Sexual HIV/HSV-2 risk among drug users in New York City: an HIV testing and counseling intervention

HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT-HIV) effectiveness for sexual risk-reduction among key populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

HIV disproportionately affects people who inject drugs, transgender people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and incarcerated people. Recognized as key populations (KP), these groups face increased impact of HIV infection and reduced access to health assistance. In 1990, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention organized technical guidance on HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT-HIV), with subsequent trials comparing intervention methodologies, no longer recommending this strategy. However, KP needs have not been explicitly considered.

METHODS

We assessed VCT-HIV effectiveness for sexual risk-reduction among KP (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020088816). We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed, controlled trials from February, 2020, to April, 2022. We screened the references list and contacted the main authors, extracted data through Covidence, applied the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, and performed the meta-analysis using Review Manager.

FINDINGS

We identified 17 eligible trials, including 10,916 participants and evaluated HIV risk behaviors. When compared to baseline, VCT-HIV reduced unsafe sex frequency (Z=5.40; p<0.00001, I²=0%).

INTERPRETATION

While our meta-analysis identified VCT-HIV as protective for sexual risk behaviors for among KP, the results are limited to MSM and PWID, demonstrating the paucity of data on the other KP. Also, it highlights the importance of applying a clear VCT-HIV guideline as well as properly training the counselors.

FUNDING

Research funded by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ/MS-DIAHV N° 24/2019), and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.

Sexual HIV risk behavior outcomes of brief interventions for drug use in an inner-city emergency department: Secondary outcomes from a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Drug use is an established risk factor for HIV. Brief Interventions (BIs) targeting reductions in both drug use and HIV risk behaviors may help curtail these related epidemics. The present study evaluates the impact of BIs for drug use and HIV risk reduction on sexual HIV risk behaviors among a primarily marijuana-using sample during a 12-month post-intervention follow-up period.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 780 adult patients in an Emergency Department (ED) with past 3-month drug use (primarily non-injecting). This study used a 3 × 2 factorial design (3 ED-based conditions: computer-delivered brief intervention [Computer BI], therapist-delivered, computer-guided BI [Therapist BI], or enhanced usual care (EUC-ED) for drug-using adults; 2 follow-up conditions at 3 months: booster or control). This analysis examines the outcomes of the BIs on sexual HIV risk behaviors at 3-, 6-, and 12-months.

RESULTS

Compared to the enhanced usual care control, the combined Therapist BI with booster resulted in significant reductions in scores on the sexual risk subscale of the HIV Risk Taking Behaviour Scale over 12-months, when controlling for baseline sexual risk, gender, and drug dependency status. The baseline interventions alone, booster alone, and Computer BI plus booster did not differ from the comparison group (EUC plus control).

CONCLUSIONS

A therapist-delivered BI for drug use and HIV risk behaviors, combined with a follow-up therapist-delivered booster, shows promise for reducing sexual HIV risk behaviors among a primarily marijuana using, non-injecting sample.