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Dailey A, Gant Z, Hu X, Lyons SJ, Okello A, Johnson AS. A Census Tract-Level Examination of Diagnosed HIV Infection and Social Vulnerability Themes Among Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White Adults, 2019-USA. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:468-491. [PMID: 36808571 PMCID: PMC9937524 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01533-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing HIV diagnosis and the social vulnerability index (SVI) by themes (socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and English proficiency, and housing type and transportation) might help to identify specific social factors contributing to disparities across census tracts with high rates of diagnosed HIV infection in the USA. METHODS We examined HIV rate ratios in 2019 using data from CDC's National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS) for Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White persons aged ≥ 18 years. NHSS data were linked to CDC/ATSDR SVI data to compare census tracts with the lowest SVI (Q1) and highest SVI (Q4) scores. Rates and rate ratios were calculated for 4 SVI themes by sex assigned at birth for age group, transmission category, and region of residence. RESULTS In the socioeconomic theme analysis, we observed wide within-group disparity among White females with diagnosed HIV infection. In the household composition and disability theme, we observed high HIV diagnosis rates among Hispanic/Latino and White males who lived in the least socially vulnerable census tracts. In the minority status and English proficiency theme, we observed a high percentage of Hispanic/Latino adults with diagnosed HIV infection in the most socially vulnerable census tracts. In the housing type and transportation theme, we observed a high percentage of HIV diagnoses attributed to injection drug use in the most socially vulnerable census tracts. CONCLUSION The development and prioritization of interventions that address specific social factors contributing to disparities in HIV across census tracts with high diagnosis rates are critical to reducing new HIV infections in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Dailey
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, HIV Surveillance Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-2, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA.
| | - Zanetta Gant
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, HIV Surveillance Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-2, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Xiaohong Hu
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, HIV Surveillance Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-2, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Shacara Johnson Lyons
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, HIV Surveillance Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-2, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Amanda Okello
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, HIV Surveillance Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-2, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Anna Satcher Johnson
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, HIV Surveillance Branch, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-2, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
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Gant Z, Dailey A, Hu X, Lyons SJ, Okello A, Elenwa F, Johnson AS. A Census Tract-Level Examination of Diagnosed HIV Infection and Social Vulnerability among Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White Adults, 2018: United States. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2792-2801. [PMID: 36383342 PMCID: PMC9667837 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01456-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To reduce health disparities and improve the health of Americans overall, addressing community-level social and structural factors, such as social vulnerability, may help explain the higher rates of HIV diagnoses among and between race/ethnicity groups. METHODS Data were obtained from CDC's National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS) and the CDC/ATSDR social vulnerability index (SVI). NHSS data for Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White adults with HIV diagnosed in 2018 were linked to SVI data. To measure the relative disparity, rate ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated to examine the relative difference comparing census tracts with the lowest SVI scores (quartile 1, Q1) to those with the highest SVI scores (quartile 4, Q4) by sex assigned at birth for age group and region of residence. Differences in the numbers of diagnoses across the quartiles were analyzed by sex assigned at birth and transmission category. RESULTS There were 13,807 Black, 8747 Hispanic/Latino, and 8325 White adults who received a diagnosis of HIV infection in the United States in 2018-with the highest HIV diagnosis rates among adults who lived in census tracts with the highest vulnerability (Q4). For each race/ethnicity and both sexes, the rate of HIV diagnoses increased as social vulnerability increased. The highest disparities in HIV diagnosis rates by SVI were among persons who inject drugs, and the highest within-group RRs were typically observed among older persons and persons residing in the Northeast. CONCLUSION To reach the goals of several national HIV initiatives, efforts are needed to address the social vulnerability factors that contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in acquiring HIV and receiving care and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanetta Gant
- HIV Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS E-47, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA.
| | - André Dailey
- HIV Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS E-47, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Xiaohong Hu
- HIV Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS E-47, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Shacara Johnson Lyons
- HIV Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS E-47, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Amanda Okello
- HIV Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS E-47, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Faith Elenwa
- HIV Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS E-47, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Anna Satcher Johnson
- HIV Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS E-47, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4027, USA
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3
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Stewart RE, Christian HP, Cardamone NC, Abrams C, Drob C, Mandell DS, Metzger D, Lowenstein M. Mobile service delivery in response to the opioid epidemic in Philadelphia. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:71. [PMID: 38031174 PMCID: PMC10687974 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00427-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The harms of opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV infection disproportionately impact marginalized populations, especially people experiencing homelessness and people who inject drugs (PWID). Mobile OUD service delivery models are emerging to increase access and reduce barriers to OUD care. While there is growing interest in these models, there is limited research about the services they provide, how they operate, and what barriers they face. We characterize the capacity, barriers, and sustainment of mobile OUD care services in a large city with a high incidence of OUD and HIV. METHODS From May to August 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with leadership from all seven mobile OUD care units (MOCU) providing a medication for OUD or other substance use disorder services in Philadelphia. We surveyed leaders about their unit's services, staffing, operating location, funding sources, and linkages to care. Leaders were asked to describe their clinical approach, treatment process, and the barriers and facilitators to their operations. Interview recordings were coded using rapid qualitative analysis. RESULTS MOCUs are run by small, multidisciplinary teams, typically composed of a clinician, one or two case managers, and a peer recovery specialist or outreach worker. MOCUs provide a range of services, including medications for OUD, wound care, medical services, case management, and screening for infectious diseases. No units provide methadone, but all units provide naloxone, six write prescriptions for buprenorphine, and one unit dispenses buprenorphine. The most frequently reported barriers include practical challenges of working on a MOCU (e.g. lack of space, safety), lack of community support, and patients with substantial medical and psychosocial needs. Interviewees reported concerns about funding and specifically as it relates to providing their staff with adequate pay. The most frequently reported facilitators include positive relationships with the community, collaboration with other entities (e.g. local nonprofits, the police department, universities), and having non-clinical staff (e.g. outreach workers, peer recovery specialists) on the unit. CONCLUSIONS MOCUs provide life-saving services and engage marginalized individuals with OUD. These findings highlight the challenges and complexities of caring for PWID and demonstrate a need to strengthen collaborations between MOCU providers and the treatment system. Policymakers should consider programmatic funding for permanent mobile OUD care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Stewart
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Hanna P Christian
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Caroline Drob
- The Health Federation of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David S Mandell
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Metzger
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Lowenstein
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Cintron R, Whitmer SLM, Moscoso E, Campbell EM, Kelly R, Talundzic E, Mobley M, Chiu KW, Shedroff E, Shankar A, Montgomery JM, Klena JD, Switzer WM. HantaNet: A New MicrobeTrace Application for Hantavirus Classification, Genomic Surveillance, Epidemiology and Outbreak Investigations. Viruses 2023; 15:2208. [PMID: 38005885 PMCID: PMC10675615 DOI: 10.3390/v15112208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hantaviruses zoonotically infect humans worldwide with pathogenic consequences and are mainly spread by rodents that shed aerosolized virus particles in urine and feces. Bioinformatics methods for hantavirus diagnostics, genomic surveillance and epidemiology are currently lacking a comprehensive approach for data sharing, integration, visualization, analytics and reporting. With the possibility of hantavirus cases going undetected and spreading over international borders, a significant reporting delay can miss linked transmission events and impedes timely, targeted public health interventions. To overcome these challenges, we built HantaNet, a standalone visualization engine for hantavirus genomes that facilitates viral surveillance and classification for early outbreak detection and response. HantaNet is powered by MicrobeTrace, a browser-based multitool originally developed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to visualize HIV clusters and transmission networks. HantaNet integrates coding gene sequences and standardized metadata from hantavirus reference genomes into three separate gene modules for dashboard visualization of phylogenetic trees, viral strain clusters for classification, epidemiological networks and spatiotemporal analysis. We used 85 hantavirus reference datasets from GenBank to validate HantaNet as a classification and enhanced visualization tool, and as a public repository to download standardized sequence data and metadata for building analytic datasets. HantaNet is a model on how to deploy MicrobeTrace-specific tools to advance pathogen surveillance, epidemiology and public health globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Cintron
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (A.S.); (W.M.S.)
