance use and HIV arose as a concern for PrEP uptake, with several participants reflecting that privacy issues would impact their preferences for education, prescribing and monitoring of PrEP. Noted tangible barriers included inconsistent access to phone service and transportation. Primary supports included high levels of insurance coverage, consistent pharmacy access, and histories with successful medication management for other health conditions. CONCLUSIONS Drawing on the critical perspectives of people with substance use disorder, our findings provide important and actionable information on individual and environmental barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake among rural PWID at high risk for HIV infection. These data will drive the adaptation and implementation of a client-centered approach to integrated PrEP care within rurally located SSP settings to address unmet needs for PrEP care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary L Surratt
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hannah J Yeager
- Department of Anthropology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Akosua Adu
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Evelyn A González
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Elizabeth O Nelson
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Tamara Walker
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Valentine JA, Delgado LF, Haderxhanaj LT, Hogben M. Improving Sexual Health in U.S. Rural Communities: Reducing the Impact of Stigma. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:90-99. [PMID: 34436713 PMCID: PMC8390058 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV, are among the most reported diseases in the U.S. and represent some of America’s most significant health disparities. The growing scarcity of health care services in rural settings limits STI prevention and treatment for rural Americans. Local health departments are the primary source for STI care in rural communities; however, these providers experience two main challenges, also known as a double disparity: (1) inadequate capacity and (2) poor health in rural populations. Moreover, in rural communities the interaction of rural status and key determinants of health increase STI disparities. These key determinants can include structural, behavioral, and interpersonal factors, one of which is stigma. Engaging the expertise and involvement of affected community members in decisions regarding the needs, barriers, and opportunities for better sexual health is an asset and offers a gateway to sustainable, successful, and non-stigmatizing STI prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo A Valentine
- Division of STD Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Road, MS US12-3, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
| | - Lyana F Delgado
- Division of STD Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Road, MS US12-3, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Laura T Haderxhanaj
- Division of STD Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Road, MS US12-3, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Matthew Hogben
- Division of STD Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Road, MS US12-3, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
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African American Clergy Recommendations to Enhance the Federal Plan to End the HIV Epidemic: A Qualitative Study. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:100-111. [PMID: 34417672 PMCID: PMC8379056 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
African Americans in the southern United States continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. Although faith-based organizations (FBOs) play important roles in the social fabric of African American communities, few HIV screening, care, and PrEP promotion efforts harness the power of FBOs. We conducted 11 focus groups among 57 prominent African American clergy from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. We explored clergy knowledge about the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE); normative recommendations for how clergy can contribute to EHE; and how clergy can enhance the HIV care continua and PrEP. We explored how clergy have responded to the COVID-19 crisis, and lessons learned from pandemic experiences that are relevant for HIV programs. Clergy reported a moral obligation to participate in the response to the HIV epidemic and were willing to support efforts to expand HIV screening, treatment, PrEP and HIV care. Few clergy were familiar with EHE, U = U and TasP. Many suggested developing culturally tailored messages and were willing to lend their voices to social marketing efforts to destigmatize HIV and promote uptake of biomedical interventions. Nearly all clergy believed technical assistance with biomedical HIV prevention and care interventions would enhance their ability to create partnerships with local community health centers. Partnering with FBOs presents important and unique opportunities to reduce HIV disparities. Clergy want to participate in the EHE movement and need federal resources and technical assistance to support their efforts to bridge community activities with biomedical prevention and care programs related to HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic presents opportunities to build important infrastructure related to these goals.
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Hetrick AT, Young AM, Elman MR, Bielavitz S, Alexander RL, Brown M, Waddell EN, Korthuis PT, Lancaster KE. A cross-sectional survey of potential factors, motivations, and barriers influencing research participation and retention among people who use drugs in the rural USA. Trials 2021; 22:948. [PMID: 34930410 PMCID: PMC8690874 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05919-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high morbidity and mortality among people who use drugs (PWUD) in rural America, most research is conducted within urban areas. Our objective was to describe influencing factors, motivations, and barriers to research participation and retention among rural PWUD. METHODS We recruited 255 eligible participants from community outreach and community-based, epidemiologic research cohorts from April to July 2019 to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Eligible participants reported opioid or injection drug use to get high within 30 days and resided in high-needs rural counties in Oregon, Kentucky, and Ohio. We aggregated response rankings to identify salient influences, motivations, and barriers. We estimated prevalence ratios to assess for gender, preferred drug use, and geographic differences using log-binomial models. RESULTS Most participants were male (55%) and preferred methamphetamine (36%) over heroin (35%). Participants reported confidentiality, amount of financial compensation, and time required as primary influential factors for research participation. Primary motivations for participation include financial compensation, free HIV/HCV testing, and contribution to research. Changed or false participant contact information and transportation are principal barriers to retention. Respondents who prefer methamphetamines over heroin reported being influenced by the purpose and use of their information (PR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.26). Females and Oregonians (versus Appalachians) reported knowing and wanting to help the research team as participation motivation (PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.26 and PR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.51, 2.99). CONCLUSIONS Beyond financial compensation, researchers should emphasize confidentiality, offer testing and linkage with care, use several contact methods, aid transportation, and accommodate demographic differences to improve research participation and retention among rural PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela T Hetrick
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
| | - Miriam R Elman
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, USA
| | - Sarann Bielavitz
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | | | - Morgan Brown
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Elizabeth Needham Waddell
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - Kathryn E Lancaster
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
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Community pharmacist engagement in HIV and HCV prevention: Current practices and potential for service uptake. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 4:100088. [PMID: 35479840 PMCID: PMC9029914 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions Pharmacists are largely willing to help people who need HIV/HCV prevention services. Perception of HIV/HCV prevention fit with pharmacist professional identity varies. Cognitive HIV/HCV prevention services are preferred over hands-on clinical services. Pharmacists often engage in gatekeeping to limit sales of non-prescription syringes. Willingness to sell syringes potentially hinges on minimal contact with requestors.
