1
|
Arnold T, Whiteley L, Giorlando KK, Barnett AP, Albanese AM, Leigland A, Sims-Gomillia C, Elwy AR, Edet PP, Lewis DM, Brock JB, Brown LK. A qualitative study identifying implementation strategies using the i-PARIHS framework to increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis at federally qualified health centers in Mississippi. Implement Sci Commun 2024; 5:92. [PMID: 39198914 PMCID: PMC11350989 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-024-00632-6] [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: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mississippi (MS) experiences disproportionally high rates of new HIV infections and limited availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are poised to increase access to PrEP. However, little is known about the implementation strategies needed to successfully integrate PrEP services into FQHCs in MS. PURPOSE The study had two objectives: identify barriers and facilitators to PrEP use and to develop tailored implementation strategies for FQHCs. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 staff and 17 PrEP-eligible patients in MS FQHCs between April 2021 and March 2022. The interview was guided by the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework which covered PrEP facilitators and barriers. Interviews were coded according to the i-PARIHS domains of context, innovation, and recipients, followed by thematic analysis of these codes. Identified implementation strategies were presented to 9 FQHC staff for feedback. RESULTS Data suggested that PrEP use at FQHCs is influenced by patient and clinic staff knowledge with higher levels of knowledge reflecting more PrEP use. Perceived side effects are the most significant barrier to PrEP use for patients, but participants also identified several other barriers including low HIV risk perception and untrained providers. Despite these barriers, patients also expressed a strong motivation to protect themselves, their partners, and their communities from HIV. Implementation strategies included education and provider training which were perceived as acceptable and appropriate. CONCLUSIONS Though patients are motivated to increase protection against HIV, multiple barriers threaten uptake of PrEP within FQHCs in MS. Educating patients and providers, as well as training providers, are promising implementation strategies to overcome these barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, One Hoppin Street, Coro West, 204, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Laura Whiteley
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kayla K Giorlando
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, One Hoppin Street, Coro West, 204, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Andrew P Barnett
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, One Hoppin Street, Coro West, 204, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ariana M Albanese
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Avery Leigland
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, One Hoppin Street, Coro West, 204, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Courtney Sims-Gomillia
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - A Rani Elwy
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Precious Patrick Edet
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Demetra M Lewis
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - James B Brock
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Larry K Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, One Hoppin Street, Coro West, 204, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson KA, McDaniel JT, Graham HK, Robertson ET, McIntosh S, Wallace JP, Albright DL. A Geospatial Analysis of Social and Structural Determinants of Health and High HIV Prevalence in Alabama, USA. J Community Health 2024; 49:385-393. [PMID: 38032459 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01309-2] [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: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study utilizes geospatial analytic techniques to examine HIV hotspots in Alabama leveraging Medicaid utilization data. METHODS This cross-sectional study leveraged Medicaid utilization data from Alabama's 67 counties, averaging 9,861 Medicaid recipients aged > 18 years old per county. We used Alabama Medicaid administrative claims data from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, to identify individuals with HIV. Using Microsoft SQL Server, we obtained the average annual count of HIV Medicaid claims in each of the 67 Alabama counties (numerator) and the number of adult Medicaid recipients in each county (denominator), and standardized with a multiplier of 100,000. We also examined several other area-level summary variables (e.g., non-high school completion, income greater than four times the federal poverty level, social associations, urbanicity/rurality) as social and structural determinants of health. County-boundary choropleth maps were created representing the geographic distribution of HIV rates per 100,000 adult Medicaid recipients in Alabama. Leveraging ESRI ArcGIS and local indicators of spatial association (LISA), results were examined using local Moran's I to identify geographic hotspots. RESULTS Eleven counties had HIV rates higher than 100 per 100,000. Three were hotspots. Being an HIV hotspot was significantly associated with relatively low educational attainment and less severe poverty than other areas in the state. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggesting that the HIV clusters in Alabama were categorized by significantly less severe poverty and lower educational attainment can aid ongoing efforts to strategically target resources and end the HIV epidemic in U.S.' Deep South.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A Johnson
- School of Social Work, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - J T McDaniel
