1
|
Chayama KL, Ng C, Ivsins A, Small W, Knight R, McNeil R. "Everybody looks at it as drug use instead of pain management": Experiences of chronic pain and its management among older people living with HIV who use drugs in Vancouver, British Columbia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 262:111399. [PMID: 39029372 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a common comorbidity among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who use drugs. However, in-depth understanding of how chronic pain is managed among PLHIV who use drugs remains limited, especially in the aging population. We sought to explore how older PLHIV who use drugs manage chronic pain and situate these experiences within their social and structural contexts. METHODS This study draws on semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted with 27 PLHIV who use drugs and were living with chronic pain in Vancouver, Canada. Participants were recruited through outreach at an integrated HIV care facility and from an open prospective cohort study of PLHIV who use drugs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. Salient themes were identified using an inductive-deductive approach to coding. RESULTS Three themes emerged from our data analysis. First, chronic pain influenced daily life and functioning, including ability to manage HIV and other health conditions. Second, provider-related barriers, including anti-drug stigma and discrimination, impeded access to pain management. Third, illicit drugs were often used to self-manage pain. CONCLUSIONS This study advances our understanding of the everyday experiences of living with chronic pain among older PLHIV who use drugs. Inadequately managed pain may contribute to an array of health- and drug-related harms among this population. Our findings underscore the need for equitable access to pain care, and safer alternatives to the toxic illicit drug supply in the context of the illicit drug poisoning epidemic, to relieve suffering and improve quality of life for older PLHIV who use drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koharu Loulou Chayama
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, 6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Cara Ng
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Andrew Ivsins
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Will Small
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 ave du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1×9, Canada
| | - Ryan McNeil
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06519, United States; Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reddon H, Fairbairn N, Grant C, Milloy MJ. Experiencing homelessness and progression through the HIV cascade of care among people who use drugs. AIDS 2023; 37:1431-1440. [PMID: 37070552 PMCID: PMC10330029 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the longitudinal association between periods of homelessness and progression through the HIV cascade of care among people who use drugs (PWUD) with universal access to no-cost HIV treatment and care. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Data were analysed from the ACCESS study, including systematic HIV clinical monitoring and a confidential linkage to comprehensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) dispensation records. We used cumulative link mixed-effects models to estimate the longitudinal relationship between periods of homelessness and progression though the HIV cascade of care. RESULTS Between 2005 and 2019, 947 people living with HIV were enrolled in the ACCESS study and 304 (32.1%) reported being homeless at baseline. Homelessness was negatively associated with overall progression through the HIV cascade of care [adjusted partial proportional odds ratio (APPO) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.63]. Homelessness was significantly associated with lower odds of progressing to each subsequent stage of the HIV care cascade, with the exception of initial linkage to care. CONCLUSIONS Homelessness was associated with a 44% decrease in the odds of overall progression through the HIV cascade of care, and a 41-54% decrease in the odds of receiving ART, being adherent to ART and achieving viral load suppression. These findings support calls for the integration of services to address intersecting challenges of HIV, substance use and homelessness among marginalized populations such as PWUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hudson Reddon
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bouzanis K, Joshi S, Lokker C, Pavalagantharajah S, Qiu Y, Sidhu H, Mbuagbaw L, Qutob M, Henedi A, Levine MAH, Lennox R, Tarride JE, Kalina D, Alvarez E. Health programmes and services addressing the prevention and management of infectious diseases in people who inject drugs in Canada: a systematic integrative review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047511. [PMID: 34556508 PMCID: PMC8461723 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People who inject drugs (PWID) experience a high burden of injection drug use-related infectious disease and challenges in accessing adequate care. This study sought to identify programmes and services in Canada addressing the prevention and management of infectious disease in PWID. DESIGN This study employed a systematic integrative review methodology. