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Temelkovska T, Moriarty K, Huerta L, Perez-Brumer AG, Segura ER, Passaro RC, Lake JE, Clark JL, Blair CS. Both/And: Mixed methods analysis of network composition, communication patterns, and socio-economic support within social networks of transgender women involved in sex work in Lima, Peru. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2385. [PMID: 38041045 PMCID: PMC10690964 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17278-z] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social networks contribute to normative reinforcement of HIV prevention strategies, knowledge sharing, and social capital, but little research has characterized the social networks of transgender women (TW) in Latin America. We conducted a mixed methods analysis of three network clusters of TW in Lima, Peru, to evaluate network composition, types of support exchanged, and patterns of communication. METHODS We recruited TW residing in or affiliated with three "casas trans" (houses shared among TW) in Lima between April-May 2018. Eligible participants were 18 or older, self-reported HIV-negative, and reported recent intercourse with a cis-male partner. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, social network interviews, and semi-structured interviews to assess egocentric network structures, support exchanged, and communication patterns. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using Stata v14.1 and Atlas.ti, respectively. RESULTS Of 20 TW, median age was 26 years and 100% reported involvement in commercial sex work. Respondents identified 161 individuals they interacted with in the past month (alters), of whom 33% were TW and 52% family members. 70% of respondents reported receiving emotional support from family, while 30% received financial support and instrumental support from family. Of the 13 (65%) respondents who nominated someone as a source of HIV prevention support (HPS), the majority (69%) nominated other TW. In a GEE regression analysis adjusted for respondent education and region of birth, being a family member was associated with lower likelihood of providing financial support (aOR 0.21, CI 0.08-0.54), instrumental support (aOR 0.16, CI 0.06-0.39), and HPS (aOR 0.18, CI 0.05-0.64). In qualitative interviews, most respondents identified a cis-female family member as their most trusted and closest network member, but other TW were more often considered sources of day-to-day support, including HPS. CONCLUSION TW have diverse social networks where other TW are key sources of knowledge sharing and support, and family members may also represent important and influential components. Within these complex networks, TW may selectively solicit and provide support from different network alters according to specific contexts and needs. HIV prevention messaging could consider incorporating network-based interventions with TW community input and outreach efforts for supportive family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Temelkovska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado, 12631 East 17th Avenue, AO1, 4th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 911 Broxton Ave, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Kathleen Moriarty
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Leyla Huerta
- Feminas, Jiron Carlos de los Heros 265, Cercado de Lima 15084, Lima, Peru
| | - Amaya G Perez-Brumer
- Division of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 5th Floor, Room 554, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eddy R Segura
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Huánuco, Jirón Hermilio, Valdizan, Huánuco, 859-885, 10001, Peru
| | - Ryan Colby Passaro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1200 N State Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jordan E Lake
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, MSB 1.150, Houston, Fannin, Houston, Texas, 6431, 77030, USA
| | - Jesse L Clark
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 911 Broxton Ave, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Cheríe S Blair
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 911 Broxton Ave, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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Temelkovska T, Moriarty K, Huerta L, Perez-Brumer AG, Segura ER, Passaro RC, Lake JE, Clark JL, Blair CS. Both/And: Mixed methods analysis of network composition, communication patterns, and socio-economic support within social networks of transgender women in Lima, Peru. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3150364. [PMID: 37577472 PMCID: PMC10418543 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3150364/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Social networks contribute to normative reinforcement of HIV prevention strategies, knowledge sharing, and social capital, but little research has characterized the social networks of transgender women (TW) in Latin America. We conducted a mixed methods analysis of three network clusters of TW in Lima, Peru, to evaluate network composition, types of support exchanged, and patterns of communication. Methods We recruited TW residing in or affiliated with three "casas trans" (houses shared among TW) in Lima between April-May 2018. Eligible participants were 18 or older, self-reported HIV-negative, and reported recent intercourse with a cis-male partner. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, social network interviews, and semi-structured interviews to assess egocentric network structures, support exchanged, and communication patterns. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using Stata v14.1 and Atlas.ti, respectively. Results Of 20 TW, median age was 26 years and 100% reported involvement in commercial sex work. Respondents identified 161 individuals they interacted with in the past month (alters), of whom 33% were TW and 52% family members. 70% of respondents reported receiving emotional support from family, while 30% received financial support and instrumental support from family. Of the 13 (65%) respondents who nominated someone as a source of HIV prevention support (HPS), the majority (69%) nominated other TW. In a GEE regression analysis adjusted for respondent education and region of birth, being a family member was associated with lower likelihood of providing financial support (aOR 0.21, CI 0.08-0.54), instrumental support (aOR 0.16, CI 0.06-0.39), and HPS (aOR 0.18, CI 0.05-0.64). In qualitative interviews, most respondents identified a cis-female family member as their most trusted and closest network member, but other TW were more often considered sources of day-to-day support, including HPS. Conclusion TW have diverse social networks where other TW are key sources of knowledge sharing and support, and family members may also represent important and influential components. Within these complex networks, TW may selectively solicit and provide support from different network alters according to specific contexts and needs. HIV prevention messaging could consider incorporating network-based interventions with TW community input and outreach efforts for supportive family members.
