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Lyons M, Harper GW, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Beyer A, Graham SM. Listening to the Voices of Gay and Bisexual Men and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kenya: Recommendations for Improved HIV Prevention Programming. THE UNDERGRADUATE JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 2024; 7:84-96. [PMID: 37398631 PMCID: PMC10310496 DOI: 10.3998/ujph.3949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Young gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are a key population at high risk for new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Kenya; thus, increased efforts are necessary to reduce their health risks. This qualitative study describes recommendations offered by young GBMSM in Kenya regarding the development and delivery of culturally appropriate HIV prevention services. Both young GBMSM Community Members and Peer Educators recommend that future HIV prevention efforts enhance economic empowerment, provide mental health and substance use services, and incorporate arts-based health promotion strategies. In addition, participants recommended that public health professionals increase the ease of access to HIV prevention services for GBMSM and that researchers disseminate findings from HIV prevention research back to the community.
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Ranjit YS, Basnyat I, Joshi O, Khoshnood K, Fisher CB. Sharing Culture and Management of Sex Work Information on Mobile Phones by Female Sex Workers in Nepal: Implications for mHealth Practice and Research. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38836353 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2363617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Female sex workers (FSWs) in Nepal continue to be disproportionately at risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV. Due to stigma related to sex work and HIV, FSWs keep their sex work information hidden, which poses a barrier to seeking health services. Emerging research indicates a high uptake of mobile phones among FSWs in Nepal. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions can provide health information and linkage to care. However, largely missing from the literature is FSWs' experience of managing the information about their involvement in sex work in a culture where sharing personal information and belongings is a part of the social norm, and maintaining privacy could have negative social repercussions. The current study aims to understand how FSWs perceive and manage privacy when they share their mobile phones. Using the Communication Privacy Management theory, we explore FSWs' perception of the threat to their privacy posed by mobile phones. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews among FSWs in Kathmandu, Nepal. Results showed that all participants owned mobile phones, and sharing devices was common. Mobile phones pose a considerable challenge in keeping sex work information private, and FSWs use various communication strategies to circumvent privacy threats. The findings highlight the mental and emotional burden FSWs face trying to conceal their private information in a sharing culture. The study discusses the importance of theorizing privacy in the cultural context of the Global South and the practical implications for developing mHealth interventions for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iccha Basnyat
- Global Affairs Program & Department of Communication, George Mason University
| | | | | | - Celia B Fisher
- Research Ethics and Training Institute, Fordham University
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Shi H, Du J, Jin G, Yang H, Guo H, Yuan G, Zhu Z, Xu W, Wang S, Guo H, Jiang K, Hao J, Sun Y, Su P, Zhang Z. Effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management: An umbrella review. Int J STD AIDS 2024:9564624241252457. [PMID: 38733263 DOI: 10.1177/09564624241252457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Globally, the number of cases of HIV continues to increase. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions have emerged as promising tools to support disease self-management among people living with HIV. The purpose of this umbrella review is to systematically evaluate and summarize the evidence and results of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management. METHODS PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for reviews. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2. RESULTS A total of 22 systematic reviews were included. The methodological quality of the reviews was low or critically low. EHealth interventions range from Internet, computer, or mobile interventions to websites, programs, applications, email, video, games, telemedicine, texting, and social media, or a combination of them. The majority of the reviews showed evidence of effectiveness (including increased participation in HIV management behaviours, successfully changed HIV testing behaviours, and reduced risk behaviours). EHealth interventions were effective in the short term. CONCLUSIONS Ehealth interventions have the potential to improve HIV prevention, HIV testing and disease management. Due to the limitations of the low methodological quality of the currently available systematic reviews, more high-quality evidence is needed to develop clear and robust recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guifang Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huayu Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haiyun Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guojing Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhihui Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenzhuo Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sainan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kele Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiahu Hao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Puyu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Plant A, Sparks P, Creech DN, Morgan T, Klausner JD, Rietmeijer C, Montoya JA. Developing an mHealth program to improve HIV care continuum outcomes among young Black gay and bisexual men. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1247. [PMID: 38714973 PMCID: PMC11075214 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM) in the United States face significant disparities in HIV care outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown promise with improving outcomes for YBGBM across the HIV care continuum. METHODS We developed an mHealth application using human-centered design (HCD) from 2019-2021 in collaboration with YBGBM living with HIV and with HIV service providers. Our HCD process began with six focus groups with 50 YBGBM and interviews with 12 providers. These insights were used to inform rapid prototyping, which involved iterative testing and refining of program features and content, with 31 YBGBM and 12 providers. We then collected user feedback via an online survey with 200 YBGBM nationwide and usability testing of a functional prototype with 21 YBGBM. RESULTS Focus groups and interviews illuminated challenges faced by YBGBM living with HIV, including coping with an HIV diagnosis, stigma, need for social support, and a dearth of suitable information sources. YBGBM desired a holistic approach that could meet the needs of those newly diagnosed as well as those who have been living with HIV for many years. Program preferences included video-based content where users could learn from peers and experts, a range of topics, a community of people living with HIV, and tools to support their health and well-being. Providers expressed enthusiasm for an mHealth program to improve HIV care outcomes and help them serve clients. Rapid prototyping resulted in a list of content topics, resources, video characteristics, community features, and mHealth tools to support adherence, retention, goal setting, and laboratory results tracking, as well as tools to help organization staff to support clients. Online survey and usability testing confirmed the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the content, tools, and features. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential of a video-based mHealth program to address the unique needs of YBGBM living with HIV, offering support and comprehensive information through a user-friendly interface and videos of peers living with HIV and of experts. The HCD approach allowed for continuous improvements to the concept to maximize cultural appropriateness, utility, and potential effectiveness for both YBGBM and HIV service organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Plant
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA.