- Public Health, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - H K Graham
- Educational Studies in Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - E T Robertson
- Department of Political Science, The University of Alabama, Box 870306, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0314, USA
| | - S McIntosh
- Department of Political Science, The University of Alabama, Box 870306, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0314, USA
| | - J P Wallace
- Public Health, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
- School of Human Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - David L Albright
- Department of Political Science, The University of Alabama, Box 870306, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0314, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Arnold T, Whiteley L, Elwy RA, Ward LM, Konkle-Parker DJ, Brock JB, Giorlando KK, Barnett AP, Sims-Gomillia C, Craker LK, Lockwood KR, Leigland A, Brown LK. Mapping Implementation Science with Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (MIS-ERIC): Strategies to Improve PrEP Use among Black Cisgender Women Living in Mississippi. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2744-2761. [PMID: 36396922 PMCID: PMC9672575 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01452-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Strategies to increase Black women's use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are needed. METHODS Interviews were conducted in Mississippi (MS) with Black, cisgender women at risk for HIV, and community healthcare clinic (CHC) staff who work directly with this population. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify barriers and select appropriate implementation strategies to increase PrEP care. RESULTS Twenty Black women and twelve CHC staff were interviewed. PrEP use barriers resulted from low HIV risk awareness, lack of PrEP knowledge, and structural and stigma-related barriers. Methods for PrEP education and motivation included normalizing PrEP in public communications, providing education at places where women congregate, and tailoring PrEP content with Black women as educators. The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) project provides a way for implementation scientists to select strategies that are consistent within research and practice across studies. Strategies from the ERIC project were selected to address implementation barriers. CONCLUSIONS Tailoring PrEP implementation protocols to increase Black women's access, engagement, and adherence to PrEP is needed. This is one of the first implementation studies to incorporate these four implementation concepts into a single study: (1) implementation outcomes, (2) i-PARIHS, (3) ERIC's strategy list, and (4) operationalizing the strategies using the Proctor et al., guidelines. Results provide an in-depth comprehensive list of implementation strategies to increase PrEP uptake for Black women in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Arnold
- Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA.
| | - Laura Whiteley
- Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Rani A Elwy
- Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lori M Ward
- Departments of Nursing, Medicine, and Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Deborah J Konkle-Parker
- Departments of Nursing, Medicine, and Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - James B Brock
- Departments of Nursing, Medicine, and Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | | | - Andrew P Barnett
- Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
| | - Courtney Sims-Gomillia
- Departments of Nursing, Medicine, and Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Lacey K Craker
- Division of Prevention Science and Community Health, University of Miami, Miami, USA
| | - Khadijra R Lockwood
- Departments of Nursing, Medicine, and Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Avery Leigland
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
| | - Larry K Brown
- Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reid SC, Wang V, Assaf RD, Kaloper S, Murray AT, Shoptaw S, Gorbach P, Cassels S. Novel Location-Based Survey Using Cognitive Interviews to Assess Geographic Networks and Hotspots of Sex and Drug Use: Implementation and Validation Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e45188. [PMID: 37347520 PMCID: PMC10337421 DOI: 10.2196/45188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative in the United States relies on HIV hotspots to identify where to geographically target new resources, expertise, and technology. However, interventions targeted at places with high HIV transmission and infection risk, not just places with high HIV incidence, may be more effective at reducing HIV incidence and achieving health equity. OBJECTIVE We described the implementation and validation of a web-based activity space survey on HIV risk behaviors. The survey was intended to collect geographic information that will be used to map risk behavior hotspots as well as the geography of sexual networks in Los Angeles County. METHODS The survey design team developed a series of geospatial questions that follow a 3-level structure that becomes more geographically precise as participants move through the levels. The survey was validated through 9 cognitive interviews and iteratively updated based on participant feedback until the saturation of topics and technical issues was reached. RESULTS In total, 4 themes were identified through the cognitive interviews: functionality of geospatial questions, representation and accessibility, privacy, and length and understanding of the survey. The ease of use for the geospatial questions was critical as many participants were not familiar with mapping software. The inclusion of well-known places, landmarks, and road networks was critical for ease of use. The addition of a Google Maps interface, which was familiar to many participants, aided in collecting accurate and precise location