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Bauermeister JA, Horvath KJ, Lin WY, Golinkoff JM, Claude KF, Dowshen N, Castillo M, Sullivan PS, Paul M, Hightow-Weidman L, Stephenson R. Enhancing routine HIV and STI testing among young men who have sex with men: primary outcomes of the get connected clinical randomized trial (ATN 139). BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1072. [PMID: 38632603 PMCID: PMC11025185 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18522-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular HIV and STI testing remain a cornerstone of comprehensive sexual health care. In this study, we examine the efficacy of Get Connected, a WebApp that combines test locators with personalized educational resources, in motivating young men who have sex with men (YMSM) to undergo regular HIV and STI testing. METHODS Participants were randomly placed in one of two conditions. The first condition included the full version of GC (GC-PLUS), which included content tailored to users' psychosocial characteristics (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, relationship status, HIV/STI testing history). The second condition served as our attention-control and only included the testing locator (GC-TLO) for HIV/STI testing services. Participants were recruited from three cities (Houston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta) characterized by high HIV incidence. Assessments were collected at 1, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS Both versions of GC were acceptable and efficacious in increasing routine HIV and STI testing over a 12-month period. 40% of the sample reported testing at least twice, with no main effects observed across the two intervention arms (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.69, 1.80), p =.66). Greater intervention effects were observed among YMSM who engaged more frequently with the intervention, with regional differences observed. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the need to cater to the diverse needs of YMSM through multilevel approaches. Broadly, mHealth HIV/STI testing interventions, such as Get Connected, would benefit from matching technologies to the local context to have the greatest impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03132415).
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Bauermeister
- University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Room 222L, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - K J Horvath
- San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - W Y Lin
- University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Room 222L, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J M Golinkoff
- University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Room 222L, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K F Claude
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - N Dowshen
- University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Room 222L, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Castillo
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - M Paul
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Kelly NK, Rosso MT, Rainer C, Claude K, Muessig KE, Hightow-Weidman L. Discordance Between HIV Risk Perception, Sexual Behavior, and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Young Sexual and Gender Minorities in the United States. J Adolesc Health 2024:S1054-139X(24)00120-4. [PMID: 38583158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the United States, youth experience suboptimal HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence. One common idea posits that this is due to their developing decision-making skills. However, quantitative evidence of this assumption is limited. We therefore examined whether individual decision-making factors, such as HIV risk perception and sexual behavior, predicted PrEP adherence in a national trial of young sexual and gender minorities (YSGMs). METHODS In 2019-2021, the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV Interventions 142 study enrolled 225 PrEP users (ages 16-24) throughout the country. Regression models estimated the associations between HIV risk perception (using a modified Perceived HIV Risk Scale), sexual behavior (condomless anal sex in ≤ 3 months), and self-reported oral PrEP adherence (≥4 pills in the past week) at the same time point (baseline) and longitudinally (3 months). RESULTS Baseline risk perception (risk ratio [RR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 1.04) and condomless anal sex (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.25) were not associated with PrEP adherence at the same time point and did not predict 3-month adherence (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.11; RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.19, respectively). Baseline risk perception was not associated with condomless anal sex at either time point (baseline RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.94, 1.43; 3-month RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.28). DISCUSSION In this national trial of YSGM, HIV risk perception and condomless anal sex did not predict PrEP adherence. Targeting individual-level perceptions and behaviors will likely insufficiently address youth's suboptimal PrEP use. Future research should identify YSGM-specific adherence drivers and train providers to recognize such motivations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Kelly
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Matthew T Rosso
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, College of Nursing, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Crissi Rainer
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, College of Nursing, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Kristina Claude
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, College of Nursing, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, College of Nursing, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University, College of Nursing, Tallahassee, Florida
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Wiginton JM, Amico KR, Hightow-Weidman L, Sullivan P, Horvath KJ. Emotion regulation as a potential moderator of the association between HIV stigma and nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy among youth living with HIV. J Adolesc 2024. [PMID: 38488698 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma affects adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for youth living with HIV. Emotion regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal (reinterpreting adversity to mitigate emotional impact) and expressive suppression (inhibiting emotion-expressive behavior activated by adversity) may moderate the HIV stigma-ART adherence relationship in this group. METHODS Using baseline data from 208 youth living with HIV aged 15-24 years enrolled in an mHealth ART-adherence intervention, we performed modified Poisson regressions with robust variance between HIV stigma (internalized, anticipated, enacted) and ART nonadherence. We tested for multiplicative interaction via product terms between HIV stigma and emotion regulation scores, and additive interaction via relative excess risk due to interaction and attributable proportion using dichotomous HIV stigma and emotion regulation variables. RESULTS Mean age was 21 years; ≥50% of participants were cisgender male, non-Hispanic Black, and gay-identifying; 18% reported ART nonadherence. Confounder-adjusted regressions showed positive associations between each HIV stigma variable and ART nonadherence. Internalized HIV stigma and cognitive reappraisal negatively, multiplicatively interacted (as internalized HIV stigma increased, ART nonadherence increased for those with low cognitive reappraisal). High internalized HIV stigma positively, additively interacted with low cognitive reappraisal and low expressive suppression (when high internalized HIV stigma and low levels of either emotion regulation strategy were present, ART nonadherence increased dramatically). CONCLUSION Cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression may protect against internalized HIV stigma's harmful association with ART nonadherence. These modifiable emotion regulation strategies may be targeted to potentially buffer the effects of internalized HIV stigma and support ART adherence for youth living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Wiginton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - K Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Teixeira da Silva D, Valente PK, Lin W, Hightow-Weidman L, Mayer K, Biello K, Bauermeister J. Psychosocial and structural stressors and engagement in medical care among young sexual minority men across racial identities. Behav Med 2023:1-9. [PMID: 38126713 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2023.2277931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial and structural stressors and low engagement in medical care likely contribute to the disproportionate burden of chronic disease among sexual minority men (SMM) across the life course. However, how these stressors impact engagement in medical care among young SMM (YSMM) across racial identities remains understudied. The association of psychosocial and structural stressors with forgoing care among YSMM across racial identities was examined using race-stratified adjusted logistic regression of cross-sectional data. Among 737 HIV-negative SMM aged 16-24 years, nearly all (93%) experienced discrimination in their daily lives. Non-Hispanic/Latinx Black participants reported significantly higher levels of discrimination, exposure to community violence, and food insecurity. Medical mistrust and mental health were not significantly different across racial groups. In the full sample model, education, food insecurity, and discrimination were associated with forgoing care. Among the non-Hispanic/Latinx White sample, medical mistrust and discrimination were associated with forgoing care. Among the non-Hispanic/Latinx Black sample, discrimination was associated with forgoing care. Among the Hispanic/Latinx sample, food insecurity was associated with forgoing care. Psychosocial and structural stressors were common in this YSMM cohort, and significantly different across racial/ethnic identities. Race-stratified analysis revealed differences in the association of stressors with forgoing care among YSMM across racial identities, not appreciated in the analysis limited to the total study population. Our findings may support efforts to address health inequity and improve engagement in medical care among SMM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Willey Lin
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kenneth Mayer
- The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katie Biello
- The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - José Bauermeister
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Hassani M, De Haro C, Flores L, Emish M, Kim S, Kelani Z, Ugarte DA, Hightow-Weidman L, Castel A, Li X, Theall KP, Young S. Exploring mobility data for enhancing HIV care engagement in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx individuals: a longitudinal observational study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e079900. [PMID: 38101845 PMCID: PMC10729277 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing engagement in HIV care among people living with HIV, especially those from Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx communities, is an urgent need. Mobility data that measure individuals' movements over time in combination with sociostructural data (eg, crime, census) can potentially identify barriers and facilitators to HIV care engagement and can enhance public health surveillance and inform interventions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The proposed work is a longitudinal observational cohort study aiming to enrol 400 Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx individuals living with HIV in areas of the USA with high prevalence rates of HIV. Each participant will be asked to share at least 14 consecutive days of mobility data per month through the study app for 1 year and complete surveys at five time points (baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). The study app will collect Global Positioning System (GPS) data. These GPS data will be merged with other data sets containing information related to HIV care facilities, other healthcare, business and service locations, and sociostructural data. Machine learning and deep learning models will be used for data analysis to identify contextual predictors of HIV care engagement. The study includes interviews with stakeholders to evaluate the implementation and ethical concerns of using mobility data to increase engagement in HIV care. We seek to study the relationship between mobility patterns and HIV care engagement. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the University of California, Irvine (#20205923). Collected data will be deidentified and securely stored. Dissemination of findings will be done through presentations, posters and research papers while collaborating with other research teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hassani
- University of California Irvine, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Cristina De Haro
- University of California Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Lidia Flores
- University of California Irvine, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Mohamed Emish
- University of California Irvine, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Seungjun Kim
- University of California Irvine, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Zeyad Kelani
- University of California Irvine, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Dominic Arjuna Ugarte
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | | | - Amanda Castel
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University, Milken Institute of Public Health, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine P Theall
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sean Young
- University of California Irvine, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, California, USA
