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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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Maritim C, McClarty L, Leung S, Bruce S, Restall G, Migliardi P, Becker M. HIV treatment outcomes among newcomers living with HIV in Manitoba, 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 2021; 6:119-128. [PMID: 36341034 PMCID: PMC9608691 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2020-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the overrepresentation of immigrants and refugees (newcomers) in the HIV epidemic in Canada, research on their HIV treatment outcomes is limited. This study addressed this knowledge gap by describing treatment outcomes of newcomers in comparison with Canadian-born persons living with HIV in Manitoba. METHODS Clinical data from 1986 to 2017 were obtained from a cohort of people living with HIV and receiving care from the Manitoba HIV Program. Retrospective cohort analysis of secondary data was completed using univariate and multivariate statistics to compare differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes among newcomers, Canadian-born Indigenous persons, and Canadian-born non-Indigenous persons on entry into HIV care. RESULTS By end of 2017, 86 newcomers, 259 Canadian-born Indigenous persons, and 356 Canadian-born non-Indigenous persons were enrolled in the cohort. Newcomers were more likely than Canadian-born Indigenous and non- Indigenous cohort participants to be younger and female and have self-reported HIV risk exposure as heterosexual contact. Average CD4 counts at entry into care did not differ significantly between groups. A higher proportion of newcomers was also diagnosed with tuberculosis within 6 months of entry into care (21%), compared with 6% and 0.6% of Canadian-born Indigenous non-Indigenous persons, respectively. Newcomers and Canadian-born non-Indigenous persons had achieved viral load suppression (< 200 copies/mL) at a similar proportion (93%), compared with 82% of Canadian-born Indigenous participants (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The distinct demographic and clinical characteristics of newcomers living with HIV requires a focused approach to facilitate earlier diagnosis, engagement, and support in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity Maritim
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Leigh McClarty
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Stella Leung
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sharon Bruce
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gayle Restall
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Paula Migliardi
- Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marissa Becker
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba HIV Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Lee SB, Valerius J. mHealth Interventions to Promote Anti-Retroviral Adherence in HIV: Narrative Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e14739. [PMID: 32568720 PMCID: PMC7486676 DOI: 10.2196/14739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are key in the management of HIV. Although no cure exists, ARVs help patients live healthy lives and prevent transmission to others. Adherence to complex regimens is paramount to outcomes and in avoiding the emergence of drug-resistant viruses. The goal of therapy is to reach an undetectable viral load. However, adherence is a common problem, stemming from issues such as mental health, chaotic home situations, and busy work schedules. Mobile health (mHealth) represents a new approach in improving medication adherence, and multiple studies have been performed in this area. Objective This study aims to review the current implementation of mHealth in the management of HIV among different groups of patients. Methods We used PubMed, Academic Search Elite, and 1 journal database with various search terms to review the current implementation of mHealth in HIV care. Results Titles and abstracts were screened, and 61 papers were identified and fully reviewed. The literature was divided into lower- and higher-income nations, as defined by the United Nations. A total of 20 studies with quantitative results were identified, with 10 being text- and SMS-based interventions (the majority of these being in lower-income countries) and 8 being smartphone-based apps (primarily in higher-income countries). The majority of these studies determined whether there was an effect on adherence or biochemical parameters (viral load and CD4 count). Various qualitative studies have also been conducted, and many have focused on determining the specific design of interventions that were successful (frequency of messaging, types of messages, etc) as well as priorities for patients with regard to mHealth interventions. Conclusions There seems to be a role of mHealth in the management of HIV in lower-income nations; however, the optimal design of an intervention needs to be delineated. In higher-income countries, where the 2 significant risk factors were injection drugs and men who have sex with men, the benefit was less clear, and more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Regina, SK, Canada.,Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Joanne Valerius
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Gustafson R, Demlow SE, Nathoo A, McKee G, MacDonald LE, Chu T, Sandhu J, Grafstein E, Hull M, Chittock D, Carere R, Krajden M, Sherlock CH, Harrison S, Buchner CS, Montaner JSG, Daly P. Routine HIV testing in acute care hospitals: Changing practice to curb a local HIV epidemic in Vancouver, BC. Prev Med 2020; 137:106132. [PMID: 32442444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Early treatment of HIV infection increases life expectancy and reduces infectivity; however, delayed HIV diagnosis remains common. Implementation and sustainability of hospital-based routine HIV testing in Vancouver, British Columbia, was evaluated to address a local HIV epidemic by facilitating earlier diagnosis and treatment. Public health issued a recommendation in 2011 to offer HIV testing to all patients presenting to three Vancouver hospitals as part of routine care, including all patients admitted to medical/surgical units with expansion to emergency departments (ED). We evaluated acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness from 2011 to 2014 and continued monitoring through 2016 for sustainability. Between October 2011-December 2016, 114,803 HIV tests were administered at the three hospitals; an 11-fold increase following implementation of routine testing. The rate of testing was sustained and remained high through 2018. Of those tested, 151 patients were diagnosed with HIV for a testing yield of 0.13%. Review of 12,996 charts demonstrated 4935/5876 (96·9%) of admitted patients agreed to have an HIV test when offered. People diagnosed in hospital were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with acute stage (aOR 1·96, 95% CI 1·19, 3·23) infection, particularly those diagnosed in the ED. This study provides practice-based evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of implementing a recommendation for routine HIV testing among inpatient and emergency department admissions, as well as the ability to normalize and sustain this change. Routine hospital-based HIV testing can increase diagnoses of acute HIV infection and facilitate earlier initiation of antiretroviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Réka Gustafson