information. The geospatial questions increased the length of the survey and warranted the inclusion of features to simplify it and speed it up. Using nicknames to refer to previously entered geographic locations limited the number of geospatial questions that appeared in the survey and reduced the time taken to complete it. The long-standing relationship between participants and the research team improved comfort to disclose sensitive geographic information related to drug use and sex. Participants in the cognitive interviews highlighted how trust and inclusive and validating language in the survey alleviated concerns related to privacy and representation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides promising results regarding the feasibility of using a web-based mapping survey to collect sensitive location information relevant to ending the HIV epidemic. Data collection at several geographic levels will allow for insights into spatial recall of behaviors as well as future sensitivity analysis of the spatial scale of hotspots and network characteristics. This design also promotes the privacy and comfort of participants who provide location information for sensitive topics. Key considerations for implementing this type of survey include trust from participants, community partners, or research teams to overcome concerns related to privacy and comfort. The implementation of similar surveys should consider local characteristics and knowledge when crafting the geospatial components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Reid
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Vania Wang
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Ryan D Assaf
- Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, Center for Vulnerable Populations, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sofia Kaloper
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Alan T Murray
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Family Medicine and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pamina Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Susan Cassels
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gričar S, Bojnec Š. Did Human Microbes Affect Tourist Arrivals before the COVID-19 Shock? Pre-Effect Forecasting Model for Slovenia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13482. [PMID: 36294060 PMCID: PMC9603530 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, with a substantial decline in tourist arrivals slightly before the time of COVID-19, the innovative econometric approach predicted possible responses between the spread of human microbes (bacteria/viruses) and tourist arrivals. The article developed a conceptually tested econometric model for predicting an exogenous shock on tourist arrivals driven by the spread of disease using a time series approach. The reworked study is based on an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to avoid spurious results. The periods of robust empirical study were obtained from the data vectors i) from January 2008 to December 2018 and ii) from January 2008 to December 2020. The data were obtained from the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia. The ARIMA model predicted the number of declines in tourist arrivals for the approaching periods due to the spread of viruses. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, pre-pandemic results confirmed a one-fifth drop in tourist arrivals in the medium term. In the short term, the decline could be more than three-quarters. A further shock can be caused by forecasted bacterial infections; less likely to reduce tourist demand in the long term. The results can improve the evidence for public health demand in risk reduction for tourists as possible patients. The data from the NIPH are crucial for monitoring public health and tourism management as a base for predictions of unknown events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergej Gričar
- Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, University of Novo Mesto, Na Loko 2, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia
| | - Štefan Bojnec
- Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, Izolska Vrata 2, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Goedel WC, Coats CS, Chan PA, Sims-Gomillia CE, Brock JB, Ward LM, Mena LA, Nunn AS. A Pilot Study of a Patient Navigation Intervention to Improve HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Persistence Among Black/African American Men Who Have Sex With Men. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:276-282. [PMID: 35312652 PMCID: PMC9203974 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suboptimal HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care outcomes among Black/African American men who have sex with men (MSM) limits its population-level effects on HIV incidence. We conducted a pilot study of a brief patient navigation intervention aimed at improving PrEP initiation and persistence among Black/African American MSM in the Southern United States. SETTING Community health center in Jackson, MS. METHODS We recruited 60 Black/African American MSM aged 18-34 years who were newly prescribed PrEP. Participants were randomized to receive the clinic's current standard of care or an intervention condition including a single patient navigation session to discuss and address perceived barriers to initiating and maintaining access to PrEP and biweekly check-ins. Participants were followed over 6 months using survey assessments, medical chart review, and pharmacy purchase records to ascertain PrEP initiation and persistence. RESULTS Participants in the intervention condition were more likely to pick up their initial PrEP prescription [RR: 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10 to 1.97], be retained in PrEP care at 3 months (RR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.59) and 6 months (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.64 to 2.93), and have access to PrEP medications greater than 80% of all study days based on pharmacy fill records (RR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.50 to 5.98). CONCLUSION A brief patient navigation intervention demonstrated proof-of-concept in improving PrEP initiation and persistence among Black/African American MSM in the Southern United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William C. Goedel