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'Ending the HIV epidemic': where are African American women in the plan? AIDS 2021; 35:2541-2544. [PMID: 34870932 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sustaining success: a qualitative study of gay and bisexual men's experiences and perceptions of HIV self-testing in a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2048. [PMID: 34753433 PMCID: PMC8576944 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12011-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV self-testing was proved as an effective tool for increasing testing frequency in gay and bisexual men at high risk of infection. Questions remain about understanding why HIVST encouraged testing and how such success can be translated to programmatic implementation. Methods We conducted a qualitative investigation of how FORTH participants experienced and perceived HIVST. Stratified sampling was used to recruit gay and bisexual men participating in the FORTH HIVST intervention to take part in interviews, focusing on infrequent testers and those who had received inaccurate HIVST results. Results Our analysis identified several prominent themes organized into two overarching domains from the 15 interviews: (i) aspects of HIVST contributing to HIV testing frequency, and (ii) sustaining HIVST into the future. Participants also believed that their use of HIVST in the future would depend on the test kit’s reliability, particularly when compared with highly reliable clinic-based testing. Conclusion HIVST increases the frequency of HIV testing among gay and bisexual men due, in part, to the practical, psychological, and social benefits it offers. To capitalize fully on these benefits, however, strategies to ensure the availability of highly reliable HIVST are required to sustain benefits beyond the confines of a structured research study.
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Surratt HL, Otachi J, McLouth C, Vundi N. Healthcare stigma and HIV risk among rural people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108878. [PMID: 34214880 PMCID: PMC8355211 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV epidemic is increasingly penetrating rural areas of the U.S. due to evolving epidemics of injection drug use. Many rural areas experience deficits in availability of HIV prevention, testing and harm reduction services, and confront significant stigma that inhibits care seeking. This paper examines enacted stigma in healthcare settings among rural people who inject drugs (PWID) and explores associations of stigma with continuing high-risk behaviors for HIV. METHODS PWID participants (n = 324) were recruited into the study in three county health department syringe service programs (SSPs), as well as in local community-based organizations. Trained interviewers completed a standardized baseline interview lasting approximately 40 min. Bivariate logistic regression models examined the associations between enacted healthcare stigma, health conditions, and injection risk behaviors, and a mediation analysis was conducted. RESULTS Stigmatizing health conditions were common in this sample of PWID, and 201 (62.0 %) reported experiencing stigma from healthcare providers. Injection risk behaviors were uniformly associated with higher odds of enacted healthcare stigma, including sharing injection equipment at most recent injection (OR = 2.76; CI 1.55, 4.91), and lifetime receptive needle sharing (OR = 2.27; CI 1.42, 3.63). Enacted healthcare stigma partially mediated the relationship between having a stigmatizing health condition and engagement in high-risk injection behaviors. DISCUSSION Rural PWID are vulnerable to stigma in healthcare settings, which contributes to high-risk injection behaviors for HIV. These findings have critical public health implications, including the importance of tailored interventions to decrease enacted stigma in care settings, and structural changes to expand the provision of healthcare services within SSP settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris McLouth
- University of Kentucky, Department of Behavioral Science
| | - Nikita Vundi
- University of Kentucky, Center for Health Services Research
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Bono RS, Dahman B, Sabik LM, Yerkes LE, Deng Y, Belgrave FZ, Nixon DE, Rhodes AG, Kimmel AD. Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Experienced Clinician Workforce Capacity: Urban-Rural Disparities in the Southern United States. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1615-1622. [PMID: 32211757 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa300] [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: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-experienced clinicians are critical for positive outcomes along the HIV care continuum. However, access to HIV-experienced clinicians may be limited, particularly in nonmetropolitan areas, where HIV is increasing. We examined HIV clinician workforce capacity, focusing on HIV experience and urban-rural differences, in the Southern United States. METHODS We used Medicaid claims and clinician characteristics (Medicaid Analytic eXtract [MAX] and MAX Provider Characteristics, 2009-2011), county-level rurality (National Center for Health Statistics, 2013), and diagnosed HIV cases (AIDSVu, 2014) to assess HIV clinician capacity in 14 states. We assumed that clinicians accepting Medicaid approximated the region's HIV workforce, since three-quarters of clinicians accept Medicaid insurance. HIV-experienced clinicians were defined as those providing care to ≥ 10 Medicaid enrollees over 3 years. We assessed HIV workforce capacity with county-level clinician-to-population ratios, using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests to compare urban-rural differences. RESULTS We identified 5012 clinicians providing routine HIV management, of whom 28% were HIV-experienced. HIV-experienced clinicians were more likely to specialize in infectious diseases (48% vs 6%, P < .001) and practice in urban areas (96% vs 83%, P < .001) compared to non-HIV-experienced clinicians. The median clinician-to-population ratio for all HIV clinicians was 13.3 (interquartile range, 38.0), with no significant urban-rural differences. When considering HIV experience, 81% of counties had no HIV-experienced clinicians, and rural counties generally had fewer HIV-experienced clinicians per 1000 diagnosed HIV cases (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Significant urban-rural disparities exist in HIV-experienced workforce capacity for communities in the Southern United States. Policies to improve equity in access to HIV-experienced clinical care for both urban and rural communities are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose S Bono