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Biello KB, Valente PK, da Silva DT, Lin W, Drab R, Hightow-Weidman L, Mayer KH, Bauermeister JA. Who prefers what? Correlates of preferences for next-generation HIV prevention products among a national U.S. sample of young men who have sex with men. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 2:e26096. [PMID: 37439061 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available for young people for over a decade, yet only ∼15% of young people in the United States with indications for PrEP have a prescription for it. Next-generation PrEP modalities may address some of the challenges of daily oral PrEP. However, preferences for these products are unknown. METHODS From October 2020 to June 2021, we conducted an online survey of 737 cisgender, young men who have sex with men (age 15-24 years) without HIV across the United States who reported same-sex attraction or consensual sex with another man in the past 6 months. Participants completed a conjoint experiment comparing daily oral pills, event-driven oral pills, event-driven rectal douches, intramuscular injections, intravenous broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) infusions and subcutaneous implants. Participants ranked the products from most to least preferred. Exploded logit models examined the association between ranked preferences of PrEP modalities and socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics. RESULTS Participants' mean age was 21 years (SD = 2.3), and 56% identified as White. Nineteen percent were currently taking daily oral PrEP, and another 9% had previously taken it. Participants prioritized efficacy, absence of side effects and costs in the conjoint analyses. Daily oral PrEP had the highest preference ranking, followed by event-driven oral (OR = 0.89, p = 0.058), injectable (OR = 0.83, p = 0.005), implant (OR = 0.48, p < 0.0001), bnAb infusions (OR = 0.38, p < 0.0001) and rectal douches (OR = 0.24, p < 0.0001). There were differences in PrEP preferences across age, insurance status, sexual behaviour, PrEP use history, HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing history, and STI diagnoses (omnibus tests: p < 0.05). Participants also provided reasons for selecting their top product choice: ease of use for those who chose daily oral (99%) and daily event-driven (98.5%); feel more protected against HIV for those who chose injectable (95.4%) and implants (100%); not worrying about forgetting to take it for those who chose bnAbs (93.8%); and being able to stop taking it when they want for those who chose rectal douche (90.9%). CONCLUSIONS Next-generation modalities were less likely to be preferred over daily oral PrEP, with differences in the magnitude by socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics. Given the low uptake of daily oral PrEP, end-users' preferences for and concerns about PrEP products must be understood to ensure high acceptability and penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Waterbury, Connecticut, USA
| | - Daniel Teixeira da Silva
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Willey Lin
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan Drab
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - José A Bauermeister
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Stephenson R, Washington C, Darbes LA, Hightow-Weidman L, Sullivan P, Gamarel KE. Sexual Relationship Violence Among Young, Partnered Sexual Minority Men in the United States. J Interpers Violence 2023; 38:7804-7823. [PMID: 36636966 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221149091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
While there has been a growth in studies examining sexual violence among sexual minority men, little research attention has been paid to the experience of sexual violence among young sexual minority men (YSMM). In this article we analyze secondary data from the baseline of a pilot randomized control trial with 318 YSMM aged 15 to 24 years in the United States who were in relationships with other males to examine the associations between sexual minority-specific stigma and sociodemographic and relationship characteristics and experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual IPV in their relationships. Approximately one-in-five participants reported experiencing any form of IPV and 6% reported sexual IPV in their current relationship. Participants who reported sexual minority-specific familial rejection (Adjusted Odds Rato (aOR) = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.03, 5.26], p < .05), internalized heterosexism (aOR = 3.17, 95% CI [1.45, 6.95], p < .01), and housing insecurity (aOR = 7.22, 95% CI [1.66, 31.34], p < .01) reported higher odds of sexual IPV in their relationship. Study findings point to the role of multiple sexual minority-specific forms of stigma in creating vulnerabilities for the experience of sexual IPV among YSMM, and highlight the need for continued research and interventions that address sexual minority-specific stigma and structural vulnerabilities to guide violence prevention efforts with YSMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Stephenson
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lynae A Darbes
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Patrick Sullivan
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristi E Gamarel
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Philbin MM, Menza TW, Legrand SH, Muessig KE, Hightow-Weidman L. Structural-Level Racial-, Sexual Orientation-, and HIV-Related Discrimination and Subsequent Criminal Justice Involvement Among Young, Black, Men Who Have Sex With Men in North Carolina. Stigma Health 2023; 8:170-178. [PMID: 37456791 PMCID: PMC10348694 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Multiple aspects of Black young men who have sex with men's (YMSM) identities cause them to be differentially targeted for arrest and incarceration. However, limited research has explored structural drivers of Black YMSM' criminal justice involvement, particularly co-occurring forms of discrimination. This article examines the temporal relationship between perceived racial discrimination, perceived sexual orientation discrimination, and community-level HIV discrimination and criminal justice involvement among Black YMSM in North Carolina. The study followed 465 Black YMSM from November 2013 to October 2016 who were recruited for a randomized controlled trial to test an internet-based intervention for Black YMSM living with, and at risk for HIV; participants completed online surveys at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between the three predictors at baseline (i.e., perceived racism and sexual orientation discrimination and community-level HIV discrimination) and criminal justice involvement at follow-up. All three predictor variables were significantly associated with subsequent criminal justice involvement in separate regression models that adjusted for other covariates: HIV discrimination (aOR = 1.06 [1.01-1.11]), perceived sexual orientation discrimination (aOR = 1.12 [1.00-1.27]), and perceived racism (aOR = 1.26 [1.12-1.42]). Perceived racism remained significant in the model with all three predictors (aOR = 1.29 [1.07-1.55]). Racism did not modify the relationship between HIV discrimination and perceived sexual orientation discrimination and criminal justice involvement. This study expands existing research by exploring racism as a structural driver of criminal justice involvement; we subsequently examined whether racism modified the effect of the two other predictors. It also contributes to research on co-occurring discrimination by examining their impact on an underrepresented population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan M Philbin
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
| | | | | | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Choi SK, Golinkoff J, Lin WY, Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig K, Bauermeister J. Current and Future Perspectives of HIV Prevention Research Among Young Sexual Minority Men in South Korea. Arch Sex Behav 2023; 52:721-732. [PMID: 36097068 PMCID: PMC9466347 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02403-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Social stigma within Korean society hinders structural efforts to reduce HIV disparities among sexual minority men (SMM). To date, however, there have been limited intervention efforts to reduce HIV disparities among SMM in Korea. Therefore, the current mixed-methods study (n = 180) explored young Korean SMM's perspectives on the acceptability of HIV prevention mHealth interventions to inform effective strategies for future intervention studies. We then analyzed participants' comments and suggestions on HIV research and examined associations with the acceptability of mHealth interventions. Through our textual coding and analysis, we identified four primary themes for comments and suggestions for HIV research in Korea: the centrality of stigma, health service accessibility, informational accessibility, and cultural adaptation. Our study suggests culturally adapted HIV intervention addressing stigma, health service accessibility, and information accessibility and mHealth interventions disseminating information and resources for stigmatized young SMM in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Jesse Golinkoff
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Willey Y Lin
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - José Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd., Room 243L, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Whitfield DL, Nelson LE, Komárek A, Turner D, Ni Z, Boyd DT, Taggart T, Ramos SR, Wilton L, Beauchamp GG, Hightow-Weidman L, Shoptaw SJ, Magnus M, Mayer KH, Fields SD, Wheeler DP. Implementation of Client-Centered Care Coordination for HIV Prevention with Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: Activities, Personnel Costs, and Outcomes-HPTN 073. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:183-192. [PMID: 34997550 PMCID: PMC9441015 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01209-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black men who have sex with men (MSM) experience disproportionate rates of HIV infection in the USA, despite being no more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors than other MSM racial/ethnic groups. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to reduce risk of HIV acquisition; however, rates of PrEP use among Black MSM remain low. Clinical, psychosocial, and structural factors have been shown to impact PrEP use and adherence among Black MSM. Care coordination of HIV prevention services has the potential to improve PrEP use and adherence for Black MSM, as it has been shown to improve HIV-related care outcomes among people living with HIV. METHODS Client-centered care coordination (C4) is a multi-level intervention designed to address clinical, psychosocial, and structural barriers to HIV prevention services for Black MSM within HPTN 073, a PrEP demonstration project among Black MSM in three cities in the USA. The current study examined the implementation process of C4, specifically investigating the activities, cost, time, and outcomes associated with the C4 intervention. RESULTS On average, participants engaged in five care coordination encounters. The vast majority of care coordination activities were conducted by counselors, averaging 30 min per encounter. The cost of care coordination was relatively low with a mean cost of $8.70 per client encounter. CONCLUSION Although client-centered care coordination was initially implemented in well-resourced communities with robust HIV research and service infrastructure, our findings suggest that C4 can be successfully implemented in resource constrained communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren L Whitfield
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, PA, USA.
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto-St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arnošt Komárek
- Department of Probability and Mathematical Statistics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - DeAnne Turner
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zhao Ni
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Donte T Boyd
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tamara Taggart
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human Development, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Geetha G Beauchamp
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven J Shoptaw
- Division of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Sheldon D Fields
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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11
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Leung T, Sullivan S, MacGowan RJ, Chavez PR, Wall KM, Sanchez TH, Stephenson R, Hightow-Weidman L, Johnson JA, Smith A, Sharma A, Jones J, Hannah M, Trigg M, Luo W, Caldwell J, Sullivan PS. Engaging Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men for HIV Testing and Prevention Services Through Technology: Protocol for the iSTAMP Comparative Effectiveness Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e43414. [PMID: 36607707 PMCID: PMC9862319 DOI: 10.2196/43414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly Black or African American MSM (BMSM) and Hispanic or Latino MSM (HLMSM), continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic in the United States. Previous HIV self-testing programs have yielded high testing rates, although these studies predominantly enrolled White, non-Hispanic MSM. Mobile health tools can support HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This protocol details an implementation study of mailing free HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) nested within a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the benefit of a mobile phone app for increasing the uptake of HIV prevention and other social services. OBJECTIVE This study was a comparative effectiveness trial of innovative recruitment and testing promotion strategies intended to effectively reach cisgender BMSM and HLMSM. We evaluated the use of a mobile app for increasing access to care. METHODS Study development began with individual and group consultations that elicited feedback from 3 core groups: HIV care practitioners and researchers, HIV service organization leaders from study states, and BMSM and HLMSM living in the study states. Upon completion of the formative qualitative work, participants from 11 states, based on the observed areas of highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among Black and Hispanic MSM, were recruited through social networking websites and smartphone apps. After eligibility was verified, participants consented and were randomized to the intervention arm (access to the Know@Home mobile app) or the control arm (referral to web resources). We provided all participants with HIVSTs. The evaluation of the efficacy of a mobile phone app to support linkage to posttest prevention services that included sexually transmitted infection testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation, antiretroviral treatment, and acquisition of condoms and compatible lubricants has been planned. Data on these outcomes were obtained from several sources, including HIVST-reporting surveys, the 4-month follow-up survey, laboratory analyses of dried blood spot cards returned by the participant, and data obtained from the state health department surveillance systems. Where possible, relevant subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS During the formative development phase, 9 consultations were conducted: 6 in-depth individual discussions and 3 group consultations. From February 2020 through February 2021, we enrolled 2093 MSM in the randomized controlled trial from 11 states, 1149 BMSM and 944 HLMSM. CONCLUSIONS This study was designed and implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment strategies to reach BMSM and HMSM and of a mobile app with regard to linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. Data were also obtained to allow for the analyses of cost and cost-effectiveness related to study enrollment, HIV testing uptake, identification of previously undiagnosed HIV, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04219878); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04219878. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/43414.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Sullivan