| | - Shannon L. M. Whitmer
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (M.M.); (E.S.); (J.D.K.)
| | - Evan Moscoso
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (E.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Ellsworth M. Campbell
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (A.S.); (W.M.S.)
| | - Reagan Kelly
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (E.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Emir Talundzic
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (M.M.); (E.S.); (J.D.K.)
| | - Melissa Mobley
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (M.M.); (E.S.); (J.D.K.)
| | - Kuo Wei Chiu
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (E.M.); (R.K.)
| | - Elizabeth Shedroff
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (M.M.); (E.S.); (J.D.K.)
| | - Anupama Shankar
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (A.S.); (W.M.S.)
| | - Joel M. Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (M.M.); (E.S.); (J.D.K.)
| | - John D. Klena
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (M.M.); (E.S.); (J.D.K.)
| | - William M. Switzer
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA (A.S.); (W.M.S.)
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Evans KN, Vettese T, Wortley PM, Gandhi AP, Bradley H. HIV and HCV testing at clinical encounters among people who inject drugs, 2013-2018-Opportunities for increased testing and prevention. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:848-858. [PMID: 37726974 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) with unsafe injection practices have substantial risk for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. We describe frequency of, and factors associated with, HIV and HCV testing during clinical encounters with PWID. Inpatient and Emergency Department clinical encounters at an Atlanta hospital were abstracted from medical records spanning January 2013-December 2018. We estimated frequency of HIV and HCV testing during injection drug use (IDU)-related encounters among PWID without previous diagnoses. We assessed associations between patient factors and testing using generalized estimating equations models. HIV testing occurred in 39.3% and HCV testing occurred in 17.1% of eligible IDU-related encounters. Testing was more likely in IDU-related encounters during 2017-2018 than in encounters during 2013-2014; (HIV, AOR = 2.14, 95% CI, 1.32-3.49, p < .01). Testing was less likely among Black/African American patients compared to White patients (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: HIV, AOR = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.72, p < .01); HCV, AOR = 0.41, 95% CI, 0.24-0.70, p < .01). This difference may be attributable to recent testing among Black patients in non-IDU related encounters. HIV and HCV testing improved over time; however, missed opportunities for testing still existed. Strategies should aim to improve equitable HIV and HCV testing among PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N Evans
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Theresa Vettese
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Ami P Gandhi
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Khodakarami N, Akinlotan MA, Callaghan T, Primm KM, Vadali M, Bolin J, Ferdinand AO. Factors associated with hospitalizations for co-occurring HIV and opioid-related diagnoses: Evidence from the national inpatient sample, 2009-2017. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102225. [PMID: 37214165 PMCID: PMC10199244 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been evidence of rising HIV incidence attributable to opioid misuse within some areas of the U.S. The purpose of our study was to explore national trends in co-occurring HIV and opioid-related hospitalizations and to identify their risk factors. We used the 2009-2017 National Inpatient Sample to indicate hospitalizations with co-occurring HIV and opioid misuse diagnoses. We estimated the frequency of such hospitalizations per year. We fitted a linear regression to the annual HIV-opioid co-occurrences with year as a predictor. The resulting regression did not reveal any significant temporal changes. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine the adjusted odds (AOR) of hospitalization for co-occurring HIV and opioid-related diagnoses. The odds of hospitalization were lower for rural residents (AOR = 0.28; CI = 0.24-0.32) than urban. Females (AOR = 0.95, CI = 0.89-0.99) had lower odds of hospitalization than males. Patients identifying as White (AOR = 1.23, CI = 1.00-1.50) and Black (AOR = 1.27, CI = 1.02-1.57) had higher odds of hospitalization than other races. When compared to co-occuring hospitalizations in the Midwest, the odds were higher in the Northeast. (AOR = 2.56, CI = 2.07-3.17) Future research should explore the extent to which similar findings occur in the context of mortality and targeted interventions should intesify for subpopulations at highest risk of co-occuring HIV and opioid misuse diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Khodakarami
- Pennsylvania State University, Department of Health Policy & Administration, United States
| | - Marvellous A. Akinlotan
- Texas A&M University College of Nursing, United States
- Southwest Rural Health Research Center, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, United States
| | - Timothy Callaghan
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, United States
| | - Kristin M. Primm
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States
| | - Meera Vadali
- Southwest Rural Health Research Center, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, United States
| | - Jane Bolin
- Texas A&M University College of Nursing, United States
- Southwest Rural Health Research Center, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, United States
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Texas A&M School of Public Health, United States
| | - Alva O. Ferdinand
- Southwest Rural Health Research Center, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, United States
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Texas A&M School of Public Health, United States
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Kline D, Waller LA, McKnight E, Bonny A, Miller WC, Hepler SA. A Dynamic Spatial Factor Model to Describe the Opioid Syndemic in Ohio. Epidemiology 2023; 34:487-494. [PMID: 37155617 PMCID: PMC10591492 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic has been ongoing for over 20 years in the United States. As opioid misuse has shifted increasingly toward injection of illicitly produced opioids, it has been associated with HIV and hepatitis C transmission. These epidemics interact to form the opioid syndemic. METHODS We obtain annual county-level counts of opioid overdose deaths, treatment admissions for opioid misuse, and newly diagnosed cases of acute and chronic hepatitis C and newly diagnosed HIV from 2014 to 2019. Aligned with the conceptual framework of syndemics, we develop a dynamic spatial factor model to describe the opioid syndemic for counties in Ohio and estimate the complex synergies between each of the epidemics. RESULTS We estimate three latent factors characterizing variation of the syndemic across space and time. The first factor reflects overall burden and is greatest in southern Ohio. The second factor describes harms and is greatest in urban counties. The third factor highlights counties with higher than expected hepatitis C rates and lower than expected HIV rates, which suggests elevated localized risk for future HIV outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS Through the estimation of dynamic spatial factors, we are able to estimate the complex dependencies and characterize the synergy across outcomes that underlie the syndemic. The latent factors summarize shared variation across multiple spatial time series and provide new insights into the relationships between the epidemics within the syndemic. Our framework provides a coherent approach for synthesizing complex interactions and estimating underlying sources of variation that can be applied to other syndemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kline
- From the Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Lance A Waller
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Erin McKnight
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Andrea Bonny
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - William C Miller
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Staci A Hepler
- Department of Statistical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
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Evans KN, Vettese T, Wortley PM, Gandhi AP, Bradley H. Missed opportunities for prevention: prevalence and incidence of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus diagnoses among a cohort of individuals discharged from an urban hospital with injection drug-related diagnoses, 2012-2019. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 80:69-75.e2. [PMID: 36791871 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has increased due to the ongoing opioid epidemic and unsafe injection practices. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of HIV and HCV diagnoses among people who inject drugs from hospital-based clinical encounters. METHODS We linked clinical encounters at an Atlanta hospital during 2012-2018 with state HIV and HCV surveillance records to examine the prevalence of infections at discharge and incidence of infections post clinical encounter. RESULTS At discharge, 32.9% and 28.6% of patients with injection drug use-related clinical encounters had an HIV or HCV diagnosis, respectively. HIV and HCV diagnoses at the time of discharge were mostly among 40-64 years old patients, males, and Black/African Americans. Post clinical encounter, 3.8% of patients were later diagnosed with HIV, and 16.5% were later diagnosed with HCV, translating to incidence rates of 9.3 per 1000 person-years and 41.5 per 1000 person-years, respectively. The majority of HIV and HCV diagnoses post clinical encounter occurred among Black/African Americans and males. Of patients with HIV and HCV diagnoses post clinical encounter, 27.3% and 11.9% had been tested during their clinical encounter, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Targeted interventions for HIV/HCV prevention, screening, diagnosis, and linkage to treatment are needed to reduce the incidence of new infections among people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N Evans
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta.
