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Hatch MA, Laschober TC, Paschen-Wolff M, Ertl MM, Nelson CM, Wright L, Lancaster C, Feaster DJ, Forrest D, Hankey C, Monger M, Fegley JP, Irving R, Young C, Rose J, Spector A, Dresser L, Moran L, Jelstrom E, Tross S. PrEP for people who use opioids: A NIDA clinical trials network survey study in Southern U.S. cities where HIV incidence is high. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 257:111133. [PMID: 38447393 PMCID: PMC11131129 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111133] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use opioids (PWUO) are at increased risk for HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective but underutilized as HIV prevention among PWUO. This study examined predictors of willingness to take daily oral PrEP and long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP among PWUO across eight Southern urban cities with high HIV incidence. METHODS HIV-negative PWUO (N = 308) seeking services in community-based programs participated in this cross-sectional survey study. Measures included demographics, sexual risk behavior, substance use frequency, and awareness of and willingness to take oral and injectable PrEP. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models. RESULTS Willingness to take daily oral and LAI PrEP was moderately high (69.16% and 62.02%, respectively). Half had heard of PrEP, but only 4% had ever taken it. Only education and condomless vaginal sex predicted willingness to take oral PrEP. Only education predicted willingness to take LAI PrEP. Polysubstance use was prevalent, with substantial proportions of PWUO reporting frequent use of injection drugs (opioids or stimulants, 79.5%), non-injection opioids (73.3%), non-injection stimulants (71.1%), cannabis (62.6%), and hazardous drinking (29.6%). About 20% reported past-year condomless anal sex, and one-third reported past-year condomless vaginal sex. CONCLUSIONS PWUO in this study were amenable to PrEP, particularly in light of education and condomless vaginal sex. Careful consideration for matching PrEP messaging to the PWUO audience is needed. PrEP promotion should expand beyond men who have sex with men to include groups such as these predominantly heterosexual, polysubstance-using PWUO with HIV risk who were open to both formulations of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Hatch
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA.
| | - Tanja C Laschober
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Margaret Paschen-Wolff
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center at New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Melissa M Ertl
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Department of Psychology, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - C Mindy Nelson
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lynette Wright
- University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Chloe Lancaster
- University of South Florida, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Lifelong Learning, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - David Forrest
- University of Miami, Department of Anthropology, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Colby Hankey
- Aspire Health Partners, HIV Services, Orlando, FL 32804, USA
| | - Mauda Monger
- My Brother's Keeper, 710 Avignon Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157, USA
| | - Joshua P Fegley
- CrescentCare, 330 Tulane Ave, 1st Floor, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
| | - Rhonda Irving
- Capitol Area Reentry Program, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, USA
| | - Cynthia Young
- Capitol Area Reentry Program, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, USA
| | - Juliana Rose
- Gateway Community Services, Research Department, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Anya Spector
- Stella and Charles Guttman Community College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Landhing Moran
- Center for the Clinical Trials Network, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Susan Tross
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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McKellar MS, Des Marais AC, Chen H, Choi Y, Lilly R, Ayers D, Bennett J, Kestner L, Perry B, Poley S, Corneli A, Meade CS, Sachdeva N. Providing medication for opioid use disorder and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at syringe services programs via telemedicine: a pilot study. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:69. [PMID: 38532395 PMCID: PMC10967138 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for opioid overdose and infectious diseases including HIV. We piloted PARTNER UP, a telemedicine-based program to provide PWID with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine/naloxone (bup/nx) and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine through two syringe services programs (SSP) in North Carolina. We present overall results from this project, including participant retention rates and self-reported medication adherence. METHODS Study participants met with a provider for an initial in-person visit at the SSP, followed by weekly telemedicine visits in month 1 and then monthly until program end at month 6. Participants were asked to start both MOUD and PrEP at initiation but could choose to discontinue either at any point during the study. Demographics and health history including substance use, sexual behaviors, and prior use of MOUD/PrEP were collected at baseline. Follow-up surveys were conducted at 3- and 6-months to assess attitudes towards MOUD and PrEP, change in opioid use and sexual behaviors, and for self-reported medication adherence. Participant retention was measured by completion of visits; provider notes were used to assess whether the participant reported continuation of medication. RESULTS Overall, 17 persons were enrolled and started on both bup/nx and PrEP; the majority self-identified as white and male. At 3 months, 13 (76%) remained on study; 10 (77%) reported continuing with both MOUD and PrEP, 2 (15%) with bup/nx only, and 1 (8%) with PrEP only. At 6 months, 12 (71%) remained on study; 8 (67%) reported taking both bup/nx and PrEP, and 4 (33%) bup/nx only. Among survey participants, opioid use and HIV risk behaviors decreased. Nearly all reported taking bup/nx daily; however, self-reported daily adherence to PrEP was lower and declined over time. The most common reason for not continuing PrEP was feeling not at risk for acquiring HIV. CONCLUSIONS Our study results show that MOUD and PrEP can be successfully administered via telemedicine in SSPs. PrEP appears to be a lower priority for participants with decreased continuation and adherence. Low perception of HIV risk was a reason for not continuing PrEP, possibly mitigated by MOUD use. Future studies including helping identify PWID at highest need for PrEP are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION Providing Suboxone and PrEP Using Telemedicine, NCT04521920. Registered 18 August 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04521920?term=mehri%20mckellar&rank=2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri S McKellar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 102359, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Andrea C Des Marais