| | - Paul Sparks
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| | | | - Ta'Jalik Morgan
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | | | - Jorge A Montoya
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
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Dunleavy VO, Ahn RJ, Grace LD, Mayo D. Acceptability and Feasibility of "Latinos Unidos": A Microgame Resource Combatting Health Misinformation for Latinos Living with HIV. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 29:307-318. [PMID: 38592967 PMCID: PMC11101303 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2024.2339238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 mitigation strategies, including shelter-in-place orders, masking, and social distancing combined with the widespread "infodemic" may interact synergistically to worsen already compromised mental health outcomes of people living with HIV (PLWH). We developed a three-part microgame intervention, "Latino Unidos," targeting media health literacy education that could be mobilized to protect the mental health of Latinx PLWH as well as promote HIV care during the pandemic. We utilized a community-based approach by working with two local community partners and conducted interviews and focus groups from three perspectives: Latino PLWH, ID providers, and community health workers. Participants evaluated three microgame modules for literacy objectives, acceptability, and feasibility. Feedback offered from each round of module review indicated that each of the game experiences supported the aim of addressing health mis/disinformation. Results indicated relative success demonstrated by positive responses on module literacy goals, acceptability, and feasibility. Our approach illuminates the intersection between content development around media literacy and microgame modality as a novel mHealth resource. Study outcomes offer suggestions and strategies for optimizing content effectiveness and intervention material dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Orrego Dunleavy
- Department of Communication Studies, School of Communication, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Regina Jihea Ahn
- Department of Strategic Communication, School of Communication, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Lindsay D Grace
- Department of Interactive Media, School of Communication, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel Mayo
- College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Gamarel KE, Rodriguez-Bañuelos A, Ubong IA, Best JN, Jadwin-Cakmak L, Mitchell JW. Understanding the potential implementation determinants of Our Plan: a couples-based digital human immunodeficiency virus prevention intervention for same-gender male couples. Mhealth 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38689615 PMCID: PMC11058597 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-23-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a proliferation of digital health interventions (DHIs) focused on addressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and treatment outcomes, including couples-based interventions with same-gender male couples. However, the barriers and facilitators of implementing couples-based HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention interventions using digital platforms in community-based organizations remains largely unknown. The goal of this study was to explore the implementation determinants of Our Plan, a couples-based DHI designed for new relationships of same-gender male couples and dyadic, sexual partnerships. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 organization leaders, healthcare providers, and staff at acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-service and community-based organizations in 13 states serving populations in Ending the HIV Epidemic jurisdictions. Interview items and follow-up questions were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to inquire about implementation determinants of Our Plan. Results Most participants highlighted several relative advantages of Our Plan: increasing capacity to support couples, potential synergy with existing programs, and opportunities to increase patient engagement. Participants also discussed relative disadvantages: misalignment with organizational values in the provision of patient-centered models of care and low interest from some priority populations. Participants emphasized the need for adaptability of Our Plan to fit within their local contexts, which encompassed support for both implementers and end-users, cultural tailoring, and privacy and security features. The desired evidence needed to implement Our Plan focused on data on impact, acceptability, and usability and functionality from communities most heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic. The majority of participants described how Our Plan could be integrated within service delivery and aligned with their organization's aspirational values; however, some noted that their organizational culture valued in-person interactions, particularly among patients experiencing structural vulnerabilities. Finally, participants discussed how the implementation of Our Plan would require additional training and funding for staff to support end-users and a relationship with the developers so that they could demonstrate their investment in the communities that their organizations served. Conclusions Our Plan was deemed a promising tool among potential implementers. To ensure optimal implementation and organizational fit, Our Plan refinement and evaluation must include implementers and end-users most impacted by the HIV epidemic throughout the entire process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adrian Rodriguez-Bañuelos
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ini-Abasi Ubong
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Janae N. Best
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Laura Jadwin-Cakmak
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jason W. Mitchell
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Florida International University Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
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Alarcón Gutiérrez M, Palma Díaz D, Alberny Iglesias M, Ruiz Riera R, Guayta-Escolies R, García de Olalla P, Rius Gibert C. Response Rate, Acceptability and Effectiveness of an Intervention Offering HIV/STI Testing Via Apps Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Barcelona, Spain, from 2016 to 2020. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1345-1355. [PMID: 37768426 PMCID: PMC10940395 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04165-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the response rate, acceptability, and effectiveness of a preventive programme offering rapid HIV and other STI testing, as well as sexual counselling to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) via dating apps over a 4-year period. The programme was carried out in 9 out of the 10 districts in the city of Barcelona, Spain. The response rate was defined as the proportion of people responding to the message sent, acceptability as the proportion of those responding favourably, and effectiveness as the proportion of users requesting a test. We performed univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression in relation with the response rate, acceptability and effectiveness. A total of 5,254 messages were send to different users. The response rate was 33.1% (n = 1,741), acceptability was 86.2% (n = 1,500), and effectiveness was 10.1% (n = 532). The factors associated with user response were recent connection to the app (aOR = 1.85; CI:1.39-2.46) and the presence of a profile photograph (aOR = 1.34; CI:1.11-1.64). Acceptability was associated with recent connection to the app (aOR = 1.98; CI:1.09-3.58). Effectiveness was associated with lower reported age (aOR = 0.98; CI:0.97-0.99), contact before 14:00 (aOR = 2.47; CI: 1.77-3.46), and recent connection to the app (aOR = 4.89; CI:1.98-12.08). Effectiveness was also greater in districts that were more disadvantaged or had fewer sexual health services. This study demonstrates that the use of these apps is an acceptable and effective method of prevention and sexual health promotion in GBMSM in this setting and identifies the associated factors that could guide such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Alarcón Gutiérrez
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Epidemiology service, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, Badalona, Spain.