| | - Theresa Vettese
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Pascale M Wortley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ami P Gandhi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta
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9
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Allen ST, Schneider KE, Morris M, Rouhani S, Harris SJ, Saloner B, Sherman SG. Factors associated with receptive injection equipment sharing among people who inject drugs: findings from a multistate study at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:18. [PMID: 36793041 PMCID: PMC9930060 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00746-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptive injection equipment sharing (i.e., injecting with syringes, cookers, rinse water previously used by another person) plays a central role in the transmission of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, viral hepatitis) among people who inject drugs. Better understanding these behaviors in the context of COVID-19 may afford insights about potential intervention opportunities in future health crises. OBJECTIVE This study examines factors associated with receptive injection equipment sharing among people who inject drugs in the context of COVID-19. METHODS From August 2020 to January 2021, people who inject drugs were recruited from 22 substance use disorder treatment programs and harm reduction service providers in nine states and the District of Columbia to complete a survey that ascertained how the COVID-19 pandemic affected substance use behaviors. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with people who inject drugs having recently engaged in receptive injection equipment sharing. RESULTS One in four people who inject drugs in our sample reported having engaged in receptive injection equipment sharing in the past month. Factors associated with greater odds of receptive injection equipment sharing included: having a high school education or equivalent (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.14, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.24, 3.69), experiencing hunger at least weekly (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.01, 3.56), and number of drugs injected (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.02, 1.30). Older age (aOR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94, 1.00) and living in a non-metropolitan area (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.18, 1.02) were marginally associated with decreased odds of receptive injection equipment sharing. CONCLUSIONS Receptive injection equipment sharing was relatively common among our sample during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings contribute to existing literature that examines receptive injection equipment sharing by demonstrating that this behavior was associated with factors identified in similar research that occurred before COVID. Eliminating high-risk injection practices among people who inject drugs requires investments in low-threshold and evidence-based services that ensure persons have access to sterile injection equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T. Allen
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Kristin E. Schneider
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Miles Morris
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Saba Rouhani
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Samantha J. Harris
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health Policy and Management; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Brendan Saloner
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health Policy and Management; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Susan G. Sherman
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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10
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Cave B, Laun K, Sheahan B, Melendez A, Ross A. Aligning an emergency department hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus testing quality improvement initiative with universal screening recommendations. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12866. [PMID: 36545439 PMCID: PMC9764277 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The interactions among hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the ongoing injection drug epidemic have created a syndemic that significantly affects the Appalachian region of the United States. The purpose of this work is to describe a successful Kentucky program that aimed to increase HCV and HIV testing for people visiting an urban emergency department (ED) who were screened, diagnosed, and linked to care after diagnosis with special consideration for substance use disorder. Methods The Plan-Do-Study-Act model for quality improvement was used to create a streamlined process for testing, reporting results, and linking people to care. The program was refined and expanded across 3 phases. Results Across all phases, a total of 25,685 patients were eligible for testing and did not opt out. Of those, 17,090 had HCV antibody (Ab) testing; 3460 (20.2%) had HCV Ab; 1750 (50.8%) had HCV RNA, and an average of 31% of patients were linked to care within 30 days. The program found 54 new cases of HIV infection. Conclusions Universal HCV and HIV testing and linkage to care is possible within an ED. In areas affected by the syndemic, EDs may serve as a public health safety net to identify affected individuals and ensure they receive follow-up care. Testing in this center uncovered an exceptionally high prevalence of HCV infection and new HIV case identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbra Cave
- Department of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Kimberly Laun
- Department of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Brianna Sheahan
- Emergency DepartmentUofL Health HospitalLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Ashlee Melendez
- Department of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
| | - Adam Ross
- Department of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKentuckyUSA
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11
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Jenkins RA, Whitney BM, Nance RM, Allen TM, Cooper HLF, Feinberg J, Fredericksen R, Friedmann PD, Go VF, Jenkins WD, Korthuis PT, Miller WC, Pho MT, Rudolph AE, Seal DW, Smith GS, Stopka TJ, Westergaard RP, Young AM, Zule WA, Delaney JAC, Tsui JI, Crane HM. The Rural Opioid Initiative Consortium description: providing evidence to Understand the Fourth Wave of the Opioid Crisis. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:38. [PMID: 35883197 PMCID: PMC9321271 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize and address the opioid crisis disproportionately impacting rural U.S. regions. METHODS The Rural Opioid Initiative (ROI) is a two-phase project to collect and harmonize quantitative and qualitative data and develop tailored interventions to address rural opioid use. The baseline quantitative survey data from people who use drugs (PWUD) characterizes the current opioid epidemic (2018-2020) in eight geographically diverse regions. RESULTS Among 3,084 PWUD, 92% reported ever injecting drugs, 86% reported using opioids (most often heroin) and 74% reported using methamphetamine to get high in the past 30 days; 53% experienced homelessness in the prior 6 months; and 49% had ever overdosed. Syringe service program use varied by region and 53% had ever received an overdose kit or naloxone prescription. Less than half (48%) ever received medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). CONCLUSIONS The ROI combines data across eight rural regions to better understand drug use including drivers and potential interventions in rural areas with limited resources. Baseline ROI data demonstrate extensive overlap between opioid and methamphetamine use, high homelessness rates, inadequate access to MOUD, and other unmet needs among PWUD in the rural U.S. By combining data across studies, the ROI provides much greater statistical power to address research questions and better understand the syndemic of infectious diseases and drug use in rural settings including unmet treatment needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Jenkins
- Prevention Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 3WFN MSC 6024, 301 North Stonestreet Ave, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Bridget M. Whitney
- University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98106 USA
| | - Robin M. Nance
- University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98106 USA
| | - Todd M. Allen
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Rm 764 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Hannah L. F. Cooper
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Grace Crum Rollins Building 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Judith Feinberg
- West Virginia University, 930 Chestnut Ridge Road, PO Box 9156, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
| | - Rob Fredericksen
- University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98106 USA
| | - Peter D. Friedmann
- Baystate Medical Center—University of Massachusetts, Office of Research, UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate, 3601 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, MA 01199 USA
| | - Vivian F. Go
- University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, 363 Rosenau Hall CB# 7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Wiley D. Jenkins
- Southern Illinois University, 201 E Madison Street, Springfield, IL 62702 USA
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3270 Southwest Pavilion Loop OHSU Physicians Pavilion, Suite 350, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | - William C. Miller
- The Ohio State University, 302 Cunz Hall 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Mai T. Pho
- University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Abby E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex 905, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - David W. Seal
- Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Gordon S. Smith