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hillary Chen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yujung Choi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca Lilly
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC, USA
- Port City Harm Reduction, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Denae Ayers
- Queen City Harm Reduction, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Jesse Bennett
- North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | | | - Brian Perry
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Poley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy Corneli
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 102359, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christina S Meade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Nidhi Sachdeva
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Chan K, Mitchell MM, Casselle E, Bender AA. Facilitators and Barriers to PrEP Acceptability and Initiation Among Opioid Treatment Program Patients and Staff. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2024; 36:60-72. [PMID: 38349350 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2024.36.1.60] [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: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for people who use drugs, yet uptake remains low. This study explores the acceptability and potential uptake of PrEP among participants in an opioid treatment program (OTP). We conducted 26 in-depth, semistructured interviews with staff and patients at an OTP in Baltimore, Maryland. Overall, participants felt that providing PrEP within the program would be beneficial, but they noted competing priorities among populations engaging in high-risk behaviors and lack of willingness among groups with lower risk behaviors. Participants reported several barriers to PrEP use among people who use drugs and who use medications for opioid use, including cost, competing priorities, stigma, and misconceptions about who should use PrEP. Facilitators to PrEP use were described as health benefits, trusted relationships with providers, and existing resources in the opioid treatment program. Practitioners should consider addressing barriers to access and stigma within an OTP setting for HIV prevention tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera Chan
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Wyllie TJS, Brown JL, Meisman A, Bayyari N, Mangeot C, Sun Q, Mullins TLK. Attitudes and Intentions toward Use of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Adults Receiving Treatment for Opioid Use. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:369-379. [PMID: 37917069 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2275556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV, little is known about PrEP awareness and factors associated with intention to take PrEP among people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Methods: HIV-negative adults recruited from an outpatient treatment program in Cincinnati, Ohio completed self-administered surveys. Items derived from literature and health behavioral theory included demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, HIV prevention practices, PrEP knowledge, and attitudes toward PrEP. Primary outcomes were 1) intention to ask a clinician about PrEP and 2) intention to accept PrEP if recommended by a clinician. Outcomes were dichotomized into higher vs. lower intention for analyses in logistic regression models. Results: Among 198 participants, 60.3% reported past injection drug use. Among 58 participants (29.3%) meeting criteria for PrEP, 24% were aware of PrEP, 15.5% had discussed it with a clinician, and 5% had taken it. Factors associated with intention to ask a clinician about PrEP included being somewhat confident about consistent condom use (p < 0.01), motivation to comply with normative beliefs (p < 0.01), and reporting that PrEP fits very well (p < 0.01) and is easy to fit (p < 0.01) into current prevention practices. Factors associated with intention to accept PrEP if recommended by a clinician included motivation to comply with normative beliefs (p < 0.01) and PrEP being easy to fit into current prevention practices (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Among participants meeting indications for PrEP, only 24% were aware of it and few had taken it. Interventions that normalize PrEP and target incorporating PrEP into current prevention practices may improve uptake among individuals with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tornia J S Wyllie
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrea Meisman
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nadia Bayyari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- College of Allied Health Sciences - School of Social Work, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Colleen Mangeot
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Qin Sun
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tanya L Kowalczyk Mullins
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Tross S, Spector AY, Ertl MM, Berg H, Turrigiano E, Hoffman S. A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Facilitators of PrEP Uptake Among Women in Substance Use Treatment and Syringe Service Programs. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1162-1172. [PMID: 36318430 PMCID: PMC10796210 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03853-9] [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: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PrEP is an HIV prevention option that could benefit substance-involved women, a high-risk population with low PrEP uptake. Little is known about their interest in PrEP. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to examine PrEP willingness, barriers, and facilitators among 16 women in outpatient psychosocial substance use treatment, methadone, and/or harm reduction/syringe programs in NYC. All expressed willingness to use PrEP, but only during periods of perceived risk. Women perceived themselves to be at high risk for HIV when engaging in active substance use and/or transactional sex. They perceived themselves to be at low risk and therefore unmotivated to take PrEP when abstinent from these activities. Paradoxically, a major barrier to using PrEP was anticipated interference from substance use and transactional sex, the very same activities that create a perception of risk. Facilitators of PrEP use included perceptions of it as effortless (as opposed to barrier methods during sex) and effective, safe, and accessible. Other barriers included fear of stigma and doubts about adhering daily. Recommendations for best PrEP implementation practices for substance-involved women included tailored and venue-specific PrEP information and messaging, PrEP discussion with trusted medical providers, and on-site PrEP prescription in substance use treatment and harm reduction programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tross