| | - David Palma Díaz
- Epidemiology service, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute - CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Ruiz Riera
- Direcció Estratègica d'Atenció Primària i Comunitària, Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Guayta-Escolies
- Projects and Research Directorate, Council of Pharmacists Colleges of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia García de Olalla
- Epidemiology service, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Rius Gibert
- Epidemiology service, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomédica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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Noor MN, Shaw SY, Linton J, Lorway R. Research on the barriers to accessing sexual healthcare for sexually diverse Muslim men: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077955. [PMID: 38326243 PMCID: PMC10860077 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexually diverse Muslim men are seen to be at a higher risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections due to their limited access to sexual healthcare services. We outline a protocol to conduct a scoping review of research on the barriers that may impede these men's access to sexual healthcare. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To conduct this scoping review, we will follow the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' extension for scoping reviews. To classify the barriers to sexual healthcare, we will employ Bronfenbrenner's socioecological model as a conceptual framework. We will conduct a literature search via Medline, Embase and Global Health (OVID); Scopus; CINAHL on EBSCOhost along with several other EBSCOhost databases (Academic Search Complete, Canadian Reference Centre, Alternative Press Index, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, Social Work Abstracts) and Google Scholar, published until November 2023. Journal articles, published in the English language, describing quantitative and qualitative research on sexual healthcare access barriers for sexually diverse Muslim men will be included in the review. Commentaries and correspondences, along with grey literature including research reports and conference abstracts, as well as studies that do not include men with the Muslim faith, will be considered ineligible. Following screening of titles and abstracts, we will conduct a full-text screening to determine the final number of studies to be included in the review. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet will be used to extract study characteristics, and information on sexual healthcare access barriers will be classified according to the socioecological model's core concepts. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Our review does not require ethics approval. We will disseminate the review findings through peer-reviewed academic journals, seminars and conference presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Souradet Y Shaw
- Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Janice Linton
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robert Lorway
- Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Mody A, Sohn AH, Iwuji C, Tan RKJ, Venter F, Geng EH. HIV epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and implementation strategies for public health. Lancet 2024; 403:471-492. [PMID: 38043552 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The global HIV response has made tremendous progress but is entering a new phase with additional challenges. Scientific innovations have led to multiple safe, effective, and durable options for treatment and prevention, and long-acting formulations for 2-monthly and 6-monthly dosing are becoming available with even longer dosing intervals possible on the horizon. The scientific agenda for HIV cure and remission strategies is moving forward but faces uncertain thresholds for success and acceptability. Nonetheless, innovations in prevention and treatment have often failed to reach large segments of the global population (eg, key and marginalised populations), and these major disparities in access and uptake at multiple levels have caused progress to fall short of their potential to affect public health. Moving forward, sharper epidemiologic tools based on longitudinal, person-centred data are needed to more accurately characterise remaining gaps and guide continued progress against the HIV epidemic. We should also increase prioritisation of strategies that address socio-behavioural challenges and can lead to effective and equitable implementation of existing interventions with high levels of quality that better match individual needs. We review HIV epidemiologic trends; advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and care delivery; and discuss emerging challenges for ending the HIV epidemic over the next decade that are relevant for general practitioners and others involved in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaloke Mody
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Collins Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK; Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Rayner K J Tan
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Elvin H Geng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Gautam K, Paudel K, Ahmed A, Dhakal M, Wickersham JA, Poudel KC, Pagoto S, Acharya B, Deuba K, Valente PK, Shrestha R. High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal. J Community Health 2024:10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x. [PMID: 38281283 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Mobile technology growth in Nepal offers promising opportunities for using mobile health (mHealth) interventions to facilitate HIV prevention efforts. However, little is known about access and utilization of communication technology and their willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention services in Nepal. We conducted a cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling survey of 250 MSM in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal from October to December 2022. We collected information on participant characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, ownership, or access to and frequency of use of communication technology (phones, tablets, laptops, and computers), and willingness to use mHealth to access HIV prevention services. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Almost all participants had smartphones with the internet (231/250, 92.4%) and accessed the internet daily (219/250, 87.6%) on the smartphone (236/250, 94.4%). The median score for willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention was 10 (IQR: 3 to 17). Willingness to use mHealth was higher among those participants with a high school or above education (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001), had experienced violence (β = 0.231, p = 0.006), and had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (β = 0.223, p = < 0.001). However, monthly income above NPR 20,000 (USD 150) (β= -0.153, p = 0.008), disclosure of their sexual orientation to anyone (β= -0.159, p = < 0.007), and worry about being negatively judged by health care workers (β= -0.136, p = 0.023) were less willing to use mHealth strategies. The findings from this study suggest that there is a high willingness for utilizing mHealth interventions for HIV prevention in MSM population who are at higher risk of HIV acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kiran Paudel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Nepal Health Frontiers, Tokha-5, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Ali Ahmed
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Manisha Dhakal
- Blue Diamond Society, Dhumbarahi Marg, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Krishna C Poudel
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Institute for Global Health, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Sherry Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Bibhav Acharya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, 675 18th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
- Possible, a non-profit organization, Bhim Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Keshab Deuba
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Drydakis N. M-health Apps and Physical and Mental Health Outcomes of Sexual Minorities. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:3421-3448. [PMID: 35904851 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2095240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Given the assigned health inequalities faced by sexual minorities, it is fitting to assess whether m-health could be associated with better health-related outcomes for these sexual minorities. The present study examines associations between m-physical and m-mental health apps and sexual minorities' physical and mental health status in Greece. The study utilized three waves of panel data collected in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The findings indicated associations between the use of m-physical and m-mental health apps and increased physical and mental health status for sexual minorities. The work concludes that m-health could enhance informational capabilities associated with increased levels of physical and mental health for sexual minorities. Indeed, the study found that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual minorities experienced physical and mental health deteriorations. Interestingly, the estimates indicated that the association between the use of m-physical and m-mental health apps and increased mental health status for sexual minorities was stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic than before. The study suggests that tracking health-related information through m-health apps during periods of increased uncertainty could be associated with better health prevention and management. If m-health apps can alleviate adverse physical and mental health symptoms for sexual minorities, their potential should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Drydakis