- West Virginia University, 930 Chestnut Ridge Road, PO Box 9156, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Apotex Centre, 750 McDermot Ave. W, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5 Canada
| | - Thomas J. Stopka
- Tufts University School of Medicine Public Health and Community Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Ryan P. Westergaard
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5th Floor, Madison, WI 53705-2281 USA
| | - April M. Young
- University of Kentucky, 760 Press Avenue Suite 280, Lexington, KY 40536 USA
| | - William A. Zule
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, PO Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 2709-2194 USA
| | - Joseph A. C. Delaney
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Apotex Centre, 750 McDermot Ave. W, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5 Canada
| | - Judith I. Tsui
- University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98106 USA
| | - Heidi M. Crane
- University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98106 USA
| | - the Rural Opioid Initiative
- Prevention Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 3WFN MSC 6024, 301 North Stonestreet Ave, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
- University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA 98106 USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Rm 764 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Grace Crum Rollins Building 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
- West Virginia University, 930 Chestnut Ridge Road, PO Box 9156, Morgantown, WV 26505 USA
- Baystate Medical Center—University of Massachusetts, Office of Research, UMass Chan Medical School - Baystate, 3601 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, MA 01199 USA
- University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, 363 Rosenau Hall CB# 7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Southern Illinois University, 201 E Madison Street, Springfield, IL 62702 USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3270 Southwest Pavilion Loop OHSU Physicians Pavilion, Suite 350, Portland, OR 97239 USA
- The Ohio State University, 302 Cunz Hall 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex 905, Philadelphia, PA USA
- Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine Public Health and Community Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111 USA
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5th Floor, Madison, WI 53705-2281 USA
- University of Kentucky, 760 Press Avenue Suite 280, Lexington, KY 40536 USA
- RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, PO Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 2709-2194 USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Apotex Centre, 750 McDermot Ave. W, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5 Canada
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Glick JL, Grieb SM, Harris SJ, Weir BW, Smith KC, Puryear T, Hamilton White R, Allen ST. Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on syringe services programs in rural Kentucky. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:47. [PMID: 35590373 PMCID: PMC9117854 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00631-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) exacerbated risks for adverse health consequences among people who inject drugs by reducing access to sterile injection equipment, HIV testing, and syringe services programs (SSPs). Several decades of research demonstrate the public health benefits of SSP implementation; however, existing evidence primarily reflects studies conducted in metropolitan areas and before the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES We aim to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected SSP operations in rural Kentucky counties. METHODS In late 2020, we conducted eighteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews with persons (10 women, 8 men) involved in SSP implementation in rural Kentucky counties. The interview guide broadly explored the barriers and facilitators to SSP implementation in rural communities; participants were also asked to describe how COVID-19 affected SSP operations. RESULTS Participants emphasized the need to continue providing SSP-related services throughout the pandemic. COVID-19 mitigation strategies (e.g., masking, social distancing, pre-packing sterile injection equipment) limited relationship building between staff and clients and, more broadly, the pandemic adversely affected overall program expansion, momentum building, and coalition building. However, participants offered multiple examples of innovative solutions to the myriad of obstacles the pandemic presented. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic impacted SSP operations throughout rural Kentucky. Despite challenges, participants reported that providing SSP services remained paramount. Diverse adaptative strategies were employed to ensure continuation of essential SSP services, demonstrating the commitment and ingenuity of program staff. Given that SSPs are essential for preventing adverse injection drug use-associated health consequences, further resources should be invested in SSP operations to ensure service delivery is not negatively affected by co-occurring crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Glick
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Suzanne M. Grieb
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Samantha J. Harris
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Brian W. Weir
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Katherine C. Smith
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Tyler Puryear
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Sean T. Allen
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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13
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Gant Z, Dailey A, Wang S, Lyons SJ, Watson M, Lee K, Johnson AS. TRENDS IN HIV CARE OUTCOMES AMONG ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE U.S. SOUTH, 2015-2019. Ann Epidemiol 2022; 71:15-22. [PMID: 35525379 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE HIV disparities continue to persist in the southern United States and among some populations. Early HIV diagnosis, prompt linkage to care, and viral suppression among persons with HIV in the South, in particular the Deep South, are critical to reduce disparities and achieve national prevention goals. METHODS Estimated annual percent changes were calculated to assess trends during 2015-2019 in percentage distributions for stage of disease at the time of diagnosis, linkage to HIV medical care, and viral suppression. RESULTS Among 95,488 persons with HIV diagnosed in the South (Deep South: 81,848; Other South:13,640), the overall percentage that received a diagnosis classified as stage 0 increased 9.0%, stages 1-2 increased 1.8%, linkage to HIV care increased 2.9%, and viral suppression increased 5.9%. Changes in care outcomes among American Indian/Alaska Native persons and persons with infection attributed to injection drug use were minimal. CONCLUSIONS To reach the goals of Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) and other federal initiatives, efforts need to focus on prevention and care among persons residing in the South. Addressing factors such as stigma and discrimination and elimination of barriers to HIV testing, care, and treatment are needed to effectively address these disparities in HIV-related care outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanetta Gant
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - André Dailey
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Shacara Johnson Lyons
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Meg Watson
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyung Lee
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Satcher Johnson
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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14
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Randall LM, Dasgupta S, Day J, DeMaria A, Musolino J, John B, Cranston K, Buchacz K. An outbreak of HIV infection among people who inject drugs in northeastern Massachusetts: findings and lessons learned from a medical record review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:257. [PMID: 35135527 PMCID: PMC8822794 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted a medical record review for healthcare utilization, risk factors, and clinical data among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Massachusetts to aid HIV outbreak response decision-making and strengthen public health practice. SETTING Two large community health centers (CHCs) that provide HIV and related services in northeastern Massachusetts. METHODS Between May and July 2018, we reviewed medical records for 88 people with HIV (PWH) connected to the outbreak. The review period included care received from May 1, 2016, through the date of review. Surveillance data were used to establish date of HIV diagnosis and assess viral suppression. RESULTS Sixty-nine (78%) people had HIV infection diagnosed during the review period, including 10 acute infections. Persons had a median of 3 primary care visits after HIV diagnosis and zero before diagnosis. During the review period, 72% reported active drug or alcohol use, 62% were prescribed medication assisted treatment, and 41% were prescribed antidepressants. The majority (68, 77%) had a documented ART prescription. HIV viral suppression at < 200 copies/mL was more frequent (73%) than the overall across the State (65%); it did not correlate with any of the sociodemographic characteristics studied in our population. Over half (57%) had been hospitalized at least once during the review period, and 36% had a bacterial infection at hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Medical record review with a field investigation of an outbreak provided data about patterns of health care utilization and comorbidities not available from routine HIV surveillance or case interviews. Integration of HIV screening with treatment for HIV and SUD can strengthen prevention and care services for PWID in northeastern Massachusetts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa M Randall
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, 305 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130-3515, USA.
