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Bailey K, Abramovitz D, Rangel G, Harvey-Vera A, Vera CF, Patterson TL, Sánchez-Lira JA, Davidson PJ, Garfein RS, Smith LR, Pitpitan EV, Goldenberg SM, Strathdee SA. Safe Injection Self-Efficacy is Associated with HCV and HIV Seropositivity Among People Who Inject Drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:3629-3642. [PMID: 39060837 PMCID: PMC11537253 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04433-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Safe injection self-efficacy (SISE) is negatively associated with injection risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) but has not been examined in differing risk environments. We compared responses to a validated SISE scale between PWID in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, and examine correlates of SISE among PWID in Tijuana. PWID were recruited via street outreach for a longitudinal cohort study from October 2020-September 2021. We compared SISE scale items by city. Due to low variability in SISE scores among San Diego residents, we restricted analysis of factors associated with SISE to Tijuana residents and identified correlates of SISE score levels (low, medium, high) using ordinal logistic regression. Of 474 participants, most were male (74%), Latinx (78%) and Tijuana residents (73%). Mean age was 44. Mean SISE scores among San Diego residents were high (3.46 of 4 maximum) relative to Tijuana residents (mean: 1.93). Among Tijuana residents, White race and having previously resided in San Diego were associated with higher SISE scores. HCV and HIV seropositivity, homelessness, fentanyl use, polysubstance co-injection, and greater injection frequency were associated with lower SISE scores. We found profound inequalities between Tijuana and San Diego SISE, likely attributable to differential risk environments. Associations with fentanyl and polysubstance co-injection, injection frequency, and both HIV and HCV seropositivity suggest that SISE contribute to blood-borne infection transmission risks in Tijuana. SISE reflects an actionable intervention target to reduce injection risk behaviors, but structural interventions are required to change the risk environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Bailey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA.
| | | | - Gudelia Rangel
- Colegio de la Frontera Norte Mexico, Tijuana, Mexico
- Comisión de Salud Fronteriza México-Estados Unidos, Sección Mexicana, Tijuana, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos F Vera
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | | | - Peter J Davidson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Eileen V Pitpitan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, San Diego, USA
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Lee CSJ, Mateu-Gelabert P, Melendez YA, Fong C, Kapadia SN, Smith M, Marks KM, Eckhardt B. Reduced injection risk behavior with co-located hepatitis C treatment at a syringe service program: The accessible care model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308102. [PMID: 39208211 PMCID: PMC11361571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main mode of transmission of Hepatitis C in North America is through injection drug use. Availability of accessible care for people who inject drugs is crucial for achieving hepatitis C elimination. OBJECTIVE The objective of this analysis is to compare the changes in injection drug use frequency and high-risk injection behaviors in participants who were randomized to accessible hepatitis c care versus usual hepatitis c care. METHODS Participants who were hepatitis C virus RNA positive and had injected drugs in the last 90 days were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to an on-site, low threshold accessible care arm or a standard, referral-based usual care arm. Participants attended follow-up appointments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months during which they answered questions regarding injection drug use frequency, behaviors, and treatment for opioid use disorder. PRIMARY OUTCOMES The primary outcomes of this secondary analysis are the changes in the frequency of injection drug use, high-risk injection behaviors, and receiving medication for opioid use disorder in the last 30 days. RESULTS A total of 165 participants were enrolled in the study, with 82 participants in the accessible care arm and 83 participants in the usual care arm. Participants in the accessible care arm were found to have a statistically significant higher likelihood of reporting a lower range of injection days (accessible care-by-time effect OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62-0.98) and injection events (accessible care-by-time effect OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56-0.88) in the last 30 days at a follow-up interview relative to those in the usual care arm. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of decrease in receptive sharing of injection equipment or in the percentage of participants receiving treatment for opioid use disorders in the two arms. CONCLUSION Hepatitis C treatment through an accessible care model resulted in statistically higher rates of decrease in injection drug use frequency in people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yesenia Aponte Melendez
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Chunki Fong
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Shashi N. Kapadia
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Melinda Smith
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kristen M. Marks
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Eckhardt
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Bailey K, Abramovitz D, Rangel G, Harvey-Vera A, Vera CF, Patterson TL, Arredondo Sánchez-Lira J, Davidson PJ, Garfein RS, Smith LR, Pitpitan EV, Goldenberg SM, Strathdee SA. Safe Injection Self-Efficacy is associated with HCV and HIV seropositivity among people who inject drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.21.24307696. [PMID: 38826285 PMCID: PMC11142293 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.24307696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Safe injection self-efficacy (SISE) is negatively associated with injection risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) but has not been examined in differing risk environments. We compared responses to a validated SISE scale between PWID in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, and examine correlates of SISE among PWID in Tijuana. Methods PWID were recruited via street outreach for a longitudinal cohort study from October 2020 - September 2021. We compared SISE scale items by city. Due to low variability in SISE scores among San Diego residents, we restricted analysis of factors associated with SISE to Tijuana residents and identified correlates of SISE scores (low, medium, high) using ordinal logistic regression. Results Of 474 participants, most were male (74%), Latinx (78%) and Tijuana residents (73%). Mean age was 44. Mean SISE scores among San Diego residents were high (3.46 of 4 maximum) relative to Tijuana residents (mean: 1.93). Among Tijuana residents, White race and having previously resided in San Diego were associated with higher SISE scores. HCV and HIV seropositivity, homelessness, fentanyl use, polysubstance co-injection, and greater injection frequency were associated with lower SISE scores. Conclusions We found profound inequalities between Tijuana and San Diego SISE, likely attributable to differential risk environments. Associations with fentanyl and polysubstance co-injection, injection frequency, and both HIV and HCV seropositivity suggest that SISE contribute to blood-borne infection transmission risks in Tijuana. SISE reflects an actionable intervention target to reduce injection risk behaviors, but structural interventions are required to intervene upon the risk environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Bailey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, USA
| | | | - Gudelia Rangel
- Colegio de la Frontera Norte Mexico, Tijuana, Mexico
- Comisión de Salud Fronteriza México-Estados Unidos, Sección Mexicana, Tijuana, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos F. Vera
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | - Richard S. Garfein
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Laramie R. Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Eileen V. Pitpitan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, USA
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Ezell JM, Pho MT, Simek E, Ajayi BP, Shetty N, Walters SM. How do people who use opioids express their qualities and capacities? An assessment of attitudes, behaviors, and opportunities. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:79. [PMID: 38589920 PMCID: PMC11000313 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00981-4] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
People who nonmedically use drugs (PWUD) face intricate social issues that suppress self-actualization, communal integration, and overall health and wellness. "Strengths-based" approaches, an under-used pedagogy and practice in addiction medicine, underscore the significance of identifying and recognizing the inherent and acquired skills, attributes, and capacities of PWUD. A strengths-based approach engenders client affirmation and improves their capacity to reduce drug use-related harms by leveraging existing capabilities. Exploring this paradigm, we conducted and analyzed interviews with 46 PWUD who were clients at syringe services programs in New York City and rural southern Illinois, two areas with elevated rates of opioid-related morbidity and mortality, to assess respondents' perceived strengths. We located two primary thematic modalities in which strengths-based ethos is expressed: individuals (1) being and advocate and resource for harm reduction knowledge and practices and (2) engaging in acts of continuous self-actualization. These dynamics demonstrate PWUD strengths populating and manifesting in complex ways that both affirm and challenge humanist and biomedical notions of individual agency, as PWUD refract enacted, anticipated, and perceived stigmas. In conclusion, programs that blend evidence-based, systems-level interventions on drug use stigma and disenfranchisement with meso and micro-level strengths-based interventions that affirm and leverage personal identity, decision-making capacity, and endemic knowledge may help disrupt health promotion cleavages among PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerel M Ezell