- School of Economics, Finance, and Law, Centre for Pluralist Economics, Faculty of Business and Law, East Road, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
- Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Global Labor Organization, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Labor Economics, Bonn, Germany
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12
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Sucaldito AD, Tanner AE, Mann-Jackson L, Alonzo J, Garcia M, Chaffin JW, Faller R, McGuire T, Jibriel M, Mertus S, Kline DM, Russell L, Stafford J, Aviles LR, Weil PH, Wilkin AM, Rhodes SD. Exploring Individual and Contextual Factors Associated With Sexual Risk and Substance Use Among Underserved GBQMSM and Transgender and Nonbinary Persons in South Central Appalachia. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:495-506. [PMID: 38096454 PMCID: PMC11075819 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.6.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBQMSM) and transgender and nonbinary persons are at elevated risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hepatitis C (HCV); in Appalachia, these communities experience more disease burden. However, little is known about the factors influencing risk. Sixteen semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted examining factors influencing prevention and care. Data were analyzed using constant comparison methodology. Fifteen themes emerged within four domains: social environment (e.g., microaggressions across gender, sexual orientation, and racial identities), substance use (e.g., high prevalence, use as coping mechanism), sexual health (e.g., misinformation and denial of risk for HIV and STIs), and access to health care (e.g., cost and transportation barriers, lack of local respectful care). Findings highlighted salient barriers and assets influencing prevention and care and suggest that multilevel interventions are needed to improve access to and use of HIV, STI, and HCV prevention and care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Sucaldito
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Amanda E Tanner
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Lilli Mann-Jackson
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jorge Alonzo
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Manuel Garcia
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - John W Chaffin
- Western North Carolina AIDS Project, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Rachel Faller
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Tucker McGuire
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Mohammed Jibriel
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - Sulianie Mertus
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
| | - David M Kline
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Laurie Russell
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jeanette Stafford
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Lucero Refugio Aviles
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Peggy H Weil
- Western North Carolina AIDS Project, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Aimee M Wilkin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Scott D Rhodes
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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13
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Mustanski B, Ryan DT, Spinelli MA, Gandhi M, Newcomb ME. Urine point-of-care tenofovir test demonstrates strong predictive clinical and research utility. AIDS 2023; 37:2381-2387. [PMID: 37696260 PMCID: PMC10841269 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces HIV infection risk but is dependent on adherence. Available approaches to measuring adherence have limitations related to accuracy, cost, practicality, and timeliness. This study compared the performance of two methods implementable in clinics and research studies [interview and urine point of care (POC) assay] to the gold-standard for measuring recent and longer term adherence in dried blood spots (DBS). METHODS Participants were recruited from RADAR, a cohort study of young MSM, or via online advertisements. At 3 monthly visits, an interviewer administered 7-day timeline follow-back (TLFB) questionnaire, DBS samples were tested for tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) to estimate average dosing over the prior month and emtricitabine-triphosphate (FTC-TP) to assess recent dosing (past 2-3 days), and a urine POC TFV test to qualitatively assess recent adherence (past 4 days). RESULTS Eighty-three PrEP users contributed 163 observations. At visit 1, self-reported adherence was 86% (4+ doses in last 7 days), versus urine TFV (74%), DBS FTC-TP (76%), and DBS TFV-DP (69%). The objective measures of short-term adherence performed similarly well in predicting longer term adherence. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, the urine assay was a significant predictor of DBS TFV-DP (adjusted OR = 19.4, P < 0.0001); self-report did not add significantly. CONCLUSION The urine POC TFV assay had excellent predictive values for adherence and self-report did not add significantly to prediction. The POC assay provides results in several minutes to enable same-visit counseling, requires no specialized training, and is projected to be low-cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel T. Ryan
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Monica Gandhi
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael E. Newcomb
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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14
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Skeen SJ, Tokarz S, Gasik RE, Solano CM, Smith EA, Sagoe MB, Hudson LV, Steele K, Theall KP, Clum GA. A Trauma-Informed, Geospatially Aware, Just-in-Time Adaptive mHealth Intervention to Support Effective Coping Skills Among People Living With HIV in New Orleans: Development and Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47151. [PMID: 37874637 PMCID: PMC10630874 DOI: 10.2196/47151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, was home to 7048 people living with HIV-1083 per 100,000 residents, 2.85 times the US national rate. With Louisiana routinely ranked last in indexes of health equity, violent crime rates in Orleans Parish quintupling national averages, and in-care New Orleans people living with HIV surviving twice the US average of adverse childhood experiences, accessible, trauma-focused, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for violence-affected people living with HIV are urgently needed. OBJECTIVE To meet this need, we adapted Living in the Face of Trauma, a well-established EBI tailored for people living with HIV, into NOLA GEM, a just-in-time adaptive mobile health (mHealth) intervention. This study aimed to culturally tailor and refine the NOLA GEM app and assess its acceptability; feasibility; and preliminary efficacy on care engagement, medication adherence, viral suppression, and mental well-being among in-care people living with HIV in Greater New Orleans. METHODS The development of NOLA GEM entailed identifying real-time tailoring variables via a geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) study (n=49; aim 1) and place-based and user-centered tailoring, responsive to the unique cultural contexts of HIV survivorship in New Orleans, via formative interviews (n=12; aim 2). The iOS- and Android-enabled NOLA GEM app leverages twice-daily GEMA prompts to offer just-in-time, in-app recommendations for effective coping skills practice and app-delivered Living in the Face of Trauma session content. For aim 3, the pilot trial will enroll an analytic sample of 60 New Orleans people living with HIV individually randomized to parallel NOLA GEM (intervention) or GEMA-alone (control) arms at a 1:1 allocation for a 21-day period. Acceptability and feasibility will be assessed via enrollment, attrition, active daily use through paradata metrics, and prevalidated usability measures. At the postassessment time point, primary end points will be assessed via a range of well-validated, domain-specific scales. Care engagement and viral suppression will be assessed via past missed appointments and self-reported viral load at 30 and 90 days, respectively, and through well-demonstrated adherence self-efficacy measures. RESULTS Aims 1 and 2 have been achieved, NOLA GEM is in Beta, and all aim-3 methods have been reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Tulane University. Recruitment was launched in July 2023, with a target date for follow-up assessment completion in December 2023. CONCLUSIONS By leveraging user-centered development and embracing principles that elevate the lived expertise of New Orleans people living with HIV, mHealth-adapted EBIs can reflect community wisdom on posttraumatic resilience. Sustainable adoption of the NOLA GEM app and a promising early efficacy profile will support the feasibility of a future fully powered clinical trial and potential translation to new underserved settings in service of holistic survivorship and well-being of people living with HIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05784714; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05784714. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/47151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J Skeen
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephanie Tokarz
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Rayna E Gasik
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Chelsea McGettigan Solano
