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Plant A, Sparks P, Creech DN, Morgan T, Klausner JD, Rietmeijer C, Montoya JA. Developing an mHealth program to improve HIV care continuum outcomes among young Black gay and bisexual men. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1247. [PMID: 38714973 PMCID: PMC11075214 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM) in the United States face significant disparities in HIV care outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown promise with improving outcomes for YBGBM across the HIV care continuum. METHODS We developed an mHealth application using human-centered design (HCD) from 2019-2021 in collaboration with YBGBM living with HIV and with HIV service providers. Our HCD process began with six focus groups with 50 YBGBM and interviews with 12 providers. These insights were used to inform rapid prototyping, which involved iterative testing and refining of program features and content, with 31 YBGBM and 12 providers. We then collected user feedback via an online survey with 200 YBGBM nationwide and usability testing of a functional prototype with 21 YBGBM. RESULTS Focus groups and interviews illuminated challenges faced by YBGBM living with HIV, including coping with an HIV diagnosis, stigma, need for social support, and a dearth of suitable information sources. YBGBM desired a holistic approach that could meet the needs of those newly diagnosed as well as those who have been living with HIV for many years. Program preferences included video-based content where users could learn from peers and experts, a range of topics, a community of people living with HIV, and tools to support their health and well-being. Providers expressed enthusiasm for an mHealth program to improve HIV care outcomes and help them serve clients. Rapid prototyping resulted in a list of content topics, resources, video characteristics, community features, and mHealth tools to support adherence, retention, goal setting, and laboratory results tracking, as well as tools to help organization staff to support clients. Online survey and usability testing confirmed the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the content, tools, and features. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential of a video-based mHealth program to address the unique needs of YBGBM living with HIV, offering support and comprehensive information through a user-friendly interface and videos of peers living with HIV and of experts. The HCD approach allowed for continuous improvements to the concept to maximize cultural appropriateness, utility, and potential effectiveness for both YBGBM and HIV service organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Plant
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA.
| | - Paul Sparks
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| | | | - Ta'Jalik Morgan
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | | | - Jorge A Montoya
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
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Jaramillo J, Reyes N, Atuluru P, Payen N, Taylor K, Safren SA, Saber R, Harkness A. Peer ambassador stories: formative qualitative research to enhance the reach of PrEP, HIV testing, and behavioral health treatments to LMSM in South Florida. AIDS Care 2024; 36:569-579. [PMID: 38157344 PMCID: PMC10932813 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2287736] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Existing HIV prevention interventions, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and behavioral health treatments inadequately reach Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) in the US. This study involved formative research to inform the content, design, and implementation of a scalable, low resource implementation strategy - peer ambassador stories - stories from peers to normalize using PrEP, HIV testing, and behavioral health treatment. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 LMSM to elucidate their content, design, and implementation preferences for peer ambassador stories. Men were asked about story prompts, story contributor characteristics, story platform features, design preferences, and recommendations for enhancing the adoption and use of the peer ambassador technology platform among LMSM. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed via rapid qualitative analysis. Qualitative analyses identified 14 themes within 4 pre-specified domains. Collectively, the themes unified around the central concept that technology-delivered peer ambassador stories require a personalized, relational, culturally relevant touch to be acceptable and appropriate for LMSM. This study suggests that disseminating peer ambassador stories using electronic platforms and audio/video formats may enhance the reach of services and if they are personalized, relational, and culturally relevant. Findings have broad implications for informing other peer-based strategies to mitigate HIV disparities among LMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahn Jaramillo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nequiel Reyes
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Pranusha Atuluru
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL, USA
| | - Naomie Payen
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kayla Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Rana Saber
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Audrey Harkness