| | - Sharoda Dasgupta
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeanne Day
- JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alfred DeMaria
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, 305 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130-3515, USA
| | | | - Betsey John
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, 305 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130-3515, USA
| | - Kevin Cranston
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, 305 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130-3515, USA
| | - Kate Buchacz
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Shrestha S, Bauer CX, Hendricks B, Stopka TJ. Spatial epidemiology: An empirical framework for syndemics research. Soc Sci Med 2022; 295:113352. [PMID: 32950331 PMCID: PMC7962030 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Syndemics framework describes two or more co-occurring epidemics that synergistically interact with each other and the complex structural social forces that sustain them leading to excess disease burden. The term syndemic was first used to describe the interaction between substance abuse, violence, and AIDS by Merrill Singer. A broader range of syndemic studies has since emerged describing the framework's applicability to other public health scenarios. With syndemic theory garnering significant attention, the focus is shifting towards developing robust empirical analytical approaches. Unfortunately, the complex nature of the disease-disease interactions nested within several social contexts complicates empirical analyses. In answering the call to analyze syndemics at the population level, we propose the use of spatial epidemiology as an empirical framework for syndemics research. Spatial epidemiology, which typically relies on geographic information systems (GIS) and statistics, is a discipline that studies spatial variations to understand the geographic landscape and the risk environment within which disease epidemics occur. GIS maps provide visualization aids to investigate the spatial distribution of disease outcomes, the associated social factors, and environmental exposures. Analytical inference, such as estimation of disease risks and identification of spatial disease clusters, can provide a detailed statistical view of spatial distributions of diseases. Spatial and spatiotemporal models can help us to understand, measure, and analyze disease syndemics as well as the social, biological, and structural factors associated with them in space and time. In this paper, we present a background on syndemics and spatial epidemiological theory and practice. We then present a case study focused on the HIV and HCV syndemic in West Virginia to provide an example of the use of GIS and spatial analytical methods. The concepts described in this paper can be considered to enhance understanding and analysis of other syndemics for which space-time data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikhar Shrestha
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Cici X.C. Bauer
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Texas, Health Sciences Center at Houston, USA
| | - Brian Hendricks
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, USA
| | - Thomas J. Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA. , (T.J. Stopka)
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16
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Learner ER, Schlanger K, Mauk K, Pham CD, Mukai R, Mulleavey L, Kerani RP, Albano T, Sessoms B, Holderman JL, Toro B, Sankaran M, Kirkcaldy RD. Outcomes of Traditional and Enhanced Gonorrhea Partner Services in the Strengthening the US Response to Resistant Gonorrhea Project, 2017 to 2019. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:S124-S130. [PMID: 34407012 PMCID: PMC8767793 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention implemented Strengthening the US Response to Resistant Gonorrhea (SURRG) to build local detection and response capacity and evaluate responses to antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea outbreaks, including partner services for gonorrhea. We evaluated outcomes of traditional partner services conducted under SURRG, which involved (1) counseling index patients and eliciting sexual partners; (2) interviewing, testing, and treating partners; and (3) providing partner services to partners newly diagnosed with gonorrhea. We also evaluated outcomes of enhanced partner services, which additionally involved interviewing and testing partners of persons who tested negative, and social contacts of index patients and partners. METHODS We analyzed partner services investigation data from 8 jurisdictions participating in SURRG from 2017 to 2019. We summed total index patients, partners from traditional partner services, and partners and contacts from enhanced partner services, and calculated partner services outcomes among partners and contacts. We also visualized sexual networks from partner services data. RESULTS Of 1242 index patients identified, 506 named at least 1 sexual partner. Traditional partner services yielded 1088 sexual partners, and 105 were newly diagnosed with gonorrhea. Enhanced partner services yielded an additional 59 sexual partners and 52 social contacts. Of those partners and contacts, 3 were newly diagnosed with gonorrhea. Network visualization revealed sparse networks with few complex partnership clusters. CONCLUSIONS Traditional partner services for gonorrhea may be useful for eliciting, notifying, and diagnosing partners of index patients in an outbreak setting. Enhanced partner services are unlikely to be effective for eliciting, notifying, and diagnosing a substantial number of additional people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Learner
- From the Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD Prevention and TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Karen Schlanger
- From the Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD Prevention and TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kerry Mauk
- From the Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD Prevention and TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cau D Pham
- From the Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD Prevention and TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Lacy Mulleavey
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO
| | - Roxanne P Kerani
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Disease, University of Washington/Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | - Brian Toro
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, NY
| | | | - Robert D Kirkcaldy
- From the Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD Prevention and TB Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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17
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Dailey A, Johnson AS, Hu X, Gant Z, Lyons SJ, Adih W. Trends in HIV Care Outcomes Among Adults and Adolescents-33 Jurisdictions, United States, 2014-2018. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:333-339. [PMID: 34369909 PMCID: PMC8621807 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With significant improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV, the number of people with HIV in the United States steadily increases. Monitoring trends in HIV-related care outcomes is needed to inform programs aimed at reducing new HIV infections in the United States. SETTING The setting is 33 United States jurisdictions that had mandatory and complete reporting of all levels of CD4 and viral load test results for each year during 2014-2018. METHODS Estimated annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess trends in stage of disease at time of diagnosis, linkage to HIV medical care within 1 month of HIV diagnosis, and viral suppression within 6 months after HIV diagnosis. Differences in percentages were analyzed by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and transmission category for persons with HIV diagnosed from 2014 to 2018. RESULTS Among 133,477 persons with HIV diagnosed during 2014-2018, the percentage of persons who received a diagnosis classified as stage 0 increased 13.7%, stages 1-2 (early infections) increased 2.9%, stage 3 (AIDS) declined 1.5%, linkage to HIV medical care within 1 month of HIV diagnosis increased 2.3%, and viral suppression within 6 months after HIV diagnosis increased 6.5% per year, on average. Subpopulations and areas that showed the least progress were persons aged 45-54 years, American Indian/Alaska Native persons, Asian persons, Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander persons, and rural areas with substantial HIV prevalence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS New infections will continue to occur unless improvements are made in implementing the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America strategies of diagnosing, treating, and preventing HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Dailey