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ethan A Smith
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Momi Binaifer Sagoe
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Lauryn V Hudson
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kara Steele
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Katherine P Theall
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Gretchen A Clum
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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15
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Yeager S, Serrano VB, Paltin D, Fisher A, Karris M, Aarons GA, Rangel A, Flynn R, Bolan R, Moore DJ, Montoya JL. Qualitative Examination of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access and Adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Sexual and Gender Minorities. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:255-267. [PMID: 37535324 PMCID: PMC10849009 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.4.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access and adherence decreased nationwide. This study examined pandemic-related disruptions to PrEP access and adherence among clients of a health center (Center) in Los Angeles, California. Clients (n = 25) and Center personnel (n = 11) completed qualitative interviews from March to July 2021. Although the Center provided options for remote PrEP care (i.e., telehealth, STI self-testing kits, and prescription delivery), clients experienced difficulty navigating services or lacked equipment for telehealth. More than half (n = 13) of clients discontinued PrEP during COVID-19 due to decreased sexual partners, relocation, or insurance status changes. Among those who continued PrEP, the majority reported no change in adherence, while a minority reported worsening adherence due to distractions/forgetting, prescription refill issues, lack of insurance coverage, and fear of completing in-person visits. Findings highlight the challenges of navigating PrEP services during COVID-19 and suggest PrEP services enhancement to adapt to crisis events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Yeager
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California
| | - Vanessa B Serrano
- San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
| | - Dafna Paltin
- San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
| | - Arin Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation-Southwest Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Maile Karris
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
| | - Gregory A Aarons
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, UCSD
| | - Alvy Rangel
- Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Risa Flynn
- Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Robert Bolan
- Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - David J Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
| | - Jessica L Montoya
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
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16
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Dauria E, Rodriguez C, Bauerle Bass S, Tolou-Shams M, Christopoulos K. Implementation strategies to screen, refer and link women involved in the carceral system to PrEP for HIV prevention. Int J Prison Health 2023; 19:10.1108/IJPH-06-2022-0037. [PMID: 37113046 PMCID: PMC11058187 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-06-2022-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women involved in the carceral system (CS) experience several conditions that increase their risk for HIV (e.g. high rates of substance use, psychiatric disorders, histories of victimization). The purpose of this study is to explore perspectives on potential strategies to connect women in the CS to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH This study conducted in-depth interviews with 27 women involved in the CS eligible for PrEP. Using vignettes, interviews explored attitudes, barriers and facilitators toward PrEP screening, referral and linkage facilitated via a CS stakeholder, an mHealth application or providing PrEP service referrals during detention via a navigator. FINDINGS Most women were, on average, 41.3 years, from racial and ethnic minority groups (56% black/African American; 19% Latinx). Inductive thematic analysis revealed CS involved women expressed mostly positive attitudes toward CS-based PrEP implementation. Younger women were more accepting of and interested in mHealth interventions. Implementation facilitators included leveraging relationships with trusted allies (e.g. "peers") and existing systems collaborations. Recommended implementation strategies included providing HIV and PrEP-specific education and training for system stakeholders and addressing issues related to privacy, system mistrust and stigma. ORIGINALITY/VALUE Results provide a critical foundation for the implementation of interventions to improve PrEP access for women involved in the CS and have important implications for implementation strategies for all adults involved in the CS. Improving access to PrEP among this population may also support progress toward addressing national disparities in PrEP uptake, where women, black and Latinx populations have substantial unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Dauria
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sarah Bauerle Bass
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marina Tolou-Shams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katerina Christopoulos
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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17
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Pacheco M, Warfield SK, Hatzistavrakis P, Mochida-Meek S, Moskowitz D, Matson M, Mustanski B. "I don't see myself represented:" Strategies and considerations for engaging gay male Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander teens in research and HIV prevention services. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1055-1067. [PMID: 36097088 PMCID: PMC9466349 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03843-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Significant efforts have been applied to the development of sexual health programs for minority young gay males. Given the absence of research with Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) gay teen males, this study was done to assess how to reach them. Interviews were conducted with 20 NHOPI gay males ages 19-24 as near peers that can inform reaching teens. Data was analyzed using the Reflexive Thematic Analysis method. Three themes were identified: (1) Culture is a crucial factor for recruitment and engagement-whether participants realized it or not; (2) Confidentiality is key in recruitment to provide a safe space for NHOPI gay teen male research participation; and (3) NHOPI gay teen males experience multiple identity conflicts that must be considered for recruitment and engagement initiatives. Online recruitment efforts are optimal and should reflect distinct NHOPI cultures. More research is needed when it comes to understanding the cultural acceptance and understanding of homosexuality in NHOPI communities and how to integrate cultural education into recruitment methods and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty Pacheco
- Department of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W Kawili Street, 96720, Hilo, HI, USA.
| | | | - Patti Hatzistavrakis
- Department of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W Kawili Street, 96720, Hilo, HI, USA
| | - Summer Mochida-Meek
- Department of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W Kawili Street, 96720, Hilo, HI, USA
| | - David Moskowitz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Margaret Matson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL, USA
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18
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Shrestha R, Altice FL, Khati A, Azwa I, Gautam K, Gupta S, Sullivan PS, Ni Z, Kamarulzaman A, Phiphatkunarnon P, Wickersham JA. Clinic-Integrated Smartphone App (JomPrEP) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e44468. [PMID: 36795465 PMCID: PMC9982718 DOI: 10.2196/44468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). In Malaysia, where stigma and discrimination toward MSM are high, including in health care settings, mobile health (mHealth) platforms have the potential to open new frontiers in HIV prevention. OBJECTIVE We developed an innovative, clinic-integrated smartphone app called JomPrEP, which provides a virtual platform for Malaysian MSM to engage in HIV prevention services. In collaboration with the local clinics in Malaysia, JomPrEP offers a range of HIV prevention (ie, HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]) and other support services (eg, referral to mental health support) without having to interface face to face with clinicians. This study evaluated the usability and acceptability of JomPrEP to deliver HIV prevention services for MSM in Malaysia. METHODS In total, 50 PrEP-naive MSM without HIV in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were recruited between March and April 2022. Participants used JomPrEP for a month and completed a postuse survey. The usability of the app and its features were assessed using self-report and objective measures (eg, app analytics, clinic dashboard). Acceptability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS). RESULTS The participants' mean age was 27.9 (SD 5.3) years. Participants used JomPrEP for an average of 8 (SD 5.0) times during 30 days of testing, with each session lasting an average of 28 (SD 38.9) minutes. Of the 50 participants, 42 (84%) ordered an HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit using the app, of whom 18 (42%) ordered an HIVST more than once. Almost all participants (46/50, 92%) initiated PrEP using the app (same-day PrEP initiation: 30/46, 65%); of these, 16/46 (35%) participants chose PrEP e-consultation via the app (vs in-person consultation). Regarding PrEP dispensing, 18/46 (39%) participants chose to receive their PrEP via mail delivery (vs pharmacy pickup). The app was rated as having high acceptability with a mean score of 73.8 (SD 10.1) on the SUS. CONCLUSIONS JomPrEP was found to be a highly feasible and acceptable tool for MSM in Malaysia to access HIV prevention services quickly and conveniently. A broader, randomized controlled trial is warranted to evaluate its efficacy on HIV prevention outcomes among MSM in Malaysia. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05052411; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05052411. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/43318.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Antoine Khati