- Community Health Sciences, Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elinor Simek
- Community Health Sciences, Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Berkeley Center for Cultural Humility, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Netra Shetty
- Biology and Society, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Suzan M Walters
- Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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5
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Sibley AL, Colston DC, Go VF. Interventions to reduce self-stigma in people who use drugs: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 159:209284. [PMID: 38159909 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209284] [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] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use stigma is a key barrier to treatment and harm reduction engagement among people who use drugs (PWUD). Previous systematic reviews have focused on interventions to reduce stigma in healthcare providers and the public; less is known about interventions to address self-stigma among PWUD. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence for substance use self-stigma reduction interventions. METHODS We reviewed English-language studies published between 2011 and 2023 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO #CRD42022321305). We searched seven bibliographic databases (PubMed; SCOPUS; APA PsycInfo; CINAHL; Social Work Abstracts; Sociological Abstracts; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses). This review included studies if 1) they evaluated the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention, 2) participants were PWUD, 3) authors reported self-stigma as a primary outcome, 4) the study design was experimental or quasi-experimental. We reviewed, interpreted and reported intervention characteristics and effectiveness using narrative synthesis. We assessed study quality with the Downs & Black checklist. RESULTS Among 1195 screened studies, 15 met the inclusion criteria (N = 2280 PWUD). We categorized the interventions according to three approaches: psychotherapeutic (n = 8), psychoeducational (n = 5), and multimodal (n = 2). Most interventions were delivered in clinical settings (n = 11) and in a group format (n = 13). Study quality was fair-to-good and included nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six quasi-experiments. Measurement heterogeneity was high, with 11 different stigma-related scales used across the 15 studies. Eleven studies showed significant favorable effects in at least one stigma measure. Six of these demonstrated positive effects in all stigma measures. Evidence was mixed for all three intervention categories; however, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a form of group psychotherapy, demonstrated effectiveness in four of five RCTs incorporating this approach. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there is promising evidence for the effectiveness of substance use self-stigma interventions, although more studies are needed to determine which approaches are most effective. Consistent conceptualization and measurement of self-stigma across studies will improve comparability in future intervention trials. Current offerings are largely limited to clinical settings and group-based formats; self-help interventions, available for other stigmatized conditions, could be developed to serve the majority of PWUD not engaged in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adams L Sibley
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - David C Colston
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Lancaster KE, Endres-Dighe S, Sucaldito AD, Piscalko H, Madhu A, Kiriazova T, Batchelder AW. Measuring and Addressing Stigma Within HIV Interventions for People Who Use Drugs: a Scoping Review of Recent Research. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:301-311. [PMID: 36048310 PMCID: PMC10546998 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Persistent stigma remains a crucial barrier to HIV prevention and treatment services among people who use drugs (PWUD), particularly for those living with or at-risk for HIV. This scoping review examines the current state of science with regard to approaches for measuring and addressing stigma within HIV interventions among PWUD. RECENT FINDINGS Sixteen studies fit the inclusion criteria for this review. Half the studies originated within the USA, and the remaining represented four different regions. Within these studies, stigma was measured using various quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The studies primarily focused on HIV stigma, including value-based judgments, anticipated stigma, and perceived stigma domains. Information-based and skills building approaches at the individual level were the most common for the stigma reduction interventions. Adoption of systematic evaluations is needed for measuring stigma, including intersectional stigma, within HIV interventions among PWUD. Future studies should focus on developing multilevel intersectional stigma reduction interventions for PWUD with and at-risk for HIV globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana D Sucaldito
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hannah Piscalko
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aarti Madhu
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Abigail W Batchelder
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Eckhardt B, Kapadia SN, Mateu-Gelabert P, Pai M, Fong C, Aponte-Melendez Y, Marks KM. Rapid Treatment Initiation for Hepatitis C in Young People Who Inject Drugs: The Seek, Test, & Rapid Treatment (ST&RT) Randomized Trial. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac225. [PMID: 35821731 PMCID: PMC9272437 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young people who inject drugs (PWID) have high hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence and low treatment initiation rates. Novel, simplified care models need to be developed to engage, treat, and cure hard-to-reach patient populations, such as young PWID. We present final data from the randomized pilot clinical trial “HCV-Seek Test and Rapid Treatment” for curing HCV in young PWID. Methods Participants were recruited from the community and eligible if they were 18–29 years of age, HCV antibody-positive, treatment naive, and had injected drugs in the past 30 days. Participants were randomized 1:1 to “Rapid Treatment or Usual Care”. Participants randomized to Rapid Treatment received same-day medical evaluation, confirmatory and baseline laboratory testing, and a 7-day starter pack of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir at a syringe service program (SSP). Participants in “Usual Care” received same-day HCV confirmatory testing at the SSP and, if positive, facilitated referral to local providers. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) in HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA)+ participant. Results Forty-seven HCV antibody-positive participants were enrolled, and 25 participants had confirmed HCV and were included in the modified intention to treat analysis, with 9 of 14 (64%) of the Rapid Treatment arm and 1 of 11 (9.1%) of the Usual Care arm achieving a confirmed SVR12 (P = .01). Conclusions Among young HCV RNA+ PWID, significantly higher rates of cure were achieved using the Rapid Treatment model compared with facilitated referral. Providing easy access to HCV treatment for young PWID in low-threshold settings and initiating HCV treatment quickly appears to be a promising strategy for treating this hard-to-reach population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Eckhardt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology New York University School of Medicine 462 1st Avenue NBV 16S-5 New York, New York, USA
| | - Shashi N Kapadia
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Population Health Sciences Weill Cornell Medicine 1305 York Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melinda Pai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chunki Fong
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Kristen M Marks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Eckhardt B, Mateu-Gelabert P, Aponte-Melendez Y, Fong C, Kapadia S, Smith M, Edlin BR, Marks KM. Accessible Hepatitis C Care for People Who Inject Drugs: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:494-502. [PMID: 35285851 PMCID: PMC8922207 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance To achieve hepatitis C elimination, treatment programs need to engage, treat, and cure people who inject drugs. Objective To compare a low-threshold, nonstigmatizing hepatitis C treatment program that was colocated at a syringe service program (accessible care) with facilitated referral to local clinicians through a patient navigation program (usual care). Design, Setting, and Participants This single-site randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center, a syringe service program in New York, New York, and included 167 participants who were hepatitis C virus RNA-positive and had injected drugs during the prior 90 days. Participants enrolled between July 2017 and March 2020. Data were analyzed after all patients completed 1 year of follow-up (after March 2021). Interventions Participants were randomized 1:1 to the accessible care or usual care arm. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was achieving sustained virologic response within 12 months of enrollment. Results Among the 572 participants screened, 167 (mean [SD] age, 42.0 [10.6] years; 128 (77.6%) male, 36 (21.8%) female, and 1 (0.6) transgender individuals; 8 (4.8%) Black, 97 (58.5%) Hispanic, and 53 (32.1%) White individuals) met eligibility criteria and were enrolled, with 2 excluded postrandomization (n = 165). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 arms. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 55 of 82 participants (67.1%) in the accessible care arm and 19 of 83 participants (22.9%) in the usual care arm achieved a sustained virologic response (P < .001). Loss to follow-up (12.2% [accessible care] and 16.9% [usual care]; P = .51) was similar in the 2 arms. Of the participants who received therapy, 55 of 64 (85.9%) and 19 of 22 (86.3%) achieved a sustained virologic response in the accessible care and usual care arms, respectively (P = .96). Significantly more participants in the accessible care arm achieved all steps in the care cascade, with the greatest attrition in the usual care arm seen in referral to hepatitis C virus clinician and attending clinical visit. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, among people who inject drugs with hepatitis C infection, significantly higher rates of cure were achieved using the accessible care model that focused on low-threshold, colocated, destigmatized, and flexible hepatitis C care compared with facilitated referral. To achieve hepatitis C elimination, expansion of treatment programs that are specifically geared toward engaging people who inject drugs is paramount. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03214679.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
