1
|
Emanuel E, Slater L, Croxford S, Edmundson C, Ibitoye A, Njoroge J, Ijaz S, Hope V, Platt L, Phipps E, Desai M. Adverse health outcomes among people who inject drugs who engaged in recent sex work: findings from a national survey. Public Health 2023; 225:79-86. [PMID: 37922590 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explores trends in sex work among people who inject drugs (PWID) by gender and the relationship between sex work and adverse health outcomes including overdose, injection-site, and blood-borne virus (BBV) infections. STUDY DESIGN The Unlinked Anonymous Monitoring Survey of PWID is an annual cross-sectional survey that monitors BBV prevalence and behaviours, including transactional sex, among PWID recruited through specialist services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. METHODS Trends in sex work among PWID (2011-2021) were described. Data were analysed to assess differences between PWID who engaged in sex work in the past year (sex workers [SWs]) and those who did not (non-SWs) by gender (Pearson Chi2 tests) (2018-2021). Associations between sex work in the past year and adverse health outcomes were investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS Between 2011 and 2021, sex work among PWID remained stable, with 31% of women and 6.3% of men who inject, reporting having ever engaged in sex work, and 14% of women and 2.2% of men engaging in sex work in the past year. Between 2018 and 2021, SWs had greater odds of reporting symptoms of an injection-site infection (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.68 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.31-2.16], P < 0.001) and reporting overdose (aOR: 2.21 [CI: 1.74-2.80], P < 0.001) than non-SWs had in the past year. Among men, SWs had 243% greater odds of having HIV than non-SWs (aOR: 3.43 [CI: 1.03-11.33], P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight disproportionate vulnerability and intersection of overlapping risk factors experienced by PWID SWs and a need for tailored interventions which are inclusive and low-threshold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Emanuel
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - L Slater
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom.
| | - S Croxford
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom; St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Prescot, United Kingdom
| | - C Edmundson
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Ibitoye
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Njoroge
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Ijaz
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - V Hope
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom; Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - L Platt
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - E Phipps
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Desai
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schmidt D, Kollan C, Schewe K, Hanhoff N, Rüsenberg R, Friebe M, Schikowski T, Schink SB, Marcus U, Koppe U, Jansen K, Streeck H, Ottensmeyer P, An der Heiden M, Bannert N, M'Bayo R, Ceres M, Weber L, Sweers H, Schmidt AJ, Tietz H, Danan E, Bendig J, Kloep S, Neumann A, Valbert F, Wasem J, Bartmeyer B, Bremer V. [Evaluating the introduction of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis as a benefit of statutory health insurance (EvE-PrEP) : Highly effective protection against HIV without an increase in sexually transmitted infections]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:1008-1018. [PMID: 37436444 PMCID: PMC10465680 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03733-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the impact of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a new service of the statutory health insurance (SHI) on the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Germany. In addition, PrEP needs and access barriers were analyzed. METHODS The following data were evaluated as part of the evaluation project: HIV and syphilis notification data and extended surveillance by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), pharmacy prescription data, SHI routine data, PrEP use in HIV-specialty care centers, Checkpoint, the BRAHMS and PrApp studies, as well as a community board. RESULTS The majority of PrEP users were male (98-99%), primarily aged between 25-45 years, and predominantly of German nationality or origin (67-82%). The majority were men who have sex with men (99%). With regard to HIV infections, PrEP proved to be highly effective. There were only isolated cases of HIV infections (HIV incidence rate 0.08/100 person years); in most cases the suspected reason was low adherence. The incidences of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis did not increase but remained almost the same or even decreased. A need for information on PrEP for people in trans*/non-binary communities, sex workers, migrants, and drug users emerged. Needs-based services for target groups at increased risk of HIV are necessary. DISCUSSION PrEP proved to be a very effective HIV prevention method. The partly feared indirect negative influences on STI rates were not confirmed in this study. Due to the temporal overlap with the containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, a longer observation period would be desirable for a conclusive assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schmidt
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Christian Kollan
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Knud Schewe
- Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft ambulant tätiger Ärztinnen und Ärzte für Infektionskrankheiten und HIV-Medizin e. V. (dagnä), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Nikola Hanhoff
- Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft ambulant tätiger Ärztinnen und Ärzte für Infektionskrankheiten und HIV-Medizin e. V. (dagnä), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Robin Rüsenberg
- Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft ambulant tätiger Ärztinnen und Ärzte für Infektionskrankheiten und HIV-Medizin e. V. (dagnä), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Martin Friebe
