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Griffiths M, Hatabah D, Sullivan P, Mantus G, Sanchez T, Zlotorzynska M, Heilman S, Camacho-Gonzalez A, Leake D, Korman R, Le M, Suthara M, Wrammert J, Vos MB, Morris CR. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity in Pediatric Healthcare Workers Prior to Widespread Vaccination: A Five-month Longitudinal Cohort Study. Int J Infect Dis 2024:107064. [PMID: 38641316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determine SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody incidence over time in unvaccinated pediatric healthcare workers (pHCWs). DESIGN Prospective longitudinal cohort of unvaccinated pHCWs measuring incidence of new infection after initial prevalence was established at 4.1% with seropositive predominance in emergency department (ED)-based pHCWs. Serum samples were collected at follow-up visits to detect new SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Univariate analysis was performed to estimate different incidence rates between participant demographics, job, employment location and community risk factors. Anxiety levels about COVID-19 were collected. SARS-CoV-2 antibody decay post-infection, and neutralization antibodies were evaluated. Log-linear Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence. RESULTS Of 642 initially enrolled, 390 pHCWs presented for at least one follow-up serology test after baseline analysis. Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 8.2%. The seropositive cohort, like the negative one consisted mainly of females in non-ED settings and non-physician roles. There were no statistically significant differences in incidence across variables. Seropositive participants dropped antibody titers by 50% at 3 months. Neutralization antibodies correlated to SARs-CoV-2 binding antibodies (r=0.43,p<0.0001). CONCLUSION Incidence of seropositivity was 8.2%. Although seropositivity was higher among ED staff during early stages of the pandemic, this difference declined over time, likely due to universal adoption of personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Griffiths
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dunia Hatabah
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Grace Mantus
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Stacy Heilman
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Andres Camacho-Gonzalez
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Deborah Leake
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rawan Korman
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mimi Le
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mehul Suthara
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jens Wrammert
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Miriam B Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Claudia R Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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Massud I, Ruone S, Zlotorzynska M, Haaland R, Mills P, Cong ME, Kelley K, Johnson R, Holder A, Dinh C, Khalil G, Pan Y, Kelley CF, Sanchez T, Heneine W, García-Lerma JG. Corrigendum to - "Single oral dose for HIV pre or post-exposure prophylaxis: user desirability and biological efficacy in macaques" [eBioMedicine 58(2020) 102894]. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:105014. [PMID: 38354533 PMCID: PMC10875212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Massud
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Susan Ruone
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Richard Haaland
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick Mills
- Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mian-Er Cong
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kristen Kelley
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ryan Johnson
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Angela Holder
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Chuong Dinh
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - George Khalil
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yi Pan
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Colleen F Kelley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Walid Heneine
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - J Gerardo García-Lerma
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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Sanchez T, Hall E, Siegler AJ, Prakash-Asrani R, Bradley H, Fahimi M, Lopman B, Luisi N, Nelson KN, Sailey C, Shioda K, Valentine-Graves M, Sullivan PS. Prevalence of COVID-19 Mitigation Behaviors in US Adults (August-December 2020): Nationwide Household Probability Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e37102. [PMID: 38055314 PMCID: PMC10702689 DOI: 10.2196/37102] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing hand hygiene, have been and will remain vital to slowing the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the period prevalence of consistent mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene practices during the peak of COVID-19 incidence (August-December 2020) and just before COVID-19 vaccine availability, overall and in demographic subgroups. METHODS We used baseline survey data from a nationwide household probability sample to generate weighted estimates of mitigation behaviors: wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and practicing hand hygiene. Weighted logistic regression explored differences in mitigation behaviors by demographics. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified patterns in mitigation behaviors. RESULTS Among 4654 participants, most (n=2727, 58.6%) were female, were non-Hispanic White (n=3063, 65.8%), were aged 55 years or older (n=2099, 45.1%), lived in the South (n=2275, 48.9%), lived in metropolitan areas (n=4186, 89.9%), had at least a bachelor's degree (n=2547, 54.7%), had an income of US $50,000-$99,000 (n=1445, 31%), and were privately insured (n=2734, 58.7%). The period prevalence of consistent mask wearing was 71.1% (sample-weighted 95% CI 68.8-73.3); consistent social distancing, 42.9% (95% CI 40.5-45.3); frequent handwashing, 55.0% (95% CI 52.3-57.7); and frequent hand sanitizing, 21.5% (95% CI 19.4-23.8). Mitigation behaviors were more prevalent among women, older persons, Black or Hispanic persons, those who were not college graduates, and service-oriented workers. LCA identified an optimal-mitigation class that consistently practiced all behaviors (n=2656, 67% of US adults), a low-mitigation class that inconsistently practiced all behaviors (n=771, 20.6%), and a class that had optimal masking and social distancing but a high frequency of hand hygiene (n=463, 12.4%). CONCLUSIONS Despite a high prevalence of COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, there were likely millions who did not consistently practice these behaviors during the time of the highest COVID-19 incidence. In future infectious disease outbreak responses, public health authorities should also consider addressing disparities in mitigation practices through more targeted prevention messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Eric Hall
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Heather Bradley
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Benjamin Lopman
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kristin N Nelson
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Kayoko Shioda
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Zhang H, Sanchez T, Zlotorzynska M, Baral S, Hecht J. Experiences of Stigma and HIV Status Associated with Awareness and Usage of Safer Sex Functions in Dating Apps Among MSM, 2019 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) Study. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:3603-3611. [PMID: 37421546 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04074-4] [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] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Dating apps represent opportunities to implement sexual health interventions among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those who may avoid traditional health services due to intersecting stigmas. We used multivariable models to explore whether stigma experience was associated with awareness and usage of safer sex functions in dating apps among 7700 MSM who completed a 2019 US nationwide online survey. Perceived community intolerance of gay and bisexual men was associated with reduced awareness of sexual health strategy profile options (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.95; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93-0.98) and sexual health information and resources (aPR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99). Stigma from family and friends was associated with increased usage of app-based sexual health reminders (aPR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.28) and sexual health information and resources (aPR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04-1.31). Stigma experience of MSM should be considered in optimizing app-based sexual health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisu Zhang
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Maria Zlotorzynska
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21215, USA
| | - Jen Hecht
- Building Healthy Online Communities, Springboard Health Lab, Richmond, USA
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5
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Brown CA, Siegler AJ, Zahn RJ, Valencia RK, Sanchez T, Kramer MR, Phaswana-Mafuya NR, Stephenson R, Bekker LG, Baral SD, Sullivan PS. Assessing the association of stigma and HIV service and prevention uptake among men who have sex with men and transgender women in South Africa. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1497-1507. [PMID: 36755403 PMCID: PMC10406969 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2175770] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
HIV prevention for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender women (TGW) is critical to reducing health disparities and population HIV prevalence. To understand if different types of stigma impact engagement with HIV prevention services, we assessed associations between stigmas and use of HIV prevention services offered through an HIV prevention intervention. This analysis included 201 GBMSM and TGW enrolled in a prospective cohort offering a package of HIV prevention interventions. Participants completed a baseline survey that included four domains of sexual identity/behavior stigma, HIV-related stigma, and healthcare stigma. Impact of stigma on PrEP uptake and the number of drop-in visits was assessed. No domain of stigma was associated with PrEP uptake. In bivariate analysis, increased enacted sexual identity stigma increased number of drop-in visits. In a logistic regression analysis constrained to sexual identity stigma, enacted stigma was associated with increased drop-in visits (aIRR = 1.30, [95% CI: 1.02, 1.65]). Participants reporting higher enacted stigma were modestly more likely to attend additional services and have contact with the study clinics and staff. GBMSM and TGW with higher levels of enacted stigma may seek out sensitized care after negative experiences in their communities or other healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Brown
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
- ViiV Healthcare, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ryan J Zahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel K Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nancy Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya
- SAMRC/JJ Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research (PACER) Extramural Unit; Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Stefan D Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Beckham SW, Sanchez T, Fowler R, Zlotorzynska M, Rai M, Sullivan P, Vannappagari V, Sarkar S, Glick JL, Rinehart AR, Rawlings K, Bridges JF. Variation in Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among US Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Latent Class Analysis. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:495-503. [PMID: 37862078 PMCID: PMC10771870 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0109] [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: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cabotegravir long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (LA PrEP) is efficacious, with a good safety profile, and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 2021. Understanding variations in potential user preferences for LA PrEP may inform implementation and subsequently improve uptake and community-level effectiveness. HIV-negative, sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) aged ≥15 years were recruited online for the 2019 American Men's Internet Survey, before LA PrEP approval. Respondents completed a discrete-choice experiment (DCE) with hypothetical LA PrEP attributes (out-of-pocket cost, perceived side effects, injection frequency, perceived stigma, service location). Latent class analysis segmented respondents into groups based on their preferences for the attributes presented, and relative importance of preference weights and willingness-to-pay were calculated. While the majority had never used daily oral PrEP, 73% of the 2489 respondents were very or somewhat likely to use LA PrEP. Three latent classes were identified from 2241 respondents in the DCE. The "side effects-averse" class was the largest group (64% of respondents) and placed 61% relative importance on side effects. The "ambivalent" class (20% of respondents) placed higher importance on stigma (17% of relative importance) than other classes. The "cost-conscious" class (16% of respondents) placed higher relative importance (62%) on cost compared with other attributes and classes. Perceived side effects were an important hypothetical barrier for LA PrEP uptake among a large proportion of potential MSM users. Minimizing out-of-pocket costs is likely to increase uptake and may be important to equitable access. Tailored communication strategies are recommended for the different groups of potential LA PrEP users.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Wilson Beckham
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rebecca Fowler
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Mona Rai
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Patrick Sullivan
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Vani Vannappagari
- ViiV Healthcare & University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Supriya Sarkar
- ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Glick
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Keith Rawlings
- ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Abara WE, Sullivan P, Carpino T, Sanchez T, Atkins K, Delaney K, Edwards OW, Marissa H, Baral S, Ogale Y, Galloway E, Lansky A. Characteristics of Mpox Vaccine Recipients Among a Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men With Presumed Exposure to Mpox. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:458-461. [PMID: 36940183 PMCID: PMC10330397 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001800] [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: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mpox vaccination is recommended for persons exposed to or at risk for mpox. Approximately 25% of an online sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) with presumed mpox exposure were vaccinated (≥1 dose). Vaccination was higher among younger MSM, MSM concerned about mpox, or MSM reporting sexual risk behaviors. Incorporating mpox vaccination into routine sexual health care and increasing 2-dose vaccination uptake is essential to preventing mpox acquisition, improving MSM sexual health, and averting future mpox outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston E. Abara
- Mpox Response Team, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | | | - Tom Carpino
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta GA
| | - Kait Atkins
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kevin Delaney
- Mpox Response Team, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | | | - Hannah Marissa
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta GA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yasmin Ogale
- Mpox Response Team, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | - Eboni Galloway
- Mpox Response Team, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | - Amy Lansky
- Mpox Response Team, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
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Luisi N, Sullivan PS, Sanchez T, Bradley H, Fahimi M, Shioda K, Nelson KN, Lopman BA, Siegler AJ. Use of COVIDTests.gov At-Home Test Kits Among Adults in a National Household Probability Sample - United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023; 72:445-449. [PMID: 37079516 PMCID: PMC10121268 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7216a6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
At-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests were first authorized by the Food and Drug Administration in late 2020 (1-3). In January 2022, the White House launched COVIDTests.gov, which made all U.S. households eligible to receive free-to-the-user at-home test kits distributed by the U.S. Postal Service (2). By May 2022, more than 70 million test kit packages had been shipped to households across the United States (2); however, how these kits were used, and which groups were using them, has not been reported. Data from a national probability survey of U.S. households (COVIDVu), collected during April-May 2022, were used to evaluate awareness about and use of these test kits (4). Most respondent households (93.8%) were aware of the program, and more than one half (59.9%) had ordered kits. Among persons who received testing for COVID-19 during the preceding 6 months, 38.3% used a COVIDTests.gov kit. Among kit users, 95.5% rated the experience as acceptable, and 23.6% reported being unlikely to have tested without the COVIDTests.gov program. Use of COVIDTests.gov kits was similar among racial and ethnic groups (42.1% non-Hispanic Black or African American [Black]; 41.5% Hispanic or Latino [Hispanic]; 34.8% non-Hispanic White [White]; and 53.7% non-Hispanic other races [other races]). Use of other home COVID-19 tests differed by race and ethnicity (11.8% Black, 44.4% Hispanic, 45.8% White, 43.8% other races). Compared with White persons, Black persons were 72% less likely to use other home test kits (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.16-0.50). Provision of tests through this well-publicized program likely improved use of COVID-19 home testing and health equity in the United States, particularly among Black persons. National programs to address availability and accessibility of critical health services in a pandemic response have substantial health value.