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection) and relevant websites were searched for literature published between 2008 and 2019 (last search date was 6 June 2019). Eligible articles and documents were required to address injection or intravenous drug use and health programmes or services relating to the prevention or management of infectious diseases in Canada. RESULTS This study identified 1607 unique articles and 97 were included in this study. The health programmes and services identified included testing and management of HIV and hepatitis C virus (n=27), supervised injection facilities (n=19), medication treatment for opioid use disorder (n=12), integrated infectious disease and addiction programmes (n=10), needle exchange programmes (n=9), harm reduction strategies broadly (n=6), mobile care initiatives (n=5), peer-delivered services (n=3), management of IDU-related bacterial infections (n=2) and others (n=4). Key implications for policy, practice and future research were identified based on the results of the included studies, which include addressing individual and systemic factors that impede care, furthering evaluation of programmes and the need to provide comprehensive care to PWID, involving medical care, social support and harm reduction. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the need for expanded services across a variety of settings and populations. Our study emphasises the importance of addressing social and structural factors that impede infectious disease care for PWID. Further research is needed to improve evaluation of health programmes and services and contextual factors surrounding accessing services or returning to care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020142947.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Bouzanis
- Department of Global Health, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Siddharth Joshi
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Lokker
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Yun Qiu
- School of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Institute of Commerce, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hargun Sidhu
- Department of Undergraduate Medical Education, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Majdi Qutob
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alia Henedi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus, Cyprus
| | - Mitchell A H Levine
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin Lennox
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Eric Tarride
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale Kalina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Alvarez
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fleming T, Collins AB, Bardwell G, Fowler A, Boyd J, Milloy MJ, Small W, McNeil R. A qualitative investigation of HIV treatment dispensing models and impacts on adherence among people living with HIV who use drugs. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246999. [PMID: 33635886 PMCID: PMC7909635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) dispensing is strongly associated with treatment adherence. Among illicit drug-using populations, whom experience greater structural barriers to adherence, directly administered antiretroviral therapy (DAAT) is often regarded as a stronger predictor of optimal adherence over self-administered medications. In Vancouver, Canada, people living with HIV (PLHIV) who use drugs and live in low-income housing are a critical population for treatment support. This group is typically able to access two key DAAT models, daily delivery and daily pickup, in addition to ART self-administration. This ethno-epidemiological qualitative study explores how key dispensing models impact ART adherence among PLHIV who use drugs living in low-income housing, and how this is framed by structural vulnerability. Semi-structured interviews lasting 30-45 minutes were conducted between February and May 2018 with 31 PLHIV who use drugs recruited from an ongoing prospective cohort of PLHIV who use drugs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using QSR International's NVivo 12 software. Interviews focused on housing, drug use, and HIV management. Models that constrained agency were found to have negative impacts on adherence and quality of life. Treatment interruptions were framed by structural vulnerabilities (e.g., housing vulnerability) that impacted ability to maintain adherence under certain dispensing models, and led participants to consider other models. Participants using DAAT models which accounted for their structural vulnerabilities (e.g., mobility issues, housing instability), credited these models for their treatment adherence, but also acknowledged factors that constrained agency, and the negative impacts this could have on both adherence, and quality of life. Being able to integrate ART into an established routine is key to supporting ART adherence. ART models that account for the structural vulnerability of PLHIV who use drugs and live in low-income housing are necessary and housing-based supports could be critical, but the impacts of such models on agency must be considered to ensure optimal adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Fleming
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexandra B. Collins
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Geoff Bardwell
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Al Fowler
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jade Boyd
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M. J. Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Will Small
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Ryan McNeil