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Lindsay M Sabik
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lauren E Yerkes
- Division of Population Health Data, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Division of Disease Prevention, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Faye Z Belgrave
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Daniel E Nixon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Anne G Rhodes
- Division of Disease Prevention, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - April D Kimmel
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Lawal FJ, Omotayo MO, Lee TJ, Srinivasa Rao ASR, Vazquez JA. HIV Treatment Outcomes in Rural Georgia Using Telemedicine. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab234. [PMID: 34104669 PMCID: PMC8180244 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing shortage of specialized health care services contributes to the ongoing HIV epidemic. Telemedicine (TM) is a potential tool to improve HIV care, but little is known about its effectiveness when compared with traditional (face-to-face [F2F]) care in rural populations. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of HIV care delivered through TM with the F2F model. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of a subset of patients with HIV who attended a TM clinic in Dublin, Georgia, and an F2F clinic in Augusta, Georgia, between May 2017 and April 2018. All TM patients were matched to F2F patients based on gender, age, and race. HIV viral load (VL) and CD4 count gain were compared using t test and Mann-Whitney U statistics. Results Three hundred eighty-five patients were included in the analyses (F2F = 200; TM = 185). The mean CD4 in the TM group was higher (643.9 cells/mm3) than that of the F2F group (596.3 cells/mm3; P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in VL reduction, control, or mean VL (F2F = 416.8 cp/mL; TM = 713.4 cp/mL; P = .30). Thirty-eight of eighty-five patients with detectable VL achieved viral suppression during the study period (F2F = 24/54; TM = 14/31), with a mean change of 3.34 × 104 and –1 to 0.24 × 104, respectively (P = 1.00). Conclusions TM was associated with outcome measures comparable to F2F. Increased access to specialty HIV care through TM can facilitate HIV control in communities with limited health care access in the rural United States. Rigorous prospective evaluation of TM for HIV care effectiveness is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folake J Lawal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Moshood O Omotayo
- Centre for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Pediatric Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tae Jin Lee
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Arni S R Srinivasa Rao
- Laboratory for Theory and Mathematical Modeling, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jose A Vazquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Chen S, Owolabi Y, Dulin M, Robinson P, Witt B, Samoff E. Applying a machine learning modelling framework to predict delayed linkage to care in patients newly diagnosed with HIV in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA. AIDS 2021; 35:S29-S38. [PMID: 33867487 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Machine learning has the potential to help researchers better understand and close the gap in HIV care delivery in large metropolitan regions such as Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, USA. OBJECTIVES We aim to identify important risk factors associated with delayed linkage to care for HIV patients with novel machine learning models and identify high-risk regions of the delay. METHODS Deidentified 2013-2017 Mecklenburg County surveillance data in eHARS format were requested. Both univariate analyses and machine learning random forest model (developed in R 3.5.0) were applied to quantify associations between delayed linkage to care (>30 days after diagnosis) and various risk factors for individual HIV patients. We also aggregated linkage to care by zip codes to identify high-risk communities within the county. RESULTS Types of HIV-diagnosing facility significantly influenced time to linkage; first diagnosis in hospital was associated with the shortest time to linkage. HIV patients with lower CD4+ cell counts (<200/ml) were twice as likely to link to care within 30 days than those with higher CD4+ cell count. Random forest model achieved high accuracy (>80% without CD4+ cell count data and >95% with CD4+ cell count data) to predict risk of delay in linkage to care. In addition, we also identified top high-risk zip codes of delayed linkage. CONCLUSION The findings helped public health teams identify high-risk communities of delayed HIV care continuum across Mecklenburg County. The methodology framework can be applied to other regions with HIV epidemic and challenge of delayed linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Services
- School of Data Science, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Yakubu Owolabi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael Dulin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Services
- Academy for Population Health Innovation, UNC Charlotte
| | - Patrick Robinson
- Academy for Population Health Innovation, UNC Charlotte
- Mecklenburg County Health Department, Charlotte
| | - Brian Witt
- Academy for Population Health Innovation, UNC Charlotte
- Mecklenburg County Health Department, Charlotte
| | - Erika Samoff