| | | | - Chunki Fong
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
| | | | | | - Brian R. Edlin
- National Development and Research Institute, New York, New York
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Biello KB, Mimiaga MJ, Valente PK, Saxena N, Bazzi AR. The Past, Present, and Future of PrEP implementation Among People Who Use Drugs. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:328-338. [PMID: 33907971 PMCID: PMC8286349 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent HIV outbreaks among people who use drugs (PWUD) necessitate additional HIV prevention tools. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious yet uptake among PWUD remains exceedingly low. To address multilevel, complex barriers to PrEP use among PWUD, a range of intervention strategies are needed. RECENT FINDINGS The literature on interventions to optimize PrEP use among PWUD is nascent, comprising small pilots and demonstration projects in early phases of intervention development. Initial studies suggest that structural, healthcare, interpersonal, and individual-level interventions can improve PrEP use for PWUD, and a number of efficacy trials are underway. Future studies are needed to optimize the use of new PrEP modalities (e.g., injectable PrEP), simultaneously target multilevel challenges to PrEP use, and evaluate the integration of PrEP into other service settings and substance use treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for LGBTQ Advocacy, Research, and Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nimish Saxena
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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McCombe G, Almaazmi B, Cullen W, Lambert JS, Avramovic G, Murphy C, O'Connor M, Perry N, Ianache I, Lazar S, McHugh T, Surey J, Macías J, Vickerman P, Oprea C. Integrating primary and secondary care to optimize hepatitis C treatment: development and evaluation of a multidisciplinary educational Masterclass series. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:v24-v30. [PMID: 31782501 PMCID: PMC6883391 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is increasingly being recognized that the elimination of HCV requires a multidisciplinary approach and effective cooperation between primary and secondary care. Objectives As part of a project (HepCare Europe) to integrate primary and secondary care for patients at risk of or infected with HCV, we developed a multidisciplinary educational Masterclass series for healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in primary care in Dublin and Bucharest. This article aims to describe and evaluate the series and examine how this model might be implemented into practice. Methods GPs and other HCPs working in primary care, addiction treatment services and NGOs were invited to eight 1 day symposia (HCV Masterclass series), examining the burden and management of HCV in key populations. Peer-support sessions were also conducted, to give people affected by HCV and community-based organizations working with those directly affected, an update on the latest developments in HCV treatment. Results One hundred percent of participants ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that the Masterclass helped them to appreciate the role of integrated services in ‘the management of patients with HCV’. One hundred percent of participants indicated the importance of a ‘designated nurse to liaise with hospital services’. An improvement of knowledge regarding HCV management of patients with high-risk behaviour was registered at the end of the course. Conclusions Integrated approaches to healthcare and improving the knowledge of HCPs and patients of the latest developments in HCV treatment are very important strategies that can enhance the HCV care pathway and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - John S Lambert
- UCD School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland.,Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Carol Murphy
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Nicola Perry
- Community Response Primary Alcohol and Hepatitis C Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Irina Ianache
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefan Lazar
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tina McHugh
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julian Surey
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Juan Macías
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Peter Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Cristiana Oprea
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Bluthenthal RN, Simpson K, Ceasar RC, Zhao J, Wenger L, Kral AH. Opioid withdrawal symptoms, frequency, and pain characteristics as correlates of health risk among people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 211:107932. [PMID: 32199668 PMCID: PMC7259345 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Opioid withdrawal symptoms are widely understood to contribute to health risk but have rarely been measured in community samples of opioid using people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS Using targeted sampling methods, 814 PWID who reported regular opioid use (at least 12 uses in the last 30 days) were recruited and interviewed about demographics, drug use, health risk, and withdrawal symptoms, frequency, and pain. Multivariable regression models were developed to examine factors associated with any opioid withdrawal, withdrawal frequency, pain severity, and two important health risks (receptive syringe sharing and non-fatal overdose). RESULTS Opioid withdrawal symptoms were reported by 85 % of participants in the last 6 months, with 29 % reporting at least monthly withdrawal symptoms and 35 % reporting at least weekly withdrawal symptoms. Very or extremely painful symptoms were reported by 57 %. In separate models, we found any opioid withdrawal (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.75, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.52, 5.00) and weekly or more opioid withdrawal frequency (AOR = 1.94; 95 % CI = 1.26, 3.00) (as compared to less than monthly) to be independently associated with receptive syringe sharing while controlling for confounders. Any opioid withdrawal (AOR = 1.71; 95 % CI = 1.04, 2.81) was independently associated with nonfatal overdose while controlling for confounders. In a separate model, weekly or more withdrawal frequency (AOR = 1.69; 95 % CI = 1.12, 2.55) and extreme or very painful withdrawal symptoms (AOR = 1.53; 95 % CI = 1.08, 2.16) were associated with nonfatal overdose as well. CONCLUSIONS Withdrawal symptoms among PWID increase health risk. Treatment of withdrawal symptoms is urgently needed and should include buprenorphine dispensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, 90032 CA, United States of America.
| | - Kelsey Simpson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, 90032 CA, United States of America
| | - Rachel Carmen Ceasar
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, 90032 CA, United States of America
| | - Johnathan Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, 90032 CA, United States of America
| | - Lynn Wenger
- Behavioral Health Research Division, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, 94704 CA, United States of America
| | - Alex H Kral
- Behavioral Health Research Division, RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite 800, Berkeley, 94704 CA, United States of America
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Gicquelais RE, Foxman B, Coyle J, Eisenberg MC. Hepatitis C transmission in young people who inject drugs: Insights using a dynamic model informed by state public health surveillance. Epidemics 2019; 27:86-95. [PMID: 30930214 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing injection of heroin and prescription opioids have led to increases in the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in US young adults since the early 2000s. How best to interrupt transmission and decrease HCV prevalence in young people who inject drugs (PWID) is uncertain. We developed an age-stratified ordinary differential equation HCV transmission model of PWID aged 15-64, which we fit to Michigan HCV surveillance data among young PWID aged 15-29. We used Latin hypercube sampling to fit to data under 10,000 plausible model parameterizations. We used the best-fitting 10% of simulations to predict the potential impact of primary (reducing injection initiation), secondary (increasing cessation, reducing injection partners, or reducing injection drug use relapse), and tertiary (HCV treatment) interventions (over the period 2017-2030) on acute and chronic HCV cases by the year 2030. Treating 3 per 100 current and former PWID per year could reduce chronic HCV by 27.3% (range: 18.7-30.3%) and acute HCV by 23.6% (range: 6.7-29.5%) by 2030 among PWID aged 15-29 if 90% are cured (i.e. achieved sustained virologic response [SVR] to treatment). Reducing the number of syringe sharing partners per year by 10% was predicted to reduce chronic HCV by 15.7% (range: 9.4-23.8%) and acute cases by 21.4% (range: 14.2-32.3%) among PWID aged 15-29 by 2030. In simulations of combinations of interventions, reducing injection initiation, syringe sharing, and relapse rates each by 10% while increasing cessation rates by 10% predicted a 27.7% (range: 18.0-39.7%) reduction in chronic HCV and a 38.4% (range: 28.3-53.3%) reduction in acute HCV. Our results highlight the need for HCV treatment among both current and former PWID and the scale up of both primary and secondary interventions to concurrently reduce HCV prevalence and incidence in Michigan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Gicquelais
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Betsy Foxman
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Joseph Coyle
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 320 S Walnut St, Lansing, MI 48933, United States.