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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Oster AM, Lyss SB, McClung RP, Watson M, Panneer N, Hernandez AL, Buchacz K, Robilotto SE, Curran KG, Hassan R, Ocfemia MCB, Linley L, Perez SM, Phillip SA, France AM. HIV Cluster and Outbreak Detection and Response: The Science and Experience. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:S130-S142. [PMID: 34686282 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Respond pillar of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative, which consists of activities also known as cluster and outbreak detection and response, offers a framework to guide tailored implementation of proven HIV prevention strategies where transmission is occurring most rapidly. Cluster and outbreak response involves understanding the networks in which rapid transmission is occurring; linking people in the network to essential services; and identifying and addressing gaps in programs and services such as testing, HIV and other medical care, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and syringe services programs. This article reviews the experience gained through 30 HIV cluster and outbreak responses in North America during 2000-2020 to describe approaches for implementing these core response strategies. Numerous jurisdictions that have implemented these response strategies have demonstrated success in improving outcomes related to HIV care and viral suppression, testing, use of prevention services, and reductions in transmission or new diagnoses. Efforts to address important gaps in service delivery revealed by cluster and outbreak detection and response can strengthen prevention efforts broadly through multidisciplinary, multisector collaboration. In this way, the Respond pillar embodies the collaborative, data-guided approach that is critical to the overall success of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Oster
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Sheryl B Lyss
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - R Paul McClung
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Meg Watson
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nivedha Panneer
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Angela L Hernandez
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kate Buchacz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan E Robilotto
- Division of State HIV/AIDS Programs, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Kathryn G Curran
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rashida Hassan
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - M Cheryl Bañez Ocfemia
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Laurie Linley
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephen M Perez
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stanley A Phillip
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anne Marie France
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service, Atlanta, Georgia
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Burns RH, Pierre CM, Marathe JG, Ruiz-Mercado G, Taylor JL, Kimmel SD, Johnson SL, Fukuda HD, Assoumou SA. Partnering With State Health Departments to Address Injection-Related Infections During the Opioid Epidemic: Experience at a Safety Net Hospital. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab208. [PMID: 34409120 PMCID: PMC8364760 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Massachusetts is one of the epicenters of the opioid epidemic and has been severely impacted by injection-related viral and bacterial infections. A recent increase in newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among persons who inject drugs in the state highlights the urgent need to address and bridge the overlapping epidemics of opioid use disorder (OUD) and injection-related infections. Building on an established relationship between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Boston Medical Center, the Infectious Diseases section has contributed to the development and implementation of a cohesive response involving ambulatory, inpatient, emergency department, and community-based services. We describe this comprehensive approach including the rapid delivery of antimicrobials for the prevention and treatment of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, systemic infections such as endocarditis, bone and joint infections, as well as curative therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus in a manner that is accessible to patients on the addiction-recovery continuum. We also provide an overview of programs that provide access to medications for OUD, harm reduction services including overdose education, and distribution of naloxone. Finally, we outline lessons learned to inform initiatives in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H Burns
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cassandra M Pierre
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jai G Marathe
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glorimar Ruiz-Mercado
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simeon D Kimmel
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha L Johnson
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - H Dawn Fukuda
- Office of HIV/AIDS, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sabrina A Assoumou
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Dennis AM, Frost SD, Enders K, Cressman AE, Volz E, Adams N, Miller WC, Cohen MS, Mobley V, Samoff E, Eron JJ. HIV-1 Transmission linkages among persons with incident infection to inform public health surveillance. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 37:100968. [PMID: 34195581 PMCID: PMC8225702 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated features of HIV transmission networks involving persons diagnosed during incident HIV infection (IHI) to assess network-based opportunities to curtail onward transmission. METHODS Transmission networks were constructed using partial pol sequences reported to North Carolina surveillance among persons with recent (2014-2018) and past (<2014) HIV diagnoses. IHI were defined as documented acute infections or seroconversion. Demographic and virologic features of HIV genetic clusters (<1.5% pairwise genetic distance) involving ≥ 1 IHI were assessed. Persons with viral genetic links and who had diagnoses >90 days prior to an IHI were further characterized. We assessed named partner outcomes among IHI index persons using contact tracing data. FINDINGS Of 4,405 HIV diagnoses 2014-2018 with sequences, there were 323 (7%) IHI index persons; most were male (88%), Black (65%), young (68% <30 years), and reported sex with men (MSM) risk (79%). Index persons were more likely to be cluster members compared to non-index persons diagnosed during the same period (72% vs. 49%). In total, 162 clusters were identified involving 233 IHI, 577 recent diagnoses, and 163 past diagnoses. Most IHI cases (53%) had viral linkages to ≥1 previously diagnosed person without evidence of HIV viral suppression in the year prior to the diagnosis of the IHI index. In contact tracing, only 53% IHI cases named an HIV-positive contact, resulting in 0.5 previously diagnosed persons detected per IHI investigated. When combined with viral analyses, the detection rate of viremic previously diagnosed persons increased to 1.3. INTERPRETATION Integrating public health with molecular epidemiology, revealed that more than half of IHI have viral links to persons with previously diagnosed unsuppressed HIV infection which was largely unrecognized by traditional contact tracing. Enhanced partner services to support engagement and retention in HIV care and improved case finding supported by rapid phylogenetic analysis are tools to substantially reduce onward HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M. Dennis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Simon D.W. Frost
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, United States
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly Enders
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Andrew E. Cressman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Erik Volz
- Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Adams
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - William C. Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Myron S. Cohen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Victoria Mobley
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Erika Samoff
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Joseph J. Eron
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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21
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Machado LFA, Fonseca RRDS, Queiroz MAF, Oliveira-Filho AB, Cayres-Vallinoto IMV, Vallinoto ACR, Ishak MDOG, Ishak R. The Epidemiological Impact of STIs among General and Vulnerable Populations of the Amazon Region of Brazil: 30 years of Surveillance. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050855. [PMID: 34067165 PMCID: PMC8151421 DOI: 10.3390/v13050855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a worldwide public health problem and, although many of them are curable, they continue to be neglected, especially in areas with a low human development index, such as in the northern region of Brazil. This review describes the results of 30 years of studies at the Virus Laboratory at the Federal University of Pará, including the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of HIV-1, HTLV-1/2, HPV, HBV, Treponema pallidum and Chlamydia trachomatis among urban and non-urban populations, and also in vulnerable groups in the Brazilian Amazon. Control strategies and challenges in preventing STIs are discussed considering this immense geographic region, where essential health services are unable to reach the entire population, especially the most vulnerable, such as female sex workers, people who use illicit drugs, remnants of quilombolos and indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Fernando Almeida Machado
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (M.A.F.Q.); (I.M.V.C.-V.); (A.C.R.V.); (M.d.O.G.I.); (R.I.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ricardo Roberto de Souza Fonseca
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (M.A.F.Q.); (I.M.V.C.-V.); (A.C.R.V.); (M.d.O.G.I.); (R.I.)
| | - Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (M.A.F.Q.); (I.M.V.C.-V.); (A.C.R.V.); (M.d.O.G.I.); (R.I.)
| | - Aldemir Branco Oliveira-Filho
- Grupo de Estudo e Pesquisa em Populações Vulneráveis, Instituto de Estudos Costeiros, Universidade Federal do Pará, Bragança 68.600-000, Brazil;
| | - Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres-Vallinoto
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (M.A.F.Q.); (I.M.V.C.-V.); (A.C.R.V.); (M.d.O.G.I.); (R.I.)
| | - Antonio Carlos Rosário Vallinoto
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (M.A.F.Q.); (I.M.V.C.-V.); (A.C.R.V.); (M.d.O.G.I.); (R.I.)
| | - Marluísa de Oliveira Guimarães Ishak
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (M.A.F.Q.); (I.M.V.C.-V.); (A.C.R.V.); (M.d.O.G.I.); (R.I.)
| | - Ricardo Ishak
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológica, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66.075-110, Brazil; (R.R.d.S.F.); (M.A.F.Q.); (I.M.V.C.-V.); (A.C.R.V.); (M.d.O.G.I.); (R.I.)
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22
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Jin C, Nwangwu-Ike N, Gant Z, Johnson Lyons S, Satcher Johnson A. Geographic Differences and Social Determinants of Health Among People With HIV Attributed to Injection Drug Use, United States, 2017. Public Health Rep 2021; 137:525-536. [PMID: 33882743 PMCID: PMC9109533 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211007168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People who inject drugs are among the groups most vulnerable to HIV infection. The objective of this study was to describe differences in the geographic distribution of HIV diagnoses and social determinants of health (SDH) among people who inject drugs (PWID) who received an HIV diagnosis in 2017. METHODS We used data from the National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS) to determine the counts and percentages of PWID aged ≥18 with HIV diagnosed in 2017. We combined these data with data from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey at the census tract level to examine regional, racial/ethnic, and population-area-of-residence differences in poverty status, education level, income level, employment status, and health insurance coverage. RESULTS We observed patterns of disparity in HIV diagnosis counts and SDH among the 2666 PWID with a residential address linked to a census tract, such that counts of HIV diagnosis increased as SDH outcomes became worse. The greatest proportion of PWID lived in census tracts where ≥19% of the residents lived below the federal poverty level, ≥18% of the residents had <high school diploma, the median annual household income was <$40 000, and ≥16% of the residents did not have health insurance or a health coverage plan. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, our study is the first large-scale, census tract-level study to describe SDH among PWID with diagnosed HIV in the United States. The findings of substantial disparities in SDH among people with HIV infection attributed to injection drug use should be further examined. Understanding the SDH among PWID is crucial to reducing disparities in HIV diagnoses in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Jin
- ICF, Atlanta, GA, USA,Chan Jin, PhD, ICF, 2635 Century Pkwy NE,
Ste 1000, Atlanta, GA 30345, USA;
| | - Ndidi Nwangwu-Ike
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS,
Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zanetta Gant
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS,
Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shacara Johnson Lyons
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS,
Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Satcher Johnson
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS,
Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta, GA, USA
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23
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Bradley H, Rosenthal EM, Barranco MA, Udo T, Sullivan PS, Rosenberg ES. Use of Population-Based Surveys for Estimating the Population Size of Persons Who Inject Drugs in the United States. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S218-S229. [PMID: 32877538 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, injection is an increasingly common route of administration for opioids and other substances. Estimates of the number of persons who inject drugs (PWID) are needed for monitoring risk-specific infectious disease rates and health services coverage. METHODS We reviewed design and instruments for 4 national household surveys, 2012-2016, for their ability to produce unbiased injection drug use (IDU) prevalence estimates. We explored potential analytic adjustments for reducing biases through use of external data on (1) arrest, (2) narcotic overdose mortality, and (3) biomarker-based sensitivity of self-reported illicit drug use. RESULTS Estimated national past 12 months IDU prevalence ranged from 0.24% to 0.59% across surveys. All surveys excluded unstably housed and incarcerated persons, and estimates were based on <60 respondents reporting IDU behavior in 3 surveys. No surveys asked participants about nonmedical injection of prescription drugs. Analytic adjustments did not appreciably change IDU prevalence estimates due to suboptimal specificity of data points. CONCLUSIONS PWID population size estimates in the United States are based on small numbers and are likely biased by undercoverage of key populations and self-report. Novel methods as discussed in this article may improve our understanding of PWID population size and their health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Bradley
- Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Rosenthal
- University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Meredith A Barranco
- University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Tomoko Udo
- University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - Eli S Rosenberg
- University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
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24
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Quilter LAS, Agnew-Brune C, Broussard D, Salmon M, Bradley H, Hogan V, Ridpath A, Burton K, Rose BC, Kirk N, Reynolds P, Varella L, Granado M, Gerard A, Thompson A, De La Garza G, Lee C, Bernstein K. Establishing Best Practices in a Response to an HIV Cluster: An Example From a Surge Response in West Virginia. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:e35-e40. [PMID: 32890333 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Heather Bradley
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Vicki Hogan
- Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, WV
| | | | - Kenya Burton
- Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, WV
| | - Bridget Connard Rose
- Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, WV
| | - Nathan Kirk
- Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, WV
| | - Pamela Reynolds
- Bureau for Public Health, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Charleston, WV
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25
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Furukawa NW, Weimer M, Willenburg KS, Kilkenny ME, Atkins AD, Paul McClung R, Hansen Z, Napier K, Handanagic S, Carnes NA, Kemp Rinderle J, Neblett-Fanfair R, Oster AM, Smith DK. Expansion of Preexposure Prophylaxis Capacity in Response to an HIV Outbreak Among People Who Inject Drugs-Cabell County, West Virginia, 2019. Public Health Rep 2021; 137:25-31. [PMID: 33646890 PMCID: PMC8721767 DOI: 10.1177/0033354921994202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
From January 1, 2018, through October 9, 2019, 82 HIV diagnoses occurred among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Cabell County, West Virginia. Increasing the use of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among PWID was one of the goals of a joint federal, state, and local response to this HIV outbreak. Through partnerships with the local health department, a federally qualified health center, and an academic medical system, we integrated PrEP into medication-assisted treatment, syringe services program, and primary health care settings. During the initial PrEP implementation period (April 18-May 17, 2019), 110 health care providers and administrators received PrEP training, the number of clinics offering PrEP increased from 2 to 15, and PrEP referrals were integrated with partner services, outreach, and testing activities. The number of people on PrEP increased from 15 in the 6 months before PrEP expansion to 127 in the 6 months after PrEP implementation. Lessons learned included the importance of implementing PrEP within existing health care services, integrating PrEP with other HIV prevention response activities, adapting training and material to fit the local context, and customizing care to meet the needs of PWID. The delivery of PrEP to PWID is challenging but complements other HIV prevention interventions. The expansion of PrEP in response to this HIV outbreak in Cabell County provides a framework for expanding PrEP in other outbreak and non-outbreak settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W. Furukawa