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Robin J MacGowan
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Pollyanna R Chavez
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rob Stephenson
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Johnson
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amanda Smith
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Akshay Sharma
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Marissa Hannah
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Monica Trigg
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wei Luo
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joanna Caldwell
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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12
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Boyd DT, Nelson LE, Hill MJ, Whitfield D, Ramos SR, Akyirem S, Emel L, Wilton L, Hightow-Weidman L, Shoptaw S, Magnus M, Mayer KH, Piwowar-Manning E, Wallace SE, Fields SD, Wheeler DP. Examining the Role of Autonomy Support, Goal Setting, and Care Coordination Quality on HIV PrEP Adherence in Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: HPTN 073. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:22-30. [PMID: 36626154 PMCID: PMC10024067 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autonomy support is a concept that is derived from self-determination theory. Autonomy refers to the freedom to act as one chooses. The current study aimed to examine if autonomy support was associated with dried blood spot validated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence, and whether the association was mediated by PrEP adherence goal setting and progress toward PrEP adherence goals. Our sample was drawn from Black men who have sex with men (MSM) from across three cities (Chapel Hill, NC; Los Angeles, CA; and Washington, DC) in the United States between February 2013 and September 2014. We used logistic regression to evaluate associations between study variables and path analysis to test mediation effects. Participants were, on average, 28 [standard deviation (SD) = 1.12] years old and 25% were unemployed. We found that MSM who experienced high autonomy support were more likely to adhere to PrEP [odds ratio (OR) = 1.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.38]. MSM who set PrEP adherence goals were more likely to adhere to PrEP. Moreover, MSM who reported making progress toward their goals were also more likely to adhere to PrEP. Finally, client perception of coordination quality enhanced the magnitude of the association between goal setting and goal progress and the effect size of goal progress on PrEP adherence. Autonomy support, goal setting, goal monitoring/evaluation, and care coordination quality influenced PrEP adherence among Black MSM. Our findings indicate that while it is important to set goals for PrEP adherence, goal setting may need to be accompanied by progress monitoring to achieve the maximal effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donte T. Boyd
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - LaRon E. Nelson
- Yale School of Public Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Unity Health Toronto—St. Michael's, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mandy J. Hill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Darren Whitfield
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - S. Raquel Ramos
- Yale School of Public Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Lynda Emel
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Leo Wilton
- State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, USA
- Department of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steve Shoptaw
- Division of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Estelle Piwowar-Manning
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore Maryland, USA
| | - Stephaun E. Wallace
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutch, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sheldon D. Fields
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Biello KB, Daddario SR, Hill-Rorie J, Futterman D, Sullivan PS, Hightow-Weidman L, Jones J, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH. Uptake and Acceptability of MyChoices: Results of a Pilot RCT of a Mobile App Designed to Increase HIV Testing and PrEP Uptake Among Young American MSM. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3981-3990. [PMID: 35829971 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) remain at disproportionate risk for HIV acquisition in the United States (US), yet use of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), remain low. Smartphones and mobile app usage are nearly ubiquitous in this population. Given the potential for scalability, a mobile app to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among YMSM has the potential to make an extraordinary public health impact if efficacious. Based on extensive formative, community-engaged research, we developed a theory-driven mobile app-MyChoices-to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM. In a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), participants (n = 60) were randomized 2:1 to receive MyChoices or standard of care (SOC). Data from 3 to 6-month post-baseline assessments demonstrate that the app was highly acceptable (System Usability Score; mean = 75.8, SD = 10.7) and feasible (94% used the MyChoices app at least once; mean = 15.3 sessions, SD = 9.8). While not powered to assess efficacy, those in the MyChoices arm had 22% higher prevalence of HIV testing over follow-up compared to those in the SOC arm (NS). There was no difference in PrEP uptake. A fully-powered efficacy trial is warranted; if efficacy is demonstrated, the MyChoices app could be easily scaled to reach YMSM across the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Salvatore R Daddario
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Global Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Global Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Nelson LE, Boyd DT, Beauchamp G, Emel L, Wilton L, Whitfield D, Ramos SR, Ajiboye W, Hill MJ, Conserve DF, Thomas P, Hightow-Weidman L, Shoptaw S, Magnus M, Mayer KH, Piwowar-Manning E, Fields SD, Wheeler DP. Freedom as Prevention: Mechanisms of Autonomy Support for Promoting HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use and Condom Use among Black MSM in 3 US Cities-HPTN 073. J Urban Health 2022; 99:1157-1169. [PMID: 35939181 PMCID: PMC9727017 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00666-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare providers who use controlling or coercive strategies may compel short-term enactment of HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention behaviors but may inadvertently undermine their client's motivation to maintain those behaviors in the absence of external pressure. Autonomous motivation refers to the self-emanating and self-determined drive for engaging in health behaviors. It is associated with long-term maintenance of health behaviors. We used structural equation modeling to investigate whether autonomy support was associated with increased odds of therapeutic serum levels of pre-exposure prophylaxis, through a pathway that satisfies basic psychological needs for autonomous self-regulation and competence regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis use. We also investigated whether autonomy support was associated with decreased odds of condomless anal intercourse via the same psychological needs-satisfaction pathway of autonomous self-regulation and competence regarding condom use. We tested these two theorized pathways using secondary data from a longitudinal sample of Black men who have sex with men from across three cities in the US (N = 226). Data from the sample fit the theorized models regarding the pathways by which autonomy support leads to the presence of therapeutic PrEP levels in serum (χ2 = 0.56; RMSEA = 0.04; CFI = .99, TLI = 0.98) and how it also leads to decreased odds of condomless anal intercourse (χ2 = 0.58; RMSEA = 0.03; CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.98). These findings provide scientific evidence for the utility of self-determination theory as a model to guide intervention approaches to optimize the implementation and impact of PrEP for Black men who have sex with men.
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Affiliation(s)
- LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, 400 West Campus Drive, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Donte T Boyd
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Geetha Beauchamp
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lynda Emel
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human Development, College of Community and Public Affairs, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
- Department of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Darren Whitfield
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S Raquel Ramos
- School of Nursing, Yale University, 400 West Campus Drive, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wale Ajiboye
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mandy J Hill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Donaldson F Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington Universty, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Portia Thomas
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steve Shoptaw
- Division of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Sheldon D Fields
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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15
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Valente PK, Bauermeister JA, Lin WY, Silva DTD, Hightow-Weidman L, Drab R, Mayer KH, Operario D, Rusley J, Biello KB. Preferences Across Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Modalities Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States: A Latent Class Analysis Study. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:431-442. [PMID: 36367995 PMCID: PMC9910107 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suboptimal among young cisgender men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States. Next-generation modalities that do not involve daily oral regimens may mitigate some of the barriers to PrEP use. We identified latent classes of YMSM based on health care decision-making patterns and examined associations between latent classes and access to health care and PrEP modality preferences (i.e., daily and event-driven oral, rectal douches, broadly neutralizing antibodies, subcutaneous implants, and an injectable). Between October 2020 and June 2021, we administered an online survey to 737 YMSM. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified groups of YMSM based on communication with providers, stigma and mistrust in health care, and autonomy in sexual health decisions. Logistic regression examined associations between class membership and health care access, and exploded logit regression examined associations between class membership and ranked PrEP modality preferences. LCA identified three classes: shared decision-making (high communication with providers and high autonomy); provider-led decision-making (high communication and low autonomy); and patient-driven decision-making (low communication and high autonomy). Shared decision-making was associated with higher access to health care in comparison with the other classes. Across all classes, YMSM preferred daily oral PrEP over all next-generation PrEP modalities. Preferences for daily oral PrEP over next-generation PrEP modalities were particularly marked among the patient-driven decision-making class. Shared decision-making is associated with access to health care and HIV prevention and higher acceptability of next-generation PrEP modalities, and should be considered as part of future interventions to promote use of daily oral and next-generation PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo K. Valente
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Willey Y. Lin
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Teixeira Da Silva
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ryan Drab
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Don Operario
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jack Rusley
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Katie B. Biello
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Valente PK, Bauermeister JA, Lin WY, Operario D, Rusley J, Hightow-Weidman L, Mayer KH, Biello KB. Next Generation Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Young Men who have Sex with Men: Lessons from System and Provider-level barriers to oral PrEP. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3422-3435. [PMID: 35445994 PMCID: PMC9474568 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03665-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Next generation pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) modalities that do not require daily regimens may address some of the barriers to daily oral PrEP among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We conducted online semi-structured interviews with 30 YMSM to examine experiences and preferences related to HIV prevention care that may inform implementation of next generation PrEP. Barriers to PrEP care included initiating conversations about sexuality with providers; confidentiality concerns regarding disclosure of sexual practices and PrEP use to family; gaps in access to healthcare; and limited availability of affordable health services. Future implementation of next generation PrEP may benefit from providers addressing confidentiality concerns when discussing PrEP with YMSM; PrEP programs accounting for discontinuities in healthcare access among YMSM while strengthening access to affordable services; and collaborations between generalist providers and specialized clinics and providers to address providers' education needs, which may increase as next generation PrEP becomes available. We have linked affiliation 9 to author name "Katie B. Biello". Please check and confirm. Okay!
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, U.S
| | - Jose A Bauermeister
- Program for Sexuality, Technology, and Action Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, U.S
| | - Willey Y Lin
- Program for Sexuality, Technology, and Action Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, U.S
| | - Jack Rusley
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, U.S
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public, Providence, RI, U.S
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, U.S
| | | | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, U.S..
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, U.S..
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, U.S..
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, U.S..