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, 10032, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Anya Y Spector
- Department of Human Services, Stella and Charles Guttman Community College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa M Ertl
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hayley Berg
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Susie Hoffman
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 722 West 168th Street, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Davis TL, Mittal M, Oragwu AC, Wang MQ, Boekeloo BO. Examining HIV Diagnosis and Linkage to PrEP Prescription Among Members at An Integrated Health System in the Southeast United States. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:796-805. [PMID: 36097086 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03812-4] [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: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a priority method for preventing HIV infection. This study's aims were threefold: (1) identify characteristics of members of a large health maintenance organization, Kaiser Permanente Georgia (KPGA), associated with HIV infection, (2) identify which member characteristics associated with HIV were also associated with PrEP prescription, and (3) identify which HIV-associated characteristics were associated with under- or over-prescribing of PrEP. Analysis of variables from the electronic medical record revealed that age, race, gender, mental health diagnosis, STI diagnosis, and sexual orientation were independently associated with HIV diagnosis. The same characteristics were independently associated with PrEP prescription except for race. Persons identifying as Black or unknown race, women, and/or heterosexual; and who had an STI diagnosis and/or illicit drug use had lower odds of being prescribed PrEP than of having an HIV diagnosis. The implications of these findings for improving physician identification of candidates for PrEP prescription are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teaniese L Davis
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mona Mittal
- Department of Family Science, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Adanna C Oragwu
- Clinical Pharmacy , Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Global Medical Affairs, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Min Qi Wang
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 4200 Valley Dr, 20742. 301-405-2463, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Bradley O Boekeloo
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, 4200 Valley Dr, 20742. 301-405-2463, College Park, MD, USA.
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Barocas JA, Gai MJ, Nurani A, Bagley SM, Hadland SE. Initiation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among youth in the United States, 2015-2018. AIDS Care 2023; 35:431-436. [PMID: 35468009 PMCID: PMC9592681 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2067318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents and young adults ("youth") account for one-fifth of new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which became FDA approved in adolescents in May 2018, is highly effective at preventing HIV infection though there are limited data for PrEP initiation in youth. We aimed to quantify PrEP initiation and identify factors associated with PrEP initiation among youth at risk for HIV. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of youth aged 13-26 years who had an indication for PrEP between 1 January 2015, and 31 December 2018. We used data on commercially insured US individuals from the IBM MarketScan Commercial Database. We compared factors among youth who did and did not receive PrEP. We developed a multivariable logistic regression model to identify the association of all study covariates with receipt of PrEP. Among potentially PrEP eligible youth, only 2171 (1.6%) received a PrEP prescription in the year following their PrEP eligible claim. In multivariable models, youth who received PrEP were more likely to be older (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] for 18-20 year olds = 5.11; 95% CI = 3.35-7.77; aOR for 21-26 year olds = 16.90; 95% CI = 11.0-24.7), male (aOR = 92.42; 95% CI = 68.24-125), have sexual activity with elevated risk (aOR = 7.47; 95% CI = 6.50-8.60), or be diagnosed with gonorrhea or syphilis than youth who did not receive PrEP. Our findings highlight an opportunity to improve HIV prevention early in the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Barocas
- Divisions of General Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Mam Jarra Gai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center
| | | | - Sarah M. Bagley
- Department of General Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Section of General Internal Medicine, BMC, BUSM
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Bartholomew TS, Andraka-Cristou B, Totaram RK, Harris S, Doblecki-Lewis S, Ostrer L, Serota DP, Forrest DW, Chueng TA, Suarez E, Tookes HE. "We want everything in a one-stop shop": acceptability and feasibility of PrEP and buprenorphine implementation with mobile syringe services for Black people who inject drugs. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:133. [PMID: 36463183 PMCID: PMC9719627 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A recent surge in HIV outbreaks, driven by the opioid and stimulant use crises, has destabilized our progress toward targets set forth by Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America for the high-priority community of people who inject drugs (PWID), particularly Black PWID. METHODS In order to ascertain the acceptability and feasibility of using a mobile syringe services program (SSP) for comprehensive HIV prevention via PrEP and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), our mixed methods approach included a quantitative assessment and semi-structured qualitative interviews with Black PWID (n = 30) in Miami-Dade County who were actively engaged in mobile syringe services. RESULTS Participants felt that delivery of MOUD and PrEP at a mobile SSP would be both feasible and acceptable, helping to address transportation, cost, and stigma barriers common within traditional healthcare settings. Participants preferred staff who are compassionate and nonjudgmental and have lived experience. CONCLUSIONS A mobile harm reduction setting could be an effective venue for delivering comprehensive HIV prevention services to Black PWID, a community that experiences significant barriers to care via marginalization and racism in a fragmented healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S. Bartholomew