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Cassandra Sutten Coats
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Philip A. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Courtney E. Sims-Gomillia
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - James B. Brock
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Lori M. Ward
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Leandro A. Mena
- Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Amy S. Nunn
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Beltran RM, Holloway IW, Hong C, Miyashita A, Cordero L, Wu E, Burris K, Frew PM. Social Determinants of Disease: HIV and COVID-19 Experiences. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:101-112. [PMID: 35107810 PMCID: PMC8808274 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The differential impact of the COVID-19 and HIV pandemics on marginalized communities has renewed calls for more robust and deeper investigation into structural and social causes of health inequities contributing to these infections, including underlying factors related to systematic racism. Using the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, we analyzed parallel and divergent factors associated with COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS and the prevalence of disparate disease in diverse communities. We utilized PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant literature (N = 210 articles) that resulted in a review of 125 articles included in our synthesis. RECENT FINDINGS With racial health inequities as a core contributor to disease vulnerability, we also identified other factors such as economic stability, social and community support, the neighborhood and built environment, healthcare access and quality, and education access and quality as important socioecological considerations toward achieving health equity. Our review identifies structural and systematic factors that drive HIV and COVID-19 transmission. Our review highlights the importance of not solely focusing on biomedical interventions as solutions to ending HIV and COVID-19, but rather call for building a more just public health and social service safety net that meets the needs of people at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raiza M Beltran
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, UCLA Global HIV Prevention Research Program, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Ian W Holloway
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California HIV/AIDS Research Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chenglin Hong
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California HIV/AIDS Research Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ayako Miyashita
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luisita Cordero
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wu
- UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice (HHIPP), CA, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Social Welfare, School of Public Affairs, UCLA Luskin, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- California HIV/AIDS Research Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Burris
- UNLV School of Public Health, UNLV Population Health & Health Equity Initiative, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Paula M Frew
- UNLV School of Public Health, UNLV Population Health & Health Equity Initiative, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
African American Clergy Recommendations to Enhance the Federal Plan to End the HIV Epidemic: A Qualitative Study. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:100-111. [PMID: 34417672 PMCID: PMC8379056 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03415-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
African Americans in the southern United States continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. Although faith-based organizations (FBOs) play important roles in the social fabric of African American communities, few HIV screening, care, and PrEP promotion efforts harness the power of FBOs. We conducted 11 focus groups among 57 prominent African American clergy from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. We explored clergy knowledge about the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE); normative recommendations for how clergy can contribute to EHE; and how clergy can enhance the HIV care continua and PrEP. We explored how clergy have responded to the COVID-19 crisis, and lessons learned from pandemic experiences that are relevant for HIV programs. Clergy reported a moral obligation to participate in the response to the HIV epidemic and were willing to support efforts to expand HIV screening, treatment, PrEP and HIV care. Few clergy were familiar with EHE, U = U and TasP. Many suggested developing culturally tailored messages and were willing to lend their voices to social marketing efforts to destigmatize HIV and promote uptake of biomedical interventions. Nearly all clergy believed technical assistance with biomedical HIV prevention and care interventions would enhance their ability to create partnerships with local community health centers. Partnering with FBOs presents important and unique opportunities to reduce HIV disparities. Clergy want to participate in the EHE movement and need federal resources and technical assistance to support their efforts to bridge community activities with biomedical prevention and care programs related to HIV. The COVID-19 pandemic presents opportunities to build important infrastructure related to these goals.