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Viral Rebound Among Persons With Diagnosed HIV Who Achieved Viral Suppression, United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 84:133-140. [PMID: 32084054 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some persons who achieve viral suppression may later experience viral rebound, potentially putting them at risk for transmitting HIV. We estimate the prevalence of, and describe factors associated with, viral rebound among adults with diagnosed HIV in the United States who had ≥2 viral load tests in a 12-month period. SETTING The Medical Monitoring Project is an annual cross-sectional survey about the experiences and needs of adults with diagnosed HIV sampled from the National HIV Surveillance System. METHODS We analyzed interview and medical record data from 3 Medical Monitoring Project cycles spanning June 2015-May 2018. We analyzed viral load results from the 12-month period before the interview among persons with ≥2 viral load tests who achieved viral suppression. Data were weighted based on known probabilities of selection, adjusted for patient nonresponse, and poststratified to known population totals from the National HIV Surveillance System. RESULTS Among those with ≥2 viral load tests who achieved viral suppression, 7.5% demonstrated viral rebound. In multivariable analyses, viral rebound was higher among non-Hispanic blacks, persons ages 18-39, persons with public insurance, persons recently experiencing homelessness, persons with higher numbers of viral load tests, persons who missed HIV care appointments, and persons with suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS Viral rebound varied by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. HIV providers can monitor persons at greatest risk for viral rebound and link patients with ancillary services or evidence-based interventions to help them remain virally suppressed. Our findings can inform strategies and interventions implemented under the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
Collapse
|
6
|
Nickoloff-Bybel EA, Calderon TM, Gaskill PJ, Berman JW. HIV Neuropathogenesis in the Presence of a Disrupted Dopamine System. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:729-742. [PMID: 32506353 PMCID: PMC7905900 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09927-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a chronic condition, lengthening and improving the lives of individuals living with this virus. Despite successful suppression of HIV replication, people living with HIV (PLWH) are susceptible to a growing number of comorbidities, including neuroHIV that results from infection of the central nervous system (CNS). Alterations in the dopaminergic system have long been associated with HIV infection of the CNS. Studies indicate that changes in dopamine concentrations not only alter neurotransmission, but also significantly impact the function of immune cells, contributing to neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction. Monocytes/macrophages, which are a major target for HIV in the CNS, are responsive to dopamine. Therefore, defining more precisely the mechanisms by which dopamine acts on these cells, and the changes in cellular function elicited by this neurotransmitter are necessary to develop therapeutic strategies to treat neuroHIV. This is especially important for vulnerable populations of PLWH with chemically altered dopamine concentrations, such as individuals with substance use disorder (SUD), or aging individuals using dopamine-altering medications. The specific neuropathologic and neurocognitive consequences of increased CNS dopamine remain unclear. This is due to the complex nature of HIV neuropathogenesis, and logistical and technical challenges that contribute to inconsistencies among cohort studies, animal models and in vitro studies, as well as lack of demographic data and access to human CNS samples and cells. This review summarizes current understanding of the impact of dopamine on HIV neuropathogenesis, and proposes new experimental approaches to examine the role of dopamine in CNS HIV infection. Graphical abstract HIV Neuropathogenesis in the Presence of a Disrupted Dopamine System. Both substance abuse disorders and the use of dopaminergic medications for age-related diseases are associated with changes in CNS dopamine concentrations and dopaminergic neurotransmission. These changes can lead to aberrant immune function, particularly in myeloid cells, which contributes to the neuroinflammation, neuropathology and dysfunctional neurotransmission observed in dopamine-rich regions in HIV+ individuals. These changes, which are seen despite the use antiretroviral therapy (ART), in turn lead to further dysregulation of the dopamine system. Thus, in individuals with elevated dopamine, the bi-directional interaction between aberrant dopaminergic neurotransmission and HIV infection creates a feedback loop contributing to HIV associated neurocognitive dysfunction and neuroHIV. However, the distinct contributions and interactions made by HIV infection, inflammatory mediators, ART, drugs of abuse, and age-related therapeutics are poorly understood. Defining more precisely the mechanisms by which these factors influence the development of neurological disease is critical to addressing the continued presence of neuroHIV in vulnerable populations, such as HIV-infected older adults or drug abusers. Due to the complexity of this system, understanding these effects will require a combination of novel experimental modalities in the context of ART. These will include more rigorous epidemiological studies, relevant animal models, and in vitro cellular and molecular mechanistic analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E A Nickoloff-Bybel
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - T M Calderon
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - P J Gaskill
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
| | - J W Berman