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17
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Maragh-Bass A, Comello ML, Tolley EE, Stevens D, Wilson J, Toval C, Budhwani H, Hightow-Weidman L. Digital Storytelling Methods to Empower Young Black Adults in COVID-19 Vaccination Decision-Making: Feasibility Study and Demonstration. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38070. [PMID: 36155984 PMCID: PMC9514451 DOI: 10.2196/38070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high rates of novel COVID-19, acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination is low among Black adults. In response, we developed a digital health intervention (Tough Talks-COVID) that includes digital stories created in a workshop we held with young Black adults. OBJECTIVE Our formative research using digital storytelling workshops asked 3 research questions: (1) What issues did participants have in conceptualizing their stories, and what themes emerged from the stories they created? (2) What issues did participants have related to production techniques, and which techniques were utilized in stories? and (3) Overall, how did participants evaluate their workshop experience? METHODS Participants were workshop-eligible if they were vaccine-accepting based on a baseline survey fielded in late 2021. Final participants (N=11) completed a consent process, all 3 workshops, and a media release form for their digital story. The first 2 workshops provided background information and hands-on digital storytelling skills from pre- to postproduction. The third workshop served as a screening and feedback session for participants' final videos. Qualitative and quantitative feedback elements were incorporated into all 3 sessions. RESULTS Digital stories addressed one or more of 4 broad themes: (1) COVID-19 vulnerability, (2) community connections, (3) addressing vaccine hesitancy, and (4) countering vaccine misinformation. Participants incorporated an array of technical approaches, including unique creative elements such as cartoon images and instant messaging tools to convey social interactions around COVID-19 decision-making. Most (9/11, 82%) strongly agreed the digital storytelling workshops were delivered as expected; 10 of 11 agreed (n=5) or strongly agreed (n=5) that they had some ideas about what story to tell by the end of the first workshop, and most (8/11, 73%) strongly agreed they had narrowed down their ideas by workshop two. Of the participants, 9 felt they would very likely (n=6) or likely (n=3) use digital storytelling techniques for personal use in the future, and even more were very likely (n=7) to use the techniques for professional use. CONCLUSIONS Our study is one of the first to incorporate digital storytelling as a central component to a digital health intervention and the only one to do so with exclusive focus on young Black adults. Our emphasis on digital storytelling was shown to be highly acceptable. Similar approaches, including careful consideration of the ethical challenges of community-based participatory approaches, are applicable to other populations experiencing both COVID-19 inequities and marginalization, such as other age demographics and people of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allysha Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maria Leonora Comello
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ellen Tolley
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI 360, Durham, NC, United States
- Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Jade Wilson
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Christina Toval
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Henna Budhwani
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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18
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Stephenson R, Darbes LA, Rosso MT, Washington C, Hightow-Weidman L, Sullivan P, Gamarel KE. Perceptions of Contexts of Intimate Partner Violence Among Young, Partnered Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States. J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP12881-NP12900. [PMID: 33729057 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211001472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There has been a growth in research illustrating that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at rates that are comparable to those among heterosexual women. However, the majority of research on IPV among same-sex male couples has focused on adults, and research on the experience of IPV among younger men (those aged under 18), remains at a nascent stage, despite knowledge that IPV is often common among younger men. This article adds to the growing body of literature on IPV among young GBMSM (YGBMSM) through of an analysis of qualitative data from in-depth interviews (IDI) with GBMSM aged 15-19 (n = 30) in romantic relationships partnerships. The study sought to explore issues of relationship development, relationship contexts, and understandings of IPV. More than one-half of the sample reported experiencing some form of IPV in their current or past relationships. Participants described a range of experiences of IPV, including physical IPV, emotional IPV, sexual IPV, and controlling behaviors. Emotional IPV in the form of negative comments and controlling behaviors such as jealousy were the most commonly reported forms of violence behaviors. Although few participants reported experiencing physical or sexual IPV, several discussed concerns about giving, and partners' acknowledging, sexual consent. Antecedents to IPV included wanting or feeling pressured to participate in normative development milestones, short-lived relationships, and societal stigma. Interventions that develop content on IPV and that reflect the lived realities of YGBMSM who are experiencing their first relationships are urgently needed. Study findings also support the need for training teachers, health care providers, and parents to identify signs of IPV and provide them with the knowledge and skills to talk to YGBMSM about relationships and violence to reduce IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Sullivan
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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19
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Gonzalez Rodriguez H, Barrington C, McCallister KN, Guy J, Hightow-Weidman L, Hurt CB, McNeil CJ, Sena AC. Perceptions, experiences, and preferences for partner services among Black and Latino men who have sex with men and transwomen in North Carolina. Ethn Health 2022; 27:1241-1255. [PMID: 33734826 PMCID: PMC8448793 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2021.1899137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the United States, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen of color. Partner services can prevent STI transmission by facilitating testing and treatment for partners of individuals diagnosed with an STI. Understanding client perspectives towards partner services is critical to their acceptance and uptake. This study examined perceptions, experiences, and preferences for partner services among Black and Latino MSM and transwomen in North Carolina. DESIGN We conducted seven audio-recorded focus groups in English (n = 5) and Spanish (n = 2). The audio was transcribed verbatim and we inductively analyzed data using field notes, systematic coding, and thematic comparison. RESULTS Black MSM reported the most exposure and experiences with partner services, and most perceived partner services negatively. Feeling supported and having flexibility characterized positive experiences with partner services among Black MSM; feeling judged or harassed characterized negative experiences. Black transwomen had less exposure to partner services and had a mix of positive reactions to the approach, along with concerns about client confidentiality. Most Latino participants were unaware of partner services and expressed openness to their potential. All participants preferred self-notifying and wanted flexible, discreet, supportive partner services with linkages to other wellness resources. CONCLUSION Building off positive partner services experiences and responding to client preferences can enhance trust, acceptability, and service use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clare Barrington
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katherine Nicole McCallister
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jalila Guy
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher Browning Hurt
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Candice Joy McNeil
- Department of Medicine, Section on Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Arlene Carmela Sena
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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20
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Harrison SE, Muessig K, Poteat T, Koester K, Vecchio A, Paton M, Miller SJ, Pereira N, Harris O, Myers J, Campbell C, Hightow-Weidman L. Addressing Racism's Role in the US HIV Epidemic: Qualitative Findings From Three Ending the HIV Epidemic Prevention Projects. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:S46-S55. [PMID: 35703755 PMCID: PMC9204779 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racist socio-political and economic systems in the United States are root causes of HIV disparities among minoritized individuals. However, within HIV implementation science literature, there is scarce empirical research on how to effectively counter racism. This article names racism and White supremacy as key challenges to the success of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative and delineates opportunities to integrate anti-racism into HIV interventions. METHODS Formative data were synthesized from 3 EHE studies in California, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Each study engaged with community stakeholders to inform pre-exposure prophylaxis interventions. Key informant interviews and focus groups were used to query individuals-including Black individuals-about implementation challenges. Although racism was not an a priori focus of included studies, discourse on race and racism emerged as key study findings from all projects. RESULTS Across diverse stakeholder groups and EHE locales, participants described racism as a threat to the success of the EHE initiative. Institutional and structural racism, intersectional stigma, and maltreatment of minoritized individuals within healthcare systems were cited as challenges to pre-exposure prophylaxis scale-up. Some recommendations for addressing racism were given-yet these primarily focused on the individual level (eg, enhanced training, outreach). CONCLUSIONS EHE implementation scientists should commit to measurable anti-racist actions. To this end, we present a series of recommendations to help investigators evaluate the extent to which they are taking actionable steps to counter racism to improve the adoption, implementation, and real-world impact of EHE interventions for people of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayward E Harrison
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Barnwell College, Columbia, SC
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Tonia Poteat
- Center for Health Equity Research, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kimberly Koester
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA; and
| | - Alyssa Vecchio
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Mariajosé Paton
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Barnwell College, Columbia, SC
| | - Sarah J Miller
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Barnwell College, Columbia, SC
| | - Nastacia Pereira
- Center for Health Equity Research, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Orlando Harris
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Janet Myers
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA; and
| | - Chadwick Campbell
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA; and
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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21
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Kerr J, Lelutiu-Weinberger C, Nelson LE, Turan JM, Frye V, Matthews DW, Leddy AM, Jackson SD, Boyd D, Hightow-Weidman L. Addressing Intersectional Stigma in Programs Focused on Ending the HIV Epidemic. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:S362-S366. [PMID: 35763743 PMCID: PMC9241451 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jelani Kerr
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Janet M Turan
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Victoria Frye
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - David W Matthews
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Anna M Leddy
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Skyler D Jackson
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Donte Boyd
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Jelani Kerr is with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY. Corina Lelutiu-Weinberger is with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark. LaRon E. Nelson is with the School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Janet M. Turan is with the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Victoria Frye and David W. Matthews are with the City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY. Anna M. Leddy is with the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco. Skyler D. Jackson is with the Yale School of Public Health, Yale University. Donte Boyd is with the Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Lisa Hightow-Weidman is with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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22
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Biello KB, Valente PK, Lin WY, Lodge Ii W, Drab R, Hightow-Weidman L, da Silva DT, Mayer K, Bauermeister JA. PrEParing for NextGen: Cognitive Interviews to Improve Next Generation PrEP Modality Descriptions for Young Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1956-1965. [PMID: 34860304 PMCID: PMC9050851 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03545-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Next generation PrEP formulations may circumvent factors that impede daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We conducted video-based cognitive interviews with 20 YMSM (age 16-24) recruited in the US Northeast to assess participants' attitudes and comprehension of written descriptions of next generation PrEP modalities. Participants were predominately racial/ethnic minorities and half used daily oral PrEP. We identified four main areas for improvement of descriptions: defining scientific terms and balancing medical jargon and casual language; referencing more established products to contextualize PrEP formulations (e.g., hormonal implants); ensuring clarity and reducing redundancy; and including imagery (e.g., rectal douche applicator). The refined descriptions serve as exemplar text that may be used in future studies examining YMSM's preferences across next generation PrEP modalities. Accurate descriptions of next generation PrEP products strengthen measurement accuracy and can help roll-out products that become approved for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Pablo K Valente
- School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Willey Y Lin
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William Lodge Ii
- School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Ryan Drab
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Daniel Teixeira da Silva
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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23