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Sullivan PS, Hall E, Bradley H, Sanchez T, Woodyatt CR, Russell ES. Estimating HIV Incident Diagnoses Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Eligible for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis but Not Taking It: Protocol and Feasibility Assessment of Data Sources and Methods. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e42267. [PMID: 36881450 PMCID: PMC10031441 DOI: 10.2196/42267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV incidence estimates are published each year for all Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) counties, but they are not stratified by the demographic variables highly associated with risk of infection. Regularly updated estimates of HIV incident diagnoses available at local levels are required to monitor the epidemic in the United States over time and could contribute to background incidence rate estimates for alternative clinical trial designs for new HIV prevention products. OBJECTIVE We describe methods using existing, robust data sources within areas in the United States to reliably estimate longitudinal HIV incident diagnoses stratified by race and age categories among men who have sex with other men (MSM) eligible for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) but not taking it. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of existing data sources to develop new estimates of incident HIV diagnoses in MSM. We reviewed past methods used to estimate incident diagnoses and explored opportunities to improve these estimates. We will use existing surveillance data sources and population sizes of HIV PrEP-eligible MSM estimated from population-based data sources (eg, US Census data and pharmaceutical prescription databases) to develop metropolitan statistical area-level estimates of new HIV diagnoses among PrEP-eligible MSM. Required parameters are number of new diagnoses among MSM, estimates of MSM with an indication for PrEP, and prevalent PrEP use including median duration of use; these parameters will be stratified by jurisdiction and age group or race or ethnicity. Preliminary outputs will be available in 2023, and updated estimates will be produced annually thereafter. RESULTS Data to parameterize new HIV diagnoses among PrEP-eligible MSM are available with varying levels of public availability and timeliness. In early 2023, the most recent available data on new HIV diagnoses were from the 2020 HIV surveillance report, which reports 30,689 new HIV infections in 2020, and 24,724 of them occurred in an MSA with a population of ≥500,000. Updated estimates for PrEP coverage based on commercial pharmacy claims data through February 2023 will be generated. The rate of new HIV diagnoses among MSM can be estimated from new diagnoses within each demographic group (numerator) and the total person-time at risk of diagnosis for each group (denominator) by metropolitan statistical area and year. To estimate time at risk, the person-time of individuals on PrEP or person-time after incident HIV infection but before diagnosis should be removed from stratified population size estimates of the total number of person-years with indications for PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Reliable, serial, cross-sectional estimates for rates of new HIV diagnoses for MSM with PrEP indications can serve as benchmark community estimates of failures of HIV prevention and opportunities to improve services and will support public health epidemic monitoring and alternative clinical trial designs. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/42267.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Eric Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Cory R Woodyatt
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Alohan DI, Evans G, Sanchez T, Harrington KR, Quamina A, Young HN, Crawford ND. Examining pharmacies' ability to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis access for black men who have sex with men in the United States. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:547-554. [PMID: 36470733 PMCID: PMC10065894 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.11.004] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has not effectively reached black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Using innovative, nontraditional health care settings-such as community pharmacies-may improve PrEP uptake among BMSM. OBJECTIVE To examine correlates of patient willingness to be screened for PrEP (via human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] testing and risk assessment) in pharmacies among BMSM in the United States. METHODS Data from the 2020 American Men's Internet Survey were analyzed. Using a modified Poisson regression method with robust variance estimates, we examined differences in willingness to screen for PrEP in pharmacies among BMSM. A 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated for each estimated prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS Of 826 respondents, 637 (77%) were willing to be screened for PrEP in pharmacies. Having a high school degree (PR 0.76 [95% CI 0.62-0.95]), willingness to use PrEP (1.70 [1.41-2.05]), and comfort speaking with pharmacy staff about PrEP (2.5 [1.86-3.51]) were significantly associated with willingness to screen for PrEP in a pharmacy setting. Importantly, there were no observed differences in willingness by age, employment status, annual household income, or insurance status. CONCLUSION Pharmacy-based PrEP access may be an effective strategy to end inequities in HIV, given that our results indicate that most BMSM are willing to be screened for PrEP in pharmacies. Future studies should examine whether willingness to use pharmacy-based HIV prevention services is associated with subsequent uptake of these services among BMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I. Alohan
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Alvan Quamina
- National AIDS Education Services for Minorities, Inc., Atlanta, GA
| | - Henry N. Young
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Natalie D. Crawford
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Mann LM, Sanchez T, Stephenson R, Sullivan PS, Jenness SM. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Behavior and HIV Prevention and Treatment Services Among U.S. Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Post-Lockdown Era. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231168602. [PMID: 37081746 PMCID: PMC10119652 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231168602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to sexual health services and changes to sexual behavior due to the first COVID-19 lockdowns were common among U.S. gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Less is known about the persistence of these changes after this initial lockdown period. These changes have long-term implications for HIV prevention for current and future pandemic periods. This study collected information on COVID-related impacts on sexual behavior and HIV-related health service disruptions from a cohort of U.S. GBMSM at three time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed that COVID-related disruptions to sexual behavior continued from early lockdown periods through December 2020. Although early interruptions to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access resolved in later 2020 and interruptions to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence were minimal, extended disruptions were observed in HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, HIV care clinical visits, and HIV viral load testing. Although sexual behavior did not return to prepandemic levels in late 2020, the reduced access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services during this period could result in an overall increased HIV transmission rate, with long-term impacts to the trajectory of the U.S. HIV epidemic. Additional resources and programs are needed to address challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as prepare for future potential pandemics and other disruptive events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Mann
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations, and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Mavragani A, Sanchez T, Lee H. Association of Depression With Precautionary Behavior Compliance, COVID-19 Fear, and Health Behaviors in South Korea: National Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e42677. [PMID: 36716130 PMCID: PMC9953990 DOI: 10.2196/42677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As of January 2022, the number of people infected with COVID-19 worldwide has exceeded 350 million. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, people are affected in a wide range of areas of life, which in turn causes numerous psychological problems. Depression is a serious problem for people who have suffered from COVID-19. Depression can worsen COVID-19 precautionary behavior compliance or the health behavior itself. In addition, these depressive symptoms may have different characteristics depending on the individual's gender. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether depression is a factor that may affect COVID-19 fear, precautionary behavior compliance, and health behavior, and how these characteristic trends differ by gender. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data from the 2020 Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS), a national cross-sectional survey conducted with complex sampling analysis. In 2020, the KCHS included COVID-19-related questions. For this study, we used the KCHS data from both the COVID-19-related questions and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale. After weighting the data according to the KCHS guidelines, we calculated the distribution of men and women according to depression level. The data were collected using multiple-choice questions related to precautionary behavior compliance, COVID-19-related fears, and health behavior changes. RESULTS Of the 204,787 participants, those who were clinically depressed had a greater tendency to not comply with precautionary behaviors. Regarding COVID-19, "fear" showed a decreasing trend in both men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.72, 95% CI 0.61-0.83) and women (AOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.86) with clinically relevant depression. Moreover, for both men and women, health behaviors deteriorated as depression intensified; the AOR for sleep duration changes was 2.28 (95% CI 2.00-2.59) in men and was 2.15 (95% CI 1.96-2.36) in women. Notably, the responses of clinically depressed women revealed a doubled increase in both their drinking (AOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.88-2.70) and smoking (AOR 2.71, 95% CI 1.95-3.77) habits compared with those of nondepressed women. CONCLUSIONS Both men and women with more severe depression were more likely to violate precautionary health behaviors as their depression worsened. Health behaviors also deteriorated for both genders, but women tended to show a greater change. Therefore, additional studies and interventions for vulnerable groups such as severely depressed people are needed. More research is also necessary to develop interventions based on statistical comparisons of men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of NursingChung-ang UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - HyunHae Lee
- Department of Nursing, Chung-ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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13
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Date H, Kitayama S, Nakayama Y, Kimura M, Fujita H, Miyachi M. Regional Difference in the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Domain-Specific Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Sleeping Time, and Step Count: Web-Based Cross-sectional Nationwide Survey and Accelerometer-Based Observational Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e39992. [PMID: 36634262 PMCID: PMC9953987 DOI: 10.2196/39992] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictive environments, such as social distancing and lockdown measures. However, regional differences in the changes in domain-specific PA and SB in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not clearly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine regional differences in domain-specific PA and SB, as well as sleeping time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional nationwide survey and an accelerometer-based longitudinal observation were conducted. In the web-based survey, we recruited 150 Japanese men and 150 Japanese women for each of the following age groups: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s (n=1800). A total of 1627 adults provided valid responses to web-based surveillance from June to July 2020. Participants were recruited from urban (Greater Tokyo Area, n=1028), urban-rural (regional core cities, n=459), or rural (regional small and medium cities, n=140) areas. They answered sociodemographic and health-related questions and retrospectively registered the PA data of their average day before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a web-based PA record system. In the accelerometer-based observation, PA and step count data were obtained using a triaxial accelerometer on people living in urban (n=370) and rural (n=308) areas. RESULTS Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no significant differences between these 3 regions in the time spent sleeping, staying at home, working or studying, and exercising (P>.05). By contrast, people living in urban areas had a longer duration of SB and transportation and a shorter duration of moderate-to-vigorous PA and lying or napping time compared with people living in rural areas (P>.05). During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant decrease was observed in transportation time in urban (-7.2 min/day, P<.001) and urban-rural (-2.0 min/day, P=.009) areas but not in rural (-0.4 min/day, P=.52) areas. The moderate-to-vigorous PA was decreased in urban (-31.3 min/day, P<.001) and urban-rural (-30.0 min/day, P<.001) areas but not in rural areas (-17.3 min/day, P=.08). A significant increase was observed in time spent sleeping in urban (+22.4 min/day, P<.001) and urban-rural (+24.2 min/day, P<.001) but not in rural areas (+3.9 min/day, P=.74). Lying or napping was increased in urban (+14.9 min/day, P<.001) but not in rural areas (-6.9 min/day, P=.68). PA and step count obtained using an accelerometer significantly decreased in urban (P<.05) but not in rural areas (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA and SB was significantly dependent on living area, even in a single country. The effects of PA and SB were greater in the Greater Tokyo Area and regional core cities but were not observed in regional small and medium cities in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heiwa Date
- Faculty of Data Science, Shiga University, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shinobu Kitayama
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yui Nakayama
- Department of Physical Activity Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Misaka Kimura
- Institute for Active Health, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujita
- Institute for Active Health, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, Japan