Collapse
|
9
|
Willie TC, Monger M, Nunn A, Kershaw T, Stockman JK, Mayer KH, Chan PA, Adimora AA, Mena LA, Knight D, Philllips KA, Baral SD. "PrEP's just to secure you like insurance": a qualitative study on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and retention among black cisgender women in Mississippi. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1102. [PMID: 34702165 PMCID: PMC8549215 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06786-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to reduce transmission of HIV among Black cisgender women in the Southern United States (U.S.); however, national data suggests that PrEP initiation is lowest in the South and among Black women compared to other U.S. regions and white women. This study applied intersectionality and PrEP multilevel resilience frameworks to assess how socio-structural and clinical contexts shaped PrEP persistence among Black cisgender women in Mississippi. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Black cisgender women in Jackson, Mississippi. This sample was purposively recruited to include PrEP-initiated Black cisgender women. RESULTS Six themes identified that shaped PrEP care among Black cisgender women: (1) internal assets, (2) sole responsibility to HIV prevention, (3) added protection in HIV serodifferent relationships, (4) financial issues, (5) trust and distrust in the medical system, and (6) side effects. Black cisgender women reported that PrEP persistence increased control over their sexual health, reduced anxiety about HIV, and promoted self-care. Black cisgender women also indicated that medication assistance programs increased PrEP affordability resulting in continued persistence. CONCLUSIONS In addition to preventing HIV, PrEP may yield secondary positive impacts on the health and relationships of Black cisgender women. However, very few Black cisgender women in the South are using PrEP given intersectional barriers and thus necessitates adaptive strategies to support PrEP initiation and persistence. Efforts aimed at increasing the coverage of PrEP among Black cisgender women should consider implementation strategies responsive to lived realities of Black women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiara C Willie
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mauda Monger
- MLM Center for Health Education and Equity Consulting Services, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Amy Nunn
- Department of Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Trace Kershaw
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jamila K Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Harvard Medical School and Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Adaora A Adimora
- Department of Medicine, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, and Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Leandro A Mena
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Deja Knight
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karlye A Philllips
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Olakunde BO, Pharr JR, Adeyinka DA, Conserve DF, Duncan DT. Spatial analysis of HIV infection and the associated correlates among transgender persons in the United States. AIDS Care 2021; 34:1000-1007. [PMID: 34029150 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1929817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the geographic hotspots of HIV infection among high-risk populations such as transgender people is critical to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States (U.S.). This study examined the spatial pattern of HIV positivity rate and the associated correlates among transgender persons in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia in the U.S. The data source was the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (n = 27,715). We conducted spatial analyses, with state as the unit of analysis. We fitted a spatial lag regression model to assess demographic, social, and behavioral risk variables associated with HIV. The HIV positivity rate ranged by state from 0.5% to 17.1%, with a mean of 2.9%. There was a significant positive global spatial autocorrelation (global Moran's I = 0.42, p = 0.001). The identified spatial clusters of high values (hot spots i.e., states with high HIV positivity rates surrounded by states with similarly high rates) included five neighboring states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee) in the Southern region. HIV positivity rate was positively associated with the percentage of transgender persons who were non-Hispanic Black, had no high school education, living in poverty, and engaged in sex work. Structural interventions are needed to address education, poverty, racial discrimination, and sex work that predispose transgender persons to HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Babayemi O Olakunde
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jennifer R Pharr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Daniel A Adeyinka