| | - Marisa C Eisenberg
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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Mezaache S, Protopopescu C, Debrus M, Morel S, Mora M, Suzan-Monti M, Rojas Castro D, Carrieri P, Roux P. Changes in supervised drug-injecting practices following a community-based educational intervention: A longitudinal analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 192:1-7. [PMID: 30195241 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs face several health issues because of unsafe injecting practices. We aimed to evaluate changes in supervised drug-injecting practices following the implementation of a face-to-face educational intervention. METHODS The national study ANRS-AERLI was conducted in 17 harm reduction (HR) facilities in France between 2011 and 2013. Eight offered the intervention and nine did not. We conducted a pre-post analysis focusing on injecting practices data, collected in the 8 HR facilities providing the intervention. The intervention consisted of providing face-to-face educational sessions including direct observation of injecting practices, counseling about safer injecting, and shared discussion. Injecting practices were collected following a checklist and classified as safe or unsafe. To assess changes in injecting practices, practices were compared before (at baseline) and after at least one educational session. FINDINGS Mixed logistic models showed that the 78 participants included were more likely to improve in the following drug-use steps: setting up a clean preparation area (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.4, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) = 1.6-7.6), hand washing (AOR = 7.2, 95% CI = 3.1-16.4), skin cleaning (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI = 2.5-12.1), choice of safe injection site (AOR = 6.5, 95% CI = 1.5-28.8) and post-injection bleeding management (AOR = 12.8, 95% CI = 5.5-29.9). Furthermore, participants were less likely to lick their needles before injecting (AOR = 8.1, 95% CI = 1.5-43.4) and to perform booting/flushing (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.2-5.3). CONCLUSIONS The AERLI intervention seems to be effective in increasing safe drug-injecting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Mezaache
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France.
| | - Camélia Protopopescu
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Suzan-Monti
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Daniel Rojas Castro
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale (EA 4163), Université Lyon 2, Bron, France; Coalition Plus, Pantin, France
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Perrine Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
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14
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Toro-Tobón D, Berbesi-Fernandez D, Mateu-Gelabert P, Segura-Cardona ÁM, Montoya-Vélez LP. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus in young people who inject drugs in four Colombian cities: A cross-sectional study using Respondent Driven Sampling. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 60:56-64. [PMID: 30107313 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.07.002] [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] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colombia has a growing population of young people who inject drugs (PWID). Despite the previously reported association of injection drug use with hepatitis c virus (HCV) in other countries, studies on HCV prevalence in PWID in Colombia are lacking. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, demographics, and correlations of risky injection behaviours in HCV seropositive PWID in four Colombian cities (Armenia, Bogotá, Cúcuta and Pereira). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study carried out between January and June of 2014 that included 918 PWID from four Colombian cities, recruited by Respondent Driven Sampling. A survey was administered to each participant, and blood samples were collected. Binary logistic regression and multivariate analyses for each city were conducted. RESULTS Average participant age was 26 years (SD 6.5). Of all participants, 27.3% of PWID were HCV seropositive, of which 52% were 25 years old or younger. In Pereira, increased risk of HCV infection was found for PWID that: had a history of injection drug use of 5 years or more (AOR: 3.0, CI: 1.7-7.8); were between 25 and 28 years of age (AOR: 5.2, CI: 1.0-26.3); had higher injection frequency (AOR: 2.5, CI: 1.4-4.2), and daily use of gifted, sold, or rented needles or syringes (AOR: 4.5, CI: 1.0-7.1). Additionally, in Cucuta, being HIV seropositive appeared to be greatly associated with risk of HCV seropositivity (AOR: 16.9, CI: 3.5-81.5). CONCLUSION Although prevalence of HCV in PWID in Colombia is lower than that reported for other countries, the described demographic characteristics and diverse risky injection behaviors on each city, in the context of a young PWID population with a short injection drug use history, should be taken into account in order to guide efforts towards preventing and reducing risk of HCV infection in PWID in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Toro-Tobón
- School of Medicine, CES University, Medellin, Colombia; Epidemiology and Bioestatistics Research Group, CES University, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Dedsy Berbesi-Fernandez
- Epidemiology and Bioestatistics Research Group, CES University, Medellin, Colombia; School of Nursing, CES University, Medellin, Colombia.
| | | | - Ángela M Segura-Cardona
- School of Medicine, CES University, Medellin, Colombia; Epidemiology and Bioestatistics Research Group, CES University, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Liliana P Montoya-Vélez
- School of Medicine, CES University, Medellin, Colombia; Division of Public Health, CES University, Medellin, Colombia.
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Rajan S, Ruggles KV, Guarino H, Mateu-Gelabert P. Heroin Use and Drug Injection among Youth Also Misusing Prescription Drugs. Am J Health Behav 2018; 42:144-155. [PMID: 29320347 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.42.1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We identified the prevalence of nonmedical prescription drug use and its relationship to heroin and injection drug use in 4 nationally representative samples of adolescents. METHODS We used the most recent data (2009-2015) from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Ntotal= 61,132). Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals for prescription drug misuse, heroin use, and injection drug use were calculated across time points, sex, and race/ethnicity subgroups. Using odds ratios, we determined the likelihood of youth reporting nonmedical prescription drug use also reporting heroin and drug injection. RESULTS In 2015, one in 6 adolescents reported recent prescription drug misuse. High rates of nonmedical prescription drug use persisted or increased among Hispanic boys, black boys, and "other" youth, while declining among white youth. Youth who used prescription drugs nonmedically at least once were 17.5 times more likely to have used heroin (CI: 13.7, 22.4) and 14.6 times more likely to have injected drugs (CI: 11.2, 19.2) in their lifetime. CONCLUSIONS Public health programming focused on reducing prescription drug misuse also may reduce youth engagement in heroin and/or injection drug use. Preventive efforts to support communities of color in reducing rates of prescription drug misuse are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Rajan
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly V. Ruggles
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Honoria Guarino
- National Development and Research Institutes, Incorporated, New York, NY, USA
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16
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Gilchrist G, Swan D, Shaw A, Keding A, Towers S, Craine N, Munro A, Hughes E, Parrott S, Mdege N, Strang J, Taylor A, Watson J. Preventing blood-borne virus infection in people who inject drugs in the UK: systematic review, stakeholder interviews, psychosocial intervention development and feasibility randomised controlled trial. Health Technol Assess 2017; 21:1-312. [PMID: 29208190 PMCID: PMC5733383 DOI: 10.3310/hta21720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid substitution therapy and needle exchanges have reduced blood-borne viruses (BBVs) among people who inject drugs (PWID). Some PWID continue to share injecting equipment. OBJECTIVES To develop an evidence-based psychosocial intervention to reduce BBV risk behaviours and increase transmission knowledge among PWID, and conduct a feasibility trial among PWID comparing the intervention with a control. DESIGN A pragmatic, two-armed randomised controlled, open feasibility trial. Service users were Steering Group members and co-developed the intervention. Peer educators co-delivered the intervention in London. SETTING NHS or third-sector drug treatment or needle exchanges in Glasgow, London, Wrexham and York, recruiting January and February 2016. PARTICIPANTS Current PWID, aged ≥ 18 years. INTERVENTIONS A remote, web-based computer randomisation system allocated participants to a three-session, manualised, psychosocial, gender-specific group intervention delivered by trained facilitators and BBV transmission information booklet plus treatment as usual (TAU) (intervention), or information booklet plus TAU (control). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Recruitment, retention and follow-up rates measured feasibility. Feedback questionnaires, focus groups with participants who attended at least one intervention session and facilitators assessed the intervention's acceptability. RESULTS A systematic review of what works to reduce BBV risk behaviours among PWID; in-depth interviews with PWID; and stakeholder and expert consultation informed the intervention. Sessions covered improving injecting technique and good vein care; planning for risky situations; and understanding BBV transmission. Fifty-six per cent (99/176) of eligible PWID were randomised: 52 to the intervention group and 47 to the control group. Only 24% (8/34) of male and 11% (2/18) of female participants attended all three intervention sessions. Overall, 50% (17/34) of men and 33% (6/18) of women randomised to the intervention group and 47% (14/30) of men and 53% (9/17) of women randomised to the control group were followed up 1 month post intervention. Variations were reported by location. The intervention was acceptable to both participants and facilitators. At 1 month post intervention, no increase in injecting in 'risky' sites (e.g. groin, neck) was reported by participants who attended at least one session. PWID who attended at least one session showed a trend towards greater reduction in injecting risk behaviours, a greater increase in withdrawal planning and were more confident about finding a vein. A mean cost of £58.17 per participant was calculated for those attending one session, £148.54 for those attending two sessions and £270.67 for those attending all three sessions, compared with £0.86 in the control group. Treatment costs across the centres vary as a result of the different levels of attendance, as total session costs are divided by attendees to obtain a cost per attendee. The economic analysis suggests that a cost-effectiveness study would be feasible given the response rates and completeness of data. However, we have identified aspects where the service use questionnaire could be abbreviated given the low numbers reported in several care domains. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS As only 19% of participants attended all three intervention sessions and 47% were followed up 1 month post intervention, a future definitive randomised controlled trial of the intervention is not feasible. Exposure to information on improving injecting techniques did not encourage riskier injecting practices or injecting frequency, and benefits were reported among attendees. The intervention has the potential to positively influence BBV prevention. Harm reduction services should ensure that the intervention content is routinely delivered to PWID to improve vein care and prevent BBVs. FUTURE WORK The intervention did not meet the complex needs of some PWID, more tailoring may be needed to reach PWID who are more frequent injectors, who are homeless and female. LIMITATIONS Intervention delivery proved more feasible in London than other locations. Non-attendance at the York trial site substantially influenced the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN66453696 and PROSPERO 014:CRD42014012969. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 21, No. 72. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Gilchrist
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Davina Swan
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - April Shaw
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Ada Keding
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Sarah Towers
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Bangor, UK
| | - Noel Craine
- Public Health Wales, Microbiology, Bangor, UK
| | - Alison Munro
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Elizabeth Hughes
- Centre for Applied Research in Health, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Steve Parrott
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Noreen Mdege
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Avril Taylor
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Judith Watson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Understanding experiences of and rationales for sharing crack-smoking equipment: A qualitative study with persons who smoke crack in Montréal. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 48:18-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Liu C, Liu PL, Dong QL, Luo L, Xu J, Zhou W, Wang X. Social-demographic shift in drug users at the first-ever- methadone maintenance treatment in Wuhan, China. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11446. [PMID: 28904357 PMCID: PMC5597614 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been initiated in Wuhan, China since early 2006. To understand the social-demographic, behavioral, and infectious diseases characteristics of drug users enrolled in their first-ever-MMT between 2006 and 2015, a retrospective observational study was implemented to also provide evidence for health policy-decisions to reduce harm and control disease. Pearson chi-square tests and t-tests were used to assess significant differences between two 5-year periods, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015. We observed increases in the mean age (38.65 vs. 42.43 years, P < 0.001), mean age of initial opioid drug use (28.18 vs. 31.07 years, P < 0.001), employment (11.9% vs. 30.7%, P < 0.001), married/co-habiting (42.4% vs. 47.8%, P < 0.001), and declines in higher education level (93.6% vs. 84.8%, P < 0.001), injection (82.3% vs. 75.1%, P < 0.001), syringe sharing (27.7% vs. 9.9%, P < 0.001), HCV infection rates (72.9% vs. 70.5%, P = 0.017). The number of drug users enrolling each year reduced following a continuous rapid growth in the first 3 years. The findings imply for adjusting in treatment services and allocation of resources to respond to emerging trends. In addition, the data will also be helpful for identifying needs and getting a baseline insight of the social-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the opioid abusers in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Liu
- Wuhan centers for disease prevention and control, Hubei province, China
| | - Pu-Lin Liu
- Wuhan centers for disease prevention and control, Hubei province, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College,, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei province, China
| | - Quan-Lin Dong
- Wuhan centers for disease prevention and control, Hubei province, China
| | - Li Luo
- Wuhan centers for disease prevention and control, Hubei province, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Wuhan centers for disease prevention and control, Hubei province, China
| | - Wang Zhou
- Wuhan centers for disease prevention and control, Hubei province, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Wuhan centers for disease prevention and control, Hubei province, China.
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Gilchrist G, Swan D, Shaw A, Keding A, Towers S, Craine N, Munro A, Hughes E, Parrott S, Strang J, Taylor A, Watson J. The acceptability and feasibility of a brief psychosocial intervention to reduce blood-borne virus risk behaviours among people who inject drugs: a randomised control feasibility trial of a psychosocial intervention (the PROTECT study) versus treatment as usual. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:14. [PMID: 28320406 PMCID: PMC5359828 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0142-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While opiate substitution therapy and injecting equipment provision (IEP) have reduced blood-borne viruses (BBV) among people who inject drugs (PWID), some PWID continue to share injecting equipment and acquire BBV. Psychosocial interventions that address risk behaviours could reduce BBV transmission among PWID. METHODS A pragmatic, two-armed randomised controlled, open feasibility study of PWID attending drug treatment or IEP in four UK regions. Ninety-nine PWID were randomly allocated to receive a three-session manualised psychosocial group intervention and BBV transmission information booklet plus treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 52) or information booklet plus TAU (n = 47). The intervention was developed from evidence-based literature, qualitative interviews with PWID, key stakeholder consultations, and expert opinion. Recruitment rates, retention in treatment, follow-up completion rates and health economic data completion measured feasibility. RESULTS Fifty-six percent (99/176) of eligible PWID were recruited. More participants attended at least one intervention session in London (10/16; 63%) and North Wales (7/13; 54%) than in Glasgow (3/12; 25%) and York (0/11). Participants who attended no sessions (n = 32) compared to those attending at least one (n = 20) session were more likely to be homeless (56 vs 25%, p = 0.044), injected drugs for a greater number of days (median 25 vs 6.5, p = 0.019) and used a greater number of needles from an IEP in the last month (median 31 vs 20, p = 0.056). No adverse events were reported. 45.5% (45/99) were followed up 1 month post-intervention. Feedback forms confirmed that the intervention was acceptable to both intervention facilitators and participants who attended it. Follow-up attendance was associated with fewer days of injecting in the last month (median 14 vs 27, p = 0.030) and fewer injections of cocaine (13 vs 30%, p = 0.063). Analysis of the questionnaires identified several service use questionnaire categories that could be excluded from the assessment battery in a full-randomised controlled trial. CONCLUSIONS Findings should be interpreted with caution due to small sample sizes. A future definitive RCT of the psychosocial intervention is not feasible. The complex needs of some PWID may have limited their engagement in the intervention. More flexible delivery methods may have greater reach. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN66453696.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Gilchrist
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Addictions Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, England, UK.