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Pandey AK, Verma M, Koushal V. Utility of the Comprehensive Health and Stringency Indexes in Evaluating Government Responses for Containing the Spread of COVID-19 in India: Ecological Time-Series Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e38371. [PMID: 36395334 PMCID: PMC9924057 DOI: 10.2196/38371] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many nations swiftly designed and executed government policies to contain the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. Government actions can be broadly segmented as movement and mass gathering restrictions (such as travel restrictions and lockdown), public awareness (such as face covering and hand washing), emergency health care investment, and social welfare provisions (such as poor welfare schemes to distribute food and shelter). The Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, tracked various policy initiatives by governments across the globe and released them as composite indices. We assessed the overall government response using the Oxford Comprehensive Health Index (CHI) and Stringency Index (SI) to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to demonstrate the utility of CHI and SI to gauge and evaluate the government responses for containing the spread of COVID-19. We expect a significant inverse relationship between policy indices (CHI and SI) and COVID-19 severity indices (morbidity and mortality). METHODS In this ecological study, we analyzed data from 2 publicly available data sources released between March 2020 and October 2021: the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker and the World Health Organization. We used autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and seasonal ARIMA to model the data. The performance of different models was assessed using a combination of evaluation criteria: adjusted R2, root mean square error, and Bayesian information criteria. RESULTS implementation of policies by the government to contain the COVID-19 crises resulted in higher CHI and SI in the beginning. Although the value of CHI and SI gradually fell, they were consistently higher at values of >80% points. During the initial investigation, we found that cases per million (CPM) and deaths per million (DPM) followed the same trend. However, the final CPM and DPM models were seasonal ARIMA (3,2,1)(1,0,1) and ARIMA (1,1,1), respectively. This study does not support the hypothesis that COVID-19 severity (CPM and DPM) is associated with stringent policy measures (CHI and SI). CONCLUSIONS Our study concludes that the policy measures (CHI and SI) do not explain the change in epidemiological indicators (CPM and DPM). The study reiterates our understanding that strict policies do not necessarily lead to better compliance but may overwhelm the overstretched physical health systems. Twenty-first-century problems thus demand 21st-century solutions. The digital ecosystem was instrumental in the timely collection, curation, cloud storage, and data communication. Thus, digital epidemiology can and should be successfully integrated into existing surveillance systems for better disease monitoring, management, and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anuj Kumar Pandey
- Department of Health Research, International Institute of Health Management Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhur Verma
- Department of Community & Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhatinda, India
| | - Vipin Koushal
- Department of Biostatistics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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15
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Gilcrease W, Macciotta A, Saugo C, Manfredi L, Gnavi R, Strippoli E, Zengarini N, Caramello V, Costa G, Sacerdote C, Ricceri F. Multimorbidity and SARS-CoV-2-Related Outcomes: Analysis of a Cohort of Italian Patients. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e41404. [PMID: 36626821 PMCID: PMC9951075 DOI: 10.2196/41404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying the main risk factors has been imperative to properly manage the public health challenges that the pandemic exposes, such as organizing effective vaccination campaigns. In addition to gender and age, multimorbidity seems to be 1 of the predisposing factors coming out of many studies investigating the possible causes of increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse outcomes. However, only a few studies conducted have used large samples. OBJECTIVE The objective is to evaluate the association between multimorbidity, the probability to be tested, susceptibility, and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Piedmont population (Northern Italy, about 4 million inhabitants). For this purpose, we considered 5 main outcomes: access to the swab, positivity to SARS-CoV-2, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death within 30 days from the first positive swab. METHODS Data were obtained from different Piedmont health administrative databases. Subjects aged from 45 to 74 years and infections diagnosed from February to May 2020 were considered. Multimorbidity was defined both with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and by identifying patients with previous comorbidities, such as diabetes and oncological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Multivariable logistic regression models (adjusted for age and month of infection and stratified by gender) were performed for each outcome. Analyses were also conducted by separating 2 age groups (45-59 and 60-74 years). RESULTS Of 1,918,549 subjects, 85,348 (4.4%) performed at least 1 swab, of whom 12,793 (14.9%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Of these 12,793 subjects, 4644 (36.3%) were hospitalized, 1508 (11.8%) were admitted to the ICU, and 749 (5.9%) died within 30 days from the first positive swab. Individuals with a higher CCI had a higher probability of being swabbed but a lower probability of testing positive. We observed the same results when analyzing subjects with previous oncological and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, especially in the youngest group, we identified a greater risk of being hospitalized and dying. Among comorbidities considered in the study, respiratory diseases seemed to be the most likely to increase the risk of having a positive swab and worse disease outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that patients with multimorbidity, although swabbed more frequently, are less likely to get infected with SARS-CoV-2, probably due to greater attention on protective methods. Moreover, a history of respiratory diseases is a risk factor for a worse prognosis of COVID-19. Nonetheless, whatever comorbidities affect the patients, a strong dose-response effect was observed between an increased CCI score and COVID-19 hospitalization, ICU admission, and death. These results are important in terms of public health because they help in identifying a group of subjects who are more prone to worse SARS-CoV-2 outcomes. This information is important for promoting targeted prevention and developing policies for the prioritization of public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Winston Gilcrease
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy.,UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development and Territory Management, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Macciotta
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Carlo Saugo
- Klinik für Innere Medizin - Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie & Infektiologie, Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luca Manfredi
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Roberto Gnavi
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASLTO3, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Elena Strippoli
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASLTO3, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Nicolás Zengarini
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASLTO3, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Valeria Caramello
- Emergency Department and High Dependency Unit, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Costa
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy.,Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASLTO3, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Carlotta Sacerdote
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ricceri
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy.,Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASLTO3, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
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Mavragani A, Sanchez T, Yang H, Zhao F, Qin Y, Wu J, Yan H, Xu Y, Zhang L. Caregiver Perceptions of Children's and Adolescents' Psychosocial Functioning During the Stringent COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions in Shanghai: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e43689. [PMID: 36749625 PMCID: PMC9907570 DOI: 10.2196/43689] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global health crisis. The Shanghai municipal government in China implemented strict and comprehensive pandemic control strategies in the first half of 2022 to eliminate a wave of COVID-19 infection. The pandemic and the resulting government responses have led to abrupt changes to families' daily lives, including the mental health of children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of COVID-19 exposure and the stringent lockdown measures on the daily life and mental health of children and adolescents and to provide suggestions on maintaining their mental health when similar public health emergencies occur in the future. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous survey was distributed online in May 1-15, 2022, in Shanghai. Individuals were eligible to participate if they were currently the caregiver of a child or adolescent (aged 4-17 years). Outcomes were psychosocial functioning of children and adolescents, as reported by parents, using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17. COVID-19 exposure and life changes were also reported. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for poor psychosocial functioning. RESULTS In total, 2493 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The rate of positive scores on the global Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 scale was 16.5% (n=411). Internalizing, attention, and externalizing problem subscale positivity rates were 17.3% (n=431), 10.9% (n=272), and 8.9% (n=221), respectively. Caregivers reported that 64.2% (n=1601) and 20.7% (n=516) of the children's interactions with friends or peers and parents deteriorated, respectively. Compared with male caregivers, female caregivers were less likely to report psychosocial problems in children and adolescents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.68; 95% CI 0.53-0.88). Older children and those with lower COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Scales scores were less likely to have psychological problems (aOR 1.15; 95% CI 1.10-1.21). Compared with children with screen times <1 hour per day for recreation, those using screens for >3 hours had higher odds of psychological distress (aOR 2.09; 95% CI 1.47-1.97). Children who spent 1-2 hours exercising and had better interactions with friends or peers and parents showed a trend toward lower odds of psychological problems. Children and adolescents with worse sleep compared with preclosure were more likely to have psychological problems. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of psychosocial problems among children and adolescents is relatively high. Being young, having more COVID-19 exposure, and having more screen times (>3 h/day), less exercise time (<30 min), worse sleep, and deteriorated interactions with friends or peers and parents were risk factors for poor psychosocial functioning. It is necessary for governments, communities, schools, and families to take appropriate countermeasures to reduce the negative impact of the stringent control measures on caregivers' parenting and psychosocial functioning of children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hongyang Yang
- Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Hospital Development Strategy, China Hospital Development Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangjie Zhao
- College of Health Service, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchen Qin
- College of Health Service, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiali Wu
- College of Health Service, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongli Yan
- School of Nursing, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Xu
- College of Health Service, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- College of Health Service, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Mavragani A, Sanchez T, Caranci N, Giaquinto C, Barbiellini Amidei C, Canova C. The Association Between Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination and Socioeconomic Position: Nested Case-Control Study From the Pedianet Veneto Cohort. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e44234. [PMID: 36645419 PMCID: PMC9897308 DOI: 10.2196/44234] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of pediatric COVID-19 vaccination strongly depends on parents' willingness to vaccinate their children. To date, the role of socioeconomic position (SEP) in pediatric COVID-19 vaccination has not been thoroughly examined. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the association between COVID-19 vaccination and SEP in a large pediatric cohort. METHODS A case-control study design nested into a pediatric cohort of children born between 2007 and 2017, living in the Veneto Region and followed up to at least January 1, 2022, was adopted. Data on children were collected from the Pedianet database and linked with the regional COVID-19 registry. Each child vaccinated with at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine between July 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, was matched by sex, year of birth, and family pediatrician to up to 5 unvaccinated children. Unvaccinated children with a positive outcome on the swab test within 180 days before the index date were excluded from the analyses. Children were geo-referenced to determine their area deprivation index (ADI)-a social and material deprivation measure calculated at the census block level and consisting of 5 socioeconomic items. The index was then categorized in quintiles based on the regional ADI level. The association between ADI quintiles and vaccination status was measured using conditioned logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios and the corresponding 95% CIs. Quantile-g-computation regression models were applied to develop a weighted combination of the individual items to estimate how much each component influenced the likelihood of vaccination. All analyses were stratified by age at vaccination (5-11 and 12-14 years). RESULTS The study population consisted of 6475 vaccinated children, who were matched with 32,124 unvaccinated children. Increasing area deprivation was associated with a lower probability of being vaccinated, with approximately a linear dose-response relationship. Children in the highest deprivation quintile were 36% less likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine than those with the lowest area deprivation (95% CI 0.59-0.70). The results were similar in the 2 age groups, with a slightly stronger association in 5-11-year-old children. When assessing the effects of the weighted combination of the individual items, a quintile increase was associated with a 17% decrease in the probability of being vaccinated (95% CI 0.80-0.86). The conditions that influenced the probability of vaccination the most were living on rent, being unemployed, and being born in single-parent families. CONCLUSIONS This study has shown a significant reduction in the likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine among children living in areas characterized by a lower SEP. Findings were robust among multiple analyses and definitions of the deprivation index. These findings suggest that SEP plays an important role in vaccination coverage, emphasizing the need to promote targeted public health efforts to ensure global vaccine equity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicola Caranci
- Regional Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Department for Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Barbiellini Amidei
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Canova