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Donaldson F Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hussen SA, Camp DM, Jones MD, Patel SA, Crawford ND, Holland DP, Cooper HLF. Exploring influences on methamphetamine use among Black gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Atlanta: A focus group study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 90:103094. [PMID: 33429161 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine use is a contributor to HIV risk and poor health outcomes among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). There is a paucity of research examining methamphetamine use and its social context specifically among Black GBMSM. We therefore sought to: (1) describe trends in methamphetamine use among Black GBMSM in Atlanta, Georgia, and (2) examine the risk environment (micro-, meso‑ and macro-level factors operating in the political, social, physical, economic, and healthcare environments) that might elevate risk for methamphetamine use in this population. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study consisting of eight focus groups with 54 key informants between December 2019 and March 2020. Participants represented community-based and healthcare organizations that work closely with Black GBMSM. Our thematic analysis included an iterative, team coding approach combining deductive and inductive elements. RESULTS Participants unanimously agreed that methamphetamine use was increasingly prevalent among Black GBMSM in Atlanta, with many describing a historical arc in which methamphetamine use - previously associated with predominantly white, affluent GBMSM - was now common among younger, lower socioeconomic status Black GBMSM. At the micro-level, participants described contributors to increasing methamphetamine use including use as a sex drug, and the interrelated burdens of stress and mental illness, housing instability, geographic mobility and poverty. At the meso‑level, participants described virtual and physical sex scenes including use of geosocial networking apps that facilitated the spread of methamphetamine use in the Black GBMSM community. At the macro-level, participants described how policies prioritizing other concerns (e.g., HIV, opioids) seemed to limit resources available for methamphetamine prevention and treatment programming. CONCLUSION Multi-level environmental influences are working together to elevate risk for methamphetamine use among Black GBMSM in Atlanta, with potential to adversely impact health and well-being and undermine HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Hussen
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Daniel M Camp
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marxavian D Jones
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shivani A Patel
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie D Crawford
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David P Holland
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Division of Medical and Preventive Services, Fulton County Board of Health, 10 Park Place South, SE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Agustí C, Font-Casaseca N, Belvis F, Julià M, Vives N, Montoliu A, Pericàs JM, Casabona J, Benach J. The role of socio-demographic determinants in the geo-spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV infections in small areas of Catalonia (Spain). BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1533. [PMID: 33036599 PMCID: PMC7547437 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09603-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spatial visualization of HIV surveillance data could improve the planning of programs to address the HIV epidemic. The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics and the spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV infection in Catalonia and to identify factors associated with HIV infection rates. METHODS Surveillance data from the national registry were presented in the form of descriptive and ring maps and used to study the spatial distribution of new HIV diagnoses in Catalonia (2012-2016) and associated risk factors at the small area level (ABS, acronym for "basic health area" in Catalan). Incident cases were modeled using the following as predictors: type of municipality, prevalence of young men and migrant groups, GBMSM activity indicators, and other variables at the aggregated level. RESULTS New HIV diagnoses are heterogeneously distributed across Catalonia. The predictors that proved to be significantly associated with a higher rate of new HIV diagnoses were ABS located in the city of Barcelona (IRR, 2.520; P < 0.001), a higher proportion of men aged 15-44 years (IRR, 1.193; P = 0.003), a higher proportion of GBMSM (IRR, 1.230; P = 0.030), a higher proportion of men from Western Europe (IRR, 1.281; P = 0.003), a higher proportion of men from Latin America (IRR, 1.260; P = 0.003), and a higher number of gay locations (IRR, 2.665; P < 0.001). No association was observed between the HIV diagnosis rate and economic deprivation. CONCLUSIONS Ring maps revealed substantial spatial associations for the rate of new HIV diagnoses. New HIV diagnoses are concentrated in ABS located in urban areas. Our results show that, in the case of HIV infection, the socioeconomic deprivation index on which the Catalan government bases its budget allocation policies among the ABS should not be the only criterion used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Agustí
- Centre d'Estudis Epidemiològics sobre les Infeccions de Transmissió Sexual i Sida de Catalunya (CEEISCAT), Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPC), Generalitat de Catalunya, Edifici Muntanya, Ctra Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain. .,Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol IGTP, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Francesc Belvis
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Health Inequalities Research Group, Employment Conditions Knowledge Network (GREDS-EMCONET), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center, Barcelona, Spain.,Unit of Infections and Cancer - Information and Interventions (UNIC - I&I), Cancer Epidemiology Research Program (CERP), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Julià