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Evans KN, Martinez O, King H, van den Berg JJ, Fields EL, Lanier Y, Hussen SA, Malavé-Rivera SM, Duncan DT, Gaul Z, Buchacz K. Utilizing Community Based Participatory Research Methods in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx Communities in the US: The CDC Minority HIV Research Initiative (MARI-Round 4). J Community Health 2023; 48:698-710. [PMID: 36943607 PMCID: PMC10028312 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01209-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Minority HIV Research Initiative (MARI) funded 8 investigators in 2016 to develop HIV prevention and treatment interventions in highly affected communities. We describe MARI studies who used community-based participatory research methods to inform the development of interventions in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx communities focused on sexual minority men (SMM) or heterosexual populations. Each study implemented best practice strategies for engaging with communities, informing recruitment strategies, navigating through the impacts of COVID-19, and disseminating findings. Best practice strategies common to all MARI studies included establishing community advisory boards, engaging community members in all stages of HIV research, and integrating technology to sustain interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing community-informed approaches is crucial to intervention uptake and long-term sustainability in communities of color. MARI investigators' research studies provide a framework for developing effective programs tailored to reducing HIV-related racial/ethnic disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N Evans
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Omar Martinez
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Hope King
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Errol L Fields
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yzette Lanier
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sophia A Hussen
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Souhail M Malavé-Rivera
- School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zaneta Gaul
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Social & Scientific Systems affiliate of DLH, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kate Buchacz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Sallabank G, Stephenson R, Gandhi M, Merrill L, Sharma A. Lessons Learned From the Implementation of a Pilot Study on Self-collected Specimen Return by Sexual Minority Men (Project Caboodle!): Qualitative Exploration. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e43539. [PMID: 37023442 PMCID: PMC10131702 DOI: 10.2196/43539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-collection of specimens at home and their return by mail might help reduce some of the barriers to HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening encountered by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). To evaluate the benefits and challenges of bringing this approach to scale, researchers are increasingly requesting GBMSM to return self-collected specimens as part of web-based sexual health studies. Testing self-collected hair samples for preexposure prophylaxis drug levels may also be a viable option to identify GBMSM who face adherence difficulties and offer them support. OBJECTIVE Project Caboodle! sought to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of self-collecting at home and returning by mail 5 specimens (a finger-stick blood sample, a pharyngeal swab, a rectal swab, a urine specimen, and a hair sample) among 100 sexually active GBMSM in the United States aged between 18 and 34 years. In this manuscript, we aimed to describe the key lessons learned from our study's implementation and to present recommendations offered by participants to maximize the rates of self-collected specimen return. METHODS Following the specimen self-collection phase, a subset of 25 participants (11 who returned all 5 specimens, 4 who returned between 1 and 4 specimens, and 10 who did not return any specimens) was selected for in-depth interviews conducted via a videoconferencing platform. During the session, a semistructured interview guide was used to discuss the factors influencing decisions regarding returning self-collected specimens for laboratory processing. The transcripts were analyzed using template analysis. RESULTS University branding of web-based and physical materials instilled a sense of trust in participants and increased their confidence in the test results. Shipping the specimen self-collection box in plain unmarked packaging promoted discretion during transit and on its receipt. Using different colored bags with matching color-coded instructions to self-collect each type of specimen minimized the potential for confusion. Participants recommended including prerecorded instructional videos to supplement the written instructions, providing information on the importance of triple-site bacterial STI testing, and adding a reminder of the types of testing that would and would not be conducted on hair samples. Participants also suggested tailoring the specimen self-collection box to include only the tests that they might be interested in completing at that time, adding real-time videoconferencing to the beginning of the study to introduce the research team, and sending personalized reminders following the delivery of the specimen self-collection box. CONCLUSIONS Our results offer valuable insights into aspects that facilitated participant engagement in self-collected specimen return, as well as areas for potential improvement to maximize return rates. Our findings can help guide the design of future large-scale studies and public health programs for home-based HIV, bacterial STI, and preexposure prophylaxis adherence testing. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/13647.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Sallabank
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Leland Merrill
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Akshay Sharma
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Sharma A, Gandhi M, Sallabank G, Merrill L, Stephenson R. Perceptions and Experiences of Returning Self-collected Specimens for HIV, Bacterial STI and Potential PrEP Adherence Testing among Sexual Minority Men in the United States. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1091-1105. [PMID: 36094639 PMCID: PMC9466335 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Few studies among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) have examined facilitators and barriers to self-collecting specimens for extragenital STI screening, and none have evaluated attitudes towards self-collecting hair samples that can be utilized for PrEP drug level testing to assess adherence. To address this gap, we interviewed 25 sexually active GBMSM who were offered a choice to self-collect and return finger-stick blood samples (for actual HIV testing), pharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs and urine specimens (for actual gonorrhea and chlamydia testing), and hair samples (to visually determine their adequacy for PrEP drug level testing): 11 who returned all, 4 who returned some, and 10 who did not return any. Participants found self-collecting finger-stick blood samples and rectal swabs more challenging than other specimens. Frequently discussed facilitators of return included an opportunity to confirm one's HIV or STI status, limited access to a healthcare provider and a desire to advance research focusing on home-based testing. Commonly cited barriers to return included low self-efficacy pertaining to self-collection and apprehension around the possibility of delay or loss of specimens during transit. Offering additional support such as real-time video conferencing may prove helpful in future field-based research with GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Sharma