- HIV/STD Prevention and Care Branch, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Hubach RD, O'Neil A, Stowe M, Giano Z, Curtis B, Fisher CB. Perceived Confidentiality Risks of Mobile Technology-Based Ecologic Momentary Assessment to Assess High-Risk Behaviors Among Rural Men Who Have Sex with Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1641-1650. [PMID: 32078710 PMCID: PMC7438245 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01612-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although men who have sex with men (MSM) within rural communities are disproportionately impacted by HIV, limited HIV research and programmatic resources are directed to these communities within the U.S. There is a need for improved behavioral data collection methods to obtain more detailed information on the relationship between rural environments, sexual behavior, and substance use. Utilization of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as ecologic momentary assessment (EMA), has been advocated for; however, limited research has evaluated its utility among rural MSM. Forty MSM residing in rural Oklahoma were recruited to complete in-depth interviews related to participating online/mobile-based HIV prevention research. Men described a willingness to participate in HIV and substance use studies that use EMA methodologies for data collection; however, they raised various research-related concerns. In particular, participants indicated potential privacy and confidentiality concerns related to the use of the mobile technology-based EMA in public and the storage of data by researchers. Given the varying degree of sexual orientation and substance use disclosure by participants, rural MSM were largely concerned with being inadvertently "outed" within their communities. Men described the various strategies they could employ to protect private information and methods to minimize research risk. Study findings suggest that EMA is an acceptable research methodology for use among rural MSM in the context of HIV and sexual health information, when privacy and confidentiality concerns are adequately addressed. Input from community members and stakeholders is necessary to identify potential areas of concerns for participants prior to data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph D Hubach
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA.
| | - Andrew O'Neil
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Mollie Stowe
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Zachary Giano
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Brenda Curtis
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Celia B Fisher
- Center for Ethics Education and Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
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Algarin AB, Zhou Z, Canidate S, Gebru NM, Krieger JL, Neil JM, Cook RL, Ibañez GE. PrEP awareness among people living with HIV in Florida: Florida Cohort study. AIDS Care 2021; 33:428-433. [PMID: 31960703 PMCID: PMC7371495 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1717421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, Florida ranked 2nd nationally in prevalence and incidence rates of HIV infections in the United States. Due to the high burden of HIV and low viral suppression in Florida, it is of increased importance to study methods of HIV prevention such as preexposure prophylaxis(PrEP) in this state. Our study aimed to examine correlates of PrEP awareness among PLWH in Florida and describe patterns of PrEP awareness/information sources. Using data collected from the Florida Cohort study between 2014 and 2018, 530 PLWH answered items that were hypothesized to be correlated with PrEP awareness. Of our sample, 53.8% were aware of PrEP. Urban location of recruitment, sexual partner's use of PrEP, use of viral suppression as an HIV prevention strategy, and engagement in transactional sex were all significantly associated with higher odds of PrEP awareness. Care providers and HIV/AIDS support groups were the most frequently listed sources of PrEP awareness, sources of future PrEP information, and most trusted sources for PrEP information. Findings from this study could inform future interventions that aim to increase PrEP awareness among PLWH to increase PrEP awareness and uptake among their HIV-negative social and sexual networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel B. Algarin
- Florida International University, Department of Epidemiology, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC5- 505, Miami, FL, 33199
| | - Zhi Zhou
- University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, 2004 Mowry Road, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Shantrel Canidate
- University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, 2004 Mowry Road, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Nioud Mulugeta Gebru
- University of Florida, Department of Health Education & Behavior, 2004 Mowry Road, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Janice L. Krieger
- University of Florida, Department of Advertising, 1885 Stadium Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611
| | - Jordan M Neil
- Mongan Institute Health Policy Center, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114
| | - Robert L. Cook
- University of Florida, Department of Epidemiology, 2004 Mowry Road, PO Box 100231, Gainesville, FL, 32610
| | - Gladys E. Ibañez
- Florida International University, Department of Epidemiology, 11200 SW 8th St., AHC5- 505, Miami, FL, 33199
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Geographic Distribution of HIV Transmission Networks in the United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 85:e32-e40. [PMID: 32740373 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding geographic patterns of HIV transmission is critical to designing effective interventions. We characterized geographic proximity by transmission risk and urban-rural characteristics among people with closely related HIV strains suggestive of potential transmission relationships. METHODS We analyzed US National HIV Surveillance System data of people diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 with a reported HIV-1 partial polymerase nucleotide sequence. We used HIV TRAnsmission Cluster Engine (HIV-TRACE) to identify sequences linked at a genetic distance of ≤0.5%. For each linked person, we assessed median distances between counties of residence at diagnosis by transmission category and urban-rural classification, weighting observations to account for persons with multiple linked sequences. RESULTS There were 24,743 persons with viral sequence linkages to at least one other person included in this analysis. Overall, half (50.9%) of persons with linked viral sequences resided in different counties, and the median distance from persons with linked viruses was 11 km/7 miles [interquartile range (IQR), 0-145 km/90 miles]. Median distances were highest for men who have sex with men (MSM: 14 km/9 miles; IQR, 0-179 km/111 miles) and MSM who inject drugs, and median distances increased with increasing rurality (large central metro: 0 km/miles; IQR, 0-83 km/52 miles; nonmetro: 103 km/64 miles; IQR, 40 km/25 miles-316 km/196 miles). CONCLUSION Transmission networks in the United States involving MSM, MSM who inject drugs, or persons living in small metro and nonmetro counties may be more geographically dispersed, highlighting the importance of coordinated health department efforts for comprehensive follow-up and linkage to care.