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Bachman VF, Montaño MA, Ulrich A, Villaran M, Cabello R, Gonzalez P, Sanchez H, Lama JR, Duerr A. Correlates of condomless anal intercourse with different types of sexual partners among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. AIDS Care 2023; 35:791-799. [PMID: 34702087 PMCID: PMC9038957 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1994517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Sabes study was registered in March 2013 with the National Institutes of Health at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01815580).
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria F Bachman
- University of Washington Internal Medicine Residency Program, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Angela Ulrich
- University of Washington, Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, Washington
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Manuel Villaran
- Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Peru
- Dirección Científica y Académia, AUNA, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Javier R Lama
- Asociación Civil Impacta Salud y Educación, Lima, Peru
| | - Ann Duerr
- University of Washington, Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, Washington
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington
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Parchem B, Aguayo-Romero RA, Alizaga NM, del Río-González AM, Poppen PJ, Zea MC. Identity and Relational Factors Associated with Sexual Role and Positioning for Anal Sex among Colombian Sexual Minority Men. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:911-919. [PMID: 35080994 PMCID: PMC9314459 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2026287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify Top, Bottom, and Versatile sexual role identities and anal sex behavior profiles using latent class analysis in a sample of 942 sexual minority men living in Bogotá. A Versatile-insertive and receptive class (52.2%) was the most prevalent of the four resulting classes, whereas the least common was a class (1.7%) that did not use labels and had a low probability of anal sex. We examined whether identity and relational factors (i.e., sexual orientation, LGBT collective identity, and partner type) were associated with profiles. Gay identity was associated with versatile and receptive classes and bisexual identity was associated with insertive and versatile classes. LGBT collective identity was associated with the class characterized by Bottom identity and receptive positioning. Partner type was not associated with class membership, but versatile behaviors were more common among encounters with a main partner. Models using data at different timescales offered consistent patterns of behavior between the last encounter and the past three months, though the versatile class in the three-month model split into two classes based on frequency of versatile positioning. Findings highlight the relationship between sexual identity and positioning and can inform interventions for sexual health education and identity development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Parchem
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Rodrigo A. Aguayo-Romero
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital/ Harvard Medical School/ The Fenway Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Paul J. Poppen
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Maria Cecilia Zea
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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Let's Talk About Sex: The Impact of Partnership Contexts on Communication About HIV Serostatus and Condom Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TW) in Lima, Peru. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2139-2153. [PMID: 33411208 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03144-1] [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] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Sexual communication with partners informs risk assessment and sexual practices. We evaluated participant, partner, and network factors associated with communication about condom use and HIV serostatus and explored their relationships with condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among 446 men who have sex with men (MSM) and 122 transgender women (TW) in Lima, Peru. Generalized estimating equations assessed contextual influences on communication and practices with recent sexual partners. More frequent HIV communication was reported by MSM who: identified as heterosexual, compared to bisexual or gay; characterized partnerships as stable, compared to casual, anonymous, or commercial; or discussed HIV/STIs with close social contacts (p < 0.05). TW in concurrent partnerships discussed condom use more frequently than those in monogamous relationships (p < 0.05). Condom use discussions and alcohol use among MSM were associated with CAI (p < 0.05). Findings highlight complexity in sexual decision-making and call for further study of conversation content and practices to inform HIV prevention messaging.