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA,Nathan W. Furukawa, MD, MPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, MS US8-4, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | | | - Kara S. Willenburg
- Department of Internal Medicine—Infectious Disease, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA
| | | | - Amy D. Atkins
- West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - R. Paul McClung
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Senad Handanagic
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Neal A. Carnes
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kemp Rinderle
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robyn Neblett-Fanfair
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexandra M. Oster
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dawn K. Smith
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Abstract
New HIV infections associated with injection drug use are of major concern in rural US communities. This study explores acceptability of, consent for, and uptake of free at-home HIV testing among people who use drugs (PWUD) in one of the nation’s epicenters for drug-related harms and HIV vulnerability: Rural Central Appalachia. Eligible participants were 18–35 years old, lived in Appalachian Kentucky, and reported using opioids to get high in the previous 30 days. A majority reported being likely (63.6%, 96/151) to take a free at-home HIV tests and 66.9% (101/151) consented to receive one. Among those who were randomly selected to receive a Home Access HIV-1 test kit (n = 37), 37.8% mailed in blood spots and 21.6% called to receive results. This study provides evidence that PWUD may be willing to take an at-home test, but other barriers may inhibit actual completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Ballard
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Regine Haardöerfer
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nadya Prood
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chukwudi Mbagwu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Allen ST, Mazhnaya A, O'Rourke A, White RH, Wedlock P, Grieb SM, Kilkenny ME, Walls M, Sherman SG. Factors Associated with Sterile Syringe Acquisition among People Who Inject Drugs in West Virginia. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:1776-1784. [PMID: 34311667 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1954023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syringe services programs (SSPs) are evidence-based interventions that provide essential overdose and infectious disease prevention resources to people who inject drugs (PWID). Little research has examined factors associated with sterile syringe acquisition at SSPs among rural PWID populations. OBJECTIVES We aim to identify factors associated with PWID in a rural county in West Virginia having recently acquired sterile syringes at an SSP. METHODS PWID (n = 420) completed a survey that included measures related to sociodemographics, structural vulnerabilities, and substance use. We used multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimation to examine independent associations with sterile syringe acquisition at an SSP. RESULTS Sixty-five percent of our sample reported having recently acquired sterile syringes at an SSP. Factors associated with recent sterile syringes acquisition at an SSP included: being older (aPR [adjusted prevalence ratio]: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.003-1.019), single (aPR: 0.862, 95% CI: 0.755-0.984), experiencing food insecurity (aPR: 1.233, 95% CI: 1.062-1.431), recently injecting fentanyl (aPR: 1.178, 95% CI: 1.010-1.375) and prescription opioid pain relievers (aPR: 0.681, 95% CI: 0.551-0.842), and recent naloxone acquisition (aPR: 1.360; 95% CI: 1.178-1.569). Receptive syringe sharing was inversely associated with acquiring sterile syringes at an SSP (aPR: 0.852; 95% CI: 0.741-0.979). CONCLUSION PWID accessing sterile syringes at an SSP was associated with several sociodemographic, structural, and substance use factors. Ensuring rural SSP operations are tailored to local PWID population-level needs is paramount to the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks and overdose fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alyona Mazhnaya
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison O'Rourke
- DC Center for AIDS Research, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick Wedlock
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Suzanne M Grieb
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Melissa Walls
- Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Klein PW, Geiger T, Chavis NS, Cohen SM, Ofori AB, Umali KT, Hauck H. The Health Resources and Services Administration's Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program in rural areas of the United States: Geographic distribution, provider characteristics, and clinical outcomes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230121. [PMID: 32203556 PMCID: PMC7089565 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People living with HIV (PLWH) residing in rural areas experience substantial barriers to HIV care, which may contribute to poor HIV health outcomes, including retention in HIV care and viral suppression. The Health Resources and Services Administration’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (HRSA RWHAP) is an important source of HIV medical care and support services in rural areas. The purpose of this analysis was to (1) assess the reach of the RWHAP in rural areas of the United States, (2) compare the characteristics and funded services of RWHAP provider organizations in rural and non-rural areas, and (3) compare the characteristics and clinical outcomes of RWHAP clients accessing medical care and support services in rural and non-rural areas. Methods and findings Data for this analysis were abstracted from the 2017 RWHAP Services Report (RSR), the primary source of annual, client-level RWHAP data. Organizations funded to deliver RWHAP any service (“RWHAP providers”) were categorized as rural or non-rural according to the HRSA FORHP’s definition of modified Rural-Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes. RWHAP clients were categorized based on their patterns of RWHAP service use as “visited only rural providers,” “visited only non-rural providers,” or “visited rural and non-rural providers.” In 2017, among the 2,113 providers funded by the RWHAP, 6.2% (n = 132) were located in HRSA-designated rural areas. Rural providers were funded to deliver a greater number of service categories per site than non-rural providers (44.7% funded for ≥5 services vs. 34.1% funded for ≥5 services, respectively). Providers in rural areas served fewer clients than providers in non-rural areas; 47.3% of RWHAP providers in rural areas served 1–99 clients, while 29.6% of non-rural providers served 1–99 clients. Retention in care and viral suppression outcomes did not differ on the basis of whether a client accessed services from rural or non-rural providers. Conclusions RWHAP providers are a crucial component of HIV care delivery in the rural United States despite evidence of significant barriers to engagement in care for rural PLWH, RWHAP clients who visited rural providers were just as likely to be retained in care and reach viral suppression as their counterparts who visited non-rural providers. The RWHAP, especially in partnership with Rural Health Clinics and federally funded Health Centers, has the infrastructure and expertise necessary to address the HIV epidemic in rural America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela W. Klein
- HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Tanya Geiger
- HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nicole S. Chavis
- HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stacy M. Cohen
- HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexa B. Ofori
- Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kathryn T. Umali
- Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Heather Hauck
- HIV/AIDS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
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Curran JW, Cooper H. Anticipating the spread of HIV: the past is prologue. Ann Epidemiol 2019; 34:6-7. [PMID: 31101456 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James W Curran
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Emory Center for AIDS Research, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Hannah Cooper
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; Emory Center for AIDS Research; Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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