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Disease, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
| | - Gregory Sallabank
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Leland Merrill
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 N Ingalls St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Budhwani H, Yiğit İ, Maragh-Bass AC, Rainer CB, Claude K, Muessig KE, Hightow-Weidman LB. Development and Validation of the Youth Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Stigma Scale. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:929-938. [PMID: 36029425 PMCID: PMC9968821 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03829-9] [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: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
To date, there are no established scales to assess PrEP stigma among youth. We validated the Youth PrEP Stigma Scale within the Adolescent Trials Network P3 study (2019-2021). Data from sexual and gender minority youth (16-24 years) who were prescribed PrEP across nine domestic sites were evaluated (N = 235). Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and correlation coefficients are reported. Results yielded a three-factor solution (PrEP Disapproval by Others, Enacted PrEP Stigma, and PrEP User Stereotypes) with strong factor loadings and Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.83 to 0.90, suggesting excellent internal consistency. Correlations between this Scale, anticipated HIV stigma, perceived HIV risk, and disclosure of sexual identity were significant, indicating potential for robust application. Given the persistence of HIV infections among youth, stigma as a barrier to prevention, and expansion of PrEP modalities, the Youth PrEP Stigma Scale could enhance intervention and mechanistic research among youth at elevated risk for HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Budhwani
- Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, College of Nursing, Florida State University, 32306, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| | - İbrahim Yiğit
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, TED University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Allysha C Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Crissi B Rainer
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kristina Claude
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Budhwani H, Maragh-Bass AC, Tolley EE, Comello MLG, Stoner MCD, Adams Larsen M, Brambilla D, Muessig KE, Pettifor A, Bond CL, Toval C, Hightow-Weidman LB. Tough Talks COVID-19 Digital Health Intervention for Vaccine Hesitancy Among Black Young Adults: Protocol for a Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness Implementation Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e41240. [PMID: 36689557 PMCID: PMC9930921 DOI: 10.2196/41240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions for increasing the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among Black young adults are central to ending the pandemic. Black young adults experience harms from structural forces, such as racism and stigma, that reduce receptivity to traditional public health messaging due to skepticism and distrust. As such, Black young adults continue to represent a priority population on which to focus efforts for promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake. OBJECTIVE In aims 1 and 2, the Tough Talks digital health intervention for HIV disclosure will be adapted to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and tailored to the experiences of Black young adults in the southern United States (Tough Talks for COVID-19). In aim 3, the newly adapted Tough Talks for COVID-19 digital health intervention will be tested across the following three southern states: Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. METHODS Our innovative digital health intervention study will include qualitative and quantitative assessments. A unique combination of methodological techniques, including web-based surveys, choose-your-own-adventures, digital storytelling, user acceptability testing, and community-based participatory approaches, will culminate in a 2-arm hybrid type 1 effectiveness implementation randomized controlled trial, wherein participants will be randomized to the Tough Talks for COVID-19 intervention arm or a standard-of-care control condition (N=360). Logistic regression will be used to determine the effect of the treatment arm on the probability of vaccination uptake (primary COVID-19 vaccine series or recommended boosters). Concurrently, the inner and outer contexts of implementation will be ascertained and catalogued to inform future scale-up. Florida State University's institutional review board approved the study (STUDY00003617). RESULTS Our study was funded at the end of April 2021. Aim 1 data collection concluded in early 2022. The entire study is expected to conclude in January 2025. CONCLUSIONS If effective, our digital health intervention will be poised for broad, rapid dissemination to reduce COVID-19 mortality among unvaccinated Black young adults in the southern United States. Our findings will have the potential to inform efforts that seek to address medical mistrust through participatory approaches. The lessons learned from the conduct of our study could be instrumental in improving health care engagement among Black young adults for several critical areas that disproportionately harm this community, such as tobacco control and diabetes prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05490329; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05490329. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/41240.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Budhwani