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Understanding HIV risk and vulnerability among cisgender men with transgender partners. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e201-e208. [PMID: 32032535 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the HIV pandemic, cisgender (ie, non-transgender) men with transgender partners are an underserved population. Complexities of sexuality and gender affect HIV vulnerability for this group, including not identifying with conventional sexual orientation categories (eg, bisexual, heterosexual, or gay) and having attractions based on gender role or expression rather than genital anatomy. Only one HIV prevention interventional study in this population was identified, and one study that assessed the perceived acceptability of an intervention. We found no data for interventions using pre-exposure prophylaxis, interventions for cisgender men with transgender men partners, or cisgender men with casual or transactional sexual partnerships with transgender people. Cisgender men with transgender partners are not easily categorised using traditional HIV risk categories. Additional research is needed to understand stigma and other structural drivers of HIV vulnerability, sexual networks and practices, substance use patterns, and biomedical prevention interest and uptake for this group. Studies that use an intersectional lens and syndemic framework could offer key insights.
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Semple SJ, Pines HA, Strathdee SA, Vera AH, Rangel G, Magis-Rodriguez C, Patterson TL. Uptake of a Partner Notification Model for HIV Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Tijuana, Mexico. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2042-2055. [PMID: 29159592 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1984-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Undiagnosed HIV infection is common among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Latin America. We examined uptake of a partner notification (PN) model among MSM and TW in Tijuana, Mexico. Forty-six HIV-positive MSM/TW enrolled as index patients, and reported 132 MSM/TW sexual partners for PN. Of notified partners (90/132), 39% declined eligibility screening or participation, 39% tested for HIV, and of those 28% were newly-diagnosed HIV-positive. Partners who were seen by the index patient more than once in the past 4 months and those who primarily had sex with the index patient in one of their homes were more likely to be notified via PN (76% vs. 50%; p = 0.01 and 86% vs. 64%, p = 0.02, respectively). Lower than expected PN uptake was associated with problems identifying index patients, obtaining reliable partner contact information, and engaging notified partners.
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Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Integrating HIV Prevention and Treatment with Cross-Sex Hormone Therapy for Transgender Women in Lima, Peru. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:3299-3311. [PMID: 28421354 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Transgender women (TW) represent a vulnerable population at increased risk for HIV infection in Peru. A mixed-methods study with 48 TW and 19 healthcare professionals was conducted between January and February 2015 to explore barriers and facilitators to implementing a model of care that integrates HIV services with gender-affirmative medical care (i.e., hormone therapy) in Lima, Peru. Perceived acceptability of the integrated care model was high among TW and healthcare professionals alike. Barriers included stigma, lack of provider training or Peruvian guidelines regarding optimal TW care, and service delivery obstacles (e.g., legal documents, spatial placement of clinics, hours of operation). The hiring of TW staff was identified as a key facilitator for engagement in health care. Working in partnership with local TW and healthcare provider organizations is critical to overcoming existing barriers to successful implementation of an integrated HIV services and gender-affirmative medical care model for this key population in Peru.