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Chavis NS, Klein PW, Cohen SM, Dempsey A, Hauck H, Cheever LW. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program's Response to the Opioid Epidemic. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S477-S485. [PMID: 32877537 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United States is in the midst of an unprecedented opioid crisis with increasing injection drug use (IDU)-related human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreaks, particularly in rural areas. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)'s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) is well positioned to integrate treatment for IDU-associated HIV infections with treatment for drug use disorders. These activities will be crucial for the "Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America" (EHE) initiative, in which 7 southern states were identified with rural HIV epidemics. METHODS The RWHAP Services Report data were used to assess the IDU population and substance use services utilization among RWHAP clients in 2017, nationally and in the 7 EHE-identified states. THe HRSA held a 1-day Technical Expert Panel (TEP) to explore how RWHAP can best respond to the growing opioid crisis. RESULTS During the TEP, 8 key themes emerged and 11 best practices were identified to address opioid use disorder (OUD) among people with HIV. In 2017, among RWHAP clients with reported age and transmission category, 6.7% (31 683) had HIV attributed to IDU; among IDU clients, 6.3% (1988) accessed substance use services. CONCLUSIONS The TEP results and RWHAP data were used to develop implementation science projects that focus on addressing OUD and integrating behavioral health in primary care. These activities are critical to ending the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Chavis
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Division of Policy and Data, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela W Klein
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Division of Policy and Data, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Stacy M Cohen
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Division of Policy and Data, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Antigone Dempsey
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Division of Policy and Data, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather Hauck
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Office of the Associate Administrator, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura W Cheever
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Office of the Associate Administrator, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Janssen R, Engel N, Pant Pai N, Esmail A, Dheda K, Thomas R, Krumeich A. 'You're only there on the phone'? A qualitative exploration of community, affect and agential capacity in HIV self-testing using a smartphone app. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2021; 43:591-606. [PMID: 33634889 PMCID: PMC8451867 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) technologies for HIV care are developed to provide diagnostic support, health education, risk assessment and self-monitoring. They aim to either improve or replace part of the therapeutic relationship. Part of the therapeutic relationship is affective, with the emergence of feelings and emotion, yet little research on mHealth for HIV care focuses on affect and HIV testing practices. Furthermore, most of the literature exploring affect and care relations with the introduction of mHealth is limited to the European and Australian context. This article explores affective dimensions of HIV self-testing using a smartphone app strategy in Cape Town, South Africa and Montréal, Canada. This study is based on observation notes, 41 interviews and 1 focus group discussion with study participants and trained HIV healthcare providers from two quantitative studies evaluating the app-based self-test strategy. Our paper reveals how fear, apathy, judgement, frustration and comfort arise in testing encounters using the app and in previous testing experiences, as well as how this relates to care providers and test materials. Attending to affective aspects of this app-based self-testing practice makes visible certain affordances and limitations of the app within the therapeutic encounter and illustrates how mHealth can contribute to HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky Janssen
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI)Maastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Nora Engel
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI)Maastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Nitika Pant Pai
- Division of Clinical EpidemiologyDepartment of MedicineMcGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMontréalQCCanada
| | - Aliasgar Esmail
- Division of PulmonologyDepartment of MedicineCentre for Lung Infection and ImmunityUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Keertan Dheda
- Division of PulmonologyDepartment of MedicineCentre for Lung Infection and ImmunityUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesDepartment of Immunology and InfectionLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | | | - Anja Krumeich
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI)Maastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
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Ballard AM, Haardöerfer R, Prood N, Mbagwu C, Cooper HLF, Young AM. Willingness to Participate in At-Home HIV Testing Among Young Adults Who Use Opioids in Rural Appalachia. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:699-708. [PMID: 32910353 PMCID: PMC7481760 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