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roca B, Teira R, Domingo P, Geijo P, Galindo MJ, Lozano F, Terron A, Garrido M, Suarez-Lozano I, Vidal F, Muñoz-Sanchez P, Viciana P, Ribera E, Castaño M, Martinez E, Puig T, Estrada V, Deig E, de la Fuente B, Montero M, Muñoz-Sanz A, Sanchez T, Romero-Palacios A, Lacalle JR. Factors Associated with Nonsuppression of HIV Infection in the Spanish VACH Cohort. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:927-932. [PMID: 32772710 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to determine the prevalence of HIV nonsuppression and factors associated with it. This is a cross-sectional multicenter study carried out in January 2016 with data of the VACH Cohort, a registry participated by 23 hospitals from most regions of Spain. The prevalence of HIV nonsuppression, defined as HIV RNA ≥200 copies/mL, is documented. The possible association of HIV nonsuppression with sociodemographic and clinical variables is assessed with a logistic regression analysis. A total of 30,843 adult patients are included; 7,358 of them (23.86%) have nonsuppressed HIV. An association is found between nonsuppression of HIV and the following variables: lower body mass index, lower age of patients in their last registered visit, lower number of visits carried out during follow-up, lower last available CD4 cell count, higher age of patients at the time of their HIV infection diagnosis, higher lowest available CD4 cell count, higher highest available HIV RNA, enrolment in the Cohort in first years of the HIV epidemic, region of Spain where the patient is attended other than Andalusia, HIV risk factor other than sexual, occurrence of death during follow-up, hepatitis C coinfection, being a smoker, pertaining to groups A1 or A2 of the CDC groups classification, and not taking antiretroviral treatment, p < .001 in all cases. HIV nonsuppression is still common with the effective antiretroviral treatment nowadays available. HIV nonsuppression is associated with HIV risk factor other than sexual, hepatitis C coinfection, and being a smoker, among other factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernardino Roca
- Department of Medicine, Hospital General of Castellon, University of Valencia, Castellon, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ethnoepidemiology and mental health: insights from Latin America. Salud Colect 2020; 16:e2786. [DOI: 10.18294/sc.2020.2786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this essay, I explore methodological as well as theoretical implications of an ethno-epidemiological approach, aiming to integrate research findings in mental health into new conceptual models. With this objective, I first evaluate the roots and uses of the term “ethnoepidemiology” to designate three research strategies for scientific knowledge production: type I (studies of sociocultural risk factors and ethnically defined risk groups); type II (studies of lay models of distribution and occurrence of illness in populations); type III (ethnographic studies of projects and areas of epidemiologic research). As an illustration, selected methodological features of three studies in which I have participated are presented and discussed. I then elaborate upon methodological developments derived from this experience of doing research, generating new models for transcultural transdisciplinary research of mental health practices. Lastly, I comment on some broad implications of studying mental health problems from an integrated ethnographical and epidemiological point of view, in diverse and deeply unequal societies such as those of contemporary Latin America.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ladak F, Socias E, Nolan S, Dong H, Kerr T, Wood E, Montaner J, Milloy MJ. Substance use patterns and HIV-1 RNA viral load rebound among HIV-positive illicit drug users in a Canadian setting. Antivir Ther 2020; 24:19-25. [PMID: 30230474 DOI: 10.3851/imp3265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active illicit drug use can present a barrier to the medical management of HIV infection by complicating adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) rebound, defined as a period of detectable HIV VL following ART and VL suppression, can lead to the generation of viral resistance and potential treatment failure. We sought to investigate the contribution of substance use patterns on rates of VL rebound. METHODS We used data from the ACCESS study, a long-running community-recruited prospective cohort of HIV-positive people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada, a setting of universal no-cost HIV treatment. We analysed time to VL rebound (that is, two consecutive observations ≥1,000 copies/ml) after ART initiation and sustained viral suppression (that is, two consecutive observations <50 copies/ml) using extended Cox regression models with a recurrent events framework. RESULTS Between May 1996 and November 2013, 564 ART-exposed participants achieved at least one instance of VL suppression and contributed 1,893.8 person-years of observation. Over follow-up, 198 (35.1%) participants experienced ≥ one instance of VL rebound. In adjusted analyses, VL rebound was associated with younger age (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] =0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.98), heroin injection (≥ daily versus < daily, AHR =1.52, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.30), crack use (≥ daily versus < daily, AHR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.92) and heavy alcohol use (≥ four versus < four drinks/day, AHR =1.97, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.31). CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that in addition to heavy alcohol use, high-intensity illicit drug use, particularly ≥ daily heroin injection and ≥ daily crack smoking are risk factors for VL rebound. In addition to the impact of high-intensity drug use on health-care engagement and ART adherence, some evidence exists on the direct impact of psychoactive substances on ART metabolism and the natural progression of HIV disease. At-risk individuals should be provided additional supports to preserve virological control and maintain the benefits of ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ladak
- Department of General Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eugenia Socias
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Seonaid Nolan
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huiru Dong
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julio Montaner