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Tim Schikowski
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Barbara Schink
- Fachgebiet Nosokomiale Infektionen, Surveillance von Antibiotikaresistenz und -verbrauch, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Ulrich Marcus
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Uwe Koppe
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Klaus Jansen
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Hendrik Streeck
- Institut für Virologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
| | | | - Matthias An der Heiden
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Abteilung für Infektionskrankheiten, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Rosaline M'Bayo
- Afrikaherz/Verband für Interkulturelle Arbeit Berlin/Brandenburg e.V. (VIA), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Maia Ceres
- Berufsverband erotische und sexuelle Dienstleistungen e. V. (BesD), Köln, Deutschland
| | - Lukas Weber
- HILFE-FÜR-JUNGS e. V./subway, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Holger Sweers
- Abteilung Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und Crossmediale Kommunikation, Deutsche Aidshilfe e. V. (DAH), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Axel Jeremias Schmidt
- Fachbereich Medizin und Gesundheitspolitik, Deutsche Aidshilfe e. V. (DAH), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Helge Tietz
- Checkpoint BLN/PrEP-User, Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | - Jörg Bendig
- Kompetenzzentrum für Klinische Studien, Universität Bremen (KKSB), Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Kloep
- Kompetenzzentrum für Klinische Studien, Universität Bremen (KKSB), Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Anja Neumann
- Lehrstuhl für Medizinmanagement, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Frederik Valbert
- Lehrstuhl für Medizinmanagement, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Jürgen Wasem
- Lehrstuhl für Medizinmanagement, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Barbara Bartmeyer
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Viviane Bremer
- Fachgebiet HIV/AIDS und andere sexuell oder durch Blut übertragbare Infektionen, Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Coukan F, Murray KK, Papageorgiou V, Lound A, Saunders J, Atchison C, Ward H. Barriers and facilitators to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Specialist Sexual Health Services in the United Kingdom: A systematic review using the PrEP Care Continuum. HIV Med 2023; 24:893-913. [PMID: 37078101 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13492] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in the UK is inequitable; over 95% of PrEP users were men who have sex with men (MSM) despite making up less than 50% of new HIV diagnoses. We conducted a systematic review to identify modifiable barriers and facilitators to PrEP delivery in the UK among underserved populations. METHODS We searched bibliographic/conference databases using the terms HIV, PrEP, barriers, facilitators, underserved populations, and UK. Modifiable factors were mapped along the PrEP Care Continuum (PCC) to identify targets for interventions. RESULTS In total, 44 studies were eligible: 29 quantitative, 12 qualitative and three mixed-methods studies. Over half (n = 24 [54.5%]) exclusively recruited MSM, whereas 11 were in mixed populations (all included MSM as a sub-population) and the other nine were in other underserved populations (gender and ethnicity minorities, women, and people who inject drugs). Of the 15 modifiable factors identified, two-thirds were at the PrEP contemplation and PrEParation steps of the PCC. The most reported barriers were lack of PrEP awareness (n = 16), knowledge (n = 19), willingness (n = 16), and access to a PrEP provider (n = 16), whereas the more reported facilitators were prior HIV testing (n = 8), agency and self-care (n = 8). All but three identified factors were at the patient rather than provider or structural level. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights that the bulk of the scientific literature focuses on MSM and on patient-level factors. Future research needs to ensure underserved populations are included and prioritized (e.g. ethnicity and gender minorities, people who inject drugs) and provider and structural factors are investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavien Coukan
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Keitumetse-Kabelo Murray
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vasiliki Papageorgiou
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Lound
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John Saunders
- UCL Centre for Clinical Research in Infection and Sexual Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Christina Atchison
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Helen Ward
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
- Patient Experience Research Centre, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Whelan I, Strachan S, Apea V, Orkin C, Paparini S. Barriers and facilitators to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for cisgender and transgender women in the UK. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e472-e481. [PMID: 37271160 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00080-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Uptake of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender and transgender women in the UK has been low. In this Review, we explore the barriers and facilitators to PrEP access for these groups, with a focus on health equity. We included 20 studies, including seven abstracts presented at conferences. The study samples were disparate, with minimal overlap between papers. We identified barriers at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels, including poor awareness and acceptability; stigma, race, and ethnicity; restricted access to PrEP; and exclusion from clinical trials. We found hidden subpopulations of women who could potentially benefit from PrEP, of whom little is known about their PrEP knowledge, preferences, and access due to a lack of UK research. These subpopulations include non-Black African women, transgender women, sex workers, migrant women, women experiencing intimate partner violence, incarcerated women, and women who inject drugs. We highlight opportunities to address these obstacles. Research on the use of PrEP by women in the UK is scarce, and existing research has poor granularity. Without a better understanding of the needs and preferences of the full spectrum of women who could benefit from PrEP, the UK will not reach zero transmissions by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Whelan