New HIV infections associated with injection drug use are of major concern in rural US communities. This study explores acceptability of, consent for, and uptake of free at-home HIV testing among people who use drugs (PWUD) in one of the nation’s epicenters for drug-related harms and HIV vulnerability: Rural Central Appalachia. Eligible participants were 18–35 years old, lived in Appalachian Kentucky, and reported using opioids to get high in the previous 30 days. A majority reported being likely (63.6%, 96/151) to take a free at-home HIV tests and 66.9% (101/151) consented to receive one. Among those who were randomly selected to receive a Home Access HIV-1 test kit (n = 37), 37.8% mailed in blood spots and 21.6% called to receive results. This study provides evidence that PWUD may be willing to take an at-home test, but other barriers may inhibit actual completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Ballard
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Regine Haardöerfer
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nadya Prood
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chukwudi Mbagwu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Experiences Receiving HIV-Positive Results by Phone: Acceptability and Implications for Clinical and Behavioral Research. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:709-720. [PMID: 32915328 PMCID: PMC7483487 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03027-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Improving HIV testing rates and increasing early detection among men who have sex with men (MSM) are critical strategies for enhancing overall health and decreasing HIV transmission. Remote testing and phone delivery of HIV test results may reduce barriers such as geographic isolation or HIV-related stigma. In 2018–19, 50 MSM completed qualitative interviews about their experience receiving a positive HIV test result via phone through their participation in a research study that included remote HIV testing. Interview topics included the acceptability of, and concerns about, phone delivery of HIV results, as well as suggestions for improvement. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Overall, participants reported high acceptability of phone delivery of HIV-positive results. Participants praised the support and information provided by study staff. Benefits identified included increased convenience compared to in-person medical visits, allowing participants to emotionally process their test results privately, as well as receiving the results from supportive and responsive staff members. A few participants indicated drawbacks to phone-based HIV test result delivery, such as logistical concerns about receiving a phone call during the day (e.g., while at work), reduced confidentiality, and the lack of in-person emotional support. Overall, participants described phone delivery of positive HIV-results as acceptable. At-home testing with phone delivery has the potential to increase HIV testing access, especially to geographically isolated or medically underserved patients.
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McClarty LM, Blanchard JF, Becker ML. Leaving no one behind? An equity analysis of the HIV care cascade among a cohort of people living with HIV in Manitoba, Canada. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:281. [PMID: 33541302 PMCID: PMC7860173 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10225-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Manitoba is a central Canadian province with annual rates of new HIV infections consistently higher than the Canadian average. National surveillance statistics and data from the provincial HIV care program suggest that epidemiological heterogeneity exists across Manitoba. New HIV cases are disproportionately reported among females, Indigenous-identifying individuals, and those with a history of injection drug use. Given the heterogeneity in acquisition, it is of interest to understand whether this translates into inequalities in HIV care across Manitoba. Methods A sample of 703 participants from a clinical cohort of people living with HIV in Manitoba, with data current to the end of 2017, was used to conduct cross-sectional, disaggregated analyses of the HIV care cascade to identify heterogeneity in service coverage and clinical outcomes among different groups receiving HIV care in Manitoba. Equiplots are used to identify and visualize inequalities across the cascade. Exploratory multivariable logistic regression models quantify associations between equity variables (age, sex, geography, ethnicity, immigration status, exposure category) and progression along the cascade. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) are reported. Results Equity analyses highlight inequalities in engagement in and coverage of HIV-related health services among cohort participants. Equiplots illustrate that the proportion of participants in each cascade step is greater for those who are older, white, non-immigrants, and report no history of injection drug use. Compared to those living in Winnipeg, participants in eastern Manitoba have greater odds of achieving virologic suppression (AOR[95%CI] = 3.8[1.3–11.2]). The odds of Indigenous participants being virologically suppressed is half that of white participants (AOR[95%CI] = 0.5[0.3–0.7]), whereas African/Caribbean/Black participants are significantly less likely than white participants to be in care and retained in care (AOR[95%CI] = 0.3[0.2–0.7] and 0.4[0.2–0.9], respectively). Conclusions Inequalities exist across the cascade for different groups of Manitobans living with HIV; equiplots are an innovative method for visualizing these inequalities. Alongside future research aiming to understand why inequalities exist across the cascade in Manitoba, our equity analyses can generate hypotheses and provide evidence to inform patient-centred care plans that meet the needs of diverse client subgroups and advocate for policy changes that facilitate more equitable HIV care across the province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh M McClarty
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, R065 Medical Rehabilitation Building, 771 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T6, Canada.