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Gamarel KE, Washington C, Rosso MT, Darbes LA, Claude KF, Hightow-Weidman L, Sullivan P, Stephenson R. Perceptions of Relationship Quality Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Young Sexual Minority Men in Romantic Relationships. Arch Sex Behav 2022; 51:2261-2268. [PMID: 35670886 PMCID: PMC9172607 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02254-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the well-being of people worldwide; however, there has been limited research examining ways in which the pandemic has created changes in relationship quality among young sexual minority men. We analyzed data from a sample of 150 young sexual minority men, aged 15-24 years. In total, 25% reported their relationship quality decreased during the pandemic, 47% reported no change, and 28% reported increased relationship quality due to COVID-19. In multinomial models, intimate partner violence, lower commitment, and spending less time with a partner due to COVID-19 were associated with decreased relationship quality during the pandemic compared to those who reported no change or increased relationship quality due to the pandemic. More efforts are needed to understand and address the impact of COVID-19 on the romantic relationships of young sexual minority men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Catherine Washington
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew T Rosso
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lynae A Darbes
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristina Felder Claude
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- The Center of Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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24
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Drab R, Wolfe JR, Chavanduka TMD, Bonar EE, Guest JL, Hightow-Weidman L, Castel AD, Horvath KJ, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R, Bauermeister J. Constructing a web-based health directory for adolescent men who have sex with men: Strategies for development and resource verification. J Community Psychol 2022; 50:1597-1615. [PMID: 34716596 PMCID: PMC8916971 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Online health directories are increasingly used to locate health services and community resources, providing contact and service information that assists users in identifying resources that may meet their health and wellness needs. However, service locations require additional vetting when directories plan to refer vulnerable populations. As a tool included as part of a trial of a mobile life skills intervention for cisgender adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM; ages 13-18), we constructed and verified resources for an online resource directory focused on linking young people to LGBTQ+ friendly and affirming local health and community social services resources. We collected information for 2301 individual directory listings through database and internet searches. To ensure the listings aligned with the project's focus of supporting young sexual minority men, we developed multiple data verification assessments to ensure community appropriateness resulting in verification of 1833 resources suitable for inclusion in our locator tool at project launch (March 2018). We offer lessons learned and future directions for researchers and practitioners who may benefit from adapting our processes and strategies for building culturally-tailored resource directories for vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Drab
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
| | - James R. Wolfe
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
| | - Tanaka MD Chavanduka
- The School of Nursing and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
| | - Erin E. Bonar
- The School of Nursing and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Addiction Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, US
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, US
| | | | - Amanda D. Castel
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., US
| | | | | | - Rob Stephenson
- The School of Nursing and The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, US
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25
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Songtaweesin WN, LeGrand S, Bandara S, Piccone C, Wongharn P, Moonwong J, Jupimai T, Saisaengjan C, Theerawit T, Muessig K, Hightow-Weidman L, Puthanakit T, Phanuphak N, Tangmunkongvorakul A. Adaptation of a Theory-Based Social Networking and Gamified App-Based Intervention to Improve Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in Bangkok, Thailand: Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e23852. [PMID: 34734828 PMCID: PMC8603178 DOI: 10.2196/23852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV disproportionately affects young Thai men who have sex with men (YMSM). Recent studies report a high incidence and prevalence of HIV among Thai YMSM. The Thai national guidelines have recommended pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) since 2014 for key populations; free PrEP has been piloted since 2019. Smartphone-based mobile health (mHealth) interventions provide an optimal platform for innovative PrEP adherence interventions for Thai YMSM. Objective This study aims to adapt the P3 (Prepared, Protected, emPowered) app, developed with YMSM and transwomen in the United States to improve PrEP adherence and persistence for YMSM in Thailand. The app aims to provide daily adherence support and addresses gaps in staff available for large-scale PrEP rollout needed to see population-level effects of HIV prevention. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with YMSM and key informant interviews (KIIs) with PrEP care providers in Bangkok, Thailand, to investigate PrEP adherence facilitators and barriers, preferences for functions and features in mHealth apps among YMSM, and how to best adapt the P3 app to the Thai context. We conducted four FGDs with 4-8 participants per group and 15 KIIs. Results For FGDs, 23 YMSM participated with a mean age of 20 years (range 18-21), 96% (22/23) enrolled in full-time education, and all owned smartphones. The mean age of KII participants was 40 (range 26-60) years; most were state health service providers, with the majority being counselors (6/15, 40%) and physicians (6/15, 40%). Overall, the facilitators and barriers for PrEP adherence identified were similar to those of MSM and YMSM globally including the United States. Key themes included general recommendations for improving mHealth apps in Thailand, such as presenting reliable information in an appealing format, minimizing privacy risks, and addressing connectivity challenges. Additional themes focused on P3 Thailand adaptations and were related to cultural and stylistic preferences, engagement strategies, and recommendations for new functions. To develop the adapted app, P3 Thailand, these findings were balanced with resource limitations resulting in the prioritization of minor modifications: changes in app esthetics (color scheme, iconography, and imagery) and changes in the presentation of information in two of the app’s features. FGDs identified similar PrEP adherence facilitators and barriers to those already addressed within the app. Conclusions The core elements of the P3 app address major PrEP facilitators and barriers for Thai YMSM; however, changes to the app features, including stylistic presentation, were needed to appropriately customize the app to the Thai context. Given the similarities of facilitators and barriers for PrEP adherence globally, adapting existing PrEP mHealth solutions based on input from end users and key informants provides a promising approach. However, partnerships with local app designers and developers can improve the adaptation process and final product. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04413708; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04413708
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Affiliation(s)
- Wipaporn Natalie Songtaweesin
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sara LeGrand
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shashika Bandara
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Caitlin Piccone
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Prissana Wongharn
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juthamanee Moonwong
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thidarat Jupimai
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chutima Saisaengjan
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tuangtip Theerawit
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Behavior and Technology Lab, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Barrington C, Davis DA, Villa-Torres L, Carcano J, Hightow-Weidman L. Intersectionalities and the HIV continuum of care among gay Latino men living with HIV in North Carolina. Ethn Health 2021; 26:1098-1113. [PMID: 31109189 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2019.1620177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in the US and only half of Latinos diagnosed with HIV are virally suppressed. Little is known about the determinants of HIV care and treatment outcomes among Latinos. We used theories of intersectionality to assess the HIV testing, care and treatment experiences of gay Latino men living with HIV in a new immigrant destination. DESIGN We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with US and foreign-born gay Latino men living with HIV (n = 14) recruited through referrals from HIV care providers and case managers. We used Maxwell and Miller's theory of qualitative analysis to guide our approach to data analysis, integrating narrative techniques and thematic coding. We used theories of intersectionality - including both intersecting identities and structures - as an interpretive framework to understand participants' outcomes and experiences. RESULTS All participants were engaged in HIV care at the time of the interviews. The mental health burden of diagnosis and managing life with HIV was a salient theme across all interviews. Most participants had experienced interruptions in their care due to both intersecting stigmatized identities (e.g. being gay, Latino, undocumented) and intersecting structures (healthcare, immigration policy, institutionalized homophobia). Undocumented participants directly connected their immigration status to their ability to get work, which then affected their retention in HIV care and treatment adherence. CONCLUSIONS Examining the interplay between identities and structures provides a contextualized understanding of outcomes along the HIV care continuum among gay Latino men that goes beyond behavioral and cultural explanations. There is a need to assess long-term experiences of navigating HIV care and treatment given the intersecting structures of mobility, housing instability, and immigration policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Barrington
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Dirk A Davis
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Laura Villa-Torres
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Joaquin Carcano
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Stephenson R, Walsh AR, Chavanduka TMD, Sallabank G, Horvath KJ, Castel AD, Bonar EE, Hightow-Weidman L, Bauermeister JA, Sullivan PS. Widespread closure of HIV prevention and care services places youth at higher risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249740. [PMID: 34506488 PMCID: PMC8432816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central to measuring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV is understanding the role of loss of access to essential HIV prevention and care services created by clinic and community-based organization closures. In this paper, we use a comprehensive list of HIV prevention services in four corridors of the US heavily impacted by HIV, developed as part of a large RCT, to illustrate the potential impact of service closure on LGBTQ+ youth. METHODS We identified and mapped LGBTQ+ friendly services offering at least one of the following HIV-related services: HIV testing; STI testing; PrEP/PEP; HIV treatment and care; and other HIV-related services in 109 counties across four major interstate corridors heavily affected by HIV US Census regions: Pacific (San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA); South-Atlantic (Washington, DC to Atlanta, GA); East-North-Central (Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI); and East-South-Central (Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA). RESULTS There were a total of 831 LGBTQ+ youth-friendly HIV service providers across the 109 counties. There was a range of LGBTQ+ youth-friendly HIV-service provider availability across counties (range: 0-14.33 per 10,000 youth aged 13-24 (IQR: 2.13), median: 1.09); 9 (8.26%) analyzed counties did not have any LGBTQ+ youth-friendly HIV service providers. The Pearson correlation coefficient for the correlation between county HIV prevalence and LGBTQ+ youth-friendly HIV service provider density was 0.16 (p = 0.09), suggesting only a small, non-statistically significant linear relationship between a county's available LGBTQ+ youth-friendly HIV service providers and their HIV burden. CONCLUSIONS As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we must find novel, affordable ways to continue to provide sexual health, mental health and other support services to LGBTQ+ youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Alison R. Walsh
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Tanaka M. D. Chavanduka
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Gregory Sallabank
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Keith J. Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Amanda D. Castel
- Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Erin E. Bonar
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Jose A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Chenneville T, Drake H, Gabbidon K, Rodriguez C, Hightow-Weidman L. Bijou: Engaging Young MSM in HIV Care Using a Mobile Health Strategy. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2021; 20:23259582211030805. [PMID: 34242100 PMCID: PMC8274121 DOI: 10.1177/23259582211030805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) living with HIV experience challenges with retention in care, which negatively affects viral suppression. To address this, researchers piloted Bijou, a program designed to provide health education through electronically delivered behavior and risk reduction modules. Participants were 29 YMSM aged 19-24 living with HIV from the southeastern US. Participants completed pre, post, and 3-month follow-up (3MFU) surveys assessing knowledge, intervention acceptability, satisfaction, self-efficacy, ehealth literacy, and usability. Findings revealed significant improvement in knowledge and e-health literacy from pre-test to post-test but lost significance at 3MFU. Self-efficacy scores did not show significant differences from pre-test to post-test or 3MFU. Participants who completed all modules considered Bijou usable and acceptable; however, many did not complete the program. Findings suggest a need for adaptations to promote knowledge retention, e-health literacy, engagement over time, and research with a larger, more representative sample.
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29
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Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig KE, Egger JR, Vecchio A, Platt A. Epic Allies: A Gamified Mobile App to Improve Engagement in HIV Care and Antiretroviral Adherence among Young Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2599-2617. [PMID: 33740213 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
HIV incidence among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) is disproportionally high. Youth living with HIV demonstrate low rates of sustained virologic suppression (VS). Epic Allies, a theory-based behavioral intervention mobile app, utilizes self-management tools, gamification, and social support to improve engagement in care and antiretroviral adherence among YMSM living with HIV. A two-arm individually randomized-controlled trial enrolled 146 participants aged 16 to 24 years old to test the efficacy of Epic Allies to achieve VS. Both study arms showed improved VS at 26-weeks (62.9% intervention; 73.5% control; ARR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.73, 1.18)) and antiretroviral adherence; intervention effects were amplified in regular app users. Issues with recruitment and app usage metrics limit the ability to definitively say that the app was effective in causing behavior changes resulting in improved health outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02782130).