- Intervention Research and Implementation Science Lab, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Allysha C Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI360, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth E Tolley
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI360, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maria Leonora G Comello
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC, United States
| | - Christyenne L Bond
- Intervention Research and Implementation Science Lab, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Christina Toval
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC, United States
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Choi SK, Golinkoff J, Lin WY, Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig K, Bauermeister J. Current and Future Perspectives of HIV Prevention Research Among Young Sexual Minority Men in South Korea. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:721-732. [PMID: 36097068 PMCID: PMC9466347 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02403-7] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Social stigma within Korean society hinders structural efforts to reduce HIV disparities among sexual minority men (SMM). To date, however, there have been limited intervention efforts to reduce HIV disparities among SMM in Korea. Therefore, the current mixed-methods study (n = 180) explored young Korean SMM's perspectives on the acceptability of HIV prevention mHealth interventions to inform effective strategies for future intervention studies. We then analyzed participants' comments and suggestions on HIV research and examined associations with the acceptability of mHealth interventions. Through our textual coding and analysis, we identified four primary themes for comments and suggestions for HIV research in Korea: the centrality of stigma, health service accessibility, informational accessibility, and cultural adaptation. Our study suggests culturally adapted HIV intervention addressing stigma, health service accessibility, and information accessibility and mHealth interventions disseminating information and resources for stigmatized young SMM in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Jesse Golinkoff
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Willey Y Lin
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - José Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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9
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Houang ST, Kafka JM, Choi SK, Meanley SP, Muessig KE, Bauermeister JA, Hightow-Weidman LB. Co-occurring Epidemic Conditions Among Southern U.S. Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in an Online eHealth Intervention. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:641-650. [PMID: 35986818 PMCID: PMC9391640 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03799-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) face disproportionately higher risks for adverse sexual health outcomes compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. This disparity can be attributable to overlapping and intersecting risk factors at the individual and structural levels and can be understood through syndemic theory. Using longitudinal data from the HealthMPowerment trial (n = 363), six conditions related to stigma syndemics were indexed as a cumulative risk score: high alcohol use, polydrug use, depression and anxiety symptomology, and experiences of racism and sexual minority stigma. Using Poisson regression, we found a positive association between baseline risk scores and sexual risk behavior (b: 0.32, SE: 0.03, p < 0.001). Using a Generalized Estimating Equation, we also found a 0.23 decrease in the within-participant risk scores at 3-month follow-up (SE: 0.10, p < 0.020). Future work examining how care and prevention trials improve health outcomes in this population is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Houang
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Julie M Kafka
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Steven P Meanley
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jose A Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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Public health services and intersectional stigma: a social sciences perspective with implications for HIV service design and delivery. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2023; 18:18-26. [PMID: 36444656 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Understanding stigma is important for improving HIV care services and gaps in HIV service delivery have been attributed to stigma. This review article synthesizes recent evidence on stigma and its implications for HIV service design and delivery. Given the intersectional nature of stigma, we will focus on HIV stigma as well as related forms of stigma based on one's race, sexual identity, gender identity and other identities. RECENT FINDINGS Stigma remains a barrier to achieving equity in HIV services. Individualistic measures of stigma remain influential and are associated with barriers to accessing HIV health services. Recent work also highlights stigma measured at a structural level and its impact on HIV services contexts. Individuals situated at intersections of marginalized identities continue to face greatest injustices, and although intersectional approaches have been adapted to design services at a micro level, few focus on structural change. Recent evidence for mitigating stigma indicates some success for psychosocial interventions that target internalized stigma. Furthermore, community-led approaches show promise in addressing stigma that manifests in HIV health services settings. SUMMARY Interventions that address individual-level stigma and structural stigma are needed. Theoretical and applied antistigma research is needed to make HIV services more equitable.