| | - James F Blanchard
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, R065 Medical Rehabilitation Building, 771 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T6, Canada
| | - Marissa L Becker
- Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, R065 Medical Rehabilitation Building, 771 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0T6, Canada
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White RH, O’Rourke A, Kilkenny ME, Schneider KE, Weir BW, Grieb SM, Sherman SG, Allen ST. Prevalence and correlates of receptive syringe-sharing among people who inject drugs in rural Appalachia. Addiction 2021; 116:328-336. [PMID: 32533612 PMCID: PMC7736103 DOI: 10.1111/add.15151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Syringe-sharing significantly increases the risk of HIV and viral hepatitis acquisition among people who inject drugs (PWID). Clearer understanding of the correlates of receptive syringe-sharing (RSS) is a critical step in preventing bloodborne infectious disease transmission among PWID in rural communities throughout the United States. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and correlates of RSS among PWID in a rural county in Appalachia. DESIGN Observational, cross-sectional sample from a capture-recapture parent study. SETTING Cabell County, West Virginia (WV), USA, June-July 2018. PARTICIPANTS The sample was restricted to people who reported injecting drugs in the past 6 months (n = 420). A total of 180 participants (43%) reported recent (past 6 months) RSS. Participants reported high levels of homelessness (56.0%), food insecurity (64.8%) and unemployment (66.0%). MEASUREMENTS The main outcome was recent re-use of syringes that participants knew someone else had used before them. Key explanatory variables of interest, selected from the risk environment framework, included: unemployment, arrest and receipt of sterile syringes from a syringe services program (SSP). Logistic regression was used to determine correlates of recent RSS. FINDINGS PWID reporting recent RSS also reported higher prevalence of homelessness, food insecurity and unemployment than their non-RSS-engaging counterparts. In adjusted analyses, correlates of RSS included: engagement in transactional sex work [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-4.09], unemployment (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.03-1.72), number of drug types injected (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.15-1.53) and injection in a public location (aOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.64-4.08). Having accessed sterile syringes at an SSP was protective against RSS (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.35-0.92). CONCLUSION The prevalence of receptive syringe-sharing among people who inject drugs in a rural US county appears to be high and comparable to urban-based populations. Receptive syringe-sharing among people who inject drugs in a rural setting appears to be associated with several structural and substance use factors, including unemployment and engaging in public injection drug use. Having recently acquired sterile syringes at a syringe services program appears to be protective against receptive syringe sharing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Allison O’Rourke
- Department of Psychology; DC Center for AIDS Research; George Washington University; Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Kristin E. Schneider
- Department of Mental Health; Bloomberg School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian W. Weir
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suzanne M. Grieb
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA,School of Medicine; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan G. Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sean T. Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health; Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore, MD, USA
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Edmonds A, Haley DF, Tong W, Kempf MC, Rahangdale L, Adimora AA, Anastos K, Cohen MH, Fischl M, Wilson TE, Wingood G, Konkle-Parker D. Associations between population density and clinical and sociodemographic factors in women living with HIV in the Southern United States. AIDS Care 2021; 33:229-238. [PMID: 32449377 PMCID: PMC7686024 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1769829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To explore the associations of urbanicity with clinical/behavioral outcomes and sociodemographic factors among women living with HIV in the Southern United States, 523 participants of the Women's Interagency HIV Study were classified into population density quartiles. Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes revealed that 7% resided in areas where >30% commute to urban areas, 2% resided in small towns or rural areas, and 91% resided in varying densities of urban areas. Although women in lower density, mostly suburban areas reported higher socioeconomic indicators such as advanced education and greater annual household income, larger proportions of women in the lowest density quartile perceived discrimination in health care settings and agreed with several internalized HIV stigma scale items. Women in the lower quartiles had higher CD4 counts, while those in the lowest quartile were more likely to have a suppressed HIV viral load, report being employed, and not report a history of drug use or current heavy alcohol use. More research is needed to understand the interplay between population density and mechanisms contributing to HIV control as well as increased internalized stigma and perceived discrimination, along with how to target interventions to improve outcomes for individuals with HIV across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Edmonds
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Danielle F Haley
- Northeastern University, Department of Health Sciences, Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Lisa Rahangdale
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Adaora A Adimora
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Population Health, Bronx, NY
| | - Mardge H Cohen
- Departments of Medicine, Stroger Hospital of Cook County and Rush University, Chicago, IL
| | - Margaret Fischl
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Miami, FL
| | - Tracey E Wilson
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Department of Community Health Sciences
| | - Gina Wingood
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Deborah Konkle-Parker
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Jackson, MS
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Peless T, Chenneville T, Gabbidon K. Challenges to the conceptualization and measurement of resilience in HIV research. AIDS Care 2021; 33:1525-1533. [PMID: 33486975 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1871722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the conceptualization and measurement of resilience in HIV research. Terms related to resilience and HIV were searched in three databases to identify peer-reviewed research articles. Of the 156 articles identified, 49 were included in the analyses. Applied thematic analysis was used to analyze the definitions and measurement of resilience. Articles were reviewed independently by two raters to establish inter-rater reliability. Six recurring themes were identified in the definitions of resilience: adaptation, positive mental health symptoms, the absence of negative mental health symptoms, hardiness, coping, and the ability to "bounce back". Among the articles examined, 14 measures were used to assess resilience, half of which were indirect. These findings help make sense of the available literature on resilience and highlight the importance of clearly operationalizing resilience and measuring it in a way that is congruent with its definition in future HIV research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kemesha Gabbidon