| | - Davina Swan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Addictions Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, England, UK
| | - April Shaw
- School of Media, Culture & Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus, High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
| | - Ada Keding
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, England, UK
| | - Sarah Towers
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Hospital Trust, 10 Grove Road, Wrexham, LL11 1DY, Wales, UK
| | - Noel Craine
- Public Health Wales, Microbiology Department, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2PW, Wales, UK
| | - Alison Munro
- School of Media, Culture & Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus, High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
| | - Elizabeth Hughes
- School of Health and Human Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3DH, England, UK
| | - Steve Parrott
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, England, UK
| | - John Strang
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Addictions Sciences Building, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, England, UK
| | - Avril Taylor
- School of Media, Culture & Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley Campus, High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
| | - Judith Watson
- York Trials Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, England, UK
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20
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Eckhardt B. Hepatitis C Treatment in People Who Inject Drugs. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-016-0091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Galloway I. Using pay-for-success to increase investment in the nonmedical determinants of health. Health Aff (Millwood) 2016; 33:1897-904. [PMID: 25367983 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2014.0741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The combination of fee-for-service payments and the US health care system's standing commitment to treating existing illness discourages spending on the behavioral, social, and environmental (that is, the nonmedical) conditions that contribute most to long-term health. Pay-for-success, alternatively known as social impact bonds, or SIBs, offers a possible solution. The pay-for-success model relies on an investor that is willing to fund a nonmedical intervention up front while bearing the risk that the intervention may fail to prevent disease in the future. Should the intervention succeed, however, the investor is repaid in full by a predetermined payer (such as a public health agency) and receives an additional return on its investment as a reward for taking on the risk. Pay-for-success pilots are being developed to reduce asthma-related emergencies among children, poor birth outcomes, and the progression of prediabetes to diabetes, among other applications. These efforts, supported by key policy reforms such as public agency data sharing and coordinated care, promise to increase the number of evidence-based nonmedical service providers and seed a new market that values health, not just health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Galloway
- Ian Galloway is a senior research associate in the Community Development Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, in California
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22
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Pouget ER, Sandoval M, Nikolopoulos GK, Mateu-Gelabert P, Rossi D, Smyrnov P, Jones Y, Friedman SR. Developing Measures of Pathways that May Link Macro Social/Structural Changes with HIV Epidemiology. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:1808-20. [PMID: 26796384 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1291-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Macro-social/structural events ("big events") such as wars, disasters, and large-scale changes in policies can affect HIV transmission by making risk behaviors more or less likely or by changing risk contexts. The purpose of this study was to develop new measures to investigate hypothesized pathways between macro-social changes and HIV transmission. We developed novel scales and indexes focused on topics including norms about sex and drug injecting under different conditions, involvement with social groups, helping others, and experiencing denial of dignity. We collected data from 300 people who inject drugs in New York City during 2012-2013. Most investigational measures showed evidence of validity (Pearson correlations with criterion variables range = 0.12-0.71) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha range = 0.62-0.91). Research is needed in different contexts to evaluate whether these measures can be used to better understand HIV outbreaks and help improve social/structural HIV prevention intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique R Pouget
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| | - Milagros Sandoval
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Georgios K Nikolopoulos
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Diana Rossi
- Intercambios Civil Association, Corrientes 2548, Piso 2 Oficina D, Buenos Aires, 1046, Argentina
| | - Pavlo Smyrnov
- Alliance for Public Health, 5 Dymytrova Street, Building 10-A, Kiev, 03680, Ukraine
| | - Yolanda Jones
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY, 10010, USA
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23
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Gilchrist G, Tirado-Munoz J, Taylor A, Fischer G, Moskalewicz J, Köchl B, Giammarchi C, Dabrowska K, Shaw A, Munro A, Di Furia L, Torrens M. An uncontrolled, feasibility study of a group intervention to reduce hepatitis C transmission risk behaviours and increase transmission knowledge among women who inject drugs. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2016.1197885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Gilchrist
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK,
| | - J. Tirado-Munoz
- IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques and Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,
| | - A. Taylor
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK,
| | - G. Fischer
- Addiction Clinic, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,
| | - J. Moskalewicz
- Department of Studies on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland,
| | - B. Köchl
- Addiction Clinic, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,
| | | | - K. Dabrowska
- Department of Studies on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland,
| | - A. Shaw
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK,
| | - A. Munro
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK,
| | - L. Di Furia
- Servizio Salute Regione Marche, Ancona, Italy, and
| | - M. Torrens
- IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques and Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions, Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,
- Psychiatry Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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24
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Arain A, De Sousa J, Corten K, Verrando R, Thijs H, Mathei C, Buntinx F, Robaeys G. Pilot Study: Combining Formal and Peer Education with FibroScan to Increase HCV Screening and Treatment in Persons who use Drugs. J Subst Abuse Treat 2016; 67:44-9. [PMID: 27296661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment uptake for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains low in persons who inject drugs (PWID), due to lack of knowledge and low perceived need for treatment. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study to assess the influence on knowledge and willingness for HCV screening and treatment among persons who use drugs (PWUD) by combining formal and peer education with FibroScan measurement. METHODS Clients of the Center for Alcohol and other Drug problems (CAD) in Limburg (Belgium) were randomized into a control group, which received the standard of care, and an intervention group, which received an innovative combination of formal and peer education followed by FibroScan. Knowledge of HCV infection and willingness for screening and treatment were evaluated at baseline, after intervention and 1 and 3months after intervention by means of questionnaires. RESULTS Baseline knowledge was similar for the control (n=27) and the intervention group (n=25) (58 vs. 59%; p=0.67). Immediately after the information session, knowledge increased to 86% (p<0.001) in the intervention group. After 3months, knowledge decreased significantly (69%; p=0.01). No significant changes in knowledge were found in the control group. Baseline willingness for treatment was 81% in both the control and intervention groups, but after 1 month decreased in the control group (44%) and remained stable in the intervention group (75%). Differences in actual screening uptake between the control and intervention group were not significant (7% vs. 20%). Four percent of the intervention group and no one in the control group started treatment. CONCLUSION The small number of subjects should be considered when interpreting the results of this study. In brief, the single information session significantly improved HCV knowledge among PWUD, but did not result in a higher uptake for screening and treatment. This could signify that there are other important reasons, besides lack of knowledge, not to undergo screening or start treatment. The fact that knowledge decreased after 3months indicates that it would be beneficial to repeat the information session regularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Arain
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Jessica De Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Kirsten Corten
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | | | - Catharina Mathei
- Free Clinic, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Buntinx
- Department of General Practice, KU Leuven, Belgium and Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universiteit Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Abstract
Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for infection with and poor outcomes from HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Well-established interventions for HIV/HCV prevention among PWID include syringe access, opioid agonist maintenance treatment, and supervised injection facilities, yet these interventions remain unavailable or inadequately resourced in much of the world. We review recent literature on biomedical and behavioral interventions to reduce the burden of HIV/HCV among PWID, with an emphasis on randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. Since 2013, there have been significant advancements in utilizing antiviral therapy and behavioral interventions for prevention among PWID, including approaches that address the unique needs of couples and sex workers. In addition, there have been significant developments in pharmacotherapies for substance use and the implementation of naloxone for opioid overdose prevention. Notwithstanding multiple ongoing structural challenges in delivering HIV/HCV prevention interventions to PWID, these emerging and rigorously evaluated interventions expand possibilities for prevention among PWID.