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Sana Gupta
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhao Ni
- Yale School of Nursing, West Haven, CT, United States
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19
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Mustanski B, Saber R, Macapagal K, Matson M, Laber E, Rodrgiuez-Diaz C, Moran KO, Carrion A, Moskowitz DA, Newcomb ME. Effectiveness of the SMART Sex Ed program among 13-18 year old English and Spanish speaking adolescent men who have sex with men. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:733-744. [PMID: 35951143 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) have a high HIV incidence and low utilization of testing and prevention services. However, very few HIV prevention programs exist that focus on the unique sexual health needs of AMSM. SMART is a stepped care package of eHealth interventions that comprehensively address the sexual and HIV prevention needs of AMSM. This study examines the impact of the first step of SMART, "SMART Sex Ed," on 13- to 18-year-old AMSM (n = 983) from baseline to three-month follow-up across 18 separate outcomes measuring HIV prevention attitudes, skills, and behaviors. We observed significant change from baseline to three-month post-intervention in nine HIV-related outcomes (e.g., receipt of HIV and STI test, HIV knowledge), as well as largely consistent effects across demographic subgroups (e.g., race, age, rural, low SES). Analyses observed no effects on condom use behaviors. SMART Sex Ed shows promise as an effective sexual health education program for diverse AMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Mustanski
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Rana Saber
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn Macapagal
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maggie Matson
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric Laber
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Carlos Rodrgiuez-Diaz
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin O Moran
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andres Carrion
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Moskowitz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Division , Chicago, USA
| | - Michael E Newcomb
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, 625 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 14, 60611
- , Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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20
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Abraham E, Chow EPF, Fairley CK, Lee D, Kong FYS, Mao L, Goller JL, Medland N, Bavinton BR, Sudarto B, Joksic S, Wong J, Phillips TR, Ong JJ. eSexualHealth: Preferences to use technology to promote sexual health among men who have sex with men and trans and gender diverse people. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1064408. [PMID: 36711397 PMCID: PMC9877518 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1064408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and trans and gender diverse (TGD) people are disproportionately affected by poorer sexual health outcomes compared to heterosexual populations. We aimed to explore the preferences of GBMSM and TGD for using eHealth for sexual health (eSexualHealth). Methods We distributed an anonymous online survey from April to August 2021among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and other people of diverse sexuality or gender (LGBTIQA+) community in Australia. The survey collected data on sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors, their preferences for app/website functions and preferred HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing reminders. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Free-text responses were thematically analyzed. Results Of 466 participants included, most identified as cisgender males (92.7%). The median age was 48 [interquartile range (IQR): 37-56]. For accessing sexual health-related information, 160 (34.6%) would use either a website or an app, 165 (32.7%) would prefer a website, 119 (25.8%) would prefer an app, and 33 (7.1%) would not use either platform. There was no significant difference between GBMSM and TGD people. Participants were most interested in information about STI clinics, HIV/STI hotspots, and sexual health education. Participants stressed the need for privacy and anonymity when using eHealth. Regarding reminders to test for HIV/STIs, receiving regular SMS was most popular (112/293, 38.2%), followed by regular emails (55/293 18.8%) and a reminder function on their phone (48/293, 16.4%). Conclusion Our study suggests a promising future for eHealth among GBMSM and TGD people. Sexual health is still a stigmatized area, and eHealth may circumvent barriers this population faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Abraham
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric P. F. Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Lee
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fabian Y. S. Kong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane L. Goller
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Medland
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Budiadi Sudarto
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Tiffany R. Phillips
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Jason J. Ong ✉
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21
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Edwards GG, Miyashita-Ochoa A, Castillo EG, Goodman-Meza D, Kalofonos I, Landovitz RJ, Leibowitz AA, Pulsipher C, El Sayed E, Shoptaw S, Shover CL, Tabajonda M, Yang YS, Harawa NT. Long-Acting Injectable Therapy for People with HIV: Looking Ahead with Lessons from Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:10-24. [PMID: 36063243 PMCID: PMC9443641 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03817-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Long-acting injectable antiretroviral medications are new to HIV treatment. People with HIV may benefit from a treatment option that better aligns with their preferences, but could also face new challenges and barriers. Authors from the fields of HIV, substance use treatment, and mental health collaborated on this commentary on the issues surrounding equitable implementation and uptake of LAI ART by drawing lessons from all three fields. We employ a socio-ecological framework beginning at the policy level and moving through the community, organizational, interpersonal, and patient levels. We look at extant literature on the topic as well as draw from the direct experience of our clinician-authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel G Edwards
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 1100 Glendon Ave., Suite 850, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Ayako Miyashita-Ochoa
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Enrico G Castillo
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Goodman-Meza
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ippolytos Kalofonos
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Healthcare Administration, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Raphael J Landovitz
- UCLA Center for Clinical AIDS Research & Education, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arleen A Leibowitz
- Department of Social Welfare, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Craig Pulsipher
- Department of Government Affairs, APLA Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ed El Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Touro College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chelsea L Shover
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Tabajonda
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yvonne S Yang
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Healthcare Administration, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nina T Harawa
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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22