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Lee C, Kim Y, Bae YS, Chie EK. The Association of Acute Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 and Exacerbation of Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Clinically Mild COVID-19: Retrospective Observational Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e43003. [PMID: 36645439 PMCID: PMC9926346 DOI: 10.2196/43003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, the association between acute signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and the exacerbation of depression and anxiety in patients with clinically mild COVID-19 has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to assess the correlation between acute signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and the exacerbation of depression and anxiety in patients with clinically mild COVID-19 at a residential treatment center in South Korea. METHODS This retrospective study assessed 2671 patients with COVID-19 admitted to 4 residential treatment centers operated by Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea, from March 2020 to April 2022. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) scale, respectively. The exacerbation of depression and anxiety symptoms was identified from the differences in PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scores between admission and discharge, respectively. The patients' clinical characteristics, including acute signs and symptoms of COVID-19, GAD-2 and PHQ-2 scores, were obtained from electronic health records. Demographic characteristics, a summary of vital signs, and COVID-19 symptoms were analyzed and compared between the patient groups with and those without exacerbated PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scores using the chi-square test. We applied logistic regression to identify the association between acute signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and the exacerbation of depression and anxiety. RESULTS Sleep disorders were associated with exacerbated depression (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13) and anxiety (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.06-1.14), and the sore throat symptom was associated with exacerbated anxiety symptoms (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.07). Patients with abnormal oxygen saturation during quarantine were more likely to have exacerbated depression (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.00-1.62), and those with an abnormal body temperature during quarantine were more likely to experience anxiety (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16). As anticipated, patients who experienced psychological symptoms at admission were more likely to experience depression (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.52-2.41) and anxiety (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.54-2.53). Meanwhile, the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scores measured at admission revealed that lower the score, higher the possibility of exacerbation of both depression (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.11-0.22) and anxiety (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.10-0.19). CONCLUSIONS Results from this study suggest the importance of further interventions for patients with abnormal oxygen saturation, abnormal body temperatures, sore throat, and sleep disorder symptoms or initial psychological symptoms to mitigate the exacerbation of depression and anxiety. In addition, this study highlights the usability of short and efficient scales such as the PHQ-2 and GAD-2 in the assessment of the mental health of patients with clinically mild COVID-19 symptoms who were quarantined at home during the pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Changwoo Lee
- Office of Hospital Information, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youlim Kim
- Office of Hospital Information, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Seul Bae
- Office of Hospital Information, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui Kyu Chie
- Office of Hospital Information, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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19
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Cerqueira-Silva T, Carreiro R, Pinheiro A, Coutinho A, Barral Netto M. Syndromic Surveillance Using Structured Telehealth Data: Case Study of the First Wave of COVID-19 in Brazil. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e40036. [PMID: 36692925 PMCID: PMC9875555 DOI: 10.2196/40036] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth has been widely used for new case detection and telemonitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. It safely provides access to health care services and expands assistance to remote, rural areas and underserved communities in situations of shortage of specialized health professionals. Qualified data are systematically collected by health care workers containing information on suspected cases and can be used as a proxy of disease spread for surveillance purposes. However, the use of this approach for syndromic surveillance has yet to be explored. Besides, the mathematical modeling of epidemics is a well-established field that has been successfully used for tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, supporting the decision-making process on diverse aspects of public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The response of the current models depends on the quality of input data, particularly the transmission rate, initial conditions, and other parameters present in compartmental models. Telehealth systems may feed numerical models developed to model virus spread in a specific region. OBJECTIVE Herein, we evaluated whether a high-quality data set obtained from a state-based telehealth service could be used to forecast the geographical spread of new cases of COVID-19 and to feed computational models of disease spread. METHODS We analyzed structured data obtained from a statewide toll-free telehealth service during 4 months following the first notification of COVID-19 in the Bahia state, Brazil. Structured data were collected during teletriage by a health team of medical students supervised by physicians. Data were registered in a responsive web application for planning and surveillance purposes. The data set was designed to quickly identify users, city, residence neighborhood, date, sex, age, and COVID-19-like symptoms. We performed a temporal-spatial comparison of calls reporting COVID-19-like symptoms and notification of COVID-19 cases. The number of calls was used as a proxy of exposed individuals to feed a mathematical model called "susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered, deceased." RESULTS For 181 (43%) out of 417 municipalities of Bahia, the first call to the telehealth service reporting COVID-19-like symptoms preceded the first notification of the disease. The calls preceded, on average, 30 days of the notification of COVID-19 in the municipalities of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Additionally, data obtained by the telehealth service were used to effectively reproduce the spread of COVID-19 in Salvador, the capital of the state, using the "susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered, deceased" model to simulate the spatiotemporal spread of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Data from telehealth services confer high effectiveness in anticipating new waves of COVID-19 and may help understand the epidemic dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thiago Cerqueira-Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carreiro
- Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Adélia Pinheiro
- Departamento de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Coutinho
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Manoel Barral Netto
- Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
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20
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Dougan MM, Golden B, Ta K, Nam B, Tsoh JY, Tzuang M, Park VMT. Social Support and Technology Use and Their Association With Mental and Physical Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Asian Americans: The COMPASS Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e35748. [PMID: 36395324 PMCID: PMC9872978 DOI: 10.2196/35748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and revealed significant health disparities with reports of increased discrimination and xenophobia. Among AAPIs, the pandemic exacerbated their social, linguistic, and geographic isolation. Social support may be especially important for AAPIs given the salience of collectivism as a cultural value. Another mechanism for support among AAPIs was technology use, as it is generally widespread among this population. However, older adults may not perceive the same benefits. OBJECTIVE We examined social support and technology use and their relationships with mental and physical health outcomes through the COVID-19 pandemic among AAPIs. METHODS Data were drawn from the COVID-19 Effects on the Mental and Physical Health of AAPI Survey Study (COMPASS) for the time period of October 2020 to February 2021. COMPASS was a cross-sectional, multilingual, national survey conducted online, by phone, and in person with AAPI adults who were ≥18 years of age, in collaboration with academic and community partners in the United States. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression using the outcome variables of mental and physical health with various predictors such as social support and technology use. We tested for interactions specific to age and ethnicity. RESULTS Among 4631 AAPIs (mean age 45.9, SD 16.3 years; 2992/4631, 63.1% female), we found that (1) increased social support was associated with better physical health, (2) total social support was positively associated with better mental health, (3) higher technology use was associated with poorer mental health and inversely associated with poorer physical health, (4) the association of technology use with mental health was weaker among those with low social support (vs those with high social support), (5) adults younger than 60 years old (vs ≥60 years old) were more negatively affected with social support and mental health, and (6) Korean Americans appeared to be a high-risk group for poor physical health with increased technology use. CONCLUSIONS Our paper identified mental and physical health needs along with supportive therapies observed among AAPIs during the pandemic. Future research on how social support can be leveraged, especially among AAPIs younger than 60 years old, and how various types of technology are being utilized are important to guide the recovery efforts to address both mental and physical disparities across communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcelle M Dougan
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Bethany Golden
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Ta
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Bora Nam
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Janice Y Tsoh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Asian American Research Center on Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Multiethnic Health Equity Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marian Tzuang
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Van M Ta Park
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Asian American Research Center on Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Multiethnic Health Equity Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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21
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Lee SJ, Park C, Lee M. The Determinants of Adherence to Public Health and Social Measures Against COVID-19 Among the General Population in South Korea: National Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e35784. [PMID: 36446132 PMCID: PMC9848439 DOI: 10.2196/35784] [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: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has created devastating health, social, economic, and political effects that will have long-lasting impacts. Public health efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are the priority of national policies for responding to the pandemic globally. Public health and social measures (PHSMs) have been shown to be effective when used alone or in combination with other measures, reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19. However, there is insufficient evidence on the status of compliance with PHSMs in the general population for the prevention of COVID-19 in public areas, including Korea. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess levels of compliance with the recommended PHSMs against SARS-CoV-2 infection and their predictors among the general population by using national data. METHODS This study was a secondary data analysis of the National Survey of Infectious Disease Preventive Behaviors in Community, which was conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) between October 12 and October 30, 2020. The primary study was cross-sectional, using stratified sampling via an adjusted proportional allocation method to select representative samples and ensure the stability of samples. The data were collected through phone interviews conducted by trained enumerators using a structured questionnaire. PHSM adherence was measured using a 10-item comprehensive infectious disease prevention behavior (CIDPB) scale, and each sociocognitive factor, including perceived susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, perceived severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, perceived confidence in performing preventive behaviors related to COVID-19, information comprehension ability, and trust in information from the KDCA, was measured. A total of 4003 participants were included in the final analysis. Tobit regression and a decision tree analysis were performed to identify the predictors of preventive measures and the target groups for intervention. RESULTS We discovered that women scored 1.34 points higher on the CIDPB scale than men (P<.001). Compared to the group aged 19 to 29 years, those aged 50 to 59 years and those older than 60 years scored 1.89 and 2.48 points higher on the CIDPB scale (P<.001), respectively. The perceived severity of infection, confidence in preventive behaviors, information comprehension ability, and trust in information from the KDCA were significant positive determinants of CIDPBs (P<.001). The perceived susceptibility to infection showed a significant negative relationship with CIDPBs (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Female sex, older age, lower income, and sociocognitive factors were found to be significant determinants of adhering to PHSMs. The findings suggest the need for tailored interventions for target groups; specifically, the age group that was the most active at work indicated the highest potential to spread infection. Adequate public health education and health communication for promoting adherence to PHSMs should be emphasized, and behavior change strategies for those with low perceived confidence in performing PHSMs should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Suk Jeong Lee
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Park
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mikyung Lee
- College of Nursing, Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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22