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St., #1020, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Barbara Andraka-Cristou
- grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA ,grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Internal Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Rachel K. Totaram
- grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Shana Harris
- grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Internal Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA ,grid.170430.10000 0001 2159 2859Department of Anthropology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL USA
| | - Susanne Doblecki-Lewis
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Lily Ostrer
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - David P. Serota
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - David W. Forrest
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | - Teresa A. Chueng
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Edward Suarez
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
| | - Hansel E. Tookes
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL USA
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King AR, Shah S, Randall LA, Frew PM, Spaulding A, Holloway IW. Acceptability of injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis among people who inject drugs in three urban U.S. settings. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:737. [PMID: 36104676 PMCID: PMC9473463 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Outbreaks of new HIV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) are a major public health concern. Oral daily PrEP, has been identified as a critical addition to the biomedical toolkit for this population. However, limited research on the acceptability of long-acting injectable PrEP has been conducted with this population. Methods We conducted a cross sectional multi-site survey with 1127 participants from May 2019–February 2020 to assess the acceptability of novel PrEP regimens. We computed bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate correlates of the outcome variable: acceptability of 3-month injectable-PrEP. SAS v.9.4 was used to conduct statistical analysis. Results Limited knowledge of or use of PrEP, past or present, was evident within the sample. Injection drug use in the past six months was significantly associated with LA injectable PrEP acceptability, with the odds of acceptability being 1.885 (CI: 1.376, 2.582) times greater than those who did not inject drugs. After adjusting for confounders, injection drug use was significantly associated with the outcome, such that the odds of acceptability of LA injectable PrEP were 1.705 (CI: 1.198, 2.427) times greater among PWID compared to those who did not inject drugs (p < 0.03). The results demonstrate acceptability (38.2%) in a durable (3-month) injectable PrEP modality among participants who also identified as PWID. Conclusions PrEP promotion efforts among PWID to increase access to long-acting injectable PrEP are necessary. Through efforts to increase acceptance and regular use of long-acting injectable PrEP, public health strategies may be able to effectively lessen chances of future HIV outbreaks among PWID.
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Acceptability of a HIV self-testing program among people who use illicit drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 103:103613. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Jawa R, Stein MD, Anderson B, Liebschutz JM, Stewart C, Phillips KT, Barocas JA. Behavioral Risk Factors for HIV Infection in Hospitalized Persons Who Co-use Stimulants and Opioids. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1047-1055. [PMID: 34510289 PMCID: PMC8435119 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the association of 90-day opioid and stimulant co-use and HIV risk behaviors in a cross-sectional analysis of hospitalized HIV-negative people who inject drugs (PWID). We compared those injecting opioids alone to two sub-groups who co-used opioids with (1) cocaine, (2) amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), on sex and injection drug risk behaviors assessed via the Risk Assessment Battery (RAB), where a higher score indicates a higher risk. Of 197 participants who injected opioids, 53% co-used cocaine only, 5% co-used ATS only, 18% co-used both cocaine and ATS, 24% co-used neither stimulant. PWID who injected opioids alone had a mean RAB drug risk score of 5.98 points and sex risk score of 2.16 points. Compared to PWID who injected opioids alone, PWID who co-used stimulants had higher mean drug risk RAB scores: cocaine, b = 2.84 points [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01; 4.67]; ATS, b = 3.43 points (95% CI 1.29; 5.57). Compared to PWID who injected opioids alone, cocaine co-use was associated with higher sex RAB scores b = 1.06 points (95% CI 0.32; 1.79). Overall, we found a significant association between stimulant co-use and higher HIV sex and drug risk scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raagini Jawa
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Michael D Stein
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Bradley Anderson
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jane M Liebschutz
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Research On Health Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kristina T Phillips
- Center for Integrated Health Care Research, Kaiser Permanente Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Joshua A Barocas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Walters SM, Frank D, Van Ham B, Jaiswal J, Muncan B, Earnshaw V, Schneider J, Friedman SR, Ompad DC. PrEP Care Continuum Engagement Among Persons Who Inject Drugs: Rural and Urban Differences in Stigma and Social Infrastructure. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1308-1320. [PMID: 34626265 PMCID: PMC8501360 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03488-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents HIV acquisition, yet PrEP uptake has been low among people who inject drugs. Stigma has been identified as a fundamental driver of population health and may be a significant barrier to PrEP care engagement among PWID. However, there has been limited research on how stigma operates in rural and urban settings in relation to PrEP. Using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 57) we explore PrEP continuum engagement among people actively injecting drugs in rural and urban settings. Urban participants had more awareness and knowledge. Willingness to use PrEP was similar in both settings. However, no participant was currently using PrEP. Stigmas against drug use, HIV, and sexualities were identified as barriers to PrEP uptake, particularly in the rural setting. Syringe service programs in the urban setting were highlighted as a welcoming space where PWID could socialize and therefore mitigate stigma and foster information sharing.