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Skeen SJ, Jones SS, Cruse CM, Horvath KJ. Integrating Natural Language Processing and Interpretive Thematic Analyses to Gain Human-Centered Design Insights on HIV Mobile Health: Proof-of-Concept Analysis. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e37350. [PMID: 35862171 PMCID: PMC9353680 DOI: 10.2196/37350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV mobile health (mHealth) interventions often incorporate interactive peer-to-peer features. The user-generated content (UGC) created by these features can offer valuable design insights by revealing what topics and life events are most salient for participants, which can serve as targets for subsequent interventions. However, unstructured, textual UGC can be difficult to analyze. Interpretive thematic analyses can preserve rich narratives and latent themes but are labor-intensive and therefore scale poorly. Natural language processing (NLP) methods scale more readily but often produce only coarse descriptive results. Recent calls to advance the field have emphasized the untapped potential of combined NLP and qualitative analyses toward advancing user attunement in next-generation mHealth. OBJECTIVE In this proof-of-concept analysis, we gain human-centered design insights by applying hybrid consecutive NLP-qualitative methods to UGC from an HIV mHealth forum. METHODS UGC was extracted from Thrive With Me, a web app intervention for men living with HIV that includes an unstructured peer-to-peer support forum. In Python, topics were modeled by latent Dirichlet allocation. Rule-based sentiment analysis scored interactions by emotional valence. Using a novel ranking standard, the experientially richest and most emotionally polarized segments of UGC were condensed and then analyzed thematically in Dedoose. Design insights were then distilled from these themes. RESULTS The refined topic model detected K=3 topics: A: disease coping; B: social adversities; C: salutations and check-ins. Strong intratopic themes included HIV medication adherence, survivorship, and relationship challenges. Negative UGC often involved strong negative reactions to external media events. Positive UGC often focused on gratitude for survival, well-being, and fellow users' support. CONCLUSIONS With routinization, hybrid NLP-qualitative methods may be viable to rapidly characterize UGC in mHealth environments. Design principles point toward opportunities to align mHealth intervention features with the organically occurring uses captured in these analyses, for example, by foregrounding inspiring personal narratives and expressions of gratitude, or de-emphasizing anger-inducing media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J Skeen
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen Scott Jones
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carolyn Marie Cruse
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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23
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Individual level peer interventions for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men between 2000 and 2020: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270649. [PMID: 35839245 PMCID: PMC9286286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peer-led interventions are central to the global HIV response for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men [GBMSM]. Since the year 2000, technological advancements in HIV and an increased response to the health disparities faced by GBMSM outside of HIV, have contributed to the expanding scope of their content and delivery. This review sets out to characterise the evidence base for individual level peer interventions for GBMSM, overview approaches to implementing and evaluating them and identify future priorities for their delivery and evaluation. Methods A scoping review methodology was applied and evaluations of peer programs for GBMSM published in peer reviewed journals were identified via subject heading and keyword searches across five electronic databases. Titles and abstracts were reviewed, and full texts were assessed against eligibility criteria. A coding framework was used to extract data from included studies against intervention implementation and evaluation components. Results A total of 38 studies evaluating peer led interventions against effectiveness outcomes were deemed eligible for inclusion and coded into four intervention modalities; peer counselling [n = 6], groupwork programs [n = 15], peer navigation [n = 7] and peer education [n = 10]. Most addressed HIV [n = 32] and across intervention modalities, evaluations demonstrated compelling evidence of significant effect. Intervention effects on broader indicators of psychosocial wellbeing were not extensively evaluated. Expertise regarding the implementation and evaluation of peer interventions addressing HIV among GBMSM ought to be leveraged to expand the scope of peer intervention to meet the diverse health and wellbeing needs of GBMSM.
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24
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Patel P, Kerzner M, Reed JB, Sullivan P, El-Sadr WM. Public health implications of adapting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis programs for virtual service delivery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e37479. [PMID: 35486813 PMCID: PMC9177169 DOI: 10.2196/37479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 threatens to disrupt global progress toward HIV epidemic control. Opportunities exist to leverage ongoing public health responses to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on HIV services, and novel approaches to care provision might help address both epidemics. Objective As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, novel approaches to maintain comprehensive HIV prevention service delivery are needed. The aim of this study was to summarize the related literature to highlight adaptations that could address potential COVID-19–related service interruptions. Methods We performed a systematic review and searched six databases, OVID/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase, for studies published between January 1, 2010, and October 26, 2021, related to recent technology-based interventions for virtual service delivery. Search terms included “telemedicine,” “telehealth,” “mobile health,” “eHealth,” “mHealth,” “telecommunication,” “social media,” “mobile device,” and “internet,” among others. Of the 6685 abstracts identified, 1259 focused on HIV virtual service delivery, 120 of which were relevant for HIV prevention efforts; 48 pertained to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 19 of these focused on evaluations of interventions for the virtual service delivery of PrEP. Of the 16 systematic reviews identified, three were specific to PrEP. All 35 papers were reviewed for outcomes of efficacy, feasibility, and/or acceptability. Limitations included heterogeneity of the studies’ methodological approaches and outcomes; thus, a meta-analysis was not performed. We considered the evidence-based interventions found in our review and developed a virtual service delivery model for HIV prevention interventions. We also considered how this platform could be leveraged for COVID-19 prevention and care. Results We summarize 19 studies of virtual service delivery of PrEP and 16 relevant reviews. Examples of technology-based interventions that were effective, feasible, and/or acceptable for PrEP service delivery include: use of SMS, internet, and smartphone apps such as iText (50% [95% CI 16%-71%] reduction in discontinuation of PrEP) and PrEPmate (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.24-5.5.4); telehealth and eHealth platforms for virtual visits such as PrEPTECH and IowaTelePrEP; and platforms for training of health care workers such as Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO). We suggest a virtual service delivery model for PrEP that can be leveraged for COVID-19 using the internet and social media for demand creation, community-based self-testing, telehealth platforms for risk assessment and follow-up, applications for support groups and adherence/appointment reminders, and applications for monitoring. Conclusions Innovations in the virtual service provision of PrEP occurred before COVID-19 but have new relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The innovations we describe might strengthen HIV prevention service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the long run by engaging traditionally hard-to-reach populations, reducing stigma, and creating a more accessible health care platform. These virtual service delivery platforms can mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV services, which can be leveraged to facilitate COVID-19 pandemic control now and for future responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragna Patel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC COVID-19 Response, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, US
| | - Michael Kerzner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC COVID-19 Response, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, US
| | | | | | - Wafaa M El-Sadr
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, US
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25
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Nelson KM, Perry NS, Stout CD, Dunsiger SI, Carey MP. The Young Men and Media Study: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community-Informed, Online HIV Prevention Intervention for 14-17-Year-Old Sexual Minority Males. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:569-583. [PMID: 34342742 PMCID: PMC8330174 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Young Men and Media study developed and pilot tested a community-informed, online HIV prevention program for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) in the United States. The developed intervention uses nine interactive modules to increase sexual health knowledge, promote critical examination of pornography, and decrease sexual risk among ASMM. Participants (N = 154, age 14-17 years) were recruited online in Spring 2020 and randomized to the intervention (n = 77) or other existing HIV websites (n = 77). Of the 65 intervention participants who logged in to the website, most completed all nine modules and found the content useful (average module score 4.3 out of 5 stars). The intervention also showed improved HIV/STI knowledge, increased pornography knowledge, and reduced beliefs that pornography is an accurate depiction of male-male sex. Results indicate that the Young Men and Media intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may positively impact sexual health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Nicholas S Perry