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30
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Dennis AM, Cressman A, Pasquale D, Frost SDW, Kelly E, Guy J, Mobley V, Samoff E, Hurt CB, Mcneil C, Hightow-Weidman L, Carry M, Hogben M, Seña AC. Intersection of Syphilis and HIV Networks to Identify Opportunities to Enhance HIV Prevention. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:498-506. [PMID: 33978757 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV and syphilis infection continue at disproportionate rates among minority men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. The integration of HIV genetic clustering with partner services can provide important insight into local epidemic trends to guide interventions and control efforts. METHODS We evaluated contact networks of index persons defined as minority men and transgender women diagnosed with early syphilis and/or HIV infection between 2018-2020 in two North Carolina regions. HIV clusters were constructed from pol sequences collected through statewide surveillance. A combined "HIV-risk" network, which included persons with any links (genetic or sexual contact) to HIV-positive persons, was evaluated by component size, demographic factors, and HIV viral suppression. RESULTS In total, 1,289 index persons were identified and 55% named 1,153 contacts. Most index persons were Black (88%) and young (median age 30 years); 70% had early syphilis and 43% had prevalent HIV infection. Most people with HIV (65%) appeared in an HIV cluster. The combined HIV-risk network (1,590 contact network and 1,500 cluster members) included 287 distinct components; however, 1,586 (51%) were in a single component. Fifty-five percent of network members with HIV had no evidence of viral suppression. Overall, fewer index persons needed to be interviewed to identify one HIV-positive member without viral suppression (1.3 versus 4.0 for contact tracing). CONCLUSIONS Integration of HIV clusters and viral loads illuminate networks with high HIV prevalence, indicating recent and ongoing transmission. Interventions intensified towards these networks may efficiently reach persons for HIV prevention and care re-engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Dennis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Cressman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dana Pasquale
- Department of Sociology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Simon D W Frost
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, USA.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Kelly
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jalila Guy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Victoria Mobley
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Erika Samoff
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Christopher B Hurt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Candice Mcneil
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Monique Carry
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew Hogben
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Arlene C Seña
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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31
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Choi SK, Boynton MH, Ennett S, Muessig K, Bauermeister J, LeGrand S, Hightow-Weidman L. Sexual Empowerment Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men. J Sex Res 2021; 58:560-572. [PMID: 32897102 PMCID: PMC7937771 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1809614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual empowerment represents an important HIV intervention strategy, yet limited attention has examined the multidimensional nature of sexual empowerment in prior studies. Using a sample (n = 465) of young Black men who have sex with men (MSM), we used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test a multifactorial operationalization of sexual empowerment. CFA indicated that a bifactor model was best suited to characterize the sexual empowerment factor (SEF), suggesting that items for four sub-constructs (self-efficacy to refuse sexual behavior, emotional support, condom use self-efficacy, and social norms on condom use) contributed to their respective constructs, while also contributing to a latent sexual empowerment construct. We then examined the association between SEF and mental health outcomes (anxiety and depression symptoms) and safer sex intentions. SEF was negatively associated with mental health outcomes and positively associated with safer sex intentions. Ultimately, individuals with greater sexual empowerment might be better equipped to develop strategies to buffer their vulnerability to HIV. We discuss the implications of SEF as a bifactor during the design and evaluation of HIV risk-reduction interventions seeking to address sexual empowerment among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seul Ki Choi
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marcella H. Boynton
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Susan Ennett
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - José Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sara LeGrand
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Skeen SJ, Cain D, Gamarel KE, Hightow-Weidman L, Reback CJ. mHealth for transgender and gender-expansive youth: harnessing gender-affirmative cross-disciplinary innovations to advance HIV prevention and care interventions. Mhealth 2021; 7:37. [PMID: 33898606 PMCID: PMC8063017 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) youth endure stark disparities in health and wellbeing compared to their cisgender peers. A key social determinant of health for TGE adolescents and emerging adults is gender affirmation, which encompasses multidimensional validations of an individual's lived gender. Lacking available resources for one's gender affirmation, TGE young people may engage in high-risk maladaptive coping behaviors, linked to their disproportionately high HIV-acquisition risk. A range of innovative mobile technologies are guided by the Gender-Affirmative Framework to promote the health of TGE communities, including through HIV prevention and care continuum outcomes. The aim of this review was to examine key features of existing mobile technologies that can be leveraged to advance the field of TGE-responsive mHealth. We systematically searched scientific records, gray literature, and the iOS and Android app distribution services. To be eligible, platforms and interventions needed to be tailored exclusively to a TGE user base, incorporate gender-affirming features, and be optimized for or adaptive to mobile technologies. Eligible interventions (N=24) were compared on evidence of utility, core functionalities, and dimensions of gender affirmation. Smartphone applications (apps) and webapps (n=16) were the most common delivery modality. Many interventions (n=9) aimed to address HIV-related outcomes and integrated gender-affirmative features. The most common gender-affirmative features originated in fields of human-computer interactions and informatics, or were crowdfunded by TGE developers. HIV-focused interventions incorporated evidence-based health behavior change strategies and utilized rigorous evaluation methods. Across modalities and disciplines, behavioral self-monitoring and access to HIV prevention services were the most frequent features. Over two-thirds of the interventions reviewed aimed to provide medical gender affirmation (e.g, provided guidance on obtaining medically sanctioned hormone therapies, or safely practicing non-medical options such as chest-binding) or psychological gender affirmation (e.g, provided linkage to mental health counseling). Our results show that mHealth and other technology-mediated interventions offer a diverse range of both evidence-based and innovative features; however, many have not been rigorously evaluated in a randomized controlled trial to support TGE users. A continuing commitment to evidence-based health behavior change strategies, exemplified by the HIV-focused interventions included in this review, is essential to advancing gender-affirmative mHealth. The unique and highly innovative features of platforms originating outside the fields of HIV prevention and care suggest new directions for TGE-responsive mHealth, and the need for more conscientious models of knowledge exchange with investigators across scientific disciplines, private-sector developers, and potential users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone J. Skeen
- PRIDE Health Research Consortium, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Demetria Cain
- PRIDE Health Research Consortium, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cathy J. Reback
- Friends Research Institute, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Gamarel KE, Stephenson R, Hightow-Weidman L. Technology-driven methodologies to collect qualitative data among youth to inform HIV prevention and care interventions. Mhealth 2021; 7:34. [PMID: 33898603 PMCID: PMC8063018 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-2020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of technology as a platform for delivering HIV prevention interventions provides an efficient opportunity to reach those at risk for HIV with targeted and timely prevention and treatment messages. Technology-delivered HIV interventions are becoming increasingly popular and include interventions that use mobile text messaging and mobile phone apps or deliver prevention messages through telehealth platforms. Community-centered approaches of intervention development can help address the potential gap between science and practice by ensuring that interventions are appropriate and driven by community needs and desires. Common approaches to gaining community input rely on qualitative data gathered through in-person focus group discussions (FGD), in-depth interviews (IDI) and youth advisory boards (YABs). While these proven methodologies have strengths, youth engagement can be limited by structural barriers (e.g., lack of transportation, inconvenient timing) and reluctance to participate due to stigma or discomfort with group settings. This results in a number of biases that limit the quality of face-to-face qualitative data collection, i.e., social desirability bias or selection biases created by differential likelihood of recruitment and attendance. As an increasing number of HIV prevention and care interventions are successfully delivered online, innovative approaches to youth engagement in virtual spaces can also be applied across the intervention lifespan to increase the quality and validity of formative data. In this paper, we describe a range of qualitative data collection techniques that can be used via online platforms to collect qualitative data, and we outline their relative advantages over face-to-face FGD or IDI. We use four case studies to highlight the methodologies and findings and provide recommendations for researchers moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi E. Gamarel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
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Hightow-Weidman L, Carcano J, Choi SK, Sampson L, Barrington C. Enlaces Por La Salud: A Personal Health Navigator Intervention Grounded in the Transnational Framework. J Immigr Minor Health 2021:10.1007/s10903-021-01192-w. [PMID: 33835380 PMCID: PMC8033285 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01192-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Despite the disproportionate burden of HIV among Latinxs, there is a paucity of culturally appropriate interventions that have shown efficacy at increasing their engagement and retention in HIV care. We describe the development and implementation of Enlaces, a six-session, individual-level intervention, guided by the transnational framework, to improve HIV care outcomes for newly diagnosed and out-of-care Mexican men and transgender women (TW). Descriptive statistics summarizing baseline data and implementation outcomes are provided. 91 participants enrolled between October 2014 and August 2017. Intervention engagement and satisfaction was high; 81.3% completed all six sessions and 100% were very satisfied/satisfied with their experience. Successful implementation of the ENLACES intervention was the result of establishing client trust and maintaining a flexible, supportive approach to intervention delivery. Use of the transnational framework provided a contextualized approach to engaging with Mexican men and TW living with HIV that can be adapted to other Latino populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
| | | | - Seul Ki Choi
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Lynne Sampson
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Clare Barrington
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Biello KB, Hill-Rorie J, Valente PK, Futterman D, Sullivan PS, Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig K, Dormitzer J, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH. Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App Designed to Increase HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Open Pilot Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25107. [PMID: 33759792 PMCID: PMC8074990 DOI: 10.2196/25107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States. Uptake of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is suboptimal in this population. Novel methods for reaching YMSM are required. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe the development and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the MyChoices app, a mobile app designed to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among YMSM in the United States. METHODS Informed by the social cognitive theory, the MyChoices app was developed using an iterative process to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM. In 2017, beta theater testing was conducted in two US cities to garner feedback (n=4 groups; n=28 YMSM). These findings were used to refine MyChoices, which was then tested for initial acceptability and usability in a technical pilot (N=11 YMSM). Baseline and 2-month postbaseline assessments and exit interviews were completed. Transcripts were coded using a deductive approach, and thematic analysis was used to synthesize data; app acceptability and use data were also reported. RESULTS The MyChoices app includes personalized recommendations for HIV testing frequency and PrEP use; information on types of HIV tests and PrEP; ability to search for nearby HIV testing and PrEP care sites; and ability to order free home HIV and sexually transmitted infection test kits, condoms, and lube. In theater testing, YMSM described that MyChoices appears useful and that they would recommend it to peers. Participants liked the look and feel of the app and believed that the ability to search for and be pinged when near an HIV testing site would be beneficial. Some suggested that portions of the app felt repetitive and preferred using casual language rather than formal or medicalized terms. Following theater testing, the MyChoices app was refined, and participants in the technical pilot used the app, on average, 8 (SD 5.0; range 2-18) times over 2 months, with an average duration of 28 (SD 38.9) minutes per session. At the 2-month follow-up, the mean System Usability Scale (0-100) score was 71 (ie, above average; SD 11.8). Over 80% (9/11) of the participants reported that MyChoices was useful and 91% (10/11) said that they would recommend it to a friend. In exit interviews, there was a high level of acceptability for the content, interface, and features. CONCLUSIONS These data show the initial acceptability and user engagement of the MyChoices app. If future studies demonstrate efficacy in increasing HIV testing and PrEP uptake, the app is scalable to reach YMSM across the United States. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03179319; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03179319. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/10694.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Global Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angelas, CA, United States
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Mayer KH, Nelson L, Hightow-Weidman L, Mimiaga MJ, Mena L, Reisner S, Daskalakis D, Safren SA, Beyrer C, Sullivan PS. The persistent and evolving HIV epidemic in American men who have sex with men. Lancet 2021; 397:1116-1126. [PMID: 33617771 PMCID: PMC9639667 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00321-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA were the first population to be identified with AIDS and continue to be at very high risk of HIV acquisition. We did a systematic literature search to identify the factors that explain the reasons for the ongoing epidemic in this population, using a social-ecological perspective. Common features of the HIV epidemic in American MSM include role versatility and biological, individual, and social and structural factors. The high-prevalence networks of some racial and ethnic minority men are further concentrated because of assortative mixing, adverse life experiences (including high rates of incarceration), and avoidant behaviour because of negative interactions with the health-care system. Young MSM have additional risks for HIV because their impulse control is less developed and they are less familiar with serostatus and other risk mitigation discussions. They might benefit from prevention efforts that use digital technologies, which they often use to meet partners and obtain health-related information. Older MSM remain at risk of HIV and are the largest population of US residents with chronic HIV, requiring culturally responsive programmes that address longer-term comorbidities. Transgender MSM are an understudied population, but emerging data suggest that some are at great risk of HIV and require specifically tailored information on HIV prevention. In the current era of pre-exposure prophylaxis and the undetectable equals untransmittable campaign, training of health-care providers to create culturally competent programmes for all MSM is crucial, since the use of antiretrovirals is foundational to optimising HIV care and prevention. Effective control of the HIV epidemic among all American MSM will require scaling up programmes that address their common vulnerabilities, but are sufficiently nuanced to address the specific sociocultural, structural, and behavioural issues of diverse subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth H Mayer
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - LaRon Nelson
- School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Fielding School of Public Health and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Leandro Mena
- Medical Center, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Sari Reisner
- Boston Children's Hospital, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Chris Beyrer
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Choi SK, Bauermeister J, Muessig K, Ennett S, Boynton MH, Hightow-Weidman L. A Multidimensional Model of Sexual Empowerment Among Young Black Men Who have Sex with Men: A Latent Profile Analysis. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:679-688. [PMID: 32910352 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sexual empowerment is a key strategy in HIV prevention intervention design, yet its measurement has been conceptualized as homogeneous. To date, no studies have examined whether young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) exhibit heterogeneity across sexual empowerment. Using baseline data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 275, HIV-negative YBMSM), we classified YBMSM into sexual empowerment profiles based on five indicators using a latent profile analysis and assessed the associations between the sexual empowerment profiles and stigma-related experiences using multinomial logistic regression. Three profiles were identified: psychologically empowered with safer sex intentions (profile 1); psychologically disempowered with safer sex intentions (profile 2); and psychologically disempowered without safer sex intentions (profile 3). YBMSM reporting fewer stigma-related experiences were more likely to be profile 1 than profile 2 and profile 3. To empower YBMSM, interventions based on sexual empowerment profile targeting the psychological/behavioral aspects of empowerment and addressing stigma are needed.
