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Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Verster A, Luhmann N, Nguyen VTT, de Mello MB, Baggaley R, Macdonald V. Do Peer Navigators Improve Initiation and Retention in HIV/VH/STI Treatment Programs for People From Key Populations? A Systematic Review of Effectiveness, Values and Preferences, and Cost. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:305-312. [PMID: 38416032 PMCID: PMC10896188 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003364] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Key populations are disproportionately affected by HIV, viral hepatitis (VH), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and face barriers to care. Peer navigation programs are widely used, but evidence supporting their use has not been synthesized. SETTING Peer navigation programs for sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, prisoners, and trans and gender diverse people globally. METHODS To inform World Health Organization guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of effectiveness, values and preferences, and cost studies published between January 2010 and May 2021. We searched CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and EMBASE; screened abstracts; and extracted data in duplicate. The effectiveness review included randomized controlled trials and comparative observational studies evaluating time to diagnosis or linkage to care, treatment initiation, treatment retention/completion, viral load, cure, or mortality. We assessed risk of bias and summarized findings in GRADE evidence profiles. Values and preferences and cost data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Four studies evaluated the effectiveness of peer navigators for key populations. All were focused on HIV; none were designed for VH or STIs. These studies showed mixed effects on linkage to care, treatment retention/completion, and viral load; no studies measured treatment initiation, cure, or mortality. Two values and preferences studies with community-based organization staff and health workers suggested peer navigators for key populations were acceptable and valued, although continued challenges remained. No cost studies were identified. CONCLUSIONS Although limited, available studies provide moderate certainty evidence for benefits of HIV/VH/STI peer navigation programs for key populations. Further evaluations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Ping T. Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Annette Verster
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Luhmann
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Van T. T. Nguyen
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maeve B. de Mello
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Macdonald
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Krulic T, Brown G, Graham S, McCarthy A, Bourne A. Stepping out of secrecy: heterosexuality, quality of life, and experiences of HIV peer navigation in Australia. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38349774 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2024.2308667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Heterosexual people make up a small, but growing proportion of people living with HIV in Australia. This article draws on semi-structured interviews with thirteen heterosexual men and women living with HIV to examine the bearing that sexual identity had on their participation in a peer navigation programme. Our analyses consider the influence of sexuality and gender on the quality of peer relations and the effects of HIV-related stigma on health service engagement and quality of life. Gender and sexuality were significant factors in establishing understanding, acceptance, and community for participants. Having their heterosexuality mirrored by a peer was affirming for men. Women instead emphasised their gendered experiences of HIV. Otherwise, participants' narratives suggested that an experienced peer could reassure, guide interactions with community and services, and ease treatment-related and nonclinical aspects of life. We see peer navigation as a promising intervention to improve the quality of life for heterosexual people living with HIV. Person-centred support from a peer may be particularly important in HIV service environments adapting to the needs of heterosexual people. Peer navigation programmes should promote choice and employ peers of diverse experiences. Implications for referral and the improvement of social services for heterosexual people living with HIV are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Krulic
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Living Positive Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Graham Brown
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sara Graham
- Living Positive Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony McCarthy
- Heterosexual Men's Advocacy Network (HetMAN), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Kokorelias KM, Lee TSJ, Bayley M, Seto E, Toulany A, Nelson MLA, Dimitropoulos G, Penner M, Simpson R, Munce SEP. A Web-Based Peer-Patient Navigation Program (Compassionate Online Navigation to Enhance Care Transitions) for Youth Living With Childhood-Acquired Disabilities Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care: Qualitative Descriptive Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e47545. [PMID: 38324351 PMCID: PMC10882481 DOI: 10.2196/47545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have highlighted significant challenges associated with the transition from pediatric to adult health and social care services for youth living with childhood-acquired disabilities and their caregivers. Patient navigation has been proposed as an effective transitional care intervention. Better understanding of how patient navigation may support youth and their families during pediatric to adult care transitions is warranted. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the preferred adaptations of an existing web-based platform from the perspectives of youth with childhood-onset disabilities and their family caregivers to develop a web-based peer-patient navigation program, Compassionate Online Navigation to Enhance Care Transitions (CONNECT). METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was used. Participants included youth living with childhood-acquired disabilities (16/23, 70%) and their caregivers (7/23, 30%). Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted, digitally recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and was facilitated through NVivo software (Lumivero). RESULTS Participants desired a program that incorporated (1) self-directed learning, (2) a library of reliable health and community resources, and (3) emotional and social supports. On the basis of participants' feedback, CONNECT was deemed satisfactory, as it was believed that the program would help support appropriate transition care through the provision of trusted health-related information. Participants highlighted the need for options to optimize confidentiality in their health and social care and the choice to remain anonymous to other participants. CONCLUSIONS Web-based patient navigation programs such as CONNECT may deliver peer support that can improve the quality and experience of care for youth, and their caregivers, transitioning from pediatric to adult care through personalized support, health care monitoring, and health and social care resources. Future studies are needed to test the feasibility, acceptability, usability, use, and effectiveness of CONNECT among youth with childhood-onset disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Marie Kokorelias
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tin-Suet Joan Lee
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Bayley
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Seto
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Digital Therapeutics, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alene Toulany
- Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle L A Nelson
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Melanie Penner
- Department of Pediatrics, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Simpson
- St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah E P Munce
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Li C, Zhao P, Tan RKJ, Wu D. Community engagement tools in HIV/STI prevention research. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:53-62. [PMID: 38050762 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Community engagement is key to the success of sustainable public health interventions. This review highlights recent published studies that describe the use of community-engaged methods in sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention research. RECENT FINDINGS We organized the findings using a socio-ecological model. At the individual level, communities were engaged through participation in formative research, short-term consultations and community advisory board participation, as well as co-creation activities. At the interpersonal level, studies reviewed described peer-led interventions that leverage the influence and guidance of peers, patient-led interventions in the form of patient navigation and notification, as well as those that mobilize social networks and the power of social relationships to promote health. At the organizational and community level, multisectoral, multifacility collaborations between community, government, and academic stakeholders were highlighted. At the policy and population level, communities were engaged through community dialogues to disseminate research findings, as well as in developing strategic frameworks and clinical guidelines. Digital tools have also been leveraged for effective community engagement. SUMMARY Communities have an effective role to play in STI prevention and can be engaged at multiple levels. Future efforts may consider the use of community engagement tools highlighted in this review, including digital technologies that have the potential to reach more diverse end-users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Li
- Tokyo College, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- The University of North Carolina Project China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peipei Zhao
- Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rayner K J Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Freitag EW, Zolotov Y, Annam J, Labins J, Yamada JM, Jillani SM, Arnsten JH, Slawek DE. Available but inaccessible: patient experiences during the first 2 years of a primary care-based medical cannabis program at an academic medical center. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:1. [PMID: 38166921 PMCID: PMC10763347 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00919-2] [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] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical cannabis use and public acceptance in the United States have increased over the past 25 years. However, access to medical cannabis remains limited, particularly for underserved populations. To understand how patients experience medical cannabis accessibility, we measured medical cannabis use and barriers to use after medical cannabis certification in an urban safety-net academic medical center. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients seen in Montefiore's Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP) from 2017 to 2019. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics, as well purchase history of medical cannabis, were extracted from electronic medical records. We also administered a phone questionnaire to a subset of patients to assess usage patterns, effectiveness, and barriers to medical cannabis use. RESULTS Among 562 patients who were newly certified for medical cannabis between 2017 and 2019, 45% purchased medical cannabis, while 55% did not. Patients who purchased medical cannabis were more likely to be white and have private insurance or Medicare. Unregulated cannabis use and current tobacco use were less common among those who purchased medical cannabis. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, unregulated cannabis use remained negatively associated with purchasing medical cannabis. Patients reported that affordability and dispensary accessibility were their main barriers to purchasing medical cannabis. CONCLUSION Among patients certified for medical cannabis use, fewer than half purchased medical cannabis after certification. Improving access to medical cannabis is crucial for ensuring equitable access to regulated cannabis, and to reducing unregulated cannabis use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuval Zolotov
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Jayabhargav Annam
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Jaqueline Labins
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Yamada
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Syeda Masharab Jillani
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Julia H Arnsten
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA
| | - Deepika E Slawek
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 E 210th St, Bronx, NY, 10467, USA.
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Abstract
The Joint United Nation Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has aims that, by 2025, 95% of people with HIV should know their HIV status, 95% of people who receive a diagnosis should be receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of people with HIV and receiving ART should be virally suppressed.1 The challenge and opportunity of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goal are to reach people outside standard clinic-based services.2 However, after ART is initiated, retention in care is a challenge, with only 67% of persons continuing to receive ART after 5 years.3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal M North
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Krulic T, Brown G, Graham S, Hoy J, Bourne A. Revealing an enabling environment: How clinical community and clinical stakeholders understand peer navigation to improve quality of life for people living with HIV in Australia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1101722. [PMID: 37151586 PMCID: PMC10157390 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1101722] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV have unique resources to offer each other and health systems. This study investigated how peer navigation might contribute to a socially supportive, health enabling environment in Victoria, Australia. We used semi-structured interviews with 30 program staff, management, peer workers and clinician stakeholders. Our analyses considered the interplay between the program, users, HIV-related stigma and discrimination and the health service environment. Peer relationships offered reassurance, acceptance and belonging, which people living with HIV can use to create personal change. Peer engagement coproduced insights for life with HIV and may help to overcome stigma and structural barriers to access services and community support. As a partnership between peer and clinical services, participants described how the program fostered appreciation of peer practices and insights, which were used to improve the quality and continuity of care offered in the state. These findings allude to the value of the community engagement and policy alignment peer responses produce and can be used to guide implementation of similar programs elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Krulic
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Living Positive Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Timothy Krulic,
| | - Graham Brown
- The Centre for Social Impact, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Graham
- Living Positive Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Hoy
- Alfred Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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