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13
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Vyas DA, Marinacci L, Bearnot B, Wakeman SE, Sundt TM, Jassar AS, Triant VA, Nelson SB, Dudzinski DM, Paras ML. Creation of a Multidisciplinary Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment (DUET) Team: Initial Patient Characteristics, Outcomes, and Future Directions. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac047. [PMID: 35252467 PMCID: PMC8890495 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Consensus guidelines recommend multidisciplinary models to manage infective endocarditis, yet often do not address the unique challenges of treating people with drug use–associated infective endocarditis (DUA-IE). Our center is among the first to convene a Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment (DUET) team composed of specialists from Infectious Disease, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, and Addiction Medicine. Methods The objective of this study was to describe the demographics, infectious characteristics, and clinical outcomes of the first cohort of patients cared for by the DUET team. This was a retrospective chart review of patients referred to the DUET team between August 2018 and May 2020 with DUA-IE. Results Fifty-seven patients were presented to the DUET team between August 2018 and May 2020. The cohort was young, with a median age of 35, and injected primarily opioids (82.5% heroin/fentanyl), cocaine (52.6%), and methamphetamine (15.8%). Overall, 14 individuals (24.6%) received cardiac surgery, and the remainder (75.4%) were managed with antimicrobial therapy alone. Nearly 65% of individuals were discharged on medication for opioid use disorder, though less than half (36.8%) were discharged with naloxone and only 1 patient was initiated on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Overall, the cohort had a high rate of readmission (42.1%) within 90 days of discharge. Conclusions Multidisciplinary care models such as the DUET team can help integrate nuanced decision-making from numerous subspecialties. They can also increase the uptake of addiction medicine and harm reduction tools, but further efforts are needed to integrate harm reduction strategies and improve follow-up in future iterations of the DUET team model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshali A Vyas
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucas Marinacci
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin Bearnot
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah E Wakeman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thoralf M Sundt
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arminder S Jassar
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia A Triant
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sandra B Nelson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David M Dudzinski
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Molly L Paras
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Gebru NM, Benvenuti MC, Rowland BHP, Kalkat M, Chauca PG, Leeman RF. Relationships among Substance Use, Sociodemographics, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Related Attitudes among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:786-798. [PMID: 35188880 PMCID: PMC9082761 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly efficacious HIV preventive medication, is underutilized. Identifying correlates of PrEP awareness and attitudes may help increase PrEP use. Thus, we evaluated (1) PrEP awareness; (2) differences in awareness related to substance use and sociodemographics; (3) initial PrEP information sources; and (4) possible associations between information sources and PrEP-related attitudes. Young adult (ages 18-30) HIV-negative MSM from Southern U.S. undertook a web survey including questions about substance use, sexual behaviors, perceived HIV risk, and PrEP. Participants were recruited using in-person and online approaches between January 2018-January 2020. Of 506 participants, 89% were aware of PrEP. Participants with high alcohol consumption and greater perceived HIV risk had higher odds of PrEP unawareness with a trend for minority race/ethnicity. PrEP-aware participants reported high overall perceived safety, confidence in PrEP's efficacy, and low perceived difficulties with adherence though those with higher perceived HIV risk and individuals who used tobacco had less favorable attitudes. Most participants first heard about PrEP from the internet. There were no statistically significant differences in PrEP-related attitudes across initial information sources. Associations between substance use and racial/ethnic minority status and lack of PrEP awareness suggest priority subgroups for educational campaigns. Future campaigns may tailor outreach materials to the respective audience (e.g., Spanish materials for Hispanic people) and disseminate where individuals who use substances may be more likely to see them (e.g., liquor and convenience stores). Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nioud Mulugeta Gebru
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maria Costanza Benvenuti
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bonnie H. P. Rowland
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher Kalkat
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Patricia G. Chauca
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert F. Leeman
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Corcorran MA, Scott JD, Tinsley J, Wald A, Glick SN. Awareness and Correlates of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among HIV-negative People Who Access Syringe Services in Seattle, Washington. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:337-343. [PMID: 34895022 PMCID: PMC9248850 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2012688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is safe and effective for use in people who inject drugs (PWID), but PrEP is underutilized in this population. We assessed awareness of PrEP and correlates of interest in PrEP among PWID in Seattle, Washington. METHODS This study analyzed data from a 2019 survey of PWID at 3 Seattle-area syringe service programs (SSPs). We used descriptive statistics to compare PrEP-aware and unaware PWID and multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) for interest in PrEP. RESULTS Among 348 HIV-negative PWID, ≤1% were currently taking PrEP, 51% were PrEP aware and 46% were interested in PrEP. Interest in PrEP was inversely associated with prior PrEP awareness (APR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45 - 0.74); however, interest in PrEP was high among PWID meeting pre-specified risk criteria for HIV (APR 1.41, 95% CI 1.06 - 1.88). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest increasing awareness of PrEP may not be sufficient to promote PrEP uptake among PWID, and further efforts are needed to understand perceptions of risk for HIV, determinants of PrEP use, and to investigate successful strategies for PrEP implementation and delivery in this marginalized population. UNLABELLED Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2021.2012688 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Corcorran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joe Tinsley
- HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anna Wald
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington, USA
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16
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Killelea A, Johnson J, Dangerfield DT, Beyrer C, McGough M, McIntyre J, Gee RE, Ballreich J, Conti R, Horn T, Pickett J, Sharfstein JM. Financing and Delivering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to End the HIV Epidemic. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2022; 50:8-23. [PMID: 35902089 PMCID: PMC9341207 DOI: 10.1017/jme.2022.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. has the tools to end the HIV epidemic, but progress has stagnated. A major gap in U.S. efforts to address HIV is the under-utilization of medications that can virtually eliminate acquisition of the virus, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This document proposes a financing and delivery system to unlock broad access to PrEP for those most vulnerable to HIV acquisition and bring an end to the HIV epidemic.
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17
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Guy D, Doran J, White TM, van Selm L, Noori T, Lazarus JV. The HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis continuum of care among women who inject drugs: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:951682. [PMID: 36090369 PMCID: PMC9459118 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.951682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People who inject drugs have a substantial risk for HIV infection, especially women who inject drugs (WWID). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly-effective HIV prevention drug, is uncommonly studied among WWID, and we aimed to synthesize existing knowledge across the full PrEP continuum of care in this population. METHODS We systematically searched for peer-reviewed literature in three electronic databases, conference abstracts from three major HIV conferences, and gray literature from relevant sources.Eligibility criteria included quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods studies with primary data collection reporting a PrEP-related finding among WWID, and published in English or Spanish between 2012 and 2021. The initial search identified 2,809 citations, and 32 were included. Data on study characteristics and PrEP continuum of care were extracted, then data were analyzed in a narrative review. RESULTS Our search identified 2,809 studies; 32 met eligibility requirements. Overall, awareness, knowledge, and use of PrEP was low among WWID, although acceptability was high. Homelessness, sexual violence, unpredictability of drug use, and access to the healthcare system challenged PrEP usage and adherence. WWID were willing to share information on PrEP with other WWID, especially those at high-risk of HIV, such as sex workers. CONCLUSIONS To improve PrEP usage and engagement in care among WWID, PrEP services could be integrated within gender-responsive harm reduction and drug treatment services. Peer-based interventions can be used to improve awareness and knowledge of PrEP within this population. Further studies are needed on transgender WWID as well as PrEP retention and adherence among all WWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Guy
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jason Doran
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trenton M White
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lena van Selm
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Broz D, Carnes N, Chapin-Bardales J, Des Jarlais DC, Handanagic S, Jones CM, McClung RP, Asher AK. Syringe Services Programs' Role in Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.: Why We Cannot Do It Without Them. Am J Prev Med 2021; 61:S118-S129. [PMID: 34686281 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diagnoses of HIV among people who inject drugs have increased in the U.S. during 2014-2018 for the first time in 2 decades, and multiple HIV outbreaks have been detected among people who inject drugs since 2015. These epidemiologic trends pose a significant concern for achieving goals of the federal initiative for Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Syringe services programs are cost effective, safe, and highly effective in reducing HIV transmission and are an essential component of a comprehensive, integrated approach to addressing these concerns. Yet, geographic coverage of these programs remains limited in the U.S., and many jurisdictions continue to have laws and policies that limit or disallow syringe services programs. An in-depth literature review was conducted on the role of syringe services programs in the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Empirical and model-based evidence consistently shows that syringe services programs have the highest impact in HIV prevention when combined with access to medications for substance use disorder and antiretroviral therapy. Their effectiveness is further maximized when they provide services without restrictions and include proven and innovative strategies to expand access to harm-reduction and clinical services (e.g., peer outreach, telehealth). Increasing geographic and service coverage of syringe services programs requires strong and sustainable policy, funding, and community support and will need to address new challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Syringe services programs have a key role in all 4 Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative strategies-Prevent, Diagnose, Treat, and Respond-and thus are instrumental to its success in preventing disease and saving lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dita Broz
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Neal Carnes
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Johanna Chapin-Bardales
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Don C Des Jarlais
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Health, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Senad Handanagic