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Communicable Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada; University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - S Ellen Demlow
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Public Health Surveillance Unit, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Afshan Nathoo
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Prevention, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Geoffrey McKee
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Communicable Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Lauren E MacDonald
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Immunizations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tianxin Chu
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Public Health Surveillance Unit, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jat Sandhu
- University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Vancouver Coastal Health, Public Health Surveillance Unit, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Grafstein
- St. Paul's Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dean Chittock
- University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada; Vancouver Coastal Health, Critical Care Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ronald Carere
- Providence Health Care, Medical Affairs, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- University of British Columbia, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher H Sherlock
- University of British Columbia, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott Harrison
- Providence Health Care, HIV/AIDS and Addictions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Julio S G Montaner
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; University of British Columbia, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Patricia Daly
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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McClarty LM, Cheuk E, Ireland L, Kendall C, Bibeau C, Loeppky C, Kasper K, Keynan Y, Blanchard J, Becker M. Cohort profile: the LHIV-Manitoba clinical cohort of people living with HIV in Manitoba, Canada. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034259. [PMID: 32467251 PMCID: PMC7259858 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The LHIV-Manitoba cohort was developed as a way to provide a comprehensive source of HIV-related health information in the central Canadian Prairie province of Manitoba. The cohort will provide important information as we aim to better understand local HIV epidemiology and address key knowledge and practice gaps in HIV prevention, treatment and care programming in the province. PARTICIPANTS In total, 890 individuals, aged 18 or older and living or receiving HIV care in Manitoba are enrolled in the cohort. A complete clinical dataset exists for 725 participants, which includes variables on sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities and co-infections, self-reported HIV exposure categories and HIV clinical indicators. A limited clinical dataset exists for an additional 165 individuals who were enrolled posthumously. 97.5% of cohort participants' clinical records are linked to provincial administrative health datasets. FINDINGS TO DATE The average age of cohort participants is 49.7 years. Approximately three-quarters of participants are male, 42% self-identified as white and 42% as Indigenous. The majority of participants (64%) reported condomless vaginal sex as a risk exposure for HIV. Nearly one-fifth (18%) of participants have an active hepatitis C virus infection and the cohort's median CD4 count increased from 316 cells/mm3 to 518 cells/mm3 between time of entry into care and end of the first quarter in 2019. FUTURE PLANS The LHIV-Manitoba cohort is an open cohort, and as such, participant enrolment, data collection and analyses will be continually ongoing. Future analyses will focus on the impact of provincial drug plans on clinical outcomes, determinants of mortality among cohort participants and deriving estimates for a local HIV care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh M McClarty
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Eve Cheuk
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Laurie Ireland
- Nine Circles Community Health Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Claire Kendall
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Carla Loeppky
- Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living, Government of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ken Kasper
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yoav Keynan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - James Blanchard
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marissa Becker
- Institute for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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van Gaalen S, Duff M, Arroyave LF, Rueda ZV, Kasper K, Keynan Y. Characteristics of hospital admissions for pneumonia in HIV-positive individuals in Winnipeg, Manitoba: a cross-sectional retrospective analysis. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:115-121. [PMID: 28661231 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417717654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Lung infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality, even in the current antiretroviral therapy era. Pneumonia is the most common cause of admission in HIV-positive individuals in our centre as reported in a previously published study. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to further characterize these admissions, with respect to index of disease severity at presentation, organisms identified, and investigations pursued including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). There were 123 unique patients accounting for a total of 209 admissions from 2005 to 2015. An organism was isolated in only 33% of all admissions (68/209). The most common organism was Pneumocystis jirovecii with a frequency of 29% of all admissions. Eighty-seven percent of presentations were mild, and 13% were moderate by CURB-65 criteria. A total of 39 BALs were performed, of which 27 yielded an organism (69%). Considering the burden of disease, low diagnostic yield of the current diagnostic strategy and increased morbidity and mortality caused by pneumonia in HIV-positive individuals, further methods are needed to more accurately target therapy. The preponderance of mild disease in this study suggests that better diagnostic tests may identify individuals that can be candidates for outpatient therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S van Gaalen
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, 8664 University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michael Duff
- 2 Department of Engineering, 8664 University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Zulma Vanessa Rueda
- 3 27983 Universidad de Antioquia , Medellin, Colombia.,4 28025 Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana , Medellin, Colombia
| | - Ken Kasper
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, 8664 University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Canada.,5 Department of Infectious Diseases, 8664 University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Y Keynan