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- Department of General Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Genberg BL, Kirk GD, Astemborski J, Lee H, Galai N, Nelson KE, Vlahov D, Celentano DD, Mehta SH. Durable HIV Suppression Among People Who Inject Drugs From a Community-Based Cohort Study in Baltimore, Maryland, 1997-2017. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:2086-2096. [PMID: 31742591 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) face disparities in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment outcomes and may be less likely to achieve durable viral suppression. We characterized transitions into and out of viral suppression from 1997 to 2017 in a long-standing community-based cohort study of PWID, the AIDS Link to Intravenous Experience (ALIVE) Study, analyzing HIV-positive participants who had made a study visit in or after 1997. We defined the probabilities of transitioning between 4 states: 1) suppressed, 2) detectable, 3) lost to follow-up, and 4) deceased. We used multinomial logistic regression analysis to examine factors associated with transition probabilities, with a focus on transitions from suppression to other states. Among 1,061 participants, the median age was 44 years, 32% were female, 93% were African-American, 59% had recently injected drugs, and 28% were virologically suppressed at baseline. Significant improvements in durable viral suppression were observed over time; however, death rates remained relatively stable. In adjusted analysis, injection drug use and homelessness were associated with increased virological rebound in earlier time periods, while only age and race were associated with virological rebound in 2012-2017. Opioid use was associated with an increased risk of death following suppression in 2012-2017. Despite significant improvements in durable viral suppression, subgroups of PWID may need additional efforts to maintain viral suppression and prevent premature mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hana Lee
- Food and Drug Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kenrad E Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Vlahov
- Departments of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, Connecticut
| | - David D Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ickowicz S, Salleh NAM, Fairbairn N, Richardson L, Small W, Milloy MJ. Criminal Justice System Involvement as a Risk Factor for Detectable Plasma HIV Viral Load in People Who Use Illicit Drugs: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2634-2639. [PMID: 31236749 PMCID: PMC6773261 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02547-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Among HIV-positive people who use illicit drugs (PWUD) in our setting, repeated periods of incarceration adversely affect ART adherence in a dose-dependent manner. However, the impact of non-custodial criminal justice involvement on HIV-related outcomes has not been previously investigated. Data were obtained from a longitudinal cohort of HIV-positive PWUD in a setting of universal no-cost ART and complete dispensation records. Multivariate generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the longitudinal odds of having a detectable HIV VL (VL) associated with custodial and non-custodial CJS exposure. Between 2005 and 2014, 716 HIV-positive ART-exposed PWUD were recruited. In multivariate analysis, both custodial [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.61, 95% CI 0.45-0.82] and noncustodial (AOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.99) involvement in the criminal justice system was associated with detectable HIV VL. Among HIV-positive PWUD, both custodial and non-custodial criminal justice involvement is associated with worse HIV treatment outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for increased ART adherence support across the full spectrum of the criminal justice system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ickowicz
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - N A Mohd Salleh
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lindsey Richardson
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Will Small
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chan Carusone S, Guta A, Robinson S, Tan DH, Cooper C, O’Leary B, de Prinse K, Cobb G, Upshur R, Strike C. "Maybe if I stop the drugs, then maybe they'd care?"-hospital care experiences of people who use drugs. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:16. [PMID: 30760261 PMCID: PMC6373073 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0285-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use is associated with increased morbidity and mortality but people who use drugs experience significant barriers to care. Data are needed about the care experiences of people who use drugs to inform interventions and quality improvement initiatives. The objective of this study is to describe and characterize the experience of acute care for people who use drugs. METHODS We conducted a qualitative descriptive study. We recruited people with a history of active drug use at the time of an admission to an acute care hospital, who were living with HIV or hepatitis C, in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada. Data were collected in 2014 and 2015 through semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded and transcribed, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Twenty-four adults (18 men, 6 women) participated. Participants predominantly recounted experiences of stigma and challenges accessing care. We present the identified themes in two overarching domains of interest: perceived effect of drug use on hospital care and impact of care experiences on future healthcare interactions. Participants described significant barriers to pain management, often resulting in inconsistent and inadequate pain management. They described various strategies to navigate access and receipt of healthcare from being "an easy patient" to self-advocacy. Negative experiences influenced their willingness to seek care, often resulting in delayed care seeking and targeting of certain hospitals. CONCLUSION Drug use was experienced as a barrier at all stages of hospital care. Interventions to decrease stigma and improve our consistency and approach to pain management are necessary to improve the quality of care and care experiences of those who use drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo Chan Carusone