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Zhou X, Song S, Wang Q, Zheng H, Zhang Y, Hou Z. The Prevalence, Features, Influencing Factors, and Solutions for COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation: Systematic Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e40201. [PMID: 36469911 PMCID: PMC9838721 DOI: 10.2196/40201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, infodemic spread even more rapidly than the pandemic itself. The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has been prevalent worldwide and hindered pandemic exiting strategies. Misinformation around COVID-19 vaccines is a vital contributor to vaccine hesitancy. However, no evidence systematically summarized COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. OBJECTIVE This review aims to synthesize the global evidence on misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines, including its prevalence, features, influencing factors, impacts, and solutions for combating misinformation. METHODS We performed a systematic review by searching 5 peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO). We included original articles that investigated misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccines and were published in English from January 1, 2020, to August 18, 2022. We excluded publications that did not cover or focus on COVID-19 vaccine misinformation. The Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies, version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2), and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist were used to assess the study quality. The review was guided by PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021288929). RESULTS Of the 8864 studies identified, 91 observational studies and 11 interventional studies met the inclusion criteria. Misinformation around COVID-19 vaccines covered conspiracy, concerns on vaccine safety and efficacy, no need for vaccines, morality, liberty, and humor. Conspiracy and safety concerns were the most prevalent misinformation. There was a great variation in misinformation prevalence, noted among 2.5%-55.4% in the general population and 6.0%-96.7% in the antivaccine/vaccine hesitant groups from survey-based studies, and in 0.1%-41.3% on general online data and 0.5%-56% on antivaccine/vaccine hesitant data from internet-based studies. Younger age, lower education and economic status, right-wing and conservative ideology, and having psychological problems enhanced beliefs in misinformation. The content, format, and source of misinformation influenced its spread. A 5-step framework was proposed to address vaccine-related misinformation, including identifying misinformation, regulating producers and distributors, cutting production and distribution, supporting target audiences, and disseminating trustworthy information. The debunking messages/videos were found to be effective in several experimental studies. CONCLUSIONS Our review provides comprehensive and up-to-date evidence on COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and helps responses to vaccine infodemic in future pandemics. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021288929; https://tinyurl.com/2prejtfa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhang Song
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Qian Wang
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongqiu Zheng
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Hou
- School of Public Health, Global Health Institute, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Mavragani A, Sanchez T, Jeong D, Vadlamudi NK, Velásquez García HA, Mahmood B, Buller-Taylor T, Otterstatter M, Janjua NZ. The Impact of Mask Mandates on Face Mask Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e42616. [PMID: 36446134 PMCID: PMC9838719 DOI: 10.2196/42616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Face mask use has been associated with declines in COVID-19 incidence rates worldwide. A handful of studies have examined the factors associated with face mask use in North America during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, much less is known about the patterns of face mask use and the impact of mask mandates during this time. This information could have important policy implications, now and in the event of future pandemics. OBJECTIVE To address existing knowledge gaps, we assessed face mask usage patterns among British Columbia COVID-19 Population Mixing Patterns (BC-Mix) survey respondents and evaluated the impact of the provincial mask mandate on these usage patterns. METHODS Between September 2020 and July 2022, adult British Columbia residents completed the web-based BC-Mix survey, answering questions on the circumstances surrounding face mask use or lack thereof, movement patterns, and COVID-19-related beliefs. Trends in face mask use over time were assessed, and associated factors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. A stratified analysis was done to examine effect modification by the provincial mask mandate. RESULTS Of the 44,301 respondents, 81.9% reported wearing face masks during the 23-month period. In-store and public transit mask mandates supported monthly face mask usage rates of approximately 80%, which was further bolstered up to 92% with the introduction of the provincial mask mandate. Face mask users mostly visited retail locations (51.8%) and travelled alone by car (49.6%), whereas nonusers mostly traveled by car with others (35.2%) to their destinations-most commonly parks (45.7%). Nonusers of face masks were much more likely to be male than female, especially in retail locations and restaurants, bars, and cafés. In a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for possible confounders, factors associated with face mask use included age, ethnicity, health region, mode of travel, destination, and time period. The odds of face mask use were 3.68 times greater when the provincial mask mandate was in effect than when it was not (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.68, 95% CI 3.33-4.05). The impact of the mask mandate was greatest in restaurants, bars, or cafés (mandate: aOR 7.35, 95% CI 4.23-12.78 vs no mandate: aOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.50-5.26) and in retail locations (mandate: aOR 19.94, 95% CI 14.86-26.77 vs no mandate: aOR 7.71, 95% CI 5.68-10.46). CONCLUSIONS Study findings provide added insight into the dynamics of face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mask mandates supported increased and sustained high face mask usage rates during the first 2 years of the pandemic, having the greatest impact in indoor public locations with limited opportunity for physical distancing targeted by these mandates. These findings highlight the utility of mask mandates in supporting high face mask usage rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dahn Jeong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nirma Khatri Vadlamudi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Héctor Alexander Velásquez García
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bushra Mahmood
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Michael Otterstatter
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naveed Zafar Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Outcomes and Evaluation, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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24
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Zhang A, Shi Z. A Spatiotemporal Solution to Control COVID-19 Transmission at the Community Scale for Returning to Normalcy: COVID-19 Symptom Onset Risk Spatiotemporal Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e36538. [PMID: 36508488 PMCID: PMC9829029 DOI: 10.2196/36538] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the recent COVID-19 pandemic, returning to normalcy has become the primary goal of global cities. The key for returning to normalcy is to avoid affecting social and economic activities while supporting precise epidemic control. Estimation models for the spatiotemporal spread of the epidemic at the refined scale of cities that support precise epidemic control are limited. For most of 2021, Hong Kong has remained at the top of the "global normalcy index" because of its effective responses. The urban-community-scale spatiotemporal onset risk prediction model of COVID-19 symptom has been used to assist in the precise epidemic control of Hong Kong. OBJECTIVE Based on the spatiotemporal prediction models of COVID-19 symptom onset risk, the aim of this study was to develop a spatiotemporal solution to assist in precise prevention and control for returning to normalcy. METHODS Over the years 2020 and 2021, a spatiotemporal solution was proposed and applied to support the epidemic control in Hong Kong. An enhanced urban-community-scale geographic model was proposed to predict the risk of COVID-19 symptom onset by quantifying the impact of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants, vaccination, and the imported case risk. The generated prediction results could be then applied to establish the onset risk predictions over the following days, the identification of high-onset-risk communities, the effectiveness analysis of response measures implemented, and the effectiveness simulation of upcoming response measures. The applications could be integrated into a web-based platform to assist the antiepidemic work. RESULTS Daily predicted onset risk in 291 tertiary planning units (TPUs) of Hong Kong from January 18, 2020, to April 22, 2021, was obtained from the enhanced prediction model. The prediction accuracy in the following 7 days was over 80%. The prediction results were used to effectively assist the epidemic control of Hong Kong in the following application examples: identified communities within high-onset-risk always only accounted for 2%-25% in multiple epidemiological scenarios; effective COVID-19 response measures, such as prohibiting public gatherings of more than 4 people were found to reduce the onset risk by 16%-46%; through the effect simulation of the new compulsory testing measure, the onset risk was found to be reduced by more than 80% in 42 (14.43%) TPUs and by more than 60% in 96 (32.99%) TPUs. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this solution can support sustainable and targeted pandemic responses for returning to normalcy. Faced with the situation that may coexist with SARS-CoV-2, this study can not only assist global cities in responding to the future epidemics effectively but also help to restore social and economic activities and people's normal lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anshu Zhang
- Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute and Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Zhicheng Shi
- Research Institute for Smart Cities, School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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25
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Ivey K, Bernstein KT, Kirkcaldy RD, Kissinger P, Edwards OW, Sanchez T, Abara WE. Chemsex Drug Use among a National Sample of Sexually Active Men who have Sex with Men, - American Men's Internet Survey, 2017-2020. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:728-734. [PMID: 36872623 PMCID: PMC10167950 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2184207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Chemsex is the intentional use of drugs to enhance sexual activity. Chemsex drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with sexual behaviors that increase sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks and adverse mental health outcomes. However, published data are largely based on MSM recruited from STI clinics. There are limited data about use of chemsex drugs among national samples of MSM in the United States. Using data from the American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS), we assessed the prevalence and correlates of use of chemsex drugs among sexually active MSM in the United States. Methods: We used data from the 2017 to 2020 AMIS cycles to examine the prevalence of chemsex drug use in the past 12 months among MSM. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare chemsex drug use across demographic, behavioral, and mental health factors. Results: Of 30,294 MSM, 3,113 (10.3%) reported chemsex drug use in the past 12 months. Of the 3,113 MSM who reported chemsex drug use, 65.1% reported ecstasy use, 42.5% reported crystal methamphetamine use, and 21.7% reported GHB use. Factors associated with chemsex drug use included condomless anal sex (PR = 1.93, 95%=1.69-2.20), problem drinking (PR = 2.36, 95% = 2.13-2.61), bacterial STI test (1.84, 95% CI = 1.68-2.02) and probable serious mental illness (PR = 1.92, 95% = 1.76-2.09). Conclusion: Chemsex drug use is associated with behaviors that increase STI risk and mental distress among MSM. Health programs that serve MSM can consider screening for chemsex drug use and offering sexual and mental health promotion and risk reduction interventions when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Ivey
- School of Public Health, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kyle T Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert D Kirkcaldy
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - O Winslow Edwards
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Winston E Abara
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Mavragani A, Sanchez T, Ackerson BK, Hong V, Skarbinski J, Yau V, Qian L, Fischer H, Shaw SF, Caparosa S, Xie F. Natural Language Processing for Improved Characterization of COVID-19 Symptoms: Observational Study of 350,000 Patients in a Large Integrated Health Care System. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e41529. [PMID: 36446133 PMCID: PMC9822566 DOI: 10.2196/41529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural language processing (NLP) of unstructured text from electronic medical records (EMR) can improve the characterization of COVID-19 signs and symptoms, but large-scale studies demonstrating the real-world application and validation of NLP for this purpose are limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to assess the contribution of NLP when identifying COVID-19 signs and symptoms from EMR. METHODS This study was conducted in Kaiser Permanente Southern California, a large integrated health care system using data from all patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 laboratory tests from March 2020 to May 2021. An NLP algorithm was developed to extract free text from EMR on 12 established signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, headache, fatigue, dyspnea, chills, sore throat, myalgia, anosmia, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, and abdominal pain. The proportion of patients reporting each symptom and the corresponding onset dates were described before and after supplementing structured EMR data with NLP-extracted signs and symptoms. A random sample of 100 chart-reviewed and adjudicated SARS-CoV-2-positive cases were used to validate the algorithm performance. RESULTS A total of 359,938 patients (mean age 40.4 [SD 19.2] years; 191,630/359,938, 53% female) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified over the study period. The most common signs and symptoms identified through NLP-supplemented analyses were cough (220,631/359,938, 61%), fever (185,618/359,938, 52%), myalgia (153,042/359,938, 43%), and headache (144,705/359,938, 40%). The NLP algorithm identified an additional 55,568 (15%) symptomatic cases that were previously defined as asymptomatic using structured data alone. The proportion of additional cases with each selected symptom identified in NLP-supplemented analysis varied across the selected symptoms, from 29% (63,742/220,631) of all records for cough to 64% (38,884/60,865) of all records with nausea or vomiting. Of the 295,305 symptomatic patients, the median time from symptom onset to testing was 3 days using structured data alone, whereas the NLP algorithm identified signs or symptoms approximately 1 day earlier. When validated against chart-reviewed cases, the NLP algorithm successfully identified signs and symptoms with consistently high sensitivity (ranging from 87% to 100%) and specificity (94% to 100%). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that NLP can identify and characterize a broad set of COVID-19 signs and symptoms from unstructured EMR data with enhanced detail and timeliness compared with structured data alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bradley K Ackerson
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Harbor City, CA, United States
| | - Vennis Hong