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher M Jones
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland
| | - R Paul McClung
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Alice K Asher
- Office of Policy, Planning and Partnerships, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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19
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Corcorran MA, Ludwig-Baron N, Cheng DM, Lioznov D, Gnatienko N, Patts G, So-Armah K, Blokhina E, Bendiks S, Krupitsky E, Samet JH, Tsui JI. The Hepatitis C Continuum of Care Among HIV-Positive Persons with Heavy Alcohol Use in St. Petersburg, Russia. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2533-2541. [PMID: 33730255 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03214-y] [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: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the self-reported prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and the HCV care continuum among persons enrolled in the St PETER HIV Study, a randomized controlled trial of medications for smoking and alcohol cessation in HIV-positive heavy drinkers and smokers in St. Petersburg, Russia. Baseline health questionnaire data were used to calculate proportions and 95% confidence intervals for self-reported steps along the HCV continuum of care. The cohort included 399 HIV-positive persons, of whom 387 [97.0% (95% CI 95.3-98.7%)] reported a prior HCV test and 315 [78.9% (95% CI 74.9-82.9%)] reported a prior diagnosis of HCV. Among those reporting a diagnosis of HCV, 43 [13.7% (95% CI 9.9-17.4%)] had received treatment for HCV, and 31 [9.8% (95% CI 6.6-13.1%)] had been cured. Despite frequent HCV testing in this HIV-positive Russian cohort, the proportion reporting prior effective HCV treatment was strikingly low. Increased efforts are needed to scale-up HCV treatment among HIV-positive Russians in St. Petersburg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Corcorran
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 9th Ave, Box 359782, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | | | - Debbie M Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dmitry Lioznov
- First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia Gnatienko
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory Patts
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center (BEDAC), Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaku So-Armah
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elena Blokhina
- First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Sally Bendiks
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evgeny Krupitsky
- First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
- Department of Addictions, V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Jeffrey H Samet
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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20
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Walsh-Buhi E, Houghton RF, Lange C, Hockensmith R, Ferrand J, Martinez L. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Information on Instagram: Content Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e23876. [PMID: 34061759 PMCID: PMC8367150 DOI: 10.2196/23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is still an HIV epidemic in the United States, which is a substantial issue for populations bearing a disproportionate burden of HIV infections. Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven to be safe and effective in reducing HIV acquisition risk. However, studies document that PrEP awareness/usage is low. There is also limited understanding of social media platforms, such as Instagram, as PrEP information sources. Objective Given the paucity of research on PrEP-related Instagram posts and popularity of this social media platform, the purpose of this research is to describe the source characteristics, image types, and textual contents of PrEP-related posts on Instagram. Methods Using Crowdtangle Search, a public insights tool owned/operated by Facebook, we retrieved publicly accessible and English-language-only Instagram posts for the 12-month period preceding April 22, 2020, using the following terms: Truvada or “pre-exposure prophylaxis” or #truvada or #truvadaprep or #truvadawhore or #truvadaforprep. We employed a qualitative coding methodology to manually extract information from posts. Using a pretested codebook, we performed content analysis on 250 posts, examining message and source characteristics (ie, organization type [eg, government, news] and individual type [eg, physician]), including information about PrEP (eg, how it works, cost), and indicated users. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical variables. A Chi-square test was conducted to determine differences between source types on a variety of message characteristics. Results Three-quarters of the posts (193/250, 77.2%) were posted by organizations. Of the 250 posts reviewed, approximately two-thirds (174/250, 69.6%) included a photograph, more than half (142/250, 56.8%) included an infographic, and approximately one-tenth (30/250, 12%) included a video. More than half defined PrEP (137/250, 54.8%), but fewer posts promoted PrEP use, explained how PrEP works, and included information on the effectiveness of PrEP or who can use it. The most commonly hashtagged populations among posts were men who have sex with men (MSM), but not necessarily bisexual men. Few posts contained race-/ethnicity-related hashtags (11/250, 4.4%). Fewer posts contained transgender-associated tags (eg, #transgirl; 5/250, 2%). No posts contained tags related to heterosexuals or injection drug users. We found statistical differences between source types (ie, individual versus organization). Specifically, posts from organizations more frequently contained information about who can use PrEP, whereas posts from individuals more frequently contained information describing adverse effects. Conclusions This study is among the first to review Instagram for PrEP-related content, and it answers the National AIDS Strategy’s call for a clearer articulation of the science surrounding HIV risk/prevention through better understanding of the current public information environment. This study offers a snapshot of how PrEP is being discussed (and by whom) on one of the most popular social media platforms and provides a foundation for developing and implementing PrEP promotion interventions on Instagram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Walsh-Buhi
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Rebecca Fagen Houghton
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Claire Lange