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26
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Roux P, Le Gall JM, Debrus M, Protopopescu C, Ndiaye K, Demoulin B, Lions C, Haas A, Mora M, Spire B, Suzan-Monti M, Carrieri MP. Innovative community-based educational face-to-face intervention to reduce HIV, hepatitis C virus and other blood-borne infectious risks in difficult-to-reach people who inject drugs: results from the ANRS-AERLI intervention study. Addiction 2016; 111:94-106. [PMID: 26234629 DOI: 10.1111/add.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To study the effectiveness of an educational intervention on risks associated with drug injection, comparing primary [unsafe HIV-hepatitis C virus (HCV) practices] and secondary (local complications at injecting site) end-points in harm reduction (HR) programmes offering this intervention versus HR programmes not offering it. DESIGN This non-random clustered intervention study was conducted in nine intervention groups (programmes offering the intervention) and eight control groups (programmes not offering it). Each participant was followed-up through a telephone interview at enrolment and at 6 and 12 months. SETTING The study took place in 17 cities throughout France. PARTICIPANTS Of the 271 participants, 144 were enrolled into the intervention group and 127 in the control group. Of the latter, 113 received at least one educational session. INTERVENTION A series of participant-centred face-to-face educational sessions. Each session included direct observation by trained non-governmental organization (NGO) staff or volunteers of participants' self-injecting the psychoactive product they used habitually; analysis by the trained NGO staff or volunteers of the participant's injecting practices, identification of injection-related risks and explanation of safer injecting practices; and an educational exchange on the individual participant's injection practices and the questions he or she asked. MEASUREMENTS Primary and secondary outcomes were 'at least one unsafe HIV-HCV practice' and at least one injection-related complication (derived from a checklist). FINDINGS The proportion of participants with at least one unsafe HIV-HCV practice in the intervention group decreased significantly, from 44% at M0 to 25% at M6, as well as complications at the injection site (from 66 to 39% at M12), while in the control group it remained mainly stable. Multivariate probit analyses showed that the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in unsafe HIV-HCV practices at M6 [coefficient, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.73 (-1.47 to 0.01)] and in injection-related complications at M12 [coefficient, 95% CI = -1.01 (-1.77 to -0.24)], compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS An inexpensive and easily implemented educational intervention on risks associated with drug injection reduces significantly unsafe HIV-HCV transmission practices and injection-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Roux
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Camélia Protopopescu
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Khadim Ndiaye
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Baptiste Demoulin
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Lions
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | | | - Marion Mora
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France.,AIDES, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Suzan-Monti
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France.,AIDES, Marseille, France
| | - Maria Patrizia Carrieri
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
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27
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Luchenski S, Ti L, Hayashi K, Dong H, Wood E, Kerr T. Protective factors associated with short-term cessation of injection drug use among a Canadian cohort of people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015; 35:620-7. [PMID: 26661408 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Strategies are needed to transition persons who inject drugs out of injecting. We undertook this study to identify protective factors associated with cessation of injection drug use. DESIGN AND METHODS Data were derived from three prospective cohorts of people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada, between September 2005 and November 2011. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine protective factors and 6-month cessation of injection drug use. RESULTS Our sample of 1663 people who inject drugs included 563 (33.9%) women, and median age was 40 years. Overall, 904 (54.4%) individuals had at least one 6-month injection cessation event. In multivariable analysis, protective factors associated with cessation of injection drug use included the following: having a regular place to stay [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.48]; formal employment (AOR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.23); social support from personal contacts (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.10-1.35); social support from professionals (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.14-1.39); ability to access health and social services (AOR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.09-1.34); and positive self-rated health (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.11-1.32). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Over half of people who inject drugs in this study reported achieving 6-month cessation of injection drug use, with cessation being associated with a range of modifiable protective factors. Policy makers and practitioners should promote increased access to stable housing, employment, social support and other services to promote cessation of injection drug use. [Luchenski S, Ti L, Hayashi K, Dong H, Wood E, Kerr T. Protective factors associated with short-term cessation of injection drug use among a Canadian cohort of people who inject drugs Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:620-627].
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Luchenski
- The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK.,Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Division of AIDS, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Huiru Dong
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
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28
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Morris MD, Bates A, Andrew E, Hahn J, Page K, Maher L. More than just someone to inject drugs with: Injecting within primary injection partnerships. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 156:275-281. [PMID: 26460140 PMCID: PMC4633359 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown intimate injection partners engage in higher rates of syringe and injecting equipment sharing. We examined the drug use context and development of injection drug use behaviors within intimate injection partnerships. METHODS In-depth interviews (n=18) were conducted with both members of nine injecting partnerships in Sydney, Australia. Content analysis identified key domains related to the reasons for injecting with a primary injection partner and development of drug injection patterns. MAIN FINDINGS Most partnerships (n=5) were also sexual; three were blood-relatives and one a friend dyad. The main drug injected was heroin (66%) with high rates of recent sharing behaviors (88%) reported within dyads. Injecting within a primary injection partnership provided perceived protection against overdose events, helped reduce stress, increased control over when, where, and how drugs were used, and promoted the development of an injecting pattern where responsibilities could be shared. Unique to injecting within primary injection partnerships was the social connection and companionship resulted in a feeling of fulfillment while also blinding one from recognizing risky behavior. CONCLUSIONS Findings illuminated the tension between protection and risks within primary injection partnerships. Primary injection partnerships provide a potential platform to expand risk reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan D. Morris
- University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anna Bates
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erin Andrew
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Judith Hahn
- University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
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29
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Yang Y, Latkin CA, Luan R, Yang C. A cross-sectional study of the feasibility of pharmacy-delivered harm reduction services among people who inject drugs in Xichang, China. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:885. [PMID: 26370245 PMCID: PMC4570635 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV prevalence is high in Liangshan, China (1.1 %). In 2012, people who inject drugs (PWID) in Xichang, the capital city, contributed to 60.0 % of the HIV infections. The goal of the current study was to examine the feasibility of implementing pharmacy-delivered harm reduction services (PDHRS) for PWID. Methods Face-to-face structured interviews with 403 PWID included questions on PWID’s experiences of syringe services and their specific experiences, acceptance, and potential usage of PDHRS. Results There were some reports of harassment/bad treatment from pharmacists (12.2 %) and police (17.6 %). Non-prescription syringe sales (NPSS) from pharmacies in single piece were the main source (82.1 %) of syringes. 72.5 % of PWID reported visiting 31.5 % of the identified pharmacies. Most (74.7 %) PWID disposed of their used syringes by throwing them away. Only one PWID brought used syringes back to a pharmacy in the past 30 days. Half of the PDHRS, such as printed materials about HIV, Hepatitis C and STIs; risk reduction services; (16.9 %) and sharps container to dispose of syringes (0.2 %) were offered by a few pharmacies (<20 % for each service). The acceptance rates among PWID toward currently offered services were high (≥91.1 %). All potential PDHRS were acceptable by most (68–95.3 %) PWID, and correspondingly 67–94.5 % of PWID reported they would use each service if offered. Conclusions NPSS from pharmacies provided many PWID in Liangshan with new syringes. However, disposal of used syringes was problematic. At the time of investigation, half of 16 assessed PDHRS were already available in pharmacies in Xichang. PWID were ready to use all the potential PDHRS and14 of 16 PDHRS were feasible to provide. HIV testing kits may be available in pharmacies in the future. Many pharmacy-delivered harm reduction services are feasible and acceptable among PWID in Xichang, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Administration, School of Administration, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611137, China. .,Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St. 2nd FL, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St. 2nd FL, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Rongsheng Luan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St. 2nd FL, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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30
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Yang Y, Latkin C, Luan R, Yang C. Reality and feasibility for pharmacy-delivered services for people who inject drugs in Xichang, China: Comparisons between pharmacy staff and people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2015; 27:113-20. [PMID: 26123897 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2010, the reported overall HIV prevalence in Liangshan China (1.14%) was 19.7 times of the overall estimated prevalence in China (0.058%), and injection drug use contributed to 60.0% of overall HIV infections in Xichang, the Capital city of Liangshan. With one national methadone clinic and three outpatient service sites, and three NEP sites, the HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Xichang was estimated as 18.0% (2.8 times of national HIV prevalence among PWID) in 2012. METHODS Face-to-face questionnaire interviews were used in a cross-sectional study to assess experience, attitudes, possibility and acceptability of implementing 8 pharmacy-delivered services among PWID (n=403). The concordance of attitudes, possibility and acceptability between PWID and pharmacy staff (n=50) was examined. RESULTS Rather than medical facility (23.1%), and NEP (8.9%), pharmacies were the main source of syringes for PWID in the last 12 months (82.1%), PWID (63.5%) reported syringes could be bought in single piece and at the price of $0.16 USD (59.3%). In the last 30 days, only 1 PWID brought used syringes back to a pharmacy. Pharmacy staff's attitudes were generally negative but nearly neutral (average score -0.18), discrimination/business concerns against pharmacy-delivered services existed, and 4 of 5 compared attitude questions between PWID and pharmacy staff were statistically different (p<0.01). 5 of 8 pharmacy-delivered services were available for PWID at low level (≤16.9%). Pharmacy staff's supportive perception for pharmacy-delivered services focused on pharmacies' initiate roles targeting on general population more than on PWID. PWID were more supportive and optimistic than pharmacy staff toward potential usage of pharmacy-delivered services (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Pharmacy-delivered services for PWID in Xichang were partly in reality, and could be feasible. It is urgently needed to address the legal requirements and remuneration for pharmacies. Pharmacy staff should receive additional training on services related knowledge and skills, cultural sensitivity toward PWID. Successful pharmacy-delivered services would benefit from identifying mutual interest and benefit between pharmacies and PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Administration, School of Administration, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Wengjiang District, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St. 2nd FL, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St. 2nd FL, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Rongsheng Luan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry St. 2nd FL, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
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31
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Utsumi T, Lusida MI. Viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infections in Asia. World J Virol 2015; 4:96-104. [PMID: 25964874 PMCID: PMC4419124 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v4.i2.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affect many people in Asian countries, although there are geographic differences. Both HBV and HIV (HBV/HIV) and HCV/HIV co-infections are highly prevalent in Asia. Hetero- and homosexual, injection drug use, and geographic area are strong predictors of HBV, HCV, and HIV serostatus. In HBV endemic regions, the prevalence and genotype distribution of HBV/HIV co-infection is almost comparable with that in the general population. In Japan, where HBV has low endemicity, the prevalence of HBV/HIV co-infection is approximately 10-fold higher than that in the general population, and HBV Ae is the most common subgenotype among HIV infected individuals. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is an effective treatment for HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Lamivudine, a component of HAART, is an effective treatment for HBV, HIV, and HBV/HIV co-infection; however, cost, emerging drug resistance, antiretroviral-associated liver toxicity and liver-related morbidity due to HCV progression are particular concerns. HCV/HIV co-infection may accelerate the clinical progression of both HCV and HIV. The high prevalence of HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV co-infections in Asia underscores the need to improve prevention and control measures, as fewer evidence-based prevention strategies are available (compared with Western countries). In this review, the most recent publications on the prevalence of HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV co-infections and related issues, such as therapy and problems in Asia, are updated and summarized.