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Jacek Skarbinski
- The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, United States.,Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Vincent Yau
- Genentech, a Member of the Roche Group, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lei Qian
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Heidi Fischer
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Sally F Shaw
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Susan Caparosa
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Fagen Xie
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Álamo E, Pérez-Panizo N, Mousa A, Dacal E, Lin L, Vladimirov A, Cuadrado D, Mateos-Nozal J, Galán JC, Romero-Hernandez B, Cantón R, Luengo-Oroz M, Rodriguez-Dominguez M. A Smartphone-Based Platform Assisted by Artificial Intelligence for Reading and Reporting Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Evaluation Study in SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow Immunoassays. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e38533. [PMID: 36265136 PMCID: PMC9840096 DOI: 10.2196/38533] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are being widely used to manage COVID-19 pandemic. However, many results remain unreported or unconfirmed, altering a correct epidemiological surveillance. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate an artificial intelligence-based smartphone app, connected to a cloud web platform, to automatically and objectively read RDT results and assess its impact on COVID-19 pandemic management. METHODS Overall, 252 human sera were used to inoculate a total of 1165 RDTs for training and validation purposes. We then conducted two field studies to assess the performance on real-world scenarios by testing 172 antibody RDTs at two nursing homes and 96 antigen RDTs at one hospital emergency department. RESULTS Field studies demonstrated high levels of sensitivity (100%) and specificity (94.4%, CI 92.8%-96.1%) for reading IgG band of COVID-19 antibody RDTs compared to visual readings from health workers. Sensitivity of detecting IgM test bands was 100%, and specificity was 95.8% (CI 94.3%-97.3%). All COVID-19 antigen RDTs were correctly read by the app. CONCLUSIONS The proposed reading system is automatic, reducing variability and uncertainty associated with RDTs interpretation and can be used to read different RDT brands. The web platform serves as a real-time epidemiological tracking tool and facilitates reporting of positive RDTs to relevant health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nuria Pérez-Panizo
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Lin Lin
- Spotlab, Madrid, Spain.,Biomedical Image Technologies, ETSI Telecomunicación, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Jesús Mateos-Nozal
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Galán
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Romero-Hernandez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Cantón
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mario Rodriguez-Dominguez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Sanchez T, Sizemore KM, Jimenez RH, Jones SS, Petroll AE, Rendina HJ. The Use of HIV Pre- and Postexposure Prophylaxis Among a Web-Based Sample of HIV-Negative and Unknown Status Cisgender and Transgender Sexual Minority Men: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e31237. [PMID: 36306518 PMCID: PMC9804091 DOI: 10.2196/31237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects sexual minority men (SMM) in the United States. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine past HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) use and current and prior pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among a web-based sample of cisgender and transgender men who have sex with men. METHODS In 2019, HIV-negative and unknown status SMM (n=63,015) were recruited via geosocial networking apps, social media, and other web-based venues to participate in a brief eligibility screening survey. Individuals were asked about past PEP use and current and prior PrEP use. We examined associations of demographics, socioeconomic indicators, and recent club drug use with PEP and PrEP use, as well as the association between past PEP use and current and prior PrEP use using generalized linear models and multinomial logistic regression. Statistical significance was considered at P<.001, given the large sample size; 99.9% CIs are reported. RESULTS Prior PEP use was reported by 11.28% (7108/63,015) of the participants, with current or prior PrEP use reported by 21.95% (13,832/63,015) and 8.12% (5118/63,015), respectively. Nearly half (3268/7108, 46%) of the past PEP users were current PrEP users, and another 39.9% (2836/7108) of the participants who reported past PEP use also reported prior PrEP use. In multivariable analysis, past PEP use was associated with current (relative risk ratio [RRR] 23.53, 99.9% CI 14.03-39.46) and prior PrEP use (RRR 52.14, 99.9% CI 29.39-92.50). Compared with White men, Black men had higher prevalence of past PEP use and current PrEP use, Latino men had higher prevalence of PEP use but no significant difference in PrEP use, and those identifying as another race or ethnicity reported higher prevalence of past PEP use and lower current PrEP use. Past PEP use and current PrEP use were highest in the Northeast, with participants in the Midwest and South reporting significantly lower PEP and PrEP use. A significant interaction of Black race by past PEP use with current PrEP use was found (RRR 0.57, 99.9% CI 0.37-0.87), indicating that Black men who previously used PEP were less likely to report current PrEP use. Participants who reported recent club drug use were significantly more likely to report past PEP use and current or prior PrEP use than those without recent club drug use. CONCLUSIONS PrEP use continues to be the predominant HIV prevention strategy for SMM compared with PEP use. Higher rates of past PEP use and current PrEP use among Black SMM are noteworthy, given the disproportionate burden of HIV. Nonetheless, understanding why Black men who previously used PEP are less likely to report current PrEP use is an important avenue for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Marie Sizemore
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ruben H Jimenez
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - S Scott Jones
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrew E Petroll
- Health Intervention Sciences Group / Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - H Jonathon Rendina
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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Sanchez T, Wilson Beckham S, Hannah MJ, Winslow Edwards O, Rawlings K, Rinehart AR, Sarkar S, Sullivan PS, Vannappagari V. 2089. Relative patient preferences for starting daily, on-demand, and long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among US men who have sex with men, 2021-2022. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022. [PMCID: PMC9752991 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac492.1711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Daily oral (DO) HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV acquisition, but few men who have sex with men (MSM) currently use it. Newer options, such as on-demand (OD) oral and long-acting injectable (LA) PrEP may improve uptake, but little is understood about relative preferences among these options in practical start scenarios. Preferences for starting various PrEP options were examined among a US nationwide online convenience sample of MSM age 15+ collected September 2021 to February 2022. Methods Participants reporting no prior HIV diagnosis were given brief descripitions of each PrEP option and were asked “If [PrEP option] were available from your local doctor and you could access it for free, would you go to your doctor in the next month to start [PrEP option]?” Those who said yes to multiple options were asked to rank them in order of preference. MSM currently taking DO PrEP were asked whether they would switch to OD or LA. Willingness to start LA was examined by age, race/ethnicity, insurance, and prior awareness of LA. Results Of 5585 MSM not currently using DO PrEP, 50% (n=2805) would start at least one option with greatest preference for OD (Figure 1). Among this group, 73% (n=2060) were willing to start more than one option, with LA the most preferred option. Among the 27% (n=745) who would start only one, OD was the most preferred. Overall, 58% of DO PrEP users (n=1342/2332) would switch to either OD or LA, with LA being most preferred (Figure 2). Hispanic MSM who were not DO PrEP users were more likely to start LA compared to white MSM, and those with other/multiple health insurance were less likely to start LA compared to those on private health insurance (Table 1). Regardless of current DO PrEP use, MSM aware of LA were more likely to start it. ![]() ![]() ![]()
Conclusion There is substantial interest in new PrEP options. Current DO PrEP users appear to be more aware of and interested in LA than PrEP naïve. Although OD PrEP may be favored by those who are PrEP-naïve, most selected multiple options and preferred LA PrEP. Increasing awareness of LA PrEP may bolster interest in its use. These findings highlight the potential role that newer PrEP options will play in community uptake of PrEP and can also inform patient-provider decisions about which PrEP options to consider. Disclosures Travis Sanchez, DVM, MPH, ViiV Healthcare: Grant/Research Support S. Wilson Beckham, PhD, MPH, MA, Viiv Healthcare: Advisor/Consultant Keith Rawlings, MD, ViiV Healthcare: Employee Alex R. Rinehart, PhD, ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds Supriya Sarkar, PhD, MPH, ViiV Healthcare: Salary|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds Vani Vannappagari, MBBS, MPH, PhD, ViiV Healthcare: I am full time employee of ViiV Healthcare and receive GlaxoSmithKline stock as part of my compensation package|ViiV Healthcare: Stocks/Bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Wilson Beckham
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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30
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Chandra C, Morris M, Van Meter C, Goodreau SM, Sanchez T, Janulis P, Birkett M, Jenness SM. Comparing Sexual Network Mean Active Degree Measurement Metrics Among Men Who Have Sex With Men. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:808-814. [PMID: 36112005 PMCID: PMC9669154 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001708] [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: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mean active degree is an important proxy measure of cross-sectional network connectivity commonly used in HIV/sexually transmitted infection epidemiology research. No current studies have compared measurement methods of mean degree using a cross-sectional study design for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. We compared mean degree estimates based on reported ongoing main and casual sexual partnerships (current method) against dates of first and last sex (retrospective method). METHODS We used data from ARTnet, a cross-sectional survey of MSM in the United States (2017-2019). ARTnet collected data on the number and types of sexual partners in the past year, limited to the 5 most recent partners (data truncation). We quantified partnerships for months 0 to 12 before the survey date (retrospective method) and compared that with ongoing partnerships on the day of survey (current method). We used linear regression to understand the impact of truncated partnership data on mean degree estimation. RESULTS The retrospective method yielded similar degree estimates to the current for months proximate to the day of survey. The retrospective method mean degree systematically decreased as the month increased from 0 to 12 months before survey date. This was driven by data truncation: among participants with >5 partners in the past year compared with those with ≤5, the average change in main partnership degree between 12 and 0 months before survey date was -0.05 (95% confidence interval, -0.08 to -0.03) after adjusting for race/ethnicity, age, and education. The adjusted average change in casual partnership degree was -0.40 (95% confidence interval, -0.45 to -0.35). CONCLUSIONS The retrospective method underestimates mean degree for MSM in surveys with truncated partnership data, especially for casual partnerships. The current method is less prone to bias from partner truncation when the target population has high rate of partners per year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chandra
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollin School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Martina Morris
- Department of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Connor Van Meter
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollin School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollin School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Patrick Janulis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Michelle Birkett
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Samuel M. Jenness
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollin School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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31
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Mann LM, Le Guillou A, Goodreau SM, Marcus JL, Sanchez T, Weiss KM, Jenness SM. Correlations between community-level HIV preexposure prophylaxis coverage and individual-level sexual behaviors among United States MSM. AIDS 2022; 36:2015-2023. [PMID: 35876641 PMCID: PMC9617766 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003343] [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: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if community-level HIV PrEP coverage is correlated with individual sexual behaviors. DESIGN We used demographic, behavioral, and sexual network data from ARTnet, a 2017-2019 study of United States MSM. METHODS Multivariable regression models with a Bayesian modeling framework were used to estimate associations between area-level PrEP coverage and seven sexual behavior outcomes [number of total, main, and casual male partners (network degree); count of one-time partnerships; consistent condom use in one-time partnerships; and frequency of casual partnership anal sex (total and condomless)], controlling for individual PrEP use. RESULTS PrEP coverage ranged from 10.3% (Philadelphia) to 38.9% (San Francisco). Total degree was highest in Miami (1.35) and lowest in Denver (0.78), while the count of one-time partners was highest in San Francisco (11.7/year) and lowest in Detroit (1.5/year). Adjusting for individual PrEP use and demographics, community PrEP coverage correlated with total degree [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 1.73; 95% credible interval (CrI), 0.92-3.44], casual degree (aIRR = 2.05; 95% CrI, 0.90-5.07), and count of one-time partnerships (aIRR = 1.90; 95% CrI, 0.46-8.54). Without adjustment for individual PrEP use, these associations strengthened. There were weaker or no associations with consistent condom use in one-time partnerships (aIRR = 1.68; 95% CrI, 0.86-3.35), main degree (aIRR = 1.21; 95% CrI, 0.48-3.20), and frequency of casual partnership condomless anal sex (aIRR = 0.23; 95% CrI, 0.01-3.60). CONCLUSION Most correlations between community PrEP coverage and sexual behavior were explained by individual PrEP use. However, some residual associations remained after controlling for individual PrEP use, suggesting that PrEP coverage may partially drive community-level differences in sexual behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Mann
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adrien Le Guillou
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Research and Public Health, Reims Teaching Hospitals, Robert Debré Hospital, Reims, France
| | - Steven M Goodreau
- Department of Anthropology and Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Julia L Marcus