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Ryli Hockensmith
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - John Ferrand
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Lourdes Martinez
- School of Communication, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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21
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Mistler CB, Copenhaver MM, Shrestha R. The Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care Cascade in People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1490-1506. [PMID: 32749627 PMCID: PMC7858689 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02988-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Injection drug use is a key risk factor for the transmission of HIV. Prevention strategies, such as the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are effective at reducing the risk of HIV transmission in people who inject drugs (PWID). Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted to identify the current state of the PrEP care cascade in PWID. Twenty-three articles were evaluated in this systematic review. A decline in engagement throughout the stages of the PrEP care cascade was found. High awareness and willingness to use PrEP was found, yet PrEP uptake was relatively low (0-3%). There is a lack of research on interventions to increase engagement of PrEP across all levels of the care cascade in PWID. Implications from the interventions that have been published provide insight into practice and public policy on efficacious strategies to reduce HIV incidence in PWID. Our findings suggest that more efforts are needed to identify and screen PWID for PrEP eligibility and to link and maintain them with appropriate PrEP care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen B Mistler
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA.
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - Michael M Copenhaver
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Unit 1101, Storrs, CT, 06269-1101, USA
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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22
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Preventing HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs in the United States: plus ça change, plus ça même chose. AIDS 2020; 34:1997-2005. [PMID: 32826391 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
: This editorial review covers current trends in the epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States, including four recent HIV outbreaks. We discuss gaps in the prevention and treatment cascades for HIV and medications for opioid disorder and propose lessons learned to prevent future HIV outbreaks. Over the last decade, North America has been in the throes of a major opioid epidemic, due in part to over-prescribing of prescription opiates, followed by increasing availability of cheap heroin, synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl), and stimulants (e.g. methamphetamine). Historically, HIV infection among PWID in the US had predominantly affected communities who were older, urban and Black. More recently, the majority of these infections are among younger, rural or suburban and Caucasian PWID. All four HIV outbreaks were characterized by a high proportion of women who inject drugs and underlying socioeconomic drivers such as homelessness and poverty. We contend that the US response to the HIV epidemic among PWID has been fractured. A crucial lesson is that when evidence-based responses to HIV prevention are undermined or abandoned because of moral objections, untold humanitarian and financial costs on public health will ensue. Restructuring a path forward requires that evidence-based interventions be integrated and brought to scale while simultaneously addressing underlying structural drivers of HIV and related syndemics. Failing to do so will mean that HIV outbreaks among PWID and the communities they live in will continue to occur in a tragic and relentless cycle.
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23
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Walters SM, Kral AH, Simpson KA, Wenger L, Bluthenthal RN. HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Prevention Awareness, Willingness, and Perceived Barriers among People Who Inject Drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA, 2016-2018. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:2409-2419. [PMID: 32962490 PMCID: PMC7665852 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1823419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is indicated for people who inject drugs (PWID), yet most studies do not focus on PWID. This study examines factors associated with PrEP awareness and willingness, and identifies perceived barriers to PrEP among PWID. Methods: PWID were interviewed in Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA from 2016 to 2018. We analyzed data from self-reported HIV-negative participants who had injected drugs within the past 6 months (n = 469). Questions on PrEP included awareness, willingness, barriers, and uptake. Multiple logistic regression models of factors associated with awareness of, and willingness to, take PrEP were developed. Descriptive statistics on perceived PrEP barriers are reported. Results: Among HIV-negative PWID, 40% were aware of PrEP, 59% reported willingness to take PrEP, and 2% were currently taking PrEP. In multivariable analysis, PrEP awareness was associated with study site and sexual minority status, higher educational attainment, and HIV testing in the last 6 months. Willingness to take PrEP was associated with self-reported risk (paying sex partner in the last 6 months, sharing drug paraphernalia, and being injected by another PWID) and perceived HIV risk. The most common perceived barriers to PrEP were copays, concerns about increased HIV or sexually transmitted risk with PrEP, and concerns about reduction of medication efficacy without daily use. Conclusion: PrEP awareness among PWID remains inadequate. Willingness to take PrEP was moderate and was most desired by PWID who engaged in high-risk behaviors. Interventions to increase PrEP awareness and willingness, and to facilitate PrEP uptake among PWID are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alex H Kral
- Behavioral Health Research Division, RTI International, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kelsey A Simpson
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lynn Wenger
- Behavioral Health Research Division, RTI International, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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