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Teixeira da Silva D, Biello K, Lin WY, Valente PK, Mayer KH, Hightow-Weidman L, Bauermeister JA. COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among an Online Sample of Sexual and Gender Minority Men and Transgender Women. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:204. [PMID: 33804530 PMCID: PMC7999863 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations are particularly vulnerable to poor COVID-19 outcomes and are more likely to experience stigma and medical mistrust that may impact COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. This study examined the prevalence of COVID testing and diagnosis and assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among a large sample of SGM. Participants were recruited as part of an online cross-sectional study focused on an HIV biomedical prevention technology willingness in the United States at increased risk for HIV sero-conversion. Multivariate linear analysis was conducted to examine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The study sample included 1350 predominately gay (61.6%), Black (57.9%), cis-gender (95.7%) males with a mean age of 32.9 years. Medical mistrust and social concern regarding COVID-19 vaccine stigma were significantly associated with decreased COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, and altruism was significantly associated with increased vaccine acceptance. Black participants were significantly less likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine, and Asian participants were significantly more likely to accept a vaccine, compared to White peers. As the planning of COVID-19 vaccine rollout efforts is conceptualized and designed, these data may inform equitable implementation strategies and prevent worsening health inequities among SGM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Teixeira da Silva
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Katie Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.B.); (P.K.V.)
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Willey Y. Lin
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Pablo K. Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; (K.B.); (P.K.V.)
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- Fenway Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA;
| | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
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Jackman KMP, Hightow-Weidman L, Poteat T, Wirtz AL, Kane JC, Baral SD. Evaluating psychometric determinants of willingness to adopt sexual health patient portal services among black college students: A mixed-methods approach. J Am Coll Health 2021; 69:190-197. [PMID: 31710578 PMCID: PMC7211543 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1660352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To describe, using mixed-methods, perceptions of access to sexually transmitted infection test results via electronic personal health record (PHR) and correlates of willingness to adopt its use. Participants: Students at a mid-Atlantic historically black college. Methods: Focus-groups and interviews were conducted to explore themes on sexual health-related PHR-use (N = 35). Codes were operationalized into survey measures assessing beliefs in a cross-sectional sample (N = 354). Exploratory factor analysis identified latent factors among survey items. Multiple logistic regression models measured correlates of adoption willingness. Results: Three qualitative themes emerged on relative advantages, barriers, and functionality of PHRs. 57.6% of survey participants were willing to use PHRs for sexual health services. Reliable latent factors, centering on PHR convenience and functionality, were positively associated with adoption willingness. Conclusions: Data highlights interest among black college-age youth in adopting PHRs for comprehensive sexual health-related services. Adoption may be boosted with tailored designs responsive to expressed service needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevon-Mark P Jackman
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tonia Poteat
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea L Wirtz
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeremy C Kane
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Zlotorzynska M, Bauermeister JA, Golinkoff JM, Lin W, Sanchez TH, Hightow-Weidman L. Online recruitment of youth for mHealth studies. Mhealth 2021; 7:27. [PMID: 33898596 PMCID: PMC8063013 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networking sites and apps have emerged as an opportunity to engage in research young men who have sex with men (YMSM) at risk of HIV infection who may not be otherwise reached by in-person recruitment efforts. This paper highlights lessons learned, best practices and on-going recruitment challenges in the iTech network of the NIH Adolescent Trials Network for HIV Interventions. METHODS Recruitment was conducted for four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mHealth HIV prevention interventions for YMSM living in 10 US cities. Advertising was purchased on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Grindr. Users who clicked on banner ads were taken directly to a study-specific eligibility screener and if eligible, were asked to provide contact information for follow-up by respective study site staff. Ad and screening metrics (impressions, clicks, cost per click (CPC), click-through rate (CTR), number screened, number eligible, number who provided contact information and cost per eligible contact) were compared across platforms, studies and geographic areas (where available). Screening metrics were also calculated for in-person recruitment efforts. RESULTS Grindr and Snapchat ads produced the highest CTRs as compared to Facebook ads. However, these ads had the lowest proportions of users who initiated eligibility screeners and ultimately Facebook ads yielded the lowest cost per eligible contact across studies. Instagram ads yielded the highest proportions of eligible contacts who were racial/ethnic minorities and under the age of 18. Geographic variability in cost per eligible contact was observed for studies with identical eligibility criteria running concurrently in different regions, driven by both advertising costs and the screening and eligibility rates. Despite lower eligibility rates, the total numbers of eligible contacts were higher for online advertising campaigns, as compared to other recruitment efforts, for all studies except P3. Ads recruiting for P3 had the highest cost per eligible contact, likely due to this study having the most stringent eligibility criteria of the studies described. CONCLUSIONS We implemented a successful online advertising strategy to recruit YMSM at high risk for HIV infection into four RCTs of mHealth interventions. This report provides a framework for evaluation of data from future online recruitment efforts across platforms and geographic areas, regardless of inevitable changes in the digital marketing space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José A Bauermeister
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jesse M Golinkoff
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Willey Lin
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 130 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Hightow-Weidman L. Introduction to series on technology-based HIV prevention and care interventions for youth. Mhealth 2021; 7:42. [PMID: 34345619 PMCID: PMC8326952 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-2020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Professor of Medicine and Health Behavior, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Sullivan PS, Hightow-Weidman L. Mobile apps for HIV prevention: how do they contribute to our epidemic response for adolescents and young adults? Mhealth 2021; 7:36. [PMID: 33898605 PMCID: PMC8063022 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile health (mHealth) tools to address the HIV epidemic have proliferated in recent years. Yet when applied to the United States (US) epidemic, which is driven by new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM), it is not clear how mHealth tools fit in the overall portfolio of biobehavioral prevention interventions and clinical services proven to be efficacious. Adolescent and young adult MSM are particularly vulnerable and reducing HIV incidence among this priority population will require substantial levels of uptake of multiple prevention strategies (i.e., HIV testing, condom use, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and treatment for those with HIV infection). Starting from the premise that adolescents are avid consumers of technology, this paper considers the particular strengths and opportunities of mHealth tools to address HIV prevention and provides examples of mHealth approaches that have been tested or are in development in these areas. Even after mHealth interventions are proven effective, there will be important intervening steps before such tools can be deployed and integrated into existing prevention programs given the diverse landscape of prevention service delivery. We anticipate some of the likely barriers to broad implementation of proven mHealth interventions in the context of the US public health funding and service delivery infrastructure and provide recommendations to increase efforts for future scale-up and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Biello KB, Horvitz C, Mullin S, Mayer KH, Scott H, Coleman K, Dormitzer J, Norelli J, Hightow-Weidman L, Sullivan P, Mimiaga MJ, Buchbinder S, Bojan K, Futterman D, Emmanuel P, Liu A. HIV self-testing and STI self-collection via mobile apps: experiences from two pilot randomized controlled trials of young men who have sex with men. Mhealth 2021; 7:26. [PMID: 33898595 PMCID: PMC8063023 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States (US) and have low rates of HIV/STI testing. Provision of HIV self-testing and STI self-collection can increase testing rates, and access to these kits through mobile applications (apps) could help facilitate YMSM using HIV self-testing and STI self-collection. METHODS Data for this study comes from two pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mobile apps within the Adolescent Trials Network-LYNX and MyChoices-aimed to increase HIV/STI testing among YMSM (age 15-24) who had not recently tested for HIV and were at high risk for HIV acquisition across five US cities. Both apps include the ability to order a HIV self-test with rapid results and a kit for STI self-collection and mailing of samples for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia to a lab for testing. Using assessments of app users (n=80) at pre-randomization and at 3- and 6-months post-randomization and online interview data from a purposive sample of app users (n=37), we report on experiences and lessons learned with HIV self-testing and STI self-collection kits ordered via the apps. RESULTS Participants were on average 20.7 years of age (SD =2.4), and 49% were non-White or multiple race/ethnicity. Sixty-three percent had a prior HIV test. Over half (58%) had a prior STI test, but only 3% had tested within the past 3 months. Nearly two-thirds ordered an HIV self-testing kit; of whom, 75% reported using at least one self-test kit over the study period. STI self-collection kit ordering rates were also high (54%); however, STI self-collection kit return rates were lower (13%), but with a high positivity rate (5.3%). Both HIV self-testing and STI self-collection kits were highly acceptable, and 87% reported that it was extremely/very helpful to be able to order these kits through the apps. The most common reason for not ordering the HIV/STI kits was preferring to test at a clinic. In interviews, participants expressed feeling empowered by being able to test at home; however, they also raised concerns around STI sample collection. CONCLUSIONS HIV self-testing and STI self-collection kit ordering via mobile apps is feasible, acceptable and may show promise in increasing testing rates among YMSM. The LYNX and MyChoices apps are currently being tested in a full-scale efficacy trial, and if successful, these innovative mobile apps could be scaled up to efficiently increase HIV/STI testing among youth across the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B. Biello
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Health Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Casey Horvitz
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shelby Mullin
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.C. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Coleman
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jenna Norelli
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Health Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Susan Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Bojan
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, The Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Emmanuel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Albert Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Giovenco D, Muessig KE, Horvitz C, Biello KB, Liu AY, Horvath KJ, Golinkoff JM, Reback CJ, Hightow-Weidman L. Adapting technology-based HIV prevention and care interventions for youth: lessons learned across five U.S. Adolescent Trials Network studies. Mhealth 2021; 7:21. [PMID: 33898590 PMCID: PMC8063021 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND U.S. sexual and gender minority youth experience individual, interpersonal, and structural-level barriers to HIV prevention and care. Innovative, youth-driven approaches to mobile and electronic interventions that support use of new biomedical prevention, testing, and treatment options may address these barriers. Adapting evidence-based interventions for youth must balance core intervention components with responsiveness to the distinct needs of end-users. METHODS The UNC/Emory Center for Innovative Technology (iTech) adapts and evaluates technology-based interventions for youth living with or at risk for HIV. We analyzed formative research (focus groups and individual usability sessions) across five iTech studies: two apps promoting HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), one app promoting behavioral risk reduction and PrEP, one PrEP adherence app, and one mobile-optimized website for increasing viral suppression, with the aim of informing best practices for technology-based intervention development. Each study presented prototypes of adapted mHealth interventions to samples of their target end-user population for use and/or evaluation. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-eight youth across seven geographically diverse sites provided feedback during the intervention adaptation process. We found high interest in and acceptability of all five intervention prototypes. Cross-study themes included: (I) Desire for multiple privacy protections (e.g., password, fingerprint) to keep HIV status, sexual identity, and sexual behavior confidential. (II) Strong but varied preferences for the look and feel of platforms. Imagery should be discrete but representative. Participants valued customizable platforms and positive themes, motivational language, and humor. Youth wanted information presented using multiple modalities (e.g., text, video, image) to increase engagement. (III) Youth preferred engagement features and functions consistent with familiar platforms (e.g., Snapchat, Instagram). Gamification features that resulted in tangible versus virtual rewards were predicted to increase engagement. Intervention messaging functions were perceived as useful; customization was desired as a way to control frequency, mode (e.g., SMS, in-app message, push notification), and content. (IV) Youth voiced varied preferences for platform content including: featuring young role models from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) community, incorporating mental health resources, and maintaining a holistic health-focus (not HIV-centric). CONCLUSIONS We found high acceptability and consistent feedback in youths' evaluations of these mHealth interventions; divergence was most commonly found in preferred content versus features and functions. Identifying broadly accepted aspects of mHealth interventions for youth supports the feasibility of adaptation (versus de novo creation) and should guide the focus of future formative research phases. Continued research is needed to better understand how to balance usability preferences with finite resources for customization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Giovenco