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kevin M Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Maloney KM, Benkeser D, Sullivan PS, Kelley C, Sanchez T, Jenness SM. Sexual Mixing by HIV Status and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Addressing Information Bias. Epidemiology 2022; 33:808-816. [PMID: 35895578 PMCID: PMC9561018 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001525] [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: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-level estimates of sexual network mixing for parameterizing prediction models of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectiveness are needed to inform prevention of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Estimates obtained by egocentric sampling are vulnerable to information bias due to incomplete respondent knowledge. METHODS We estimated patterns of serosorting and PrEP sorting among MSM in the United States using data from a 2017-2019 egocentric sexual network study. Respondents served as proxies to report the HIV status and PrEP use of recent sexual partners. We contrasted results from a complete-case analysis (unknown HIV and PrEP excluded) versus a bias analysis with respondent-reported data stochastically reclassified to simulate unobserved self-reported data from sexual partners. RESULTS We found strong evidence of preferential partnering across analytical approaches. The bias analysis showed concordance between sexual partners of HIV diagnosis and PrEP use statuses for MSM with diagnosed HIV (39%; 95% simulation interval: 31, 46), MSM who used PrEP (32%; 21, 37), and MSM who did not use PrEP (83%; 79, 87). The fraction of partners with diagnosed HIV was higher among MSM who used PrEP (11%; 9, 14) compared with MSM who did not use PrEP (4%; 3, 5). Comparatively, across all strata of respondents, the complete-case analysis overestimated the fractions of partners with diagnosed HIV or PrEP use. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence consistent with HIV and PrEP sorting among MSM, which may decrease the population-level effectiveness of PrEP. Bias analyses can improve mixing estimates for parameterization of transmission models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Maloney
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - David Benkeser
- Department of Biostatistics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - Travis Sanchez
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Samuel M Jenness
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Bekker LG, Giovenco D, Baral S, Dominguez K, Valencia R, Sanchez T, McNaghten A, Zahn R, Yah CS, Sokhela Z, Kaplan R, Phaswana-Mafuya RN, Beyrer C, Sullivan PS. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake, adherence, and adverse events among South African men who have sex with men and transgender women. South Afr J HIV Med 2022; 23:1405. [PMID: 36479416 PMCID: PMC9724083 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v23i1.1405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV prevention programmes that include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in South Africa have not been widely implemented. Objectives The authors examined oral PrEP uptake, adherence, and adverse events among HIV-uninfected MSM and TGW to inform intervention acceptability and feasibility. Method In 2015, MSM and TGW in two South African cities were offered a comprehensive package of HIV prevention services, including daily oral PrEP, and were followed for one year. Different models of PrEP delivery were used at each site. Adherence was measured using self-report and pill-count data and tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations. Results Among 135 participants who were eligible for PrEP, 82 (61%) initiated PrEP, of whom 67 (82%) were on PrEP at study end. Participants were on PrEP for a median of 294 out of 314.5 possible days (93% protected days). The median time from PrEP initiation to discontinuation or study end was 305 days (interquartile range: 232-325 days). Across the follow-up time points, 57% - 72% of participants self-reported taking protective levels of PrEP and 59% - 74% were adherent to PrEP as indicated by pill counts. Fewer (≤ 18%) achieved protective TFV-DP concentrations of ≥ 700 fmol/punch in dried blood spots. Side effects, while typically mild, were the most commonly cited reason by participants for early PrEP discontinuation. Conclusion Many MSM and TGW initiated and maintained PrEP, demonstrating that PrEP can be successfully delivered to South African MSM and TGW in diverse programmatic contexts. Biologic adherence measures suggest MSM and TGW may experience challenges taking PrEP regularly. Counselling for coping with side effects and motivating daily pill taking is recommended to support South African MSM and TGW in achieving protection with PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Danielle Giovenco
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- International Health Institute, Brown University, Providence, United States of America
| | - Stefan Baral
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Karen Dominguez
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
- Contraceptive Research and Development (CONRAD), Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, United States of America
| | - Rachel Valencia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - A.D. McNaghten
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Ryan Zahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Clarence S. Yah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health System and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Zinhle Sokhela
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Refliwe N. Phaswana-Mafuya
- South African Medical Research Council/University of Johannesburg Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America
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Schurr EH, Luisi N, Sanchez T, Lopman BA, Bradley H, Sullivan PS, Siegler AJ. Association of Guideline Complexity With Individuals' Ability to Determine Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccination. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2234579. [PMID: 36194416 PMCID: PMC9533177 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.34579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study examines the association between the complexity of consumer guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and identification of eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Hanna Schurr
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Benjamin A. Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Aaron J. Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Sanchez T, Mavragani A, Materu J, Drake M, Majani E, Casalini C, Mjungu D, Mbita G, Kalage E, Komba A, Nyato D, Nnko S, Shao A, Changalucha J, Wambura M. Effectiveness of Cash Transfer Delivered Along With Combination HIV Prevention Interventions in Reducing the Risky Sexual Behavior of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Tanzania: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e30372. [PMID: 36121686 PMCID: PMC9531008 DOI: 10.2196/30372] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poverty and social inequality exacerbate HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. Cash transfers can influence the structural determinants of health, thereby reducing HIV risk. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the effectiveness of cash transfer delivered along with combination HIV prevention (CHP) interventions in reducing the risky sexual behavior of AGYW in Tanzania. The incidence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection was used as a proxy for sexual risk behavior. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 15 matched pairs of communities (1:1 intervention to control) across 3 strata (urban, rural high-risk, and rural low-risk populations) of the Shinyanga Region, Tanzania. The target population was out-of-school AGYW aged 15-23 years who had completed 10-hour sessions of social and behavior change communication. Eligible communities were randomly assigned to receive CHP along with cash transfer quarterly (intervention group) or solely CHP interventions (control group) with no masking. Study recruitment and baseline survey were conducted between October 30, 2017 and December 1, 2017. Participants completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview, HIV counselling and testing, and HSV-2 testing at baseline and during follow-up visits at 6, 12, and 18 months after the baseline survey. A Cox proportional hazards model with random effects specified at the level of clusters (shared frailty) adjusted for matching pairs and other baseline imbalances was fitted to assess the effects of cash transfer on the incidence of HSV-2 infection (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included HIV prevalence at follow-up, self-reported intergenerational sex, and self-reported compensated sex. All secondary outcomes were measured at each study visit. RESULTS Of the 3026 AGYW enrolled in the trial (1482 in the intervention and 1544 in the control), 2720 AGYW (1373 in the intervention and 1347 in the control) were included in the final analysis. Overall, HSV-2 incidence was not significantly different at all follow-up points between the study arms in the adjusted analysis (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.67-1.38; P=.83). However, HSV-2 incidence was significantly lower in the rural low-risk populations who received the cash transfer intervention (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.71; P=.001), adjusted for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS Although this trial showed no significant impact of the cash transfer intervention on HSV-2 incidence among AGYW overall, the intervention significantly reduced HSV-2 incidence among AGYW in rural low-risk communities. Factors such as lesser poverty and more asset ownership in urban and rural high-risk communities may have undermined the impact of cash transfer. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03597243; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03597243.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacqueline Materu
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Mary Drake
- Sauti Project, Jhpiego (an affiliate of John Hopkins University), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Esther Majani
- Sauti Project, Jhpiego (an affiliate of John Hopkins University), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Caterina Casalini
- Sauti Project, Jhpiego (an affiliate of John Hopkins University), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Deusdedit Mjungu
- Sauti Project, Jhpiego (an affiliate of John Hopkins University), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Gaspar Mbita
- Sauti Project, Jhpiego (an affiliate of John Hopkins University), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Esther Kalage
- Sauti Project, Jhpiego (an affiliate of John Hopkins University), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Albert Komba
- Sauti Project, Jhpiego (an affiliate of John Hopkins University), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Daniel Nyato
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Soori Nnko
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Amani Shao
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - John Changalucha
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Mwita Wambura
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, United Republic of Tanzania
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Delaney KP, Sanchez T, Hannah M, Edwards OW, Carpino T, Agnew-Brune C, Renfro K, Kachur R, Carnes N, DiNenno EA, Lansky A, Ethier K, Sullivan P, Baral S, Oster AM. Strategies Adopted by Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men to Prevent Monkeypox virus Transmission — United States, August 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022; 71. [PMID: 36048582 PMCID: PMC9472779 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7135e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez T. Food insecurity as a social determinant of sexual health and substance use independent of poverty status among men who have sex with men in the United States. Ann Epidemiol 2022; 74:97-103. [PMID: 35788033 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.06.037] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the prevalence of food insecurity among men who have sex with men (MSM) and assess its associations with sexual health measures and substance use, as compared to poverty status. METHODS In 2017, 10,049 US MSM were recruited online and completed the American Men's Internet Survey. The survey assessed food insecurity, annual household income and past-year behaviors: condomless anal intercourse (CAI), exchange sex, any illicit substance use other than marijuana, use of methamphetamine, alkyl nitrites or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), HIV testing and sexually transmitted infection testing and diagnosis. We tested associations between behavioral outcomes and food insecurity or poverty, controlling for demographic characteristics. RESULTS The prevalence of food insecurity among AMIS participants was 15.8%. Food insecurity non-response was 2.5% while income non-response was 19.0%. Food insecurity was significantly and positively associated with all behavioral outcomes, while poverty was significantly and positively associated only with exchange sex, any illicit substance use, methamphetamine and GHB use. In models that included both food insecurity and poverty as exposures, food insecurity remained independently positively associated with all behavioral outcomes and the associations for poverty level were null for all outcomes except methamphetamine and GHB use. CONCLUSIONS Assessing food insecurity in sexual health and substance use survey research may provide a more robust indicator of economic deprivation and provide insight for HIV and STI prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zlotorzynska
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Nelson KN, Siegler AJ, Sullivan PS, Bradley H, Hall E, Luisi N, Hipp-Ramsey P, Sanchez T, Shioda K, Lopman BA. Nationally representative social contact patterns among U.S. adults, August 2020-April 2021. Epidemics 2022; 40:100605. [PMID: 35810698 PMCID: PMC9242729 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2022.100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S prompted abrupt and dramatic changes to social contact patterns. Monitoring changing social behavior is essential to provide reliable input data for mechanistic models of infectious disease, which have been increasingly used to support public health policy to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. While some studies have reported on changing contact patterns throughout the pandemic, few have reported differences in contact patterns among key demographic groups and none have reported nationally representative estimates. We conducted a national probability survey of US households and collected information on social contact patterns during two time periods: August-December 2020 (before widespread vaccine availability) and March-April 2021 (during national vaccine rollout). Overall, contact rates in Spring 2021 were similar to those in Fall 2020, with most contacts reported at work. Persons identifying as non-White, non-Black, non-Asian, and non-Hispanic reported high numbers of contacts relative to other racial and ethnic groups. Contact rates were highest in those reporting occupations in retail, hospitality and food service, and transportation. Those testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies reported a higher number of daily contacts than those who were seronegative. Our findings provide evidence for differences in social behavior among demographic groups, highlighting the profound disparities that have become the hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA.