- Casey House, 119 Isabella St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1P2 Canada
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Adrian Guta
- School of Social Work, University of Windsor, 167 Ferry Street, Windsor, ON N9A 0C5 Canada
| | - Samantha Robinson
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7 Canada
| | - Darrell H. Tan
- St. Michael’s Hospital, 30 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8 Canada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Box 511, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada
| | - Bill O’Leary
- Casey House, 119 Isabella St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1P2 Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4 Canada
| | | | - Grant Cobb
- AIDS Committee of Ottawa, 19 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1A9 Canada
| | - Ross Upshur
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7 Canada
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, 600 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X5 Canada
| | - Carol Strike
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Boyd J, Fast D, Hobbins M, McNeil R, Small W. Social-structural factors influencing periods of injection cessation among marginalized youth who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada: an ethno-epidemiological study. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:31. [PMID: 28583136 PMCID: PMC5460503 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use is associated with HIV and hepatitis C transmission, overdose, and other preventable harms. These harms are heightened for structurally vulnerable injection drug-using populations, as their social conditions pose barriers to safer injecting. Previous research on injection cessation has largely focused on adult drug-using populations. Little qualitative work has examined the social, structural, and environmental factors that shape periods of injection cessation among youth and young adults. Such research is essential to understanding how we can best reduce harms among this vulnerable population as they move in and out of periods of injection cessation. METHODS We conducted 22 semi-structured, qualitative interviews with street-involved young people who use drugs (SY), focused on characterizing their transitions into periods of injection cessation and perceived barriers to injection cessation. Adopting an ethno-epidemiological approach, participants who had experienced at least 6 months of injection cessation were purposively recruited from an ongoing prospective cohort study of SY in Vancouver, Canada to participate in qualitative interviews. Qualitative interview findings were triangulated with the findings of a longitudinal program of ethnographic research with SY in this setting. This ethno-epidemiological approach allowed for a more robust exploration of contextual factors surrounding drug use patterns than would be possible through traditional epidemiological methods alone. RESULTS Findings indicate that periods of injection cessation were influenced by access to harm reduction-informed youth-focused services, transitions in route of administration (e.g., from injecting methamphetamine to the smoking of methamphetamine), and the provision of housing and social supports (e.g., from friends, family, and care providers). Conversely, participants indicated that inadequate social supports and, for some, abstinence-focused treatment methods (e.g., 12-step programs), impeded efforts to cease injecting. CONCLUSIONS To reduce harms, it is imperative to reorient attention toward the social, structural, and spatial contexts that surround injection drug use and shape periods of injection cessation for SY. There is an urgent need for more comprehensive youth-focused services for those engaged in injection drug use, and further study of innovative means of engaging youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade Boyd
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Danya Fast
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Megan Hobbins
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan McNeil
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Will Small
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Development of a Conceptual Etiological Model of Treatment Regimen Fatigue Among Patients Engaged in HIV Care: A Qualitative Study. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2017; 28:479-490. [PMID: 28318843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Treatment regimen fatigue (TRF) is a decreased desire and motivation to maintain vigilance in adhering to treatment, and little is known about TRF in people living with HIV. We aimed to develop a conceptual framework of TRF. Five focus groups were conducted in 2014. Eligible participants were (a) HIV infected, (b) at least 18 years of age, (c) prescribed antiretroviral therapy, and (d) fluent in English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Analyses revealed these themes: patient experiences of TRF; etiological factors at the systems, provider, and patient levels; strategies to manage TRF; consequences of TRF; and protective factors that prevent the occurrence of TRF. The results provided a conceptual framework for future investigations to build on in an effort to improve adherence and retention in HIV care. Study results indicate avenues for intervention at multiple levels (systems, provider, and patient) to reduce treatment burden and improve patient resources and capacity.
Collapse
|