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, USA
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48
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Giano Z, Kavanaugh KE, Durham AR, Currin JM, Wheeler DL, Croff JM, Hubach RD. Factors Associated with Condom Use among a Sample of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Residing in Rural Oklahoma. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2020; 67:1881-1901. [PMID: 31125299 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2019.1616430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Public health literature often neglects populations from rural communities, particularly with men who have sex with men (MSM). Although HIV/STI infections are decreasing slightly, there is an increase within rural MSM, thus opening the door for further research on condom use behavior in a rural context. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 MSM in rural Oklahoma regarding their condom use and sexual behaviors. A qualitative analysis revealed five themes with respect to condom usage: physical discomfort of condoms, relationship trust, usage based on the type of sexual act, substance use, and knowledge of a partner's HIV/STI status. A sixth theme within the context of rural Oklahoma revealed participants' fear of physical/verbal abuse, hesitations seeking medical help due to confidentially issues, and general acknowledgment of the lack of education and resources available. Implications include increasing mobile testing locations and a push for marketing greater confidentially within health service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Giano
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences , Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Katherine E Kavanaugh
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences , Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University , Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - André R Durham
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences , Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Joseph M Currin
- Department of Psychology, Texas Tech University , Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Denna L Wheeler
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University , Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Julie M Croff
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University , Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Randolph D Hubach
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences , Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University , Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
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49
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Sherbuk JE, Petros de Guex K, Anazco Villarreal D, Knight S, McManus KA, Flickinger T, Dillingham R. Beyond Interpretation: The Unmet Need for Linguistically and Culturally Competent Care for Latinx People Living with HIV in a Southern Region with a Low Density of Spanish Speakers. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:933-941. [PMID: 32772713 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Latinx people living with HIV (PLWH) experience disparities in health outcomes and face unique barriers to care related to language, intersectional stigma, and immigration status. We aimed to explore the lived experience of Spanish-speaking Latinx PLWH in the nonurban South to better understand how to improve care for this minority language population. We conducted semistructured interviews with 22 participants (10 men, 10 women, 2 transgender women) who were recruited from a Ryan White HIV/AIDS program (RWHAP) and a community-based organization. Almost all participants were foreign born. Emerging themes included language barriers, cultural differences, inadequate interpreter services, HIV-related and intersectional stigma, isolation, and relationships as a source of support. These barriers may contribute to disparities in outcomes for Latinx PLWH. New interventions are needed to overcome barriers, foster community, and ensure culturally tailored models of care. Potential clinic-level interventions include the development of specialized training for RWHAP interpreters and inclusion of interpreters in care teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E. Sherbuk
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kristen Petros de Guex
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Diego Anazco Villarreal
- Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sarah Knight
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kathleen A. McManus
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tabor Flickinger
- Division of General, Geriatric, Palliative, and Hospital Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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50
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Hubach RD, O'Neil AM, Stowe M, Hamrick J, Giano Z, Currin JM. Preferred Methods of HIV and Sexually Transmissible Infection Screening Delivery Among a Rural Sample of Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:470-476. [PMID: 33147083 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2020.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the national HIV and sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates growing in rural areas, rural populations-particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), have limited access to secondary (i.e., HIV/STI screening) prevention activities compared with their urban counterparts. We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with 23 rural MSM residing in Oklahoma and Arkansas to assess their (1) experiences with HIV and STI testing; (2) perceptions of at-home testing; and (3) preferences for receiving results and care. Barriers to accessing HIV/STI screening included lack of medical providers within rural communities, privacy and confidentiality concerns, and perceived stigma from providers and community members. To overcome these barriers, all participants recognized the importance of screening paradigms that facilitated at-home screening, medical consultation, and care. This included the ability to request a testing kit and receive results online, to access affirming and competent providers utilizing telemedicine technology, as well as prompt linkage to treatment. These narratives highlight the need for systems of care that facilitate HIV and STI screening within rural communities, which do not require participants to access services at traditional physical venues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph D. Hubach
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Andrew M. O'Neil
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mollie Stowe
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Justin Hamrick
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Zachary Giano
- Center for Rural Health, Center for Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Joseph M. Currin
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
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