- SHARE Collaborative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | | | - Vanessa Apea
- SHARE Collaborative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; SHARE Collaborative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sara Paparini
- SHARE Collaborative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bazzi AR, Bordeu M, Baumgartner K, Sproesser DM, Bositis CM, Krakower DS, Mimiaga MJ, Biello KB. Study protocol for an efficacy trial of the "PrEP for Health" intervention to increase HIV PrEP use among people who inject drugs. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:513. [PMID: 36932369 PMCID: PMC10021034 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15429-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV incidence has recently increased among people who inject drugs (PWID) across the United States, with outbreaks occurring in states with long-standing syringe service programs (SSPs) including Massachusetts (MA). Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an evidence-based HIV prevention strategy recommended for PWID, but uptake in this marginalized population is extraordinarily low. METHODS We describe the design and procedures for a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded (R01) randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of "PrEP for Health," a multicomponent behavioral intervention to increase PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence among HIV-negative PWID attending SSPs in two areas of the U.S. Northeast that are heavily affected by injection-related HIV transmission. Participants are equally randomized to receive the "PrEP for Health" intervention (involving individually tailored HIV and PrEP education, motivational interviewing, problem-solving skills and planning, and ongoing navigation support) or an enhanced standard of care (eSOC) control condition involving a brief educational video on the utility of PrEP for HIV prevention. Co-primary outcomes are PrEP uptake (using medical/pharmacy records) and adherence (using tenofovir quantification in hair samples); a secondary outcome is PrEP persistence (using medical/pharmacy records) over 12 months. Major assessments occur at baseline, 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. Planned analyses will examine intervention efficacy, specific hypothesized conceptual mediators of the intervention effect (e.g., self-perceived HIV risk; PrEP knowledge, interest in use, motivation, and behavioral skills) and epidemiologically linked moderators (e.g., age; gender; condomless vaginal or anal sex). DISCUSSION Findings from our extensive preliminary research with the study population revealed that a multicomponent, theory-based intervention targeting PrEP knowledge, motivation, self-efficacy, behavioral skills, and structural barriers to PrEP access is urgently needed for PWID who are at risk of HIV acquisition. We also learned that SSPs represent a highly acceptable service setting for delivering such interventions. In this study, we are evaluating the efficacy of the "PrEP for Health" intervention. If efficacious, findings from our implementation evaluation could help guide its dissemination to diverse SSPs and possibly other community-based settings accessed by this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT04430257, registered June 12, 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Bazzi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, 92093, CA, USA.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, MTF 265E (Mail Code 0725), La Jolla, 92161, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Christopher M Bositis
- Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Lawrence, MA, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Douglas S Krakower
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, 02912, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bazzi AR, Shaw LC, Biello KB, Vahey S, Brody JK. Patient and Provider Perspectives on a Novel, Low-Threshold HIV PrEP Program for People Who Inject Drugs Experiencing Homelessness. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:913-921. [PMID: 35614171 PMCID: PMC9132566 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07672-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs (PWID) and experience homelessness are increasing across the USA. Despite high levels of need, multilevel barriers to accessing antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention persist for this population. The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) initiated a low-threshold, outreach-based program to support engagement in PrEP services among PWID experiencing homelessness. METHODS To inform dissemination efforts, we explored patient and provider perspectives on key program components. From March to December 2020, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with current and former BHCHP PrEP program participants and prescribers, patient navigators, and outreach workers (i.e., providers). Thematic analysis explored perspectives on key program components. RESULTS Participants (n = 21) and providers (n = 11) identified the following five key components of BHCHP's PrEP program that they perceived to be particularly helpful for supporting patient engagement in PrEP services: (1) community-driven PrEP education; (2) low-threshold, accessible programming including same-day PrEP prescribing; (3) tailored prescribing supports (e.g., on-site pharmacy, short-term prescriptions, medication storage); (4) intensive outreach and navigation; and (5) trusting, respectful patient-provider relationships. DISCUSSION Findings suggest that more patient-centered services formed the basis of BHCHP's innovative, successful PrEP program. While contextual challenges including competing public health emergencies and homeless encampment "sweeps" necessitate ongoing programmatic adaptations, lessons from BHCHP's PrEP program can inform PrEP delivery in a range of community-based settings serving this population, including syringe service programs and shelters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Bazzi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MTF 265E (Mail Code 0725), La Jolla, CA, 92161, USA.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Leah C Shaw
- Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seamus Vahey
- Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer K Brody
- Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shaw G, Schaefer R, Schmidt HMA, Madden A, Chang J, Mozalevskis A, Msimanga-Radebe B, Mangadan Konath N, Verster A, Baggaley R, Rodolph M, Macdonald V. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs: a global mapping of service delivery. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:16. [PMID: 36782321 PMCID: PMC9924874 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00729-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for all people at substantial risk of HIV as part of combination prevention. The extent to which this recommendation has been implemented globally for people who inject drugs is unclear. This study mapped global service delivery of PrEP for people who inject drugs. METHODS Between October and December 2021, a desk review was conducted to obtain information on PrEP services for people who inject drugs from drug user-led networks and HIV, harm reduction, and human rights stakeholders. Websites of organizations involved in HIV prevention or services for people who inject drugs were searched. Models of service delivery were described in terms of service location, provider, and package. RESULTS PrEP services were identified in 27 countries (15 high-income). PrEP delivery models varied within and across countries. In most services, PrEP services were implemented in healthcare clinics without direct links to other harm reduction services. In three countries, PrEP services were also provided at methadone clinics. In 14 countries, PrEP services were provided through community-based models (outside of clinic settings) that commonly involved peer-led outreach activities and integration with harm reduction services. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates limited PrEP availability for people who inject drugs. There is potential to expand PrEP services for people who inject drugs within harm reduction programs, notably through community-based and peer-led services. PrEP should never be offered instead of evidence-based harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs; however, it could be offered as an additional HIV prevention choice as part of a comprehensive harm reduction program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin Schaefer
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Heather-Marie A Schmidt
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland ,UNAIDS Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Annie Madden
- International Network of People who Use Drugs, London, UK
| | - Judy Chang
- International Network of People who Use Drugs, London, UK
| | - Antons Mozalevskis
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Annette Verster
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Rodolph
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Macdonald
- grid.3575.40000000121633745Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Barry MP, Austin EJ, Bhatraju EP, Glick SN, Stekler JD, Tung EL, Hansen RN, Williams EC, Gojic AJ, Pickering EI, Tsui JI. Qualitative inquiry into perceptions of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among people who inject drugs living with hepatitis C in Seattle, WA, USA. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:121. [PMID: 36320005 PMCID: PMC9628120 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00706-5] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of HIV among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the USA has been increasing since 2014, signaling the need to identify effective ways to engage PWID in HIV prevention services, namely pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Yet, the uptake of PrEP in this population is minimal compared to other populations at risk of HIV acquisition. In this work, we sought to explore knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of PrEP acceptability among PWID. METHODS In the context of a pilot study to explore the acceptability of pharmacy-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, we conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 24) and focus groups (n = 4, 16 participants) with people who were living with HCV and reported active injection drug use (≤ 90 days since last use). Participants were asked open-ended questions about their familiarity with and motivation to use PrEP. As part of a sub-analysis focused on PrEP, qualitative data were analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process, where three coders used structured templates to summarize qualitative data and iteratively reviewed coded templates to identify themes. Participants also completed short quantitative questionnaires regarding drug use history and attitudes toward health concerns. RESULTS Forty-seven percent of participants expressed having little or no concern regarding HIV acquisition. Targeted analyses focused on HIV prevention identified three themes, which help characterize behavioral determinants of nonadoption. First, knowledge of PrEP was limited among PWID and influenced by infrequent open community discussions around HIV risk. Second, PWID perceived sexual behaviors-but not injection drug use-as a motivator for HIV risk prevention. Finally, PWID identified many individual and environmental barriers that hinder PrEP uptake. CONCLUSION Among PWID, PrEP is rarely discussed and concerns about the feasibility of using daily PrEP are common. Taken with the prevalent perception that drug use is not a high risk for HIV acquisition, our findings point to opportunities for public health work to target PrEP education to PWID and to leverage other successful interventions for PWID as an opportunity to provide PrEP to this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Barry