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Clark JL, Segura ER, Oldenburg CE, Rios J, Montano SM, Perez-Brumer A, Villaran M, Sanchez J, Coates TJ, Lama JR. Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) increases the frequency of partner notification among MSM in Lima, Peru: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Med 2017; 15:94. [PMID: 28468648 PMCID: PMC5415724 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0858-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) has been shown to improve treatment outcomes among heterosexual partners of individuals with curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although the use of EPT with men who have sex with men (MSM) has been debated, due to the potential for missed opportunities to diagnose unidentified cases of HIV and syphilis infection in symptomatic partners, increases in partner notification (PN) resulting from use of EPT may promote testing and treatment of otherwise unidentified partners. We assessed the impact of EPT on self-reported PN among MSM in Peru with gonorrheal (GC) and/or chlamydial (CT) infection. METHODS We enrolled 173 MSM in Lima, Peru with symptomatic or asymptomatic GC and/or CT infection between 2012 and 2014. We enrolled 44 MSM with symptomatic urethritis/proctitis and 129 MSM with asymptomatic GC/CT infection, diagnosed based on nucleic acid testing (Aptima Combo 2 Transcription-Mediated Amplification [TMA]) from urethral, pharyngeal, and rectal sites. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard PN counseling (n = 84) or counseling plus EPT (cefixime 400 mg/azithromycin 1 g) for up to five recent partners (n = 89). Self-reported notification was assessed by computer-assisted self-administered survey among 155 participants who returned for 14-day follow-up. RESULTS The median age of participants was 26 (interquartile range [IQR]: 23-31) with a median of 3 sexual partners (IQR: 2-4) in the previous 30-day period. Among all participants, 111/155 (71.6%) notified at least one partner at 14-day follow-up with a median of 1 partner notified per participant (IQR: 0-2). For participants randomized to receive EPT, 69/83 (83.1%) reported notifying at least one partner, compared with 42/72 (58.3%) of participants in the control arm (odds ratio = 3.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68-7.39). The proportion of all recent partners notified was significantly greater in the EPT than in the control arm (53.5%, 95% CI: 45.0-62.0% versus 36.4%, 95% CI: 27.0-47.4%). CONCLUSIONS Provision of EPT led to significant increases in notification among Peruvian MSM diagnosed with GC/CT infection. Additional research is needed to assess the impact of EPT on biological outcomes, including persistent or recurrent infection, antimicrobial resistance, and HIV/STI transmission, in MSM sexual networks. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01720654 . Registered on 10/29/2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L Clark
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, 10833 Leconte Avenue, CHS 37-121, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Eddy R Segura
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Jessica Rios
- Asociacion Civil Impacta Salud y Educacion, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Jorge Sanchez
- Universidad Nacional Mayor San Marcos, Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Lima, Peru
| | - Thomas J Coates
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Javier R Lama
- Asociacion Civil Impacta Salud y Educacion, Lima, Peru
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Cassell JA. Highlights from this issue. Sex Transm Infect 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Clark JL, Perez-Brumer AG, Segura ER, Salvatierra HJ, Sanchez J, Lama JR. Anticipated Notification of Sexual Partners following STD Diagnosis among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Lima, Peru: A Mixed Methods Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163905. [PMID: 27685158 PMCID: PMC5042523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New strategies to support partner notification (PN) are critical for STD control and require detailed understanding of how specific individual and partnership characteristics guide notification decisions. METHODS From 2011 to 2012, 397 MSM and TW recently diagnosed with HIV, syphilis, or another STD completed a survey on anticipated notification of recent sexual partners and associated factors. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset of participants to provide further depth to quantitative findings. Prevalence ratios and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to analyze participant- and partner-level factors associated with anticipated PN. RESULTS Among all partners reported, 52.5% were described as "Very Likely" or "Somewhat Likely" to be notified. Anticipated notification was more likely for main partners than casual (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR], 95% CI: 0.63, 0.54-0.75) or commercial (aPR, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.31-0.62) partners. Other factors associated with likely notification included perception of the partner as an STD source (aPR, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.10-1.48) and anticipated future sexual contact with the partner (aPR, 95% CI: 1.30, 1.11-1.52). An HIV diagnosis was associated with a lower likelihood of notification than non-HIV STDs (aPR: 0.68, 0.55-0.86). Qualitative discussion of the barriers and incentives to PN reflected a similar differentiation of anticipated notification according to partnership type and type of HIV/STD diagnosis. DISCUSSION Detailed attention to how partnership characteristics guide notification outcomes is essential to the development of new PN strategies. By accurately and thoroughly assessing the diversity of partnership interactions among individuals with HIV/STD, new notification techniques can be tailored to partner-specific circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse L. Clark
- UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amaya G. Perez-Brumer
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Eddy R. Segura
- UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Jorge Sanchez
- Asociacion Civil Impacta Salud y Educacion, Lima, Peru
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