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Claire D Stout
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shira I Dunsiger
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael P Carey
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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26
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Smith AD, Fearon E, Kabuti R, Irungu E, Kungu M, Babu H, Nyabuto C, Muthoga P, Weatherburn P, Bourne A, Kimani J. Disparities in HIV/STI burden and care coverage among men and transgender persons who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8719220 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesThe study aimed to estimate the prevalence of, and associations, with HIV and metrics of HIV care engagement in a representative population of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender persons (TP) who have sex with men (GBMSM/TP)SettingUrban districts of Nairobi, Kenya.DesignCross-sectional.Participants608 eligible participants were identified through respondent-driven sampling over 19 waves of recruitment arising from ten seeds between May and December 2017. Inclusion criteria were: age >18 years; Nairobi residence; male sex assignment at birth or current identification as male, and recent consensual sex with male partners. Exclusion criteria were: missing or invalid recruitment coupon; repeat registration; intoxication at study visit.Primary and secondary outcome measuresHIV status measured using Determine Alere HIV 1/2 and First Response HIV 1–2.0 and GeneXpert HIV-1 Qual. Self-reported metrics of HIV status awareness, antiretroviral use and objective quantification of viral suppression using GeneXpert HIV-1 VL.Results26.4% (286/618) were HIV positive of whom 76.6% were status aware, 65.3% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 47.4% were virally suppressed (<50 copies/mL). Participants 18–22 years were less likely to be status aware, be receiving ART or to have achieved viral suppression. Mean log viral load was 3.14 log higher in 18–22 years compared with older participants. Bacterial sexually transmitted infections were common at both urethral and rectal sites and most infections were asymptomatic by self-report (rectal 82.2%, urethral 82.3%).ConclusionsEngagement in the HIV diagnosis and care cascade among GBMSM/TP in Nairobi is markedly better than in most sub-Saharan African countries, yet falls short of achievements for the general population in Kenya and for GBMSM in high income settings. Young GBMSM/TP are least well served by the current configuration of adult key population services, and programmes should identify and address the sexual, social and developmental needs of adolescent and young key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian D Smith
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth Fearon
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rhoda Kabuti
- Partners for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Mary Kungu
- Partners for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Babu
- Partners for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Peter Muthoga
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Sigma Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Adam Bourne
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Global Health & Development, Partners for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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27
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Choi SK, Golinkoff J, Michna M, Connochie D, Bauermeister J. Correlates of engagement within an online HIV prevention intervention for single young men who have sex with men: The myDEx project (Preprint). JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 8:e33867. [PMID: 35759333 PMCID: PMC9274398 DOI: 10.2196/33867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions Trial Registration
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jesse Golinkoff
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mark Michna
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel Connochie
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - José Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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28
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Choi EPH, Chau PH, Wong WCW, Kowk JYY, Choi KWY, Chow EPF. Developing and testing of an interactive internet-based intervention to reduce sexual harm of sexualised drug use ('chemsex') among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:713. [PMID: 33849517 PMCID: PMC8045193 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexualised drug use, known as ‘chemsex’ or ‘chemfun,’ is the practice of intentionally using illicit drugs before or during sexual activates to enhance sexual arousal and pleasure. International and local data have both suggested that chemsex is common among men who have sex with men (MSM). Chemsex is generally seen with the engagement of risky sexual activities and therefore poses a threat regarding the potentially increased spread of human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections. However, little work has been done on the primary prevention of chemsex among MSM. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop and evaluate an interactive internet-based intervention in reducing the sexual harms of chemsex among MSM in Hong Kong, Methods A two-armed, randomised, parallel-group trial with a three-month follow-up period will be conducted. 250 MSM aged 18 years or the above will be recruited through local non-governmental organisations, social media and by snowballing in Hong Kong. Participants will be randomly allocated into either the intervention (n = 125) or control group (n = 125). The interactive internet-based intervention will be developed based on the theory of planned behaviours. Participants in the control group will receive a web-based intervention without any sexual health information and without any interactive components. The primary outcomes will be self-efficacy in refusing risky sexual behaviours and chemsex, as measured by the Drug Avoidance Self-Efficacy Scale, the Self-Efficacy for Sexual Safety and the Condom Self-Efficacy Scale. Subjects in both groups will be evaluated at baseline and 3 months after baseline. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first interactive internet-based intervention to specifically target chemsex among MSM. This project can help in the development and testing of culturally relevant health promotion programmes that reduce chemsex among MSM. Using an online delivery mode, the intervention is capable of reaching a large population of targets at a relatively low cost and thus has the potential to reduce the public health burden of chemsex and other risky sexual behaviours among MSM in a cost-effective manner. Trial registration International standard randomized controlled trial number (ISRCTN) registry: ISRCTN20134522 registered on 17 March 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond P H Choi
- School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - Pui Hing Chau
- School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - William C W Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
| | - Jojo Y Y Kowk
- School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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29
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Chandler R, Guillaume D, Parker A, Wells J, Hernandez ND. Developing Culturally Tailored mHealth Tools to Address Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes Among Black and Latina Women: A Systematic Review. Health Promot Pract 2021; 23:619-630. [PMID: 33771045 DOI: 10.1177/15248399211002831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addressing the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) disparities for Black and Latina women, there is a need for the development of innovative programs, framed using theoretical underpinnings that are culturally and contextually tailored so that they align with lived experiences. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer considerable potential as a means of providing effective SRH education and services. However, there has been a lack of research assessing culturally and contextually tailored mHealth SRH interventions for Black and Latina women. METHOD A comprehensive literature search was undertaken using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Literature was reviewed to evaluate whether a culturally and contextually tailored approach was utilized in the development and implementation of mHealth interventions for Black and Latina women. RESULTS A total of 12 articles were included in our synthesis, which encompassed mobile phone-, telephone-, and computer-based mHealth interventions for Black and Latina women. Cultural and/or gender-specific tailoring was included in 10 studies. Reduction of risky sexual behaviors and increased contraception usage were reported in 92% (n = 11) of the studies. Interventions that incorporated tailored content and fostered interaction reported high rates of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Tailored mHealth interventions can be effective in promoting behavior change and improving SRH outcomes for Black and Latina women. However, there is a need for more research assessing user engagement and retention for Black and Latina women, and whether improvements in SRH outcomes are sustainable over the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominique Guillaume
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Natalie D Hernandez
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, Atlanta, GA, USA
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