- Department of Epidemiology, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 8th Floor, Box 351619, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, 401 5th Ave. Suite 1300, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Austin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 4th Floor, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elenore P Bhatraju
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, 401 5th Ave. Suite 1300, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 356423, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Joanne D Stekler
- Department of Epidemiology, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 8th Floor, Box 351619, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 356423, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 7th Floor, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Elyse L Tung
- Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, H375 Health Science Building, Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195-7630, USA
| | - Ryan N Hansen
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 4th Floor, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, H375 Health Science Building, Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195-7630, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, Hans Rosling Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave. NE, 4th Floor, Box 351621, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound, 1660 South Columbia Way, Building 101, Room 4E51, Seattle, WA, 98108, USA
| | - Alexander J Gojic
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Eleanor I Pickering
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, Suite 316, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Croxford S, Emanuel E, Shah A, Chau C, Hope V, Desai M, Ijaz S, Shute J, Edmundson C, Harris RJ, Delpech V, Phipps E. Epidemiology of HIV infection and associated behaviours among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Nearly 40 years on. HIV Med 2022; 23:978-989. [PMID: 35352446 PMCID: PMC9545638 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13297] [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] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction People who inject drugs are at high risk of blood‐borne infections. We describe the epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (EW&NI) since 1981. Methods National HIV surveillance data were used to describe trends in diagnoses (1981–2019), prevalence (1990–2019), and behaviours (1990–2019) among people who inject drugs aged ≥15 years in EW&NI. HIV care and treatment uptake were assessed among those attending in 2019. Results Over the past four decades, the prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs in EW&NI remained low (range: 0.64%–1.81%). Overall, 4978 people who inject drugs were diagnosed with HIV (3.2% of cases). Diagnoses peaked at 234 in 1987, decreasing to 78 in 2019; the majority were among white men born in the UK/Europe (90%), though the epidemic diversified over time. Late diagnosis (CD4 <350 cells/µl) was common (2010–2019: 52% [429/832]). Of those who last attended for HIV care in 2019, 97% (1503/1550) were receiving HIV treatment and 90% (1375/1520) had a suppressed viral load (<200 copies/ml). HIV testing uptake has steadily increased among people who inject drugs (32% since 1990). However, in 2019, 18% (246/1404) of those currently injecting reported never testing. The proportion of people currently injecting reporting sharing needles/syringes decreased from 1999 to 2012, before increasing to 20% (288/1426) in 2019, with sharing of any injecting equipment at 37% (523/1429). Conclusion The HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in EW&NI has remained relatively contained compared with in other countries, most likely because of the prompt implementation of an effective national harm reduction programme. However, risk behaviours and varied access to preventive interventions among people who inject drugs indicate the potential for HIV outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ammi Shah
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | | | - Vivian Hope
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.,Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Safety and efficacy of G2-S16 dendrimer as microbicide in healthy human vaginal tissue explants. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:151. [PMID: 35307031 PMCID: PMC8935742 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01350-8] [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] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absence of an effective treatment and vaccine in HIV-1 pandemic place preventive strategies such as safety and effective microbicide development as a central therapeutic approach to control HIV-1 pandemic nowadays. RESULTS Studies of cytotoxicity, immune population status, inflammation or tissue damage and mainly prophylactic inhibition of HIV-1 infection in vaginal human explants demonstrate the biosafety and effectivity of G2-S16 dendrimer. Human explants treated with G2-S16 dendrimer or treated and HIV-1 infected do not presented signs of irritation, inflammation, immune activation or T cell populations deregulation. CONCLUSIONS Herein we conclude that G2-S16 dendrimer has demonstrated sufficient efficacy, biosafety, effectivity and behavior in the closest to the real-life condition model represented by the human healthy donor vaginal tissue explants, to raise G2-S16 dendrimer as a promising candidate to clinical trials to develop an effective microbicide against HIV-1 infection.
Collapse
|