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, 8664 University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Canada.,5 Department of Infectious Diseases, 8664 University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Canada
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Schafer KR, Albrecht H, Dillingham R, Hogg RS, Jaworsky D, Kasper K, Loutfy M, MacKenzie LJ, McManus KA, Oursler KAK, Rhodes SD, Samji H, Skinner S, Sun CJ, Weissman S, Ohl ME. The Continuum of HIV Care in Rural Communities in the United States and Canada: What Is Known and Future Research Directions. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 75:35-44. [PMID: 28225437 PMCID: PMC6169533 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The nature of the HIV epidemic in the United States and Canada has changed with a shift toward rural areas. Socioeconomic factors, geography, cultural context, and evolving epidemics of injection drug use are coalescing to move the epidemic into locations where populations are dispersed and health care resources are limited. Rural-urban differences along the care continuum demonstrate the implications of this sociogeographic shift. Greater attention is needed to build a more comprehensive understanding of the rural HIV epidemic in the United States and Canada, including research efforts, innovative approaches to care delivery, and greater community engagement in prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Schafer
- *Section on Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC; †Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of South Carolina School of Medicine; ‡Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; §Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; ‖BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada; ¶Clinician Investigator Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; #Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; **Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; ††CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada; ‡‡Clinician Investigator Program, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; §§Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA; ‖‖Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Salem, VA; ¶¶Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; ##British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada; ***University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; and †††Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
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Tarasuk J, Ogunnaike-Cooke S, Archibald C, Poitras M, Hennink M, Lloyd K, Faye R, Abbas Z, Bourassa C, Masching R, Bennett R, MacLean R, Malloch L, Kim J. A pilot behavioural and biological surveillance survey for HIV and other bloodborne infections among Aboriginal people in Regina, Saskatchewan. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2014; 40:388-396. [PMID: 29769870 PMCID: PMC5864430 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v40i18a04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aboriginal people in Canada are disproportionately affected by HIV and other blood-borne infections. A-Track is a national public health surveillance system designed to monitor HIV and related infections, behaviours and socio-demographic factors among Aboriginal populations in Canada. The pilot survey for the A-Track surveillance system, the first of its kind in Canada, was conducted in Regina, Saskatchewan and implemented via a community and public health partnership. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis and associated risk behaviours and socio-demographic factors among Aboriginal people in Regina, Saskatchewan. This focus of the pilot survey was to provide this surveillance information for public health action and to determine whether this type of public health surveillance activity could be conducted in an urban setting across Canada. METHODS Survey participants were self-identified Aboriginal people (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) or those who claimed Aboriginal ancestry and between the ages of 16 and 60 years. These individuals were also asked to provide a blood sample for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis antibody testing. Descriptive analyses were performed with sex-based comparisons. RESULTS There were 1064 people who participated in the survey. Their average age was 33 years and 51% were male. The majority of participants (93%) lived in urban Regina at the time of the survey. Just over half (53.2%) of all participants had been removed from their families during childhood; 29.9% had lived in a residential or boarding school during childhood; and 57.7% had lived at some point in a correctional facility. Among the 1,045 participants who provided a blood sample of sufficient quantity for testing, 5.2% were HIV seropositive and 55.8% of these were aware of their HIV status. The lifetime exposure to hepatitis C was 41.6%, with significantly higher proportions of males than females testing positive for hepatitis C exposure. Syphilis seroprevalence was very low (<1%). Almost three-quarters (71.5%) of participants reported being tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime and among those ever tested, 67.6% had been tested during the 12 months prior to the interview. CONCLUSION Aboriginal people are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada. The findings from the A-Track pilot survey can be used to inform and evaluate prevention and treatment services for HIV and other related infections among Aboriginal people. Lessons learned from the pilot survey could also be used to guide the possible implementation of A-Track in other urban and/or reserve locations in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tarasuk
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - S Ogunnaike-Cooke
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - C Archibald
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - M Poitras
- All Nations Hope Network, Regina, SK
| | - M Hennink
- Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK
| | - K Lloyd
- Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK
| | - R Faye
- Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK
| | - Z Abbas
- Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, Regina, SK
| | - C Bourassa
- First Nations University of Canada, Regina, SK
| | - R Masching
- Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network, Dartmouth, NS
| | - R Bennett
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - R MacLean
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - L Malloch
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - J Kim
- Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON
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Sharma K, Sharma A, Nichol K, Karlowsky J, Becker M, Kasper K, Keynan Y. Letter to the editor. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2014; 25:118-119. [PMID: 24855482 PMCID: PMC4028668 DOI: 10.1155/2014/823708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karan Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba
| | - Aditya Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba
| | | | | | - Marissa Becker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Department of Community Health Sciences
| | - Ken Kasper
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology
| | - Yoav Keynan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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