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Health Inequalities Research Group, Employment Conditions Knowledge Network (GREDS-EMCONET), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Cancer Screening Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Vives
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Cancer Screening Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Montoliu
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Unit of Infections and Cancer - Information and Interventions (UNIC - I&I), Cancer Epidemiology Research Program (CERP), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M Pericàs
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Health Inequalities Research Group, Employment Conditions Knowledge Network (GREDS-EMCONET), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center, Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron Institute for Research (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre d'Estudis Epidemiològics sobre les Infeccions de Transmissió Sexual i Sida de Catalunya (CEEISCAT), Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPC), Generalitat de Catalunya, Edifici Muntanya, Ctra Can Ruti, Cami de les Escoles s/n, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Fundació Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol IGTP, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Pediatria, d'Obstetrícia i Ginecologia i de Medicina Preventiva i de Salut Pública, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Benach
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Health Inequalities Research Group, Employment Conditions Knowledge Network (GREDS-EMCONET), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center, Barcelona, Spain.,Grupo de Investigación Transdisciplinar sobre Transiciones Socioecológicas (GinTRANS2), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rogers BG, Whiteley L, Haubrick KK, Mena LA, Brown LK. Intervention Messaging About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Young, Black Sexual Minority Men. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2019; 33:473-481. [PMID: 31682168 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 1.1 million individuals in the United States are living with HIV/AIDS. HIV disproportionately affects young, black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Recent biomedical advances, including the use of antiretroviral therapy as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), hold promise for preventing HIV infections. However, PrEP uptake remains slow among those most at-risk. To develop and test an intervention to address HIV disparities in YBMSM, we conducted qualitative interviews with 29 YBMSM from Jackson, Mississippi, to learn more about their views of PrEP. Twenty-nine PrEP-eligible YBMSM were enrolled and participated in either semistructured interviews or focus groups. They were asked about PrEP use, messaging, and promotion. Data were coded based on an iteratively developed coding scheme and entered into NVivo to facilitate thematic analysis. Our analysis identified the following three main themes: (1) the role of setting, context, and stigma in health care, (2) targeted PrEP messaging is further stigmatizing, and (3) recommendations for PrEP messaging and care. YBMSM in our sample felt highly stigmatized in their current environment and felt that PrEP messaging targeting YBMSM only enhanced their sense of marginalization. They concluded that broad and inclusive messaging would be just as relevant and cause less stigma. Our findings were somewhat surprising, as several prior studies benefited from using targeted materials to engage YBMSM in HIV prevention and PrEP uptake. The study's location may explain this difference in findings, which suggests the importance of considering local conditions and opinions when developing interventions for HIV prevention among minority populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke G. Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Laura Whiteley
- Department of Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Kayla K. Haubrick
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Leandro A. Mena
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Larry K. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sumetsky N, Burke JG, Mair C. Opioid-related diagnoses and HIV, HCV and mental disorders: using Pennsylvania hospitalisation data to assess community-level relationships over space and time. J Epidemiol Community Health 2019; 73:935-940. [PMID: 31266767 PMCID: PMC6910647 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2019-212551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the community-level spatiotemporal connexions between hospitalisations for common opioid comorbidities (HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) and mental disorders) and opioid-related hospitalisations in the current and previous year. METHODS We used Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal Poisson regression with conditionally autoregressive spatial effects to assess counts of HCV-related, HIV-related and mental disorder-related hospitalisations at the ZIP code level from 2004 to 2014 in Pennsylvania. Models included rates of current-year and previous-year opioid-related hospitalisations as well as covariates measuring demographic and environmental characteristics. RESULTS After adjusting for measures of demographic and environmental characteristics, current-year and previous-year opioid-related hospitalisations were associated with higher risk of HCV, HIV and mental disorders. The relative risks and 95% credible intervals for previous-year opioid-related hospitalisations were 1.092 (1.078 to 1.106) for HCV, 1.098 (1.068 to 1.126) for HIV and 1.020 (1.013 to 1.027) for mental disorders. CONCLUSION Previous-year opioid-related hospitalisations are connected to common comorbid conditions such as HCV, HIV and mental disorders, illustrating some of the broader health-related impacts of the opioid epidemic. Public health interventions focused on the opioid epidemic must consider individual community needs and comorbid diagnoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Sumetsky