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Higgs P, Sacks-Davis R, Aitken C, Hellard M. How "hidden" are unobserved networks among people who inject drugs? Am J Public Health 2015; 105:e3. [PMID: 25879147 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2015.302667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Higgs
- Peter Higgs is with the Melbourne Office of the National Drug Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. Rachel Sacks-Davis is with the Doherty Institute, Melbourne. Campbell Aitken and Margaret Hellard are with the Centre for Population Health, the Burnet Institute, Melbourne
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Abstract
Increases in prescription opioid misuse, injection drug use, and hepatitis C infections have been reported among youth and young adults in the USA, particularly in rural and suburban areas. To better understand these trends in New York City and to characterize demographics and risk factors among a population who, by virtue of their age, are more likely to be recently infected with hepatitis C, we analyzed routine hepatitis C surveillance data from 2009 to 2013 and investigated a sample of persons 30 and younger newly reported with hepatitis C in 2013. Between 2009 and 2013, 4811 persons 30 and younger were newly reported to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with hepatitis C. There were high rates of hepatitis C among persons 30 and younger in several neighborhoods that did not have high rates of hepatitis C among older people. Among 402 hepatitis C cases 30 and younger investigated in 2013, the largest proportion (44 %) were white, non-Hispanic, and the most commonly reported risk factor for hepatitis C was injection drug use, mostly heroin. Hepatitis C prevention and harm reduction efforts in NYC focused on young people should target these populations, and surveillance for hepatitis C among young people should be a priority in urban as well as rural and suburban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharine Prussing
- Bureau of Communicable Disease, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, NY, USA,
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Treloar C, Newland J, Maher L. A qualitative study trialling the acceptability of new hepatitis C prevention messages for people who inject drugs: symbiotic messages, pleasure and conditional interpretations. Harm Reduct J 2015; 12:5. [PMID: 25884357 PMCID: PMC4355982 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-015-0042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Prevention of hepatitis C (HCV) remains a public health challenge. A new body of work is emerging seeking to explore and exploit "symbiotic goals" of people who inject drugs (PWID). That is, strategies used by PWID to achieve other goals may be doubly useful in facilitating the same behaviours (use of sterile injecting equipment) required to prevent HCV. This project developed and trialled new HCV prevention messages based on the notion of symbiotic messages. METHOD New HCV prevention messages were developed in a series of 12 posters after consultation with staff from needle and syringe programs (NSPs) and a drug user organisation. Two posters were displayed each week for a 6-week period within one NSP. NSP staff and clients were invited to focus groups to discuss their responses to the posters. RESULTS A total of four focus groups were conducted; one group of seven staff members and three groups of clients with a total of 21 participants. Responses to each of the posters were mixed. Staff and clients interpreted messages in literal ways rather than as dependent on context, with staff concerned that not all HCV prevention information was included in any one message; while clients felt that some messages were misleading in relation to the expectations of pleasure. Clients appreciated the efforts to use bright imagery and messages that included acknowledgement of pleasure. Clients were not aware of some harm reduction information contained in the messages (such as "shoot to the heart"), and this generated potential for misunderstanding of the intended message. Clients felt that any message provided by the NSP could be trusted and did not require visible endorsement by health departments. CONCLUSIONS While the logic of symbiotic messages is appealing, it is challenging to produce eye-catching, brief messages that provide sufficient information to cover the breadth of HCV prevention. Incorporation of symbiotic messages in conversations or activities between staff and clients may provide opportunities for these messages to be related to the clients' needs and priorities and for staff to provide HCV prevention information in accord with their professional ethos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jamee Newland
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Louise Maher
- Population Health Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
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Edlin BR, Winkelstein ER. Can hepatitis C be eradicated in the United States? Antiviral Res 2014; 110:79-93. [PMID: 25110202 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The advent of highly effective antiviral regimens will make the eradication of hepatitis C in high-income countries such as the United States technically feasible. But eradicating hepatitis C will require escalating our response to the epidemic in key domains, including surveillance and epidemiology, prevention, screening, care and treatment, policy, research, and advocacy. Surveillance must be nimble enough to quickly assess the magnitude of new transmission patterns as they emerge. Basic prevention strategies - community-based outreach and education, testing and counseling, and access to sterile injection equipment and opioid substitution therapies - must be scaled up and adapted to target groups in which new epidemics are emerging. All adults should be screened for hepatitis C, but special efforts must focus on groups with increased prevalence through community outreach and rapid testing. Government, industry, and payers must work together to assure full access to health services and antiviral drugs for everyone who is infected. Access to the new regimens must not be compromised by excessively high prices or arbitrary payer restrictions. Partnerships must be forged between hepatitis providers and programs that serve people who inject illicit drugs. Healthcare providers and systems, especially primary care practitioners, need education and training in treating hepatitis C and caring for substance-using populations. Services must be provided to the disadvantaged and stigmatized members of society who bear a disproportionate burden of the epidemic. Environments must be created where people who use drugs can receive prevention and treatment services without shame or stigma. Action is needed to end the policy of mass incarceration of people who use drugs, reduce the stigma associated with substance use, support the human rights of people who use drugs, expand social safety net services for the poor and the homeless, remove the legal barriers to hepatitis C prevention, and build public health infrastructure to reach, engage, and serve marginalized populations. Governments must take action to bring about these changes. Public health agencies must work with penal institutions to provide prevention and treatment services, including antiviral therapy, to those in need in jails and prisons or on probation or parole. Research is needed to guide efforts in each of these domains. Strong and sustained political advocacy will be needed to build and sustain support for these measures. Leadership must be provided by physicians, scientists, and the public health community in partnership with community advocates and people living with or at risk for hepatitis C. Eliminating hepatitis C from the United States is possible, but will require a sustained national commitment to reach, test, treat, cure, and prevent every case. With strong political leadership, societal commitment, and community support, hepatitis C can be eradicated in the United States. If this is to happen in our lifetimes, the time for action is now. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Hepatitis C: next steps toward global eradication."
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Edlin
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, United States; National Development and Research Institutes, 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY 10010, United States.
| | - Emily R Winkelstein
- National Development and Research Institutes, 71 West 23rd St., 4th floor, New York, NY 10010, United States.
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