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Iacoella F, Gassmann F, Tirivayi N. Impact of mobile phones on HIV public stigma: a cross-sectional and pseudo-panel analysis from Ghana. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062594. [PMID: 36351734 PMCID: PMC9644327 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV-related stigma still remains a major barrier to testing and a significant burden for people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper investigates how mobile phone ownership can influence HIV-related stigma. DESIGN This is an observational study using both cross-sectional and pseudo-panel data. Analysis is conducted at both community and individual levels. SETTING The analysis is run for the country of Ghana using data from 2008 and 2014. PARTICIPANTS Individual-level and household-level data were obtained from Ghana's Demographic and Health Survey. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The analysis measures the impact of mobile phone ownership on prejudice against people with HIV. Secondary outcomes are knowledge of HIV, which is included as a mediating element. RESULTS Community-level analysis finds that a 10% increase in the share of mobile phone owners reduces the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes towards PLWH/AIDS by up to 3%. Results are consistent at the individual level. Additionally, mobile phone-enabled HIV knowledge is found to mediate about 26% of the effect of mobile phones on public stigma. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed light on the role played by access to mobile technology on HIV-related stigma and discrimination and can support the development of future awareness raising and health communication campaigns in Ghana and other West African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nyasha Tirivayi
- Social Policy, UNICEF Office of Research Innocenti, Florence, Toscana, Italy
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Costa-Cordella S, Grasso-Cladera A, Rossi A, Duarte J, Guiñazu F, Cortes CP. Internet-based peer support interventions for people living with HIV: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269332. [PMID: 36040950 PMCID: PMC9426879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peer support interventions for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) are effective, but their associated time and material costs for the recipient and the health system make them reachable for only a small proportion of PLWHA. Internet-based interventions are an effective alternative for delivering psychosocial interventions for PLWHA as they are more accessible. Currently, no reviews are focusing on internet-based interventions with peer support components. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on psychosocial interventions for PLWHA based on peer support and delivered through the internet. We conducted a systematic scoping review of academic literature following methodological guidelines for scoping reviews, and 28 articles met our criteria. We summarized the main characteristics of the digital peer support interventions for PLWHA and how they implemented peer support in a virtual environment. Overall the reported outcomes appeared promising, but more robust evidence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanella Costa-Cordella
- Centro de Estudios en Psicología Clínica y Psicoterapia (CEPPS), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio Depresión y Personalidad (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología (CENHN), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aitana Grasso-Cladera
- Centro de Estudios en Psicología Clínica y Psicoterapia (CEPPS), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología (CENHN), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Rossi
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología (CENHN), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera Duarte
- Centro de Estudios en Psicología Clínica y Psicoterapia (CEPPS), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio Depresión y Personalidad (MIDAP), Santiago, Chile
| | - Flavia Guiñazu
- Web Intelligence Centre, Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia P. Cortes
- Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán & Fundación Arriarán, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Stigmatizing Attitudes toward People Living with HIV among Young Women Migrant Workers in Vietnam. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116366. [PMID: 35681951 PMCID: PMC9180544 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive HIV education and prevention efforts in the past few years, stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLWH) remain a major barrier to HIV prevention and treatment efforts in Vietnam. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of stigmatizing attitudes regarding HIV and identify correlative factors that impact the perceptions of PLWH among a heretofore overlooked demographic in Vietnamese society: women who are migrant workers in designated industrial zones (IZs). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1061 women migrant workers aged 18 to 29 from January 2020 to November 2020 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH were measured using a four-item scale. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to examine the factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes. Our findings indicate both substantial levels of stigma persisting among this demographic group as well as the influence of important mitigating factors on the expression of HIV-related stigma. Over seventy-six percent (76.2%) of the participants reported having at least one of the four stigmatizing attitudes. Greater levels of stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH were significantly associated with lower HIV knowledge, lower levels of education, and identifying as Kinh (the ethnic majority in Vietnam). Additionally, this study found that questions framing HIV infection through a familial lens were significantly associated with lower rates of stigmatizing responses. The high overall levels of stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH among the study participants suggests that there is an urgent need for the development of culturally appropriate interventions and outreach education activities to reduce stigmatizing attitudes toward PLWH among women who are migrant workers working in the IZs in Vietnam. This study adds to both the existing literature and current efforts and policies around HIV in Vietnam by empirically suggesting that familial-based messaging may be a powerful potential narrative for interventions addressing HIV-related issues such as stigma.
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Radix AE, Bond K, Carneiro PB, Restar A. Transgender Individuals and Digital Health. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:592-599. [PMID: 36136217 PMCID: PMC9493149 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to assess the use of digital technologies to promote the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. RECENT FINDINGS TGD individuals experience numerous health disparities, including low uptake of HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, increased HIV incidence, and suboptimal HIV-related outcomes. These health disparities are the result of widespread intersectional stigma on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic class, race, and ethnicity, which negatively impact access to general medical and transgender-specific health care. TGD individuals often delay or avoid essential medical services due to fear of discrimination. Clinicians frequently lack training, competence, and skills in transgender medicine, further exacerbating the health disparities faced by TGD people. Digital technologies have been used to improve research and clinical care for TGD populations through various modalities; telemedicine, telehealth and mHealth. Digital health technologies, including HIT-enabled clinical decision support, telehealth, telemedicine, and mHealth, offer innovative ways to improve health care access, improve quality of care, and reduce health disparities for TGD populations, including and beyond HIV outcomes, through enhanced care delivery, clinician education, and enhancing social support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa E. Radix
- Department of Medicine, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY USA ,NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Keosha Bond
- Community Health & Social Medicine, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Pedro B. Carneiro
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York, New York, NY USA
| | - Arjee Restar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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