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica G Burke
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina Mair
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nunn A, Jeffries WL, Foster P, McCoy K, Sutten-Coats C, Willie TC, Ransome Y, Lanzi RG, Jackson E, Berkley-Patton J, Keefer M, Coleman JD. Reducing the African American HIV Disease Burden in the Deep South: Addressing the Role of Faith and Spirituality. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:319-330. [PMID: 31444712 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02631-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nearly half of HIV infections in the United States are concentrated among African Americans, and over half of new HIV infections occur in the South. African Americans have poorer outcomes in the entire continua of HIV and PrEP care. Complex social, structural, and behavioral factors contribute to our nation's alarming racial disparities in HIV infection, particularly in the Deep South. Despite the importance of faith, spirituality and religious practice in the lives of many African Americans, there has been little scientific investment exploring how African Americans' religious participation, faith and spirituality may impact our nation's HIV epidemic. This article summarizes the state of the science on this critical issue. We also identify opportunities for new scholarship on how faith, spirituality and religious participation may impact HIV care continuum outcomes in the South and call for greater federal research investment on these issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Nunn
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, 121 S. Main St, G-810, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA.
| | - William L Jeffries
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Antlanta, USA
| | - Pamela Foster
- Department of Community Medicine/Population Health, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Tuscaloosa Regional Campus, Tuscaloosa, USA
| | - Katryna McCoy
- School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Washington - Bothell, Bothell, USA
| | - Cassandra Sutten-Coats
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, 121 S. Main St, G-810, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA
| | - Tiara C Willie
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Yusuf Ransome
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Robin Gaines Lanzi
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Edward Jackson
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | | | - Michael Keefer
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Jason D Coleman
- School of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Implementation of a Socio-structural Demonstration Project to Improve HIV Outcomes Among Young Black Men in the Deep South. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2019; 6:775-789. [PMID: 30793253 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-019-00576-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe the background, rationale, intervention components, and formative results of a demonstration project aimed to ameliorate five socio-structural barriers to HIV services for young Black men aged 18-29 living with and at risk for HIV in Louisiana. METHODS The interventions and activities consisted of (1) five person-centered approaches to enhance linkage to HIV services and improve socio-economic outcomes; (2) the implementation of systematic mystery shopping tests to document instances of housing discrimination; (3) the development and implementation of a multi-prong communications campaign to increase knowledge about the signs of housing discrimination and community resources among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM); (4) the integration of HIV/STI services and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT)-inclusive events on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and (5) the development of a safe space for YBMSM. A multi-method approach was used to evaluate the outcomes of the different interventions. RESULTS The majority (62%) of participants living with HIV were linked to HIV care and 49% had achieved viral suppression. More than 40% of participants were employed during the project. Thirty-seven percent (37%) of the mystery shopping tests showed definite or possible signs of housing discrimination. The housing campaign's duration was limited with unknown long-term impact among YBMSM. Fifteen cases of syphilis were identified during two HBCU events. A safe space was specifically created for YBMSM at a community-based organization. CONCLUSION Multi-component holistic health interventions are needed to improve HIV outcomes and curb the high HIV rates among young Black men, particularly YBMSM in the United States and the Deep South.
Collapse
|