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Casey Horvitz
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Katie B. Biello
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Albert Y. Liu
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, Bridge HIV, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Keith J. Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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45
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Siegler AJ, Knox J, Bauermeister JA, Golinkoff J, Hightow-Weidman L, Scott H. Mobile app development in health research: pitfalls and solutions. Mhealth 2021; 7:32. [PMID: 33898601 PMCID: PMC8063010 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-19-263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile app health research presents myriad opportunities to improve health, and simultaneously introduces a new set of challenges that are non-intuitive and extend beyond typical training received by researchers. Informed by our experiences with app development for health research, we discuss some of the most salient pitfalls when working with emerging technology as well as potential strategies to avoid or resolve these challenges. To address challenges at the project level, we suggest strategies that researchers can use to future-proof their research, such as using theory and involving those with app development expertise as part of a research team. At the structural level, we include a new model to characterize the relationship between technology- and research-timelines, and provide ideas regarding how to best address this challenge. Given that screen-based time now predominates our lived experiences, it is important that health researchers have the capacity and structural support to develop interventions that utilize these technologies, assess them rigorously, and ensure their timely and equitable dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Siegler
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justin Knox
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jesse Golinkoff
- Department of Family & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Jackman KMP, Murray S, Hightow-Weidman L, Trent ME, Wirtz AL, Baral SD, Jennings JM. Digital technology to address HIV and other sexually transmitted infection disparities: Intentions to disclose online personal health records to sex partners among students at a historically Black college. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237648. [PMID: 32822360 PMCID: PMC7442257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient portals are creating new opportunities for youth to disclose high-fidelity sexually transmitted infection (STI) laboratory test result histories to sex partners. Among an online survey sample, we describe latent constructs and other variables associated with perceived behavioral intentions to disclose STI test history using patient portals. Participants were co-ed students aged 18 to 25 years (N = 354) attending a southern United States Historically Black College and University in 2015. Three reliable latent constructs were identified by conducting psychometric analyses on 27 survey items. Latent constructs represent, a) STI test disclosure valuation beliefs, b) communication practices, and c) performance expectancy beliefs for disclosing with patient portals. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship of latent constructs to perceived behavioral intentions to disclose STI test history using patient portals. Approximately 14% (48/354) reported patient portal use prior to study and 59% (208/354) endorsed behavioral intentions to use patient portals to disclose STI test history. The latent construct reflecting performance expectancies of patient portals to improve communication and accuracy of disclosed test information was associated with behavioral intentions to disclose STI test histories using patient portals [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.22; p<0.001]. Latent constructs representing communication valuation beliefs and practices were not associated with intentions. Self-reporting prior STI diagnosis was also associated with intentions to disclose using patient portals (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI = 1.15 to 6.96; p = 0.02). Point of care messages focused on improvements to validating test results, communication, and empowerment, may be an effective strategy to support the adoption of patient portals for STI prevention among populations of college-aged Black youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevon-Mark P. Jackman
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Sarah Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Maria E. Trent
- Department of Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrea L. Wirtz
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stefan D. Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacky M. Jennings
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Child and Community Health Research (CCHR), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Reback CJ, Rusow JA, Cain D, Benkeser D, Arayasirikul S, Hightow-Weidman L, Horvath KJ. Technology-Based Stepped Care to Stem Transgender Adolescent Risk Transmission: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (TechStep). JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e18326. [PMID: 32788149 PMCID: PMC7458064 DOI: 10.2196/18326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender youth demonstrate significantly higher rates of engagement in sexual risk behaviors relative to their cisgender or gender-conforming counterparts, including high rates of condomless anal intercourse and engagement in sex work. In addition, transgender youth experience increased physical or sexual abuse, victimization, substance use, mental health disorders, incarceration, and homelessness. Owing to these syndemic health disparities, transgender youth are at substantially increased risk of HIV infection. OBJECTIVE This protocol aims to describe a randomized controlled trial (RCT), Adolescent Medicine Trials Network 160 TechStep (N=250), which assesses the differential immediate and sustained effects of each of 3 conditions (text messaging, WebApp, or information-only control) for reducing sexual risk behaviors and increasing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among high-risk, HIV-negative transgender youth and young adults (aged 15-24 years). METHODS Participants will be recruited through web-based (targeted social media sites and apps) and offline (print ads and flyers) advertisements, peer and clinic referrals, and street- and venue-based outreach, and by contacting potential participants who have requested contact for future studies. Participants will be randomized into 1 of the 3 conditions: (1) text messaging, (2) WebApp, or (3) information-only control for 6 months. Assessments will occur at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 months. Participants who do not show improvements in sexual risk or PrEP uptake at the 3-month assessment will be rerandomized to receive weekly electronic coaching (eCoaching) sessions in addition to their assigned text messaging or WebApp intervention, or remain in the original text messaging or WebApp intervention using a 2:1 ratio. Participants originally assigned to the information-only condition are not eligible for rerandomization. RESULTS Funding for TechStep was awarded in June 2017. Phase 1 was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in April 2018. Recruitment began in November 2018 for phase 1, the formative phase. Initial phase 2 IRB approval came in June 2019. The data collection for phase 2, the RCT, is expected to be completed in April 2021. As of March 2020, 54 participants have been enrolled in TechStep. The final results are anticipated in May 2021. CONCLUSIONS By providing culturally responsive, technology-based interventions, TechStep aims to improve sexual health outcomes among HIV-negative transgender youth and young adults at high risk of HIV. TechStep will evaluate the efficacy of technology-based interventions for reducing HIV sexual risk behaviors and increasing PrEP initiation, adherence, and persistence. The suite of technology-based interventions developed in TechStep, and assessed for efficacy in a 3-condition RCT, represents an important advancement in intervention science toward developing tailored and scalable interventions for transgender youth and young adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04000724; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04000724. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/18326.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J Reback
- Friends Research Institute, Inc, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- UCLA Center for HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment Services, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Joshua A Rusow
- Friends Research Institute, Inc, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Demetria Cain
- PRIDE Health Research Consortium, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Benkeser
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sean Arayasirikul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Trans Research Unit for Equity, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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48
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to describe and assess the literature on mobile health (mHealth) and other technology-based HIV testing interventions published in the 5-year period from 2015 to 2020. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 18 published technology-based studies, 6 of which were efficacy trials and the remaining 12 were either pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies. Most (n = 10) interventions were conducted outside the USA, including countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 4), China (n = 3), Latin America (n = 2), and India (n = 1). All efficacy trials showed some evidence of efficacy, although uptake of HIV testing was low among in intervention trials that consisted of a low number of text messages. Most pilot RCTs demonstrated high levels of feasibility and acceptability, as well as some evidence that the intervention participants benefited more than the control group. Many non-randomized trials similarly reported positive appraisal by study participants. Recommendations for future research and practice by the authors of the studies reviewed here are summarized. Technology-assisted HIV testing interventions may be an important strategy to reach national and global targets for HIV status awareness in the general population and for most at-risk groups. Although there appears to be growing evidence of their benefit, questions linger regarding how to leverage existing social media platforms to promote HIV testing, which interventions work for what populations, and best practices for scaling up mHealth and other technology-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Teresa Walker
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Linda Mireles
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, and the School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig K, Claude K, Roberts J, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez T. Maximizing Digital Interventions for Youth in the Midst of Covid-19: Lessons from the Adolescent Trials Network for HIV Interventions. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2239-2243. [PMID: 32306214 PMCID: PMC7166094 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02870-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
- Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
- Behavior and Technology Lab (BATLab), Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Kate Muessig
- Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
- Behavior and Technology Lab (BATLab), Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Kristina Claude
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
- Behavior and Technology Lab (BATLab), Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Jessica Roberts
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
- Behavior and Technology Lab (BATLab), Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
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50
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Wheeler DP, Fields SD, Beauchamp G, Chen YQ, Emel LM, Hightow-Weidman L, Hucks-Ortiz C, Kuo I, Lucas J, Magnus M, Mayer KH, Nelson LE, Hendrix CW, Piwowar-Manning E, Shoptaw S, Watkins P, Watson CC, Wilton L. Pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation and adherence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in three US cities: results from the HPTN 073 study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 22:e25223. [PMID: 30768776 PMCID: PMC6376611 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, limited research has examined initiation and adherence to PrEP among Black MSM (BMSM) in the United States (US) who are disproportionately represented among newly HIV infected and late to care individuals. This research reports on the HIV Prevention Trials Network 073 (HPTN 073) study aimed to examine PrEP initiation, utilization and adherence among Black MSM utilizing the theoretically principled, culturally informed and client-centered care coordination (C4) model. METHODS The HPTN 073 study enrolled and followed 226 HIV-uninfected Black MSM in three US cities (Los Angeles, CA; Washington DC; and Chapel Hill, NC) from February 2013 through September 2015. Study participants were offered once daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir (FTC/TDF) PrEP combined with C4 and followed up for 52 weeks. Participants received HIV testing, risk reduction education and clinical monitoring. RESULTS Of the 226 men enrolled, 178 participants initiated PrEP (79%), and of these 64% demonstrated PrEP utilization at week 26 (mid-point of the study) based on pharmacokinetic testing. Condomless anal sex with an HIV-infected or unknown status casual male partner was statistically significantly associated with a greater likelihood of PrEP initiation (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7, 11.7). Greater age (≥25 vs. <25, OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.37 -6.37), perception of having enough money (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.7) and knowledge of male partner taking PrEP before sex (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.79) were statistically significantly associated with increased likelihood of PrEP adherence at week 26. Annualized HIV incidence was 2.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 7.9) among those who initiated PrEP, compared to 7.7 (95% CI 2.5 to 24.1) among those who did not initiate PrEP (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest a high level of PrEP initiation among at-risk Black MSM, a group historically characterized as hard to reach. The data support the importance of addressing contextual factors that affect PrEP initiation and adherence, and of additional research on the ultimate benefit of PrEP in HIV prevention among Black MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell P Wheeler
- School of Social Welfare, University at Albany - SUNY, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sheldon D Fields
- School of Health Professions, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Geetha Beauchamp
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ying Q Chen
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD) and Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lynda M Emel
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research & Prevention (SCHARP), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division (VIDD), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Irene Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jonathan Lucas
- Science Facilitation Department, FHI 360, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Manya Magnus
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - LaRon E Nelson
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Craig W Hendrix
- Department of Medicine (Clinical Pharmacology), John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Leo Wilton
- Department of Human Development, State University of New York at BinghamtonBinghamton, NY, USA.,Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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