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, USA
| | - Eric Hall
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Palmer Hipp-Ramsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Kayoko Shioda
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Benjamin A Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA; Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
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Sanchez T, Santos GM, Arreola S, Howell S, Hoffman T. Enablers and Barriers to HIV Services for Gay and Bisexual Men in the COVID-19 Era: Fusing Data Sets from Two Global Online Surveys Via File Concatenation With Adjusted Weights. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e33538. [PMID: 35377321 PMCID: PMC9239571 DOI: 10.2196/33538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay and bisexual men are 26 times more likely to acquire HIV than other adult men and represent nearly 1 in 4 new HIV infections worldwide. There is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic may be complicating efforts to prevent new HIV infections, reduce AIDS-related deaths, and expand access to HIV services. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gay and bisexual men's ability to access services is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to understand access to HIV services at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Our study used data collected from two independent global online surveys conducted with convenience samples of gay and bisexual men. Both data sets had common demographic measurements; however, only the COVID-19 Disparities Survey (n=13,562) collected the outcomes of interest (HIV services access at the height of the first COVID-19 wave) and only the Global Men's Health and Rights Survey 4 (GMHR-4; n=6188) gathered pre-COVID-19 pandemic exposures/covariates of interest (social/structural enablers of and barriers to HIV services access). We used data fusion methods to combine these data sets utilizing overlapping demographic variables and assessed relationships between exposures and outcomes. We hypothesized that engagement with the gay community and comfort with one's health care provider would be positively associated with HIV services access and negatively associated with poorer mental health and economic instability as the COVID-19 outbreaks took hold. Conversely, we hypothesized that sexual stigma and experiences of discrimination by a health care provider would be negatively associated with HIV services access and positively associated with poorer mental health and economic instability. RESULTS With 19,643 observations after combining data sets, our study confirmed hypothesized associations between enablers of and barriers to HIV prevention, care, and treatment. For example, community engagement was positively associated with access to an HIV provider (regression coefficient=0.81, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.86; P<.001), while sexual stigma was negatively associated with access to HIV treatment (coefficient=-1.39, 95% CI -1.42 to -1.36; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS HIV services access for gay and bisexual men remained obstructed and perhaps became worse during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-led research that utilizes novel methodological approaches can be helpful in times of crisis to inform urgently needed tailored responses that can be delivered in real time. More research is needed to understand the full impact COVID-19 is having on gay and bisexual men worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Glenn-Milo Santos
- University of California San Francisco, 2 Koret Way, 511M, San Francisco, US
| | | | | | - Thomas Hoffman
- University of California San Francisc, San Francisco, US
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Sullivan PS, Siegler AJ, Shioda K, Hall EW, Bradley H, Sanchez T, Luisi N, Valentine-Graves M, Nelson KN, Fahimi M, Kamali A, Sailey C, Lopman BA. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Cumulative Incidence, United States, August 2020-December 2020. Clin Infect Dis 2022. [PMID: 34245245 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab626.pmid:34245245] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases underestimate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. We conducted a national probability survey of US households to estimate cumulative incidence adjusted for antibody waning. METHODS From August-December 2020 a random sample of US addresses were mailed a survey and self-collected nasal swabs and dried blood spot cards. One adult household member completed the survey and mail specimens for viral detection and total (immunoglobulin [Ig] A, IgM, IgG) nucleocapsid antibody by a commercial, emergency use authorization-approved antigen capture assay. We estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 adjusted for waning antibodies and calculated reported fraction (RF) and infection fatality ratio (IFR). Differences in seropositivity among demographic, geographic, and clinical subgroups were explored. RESULTS Among 39 500 sampled households, 4654 respondents provided responses. Cumulative incidence adjusted for waning was 11.9% (95% credible interval [CrI], 10.5%-13.5%) as of 30 October 2020. We estimated 30 332 842 (CrI, 26 703 753-34 335 338) total infections in the US adult population by 30 October 2020. RF was 22.3% and IFR was 0.85% among adults. Black non-Hispanics (Prevalence ratio (PR) 2.2) and Hispanics (PR, 3.1) were more likely than White non-Hispanics to be seropositive. CONCLUSIONS One in 8 US adults had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 by October 2020; however, few had been accounted for in public health reporting. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely substantially underestimated by reported cases. Disparities in COVID-19 by race observed among reported cases cannot be attributed to differential diagnosis or reporting of infections in population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kayoko Shioda
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric W Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mariah Valentine-Graves
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristin N Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Amanda Kamali
- California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Benjamin A Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Nelson KN, Siegler AJ, Sullivan PS, Bradley H, Hall E, Luisi N, Hipp-Ramsey P, Sanchez T, Shioda K, Lopman BA. Nationally Representative Social Contact Patterns among U.S. adults, August 2020-April 2021. medRxiv 2022:2021.09.22.21263904. [PMID: 35378746 PMCID: PMC8978954 DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.22.21263904] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S prompted abrupt and dramatic changes to social contact patterns. Monitoring changing social behavior is essential to provide reliable input data for mechanistic models of infectious disease, which have been increasingly used to support public health policy to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. While some studies have reported on changing contact patterns throughout the pandemic., few have reported on differences in contact patterns among key demographic groups and none have reported nationally representative estimates. We conducted a national probability survey of US households and collected information on social contact patterns during two time periods: August-December 2020 (before widespread vaccine availability) and March-April 2021 (during national vaccine rollout). Overall, contact rates in Spring 2021 were similar to those in Fall 2020, with most contacts reported at work. Persons identifying as non-White, non-Black, non-Asian, and non-Hispanic reported high numbers of contacts relative to other racial and ethnic groups. Contact rates were highest in those reporting occupations in retail, hospitality and food service, and transportation. Those testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies reported a higher number of daily contacts than those who were seronegative. Our findings provide evidence for differences in social behavior among demographic groups, highlighting the profound disparities that have become the hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin N Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health
| | - Eric Hall
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | | | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Kayoko Shioda
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
| | - Benjamin A Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospects for a gonococcal vaccine have advanced. Vaccine acceptability is crucial to maximizing population-level protection among key groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). We assessed the prevalence of gonococcal vaccine acceptability among sexually active MSM in the United States. METHODS We used data from the American Men's Internet Study conducted from August 2019 to December 2019. We calculated frequencies of sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine acceptability, and preferred location for vaccine receipt. Using log-binomial regression analyses, we calculated unadjusted prevalence rates (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate factors associated with vaccine acceptability. RESULTS Of 4951 MSM, 83.5% were willing to accept a vaccine and 16.5% were unwilling. Preferred vaccination locations were primary care provider's clinics (83.5%) and sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics (64.6%). Vaccine acceptability was greater among young MSM (15-24 years [PR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.12], 25-29 years [PR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.09-1.17], and 30-39 years [PR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.14] compared with MSM ≥40 years), MSM living with HIV (PR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.09), and MSM who reported (in the past 12 months) condomless anal sex (PR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12), a bacterial STD test (PR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.15-1.21), HIV preexposure prophylaxis use (PR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.14-1.19), a bacterial STD diagnosis (PR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), or a health care provider visit (PR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06-1.16). Men who have sex with men who reported ≤high school education (PR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.91-0.97) were less willing to accept a vaccine compared with those with >high school education. CONCLUSIONS Most respondents were willing to accept a gonococcal vaccine. These findings can inform the planning and implementation of a future gonococcal vaccination program that focuses on MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winston E. Abara
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | | | - Kyle T. Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Chamberlain AT, Toomey KE, Bradley H, Hall EW, Fahimi M, Lopman BA, Luisi N, Sanchez T, Drenzek C, Shioda K, Siegler AJ, Sullivan PS. Cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among adults in Georgia, USA, August-December 2020. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:396-403. [PMID: 34662409 PMCID: PMC8807152 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reported COVID-19 cases underestimate true SARS-CoV-2 infections. Data on all infections, including asymptomatic infections, are needed to guide programs. To minimize biases in estimates from reported cases and seroprevalence surveys, we conducted a household-based probability survey in Georgia and estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections adjusted for antibody waning. METHODS From August to December 2020, we mailed specimen collection kits (nasal swabs and blood spots) to a random sample of Georgia addresses. One household adult completed a survey and returned specimens for virus and antibody testing. We estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections adjusted for waning antibodies, reported fraction, and infection fatality ratio (IFR). Differences in seropositivity among demographic, geographic and clinical subgroups were explored with weighted prevalence ratios (PR). RESULTS Among 1,370 participants, adjusted cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 was 16.1% (95% credible interval (CrI): 13.5-19.2%) as of November 16, 2020. The reported fraction was 26.6% and IFR was 0.78%. Non-Hispanic Black (PR: 2.03, CI 1.0, 4.1) and Hispanic adults (PR: 1.98, CI 0.74, 5.31) were more likely than non-Hispanic White adults to be seropositive. CONCLUSIONS As of mid-November 2020, one in 6 adults in Georgia had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 epidemic in Georgia is likely substantially underestimated by reported cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison T Chamberlain
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric W Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Benjamin A Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kayoko Shioda
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Weiss KM, Prasad P, Sanchez T, Goodreau SM, Jenness SM. Association between HIV PrEP indications and use in a national sexual network study of US men who have sex with men. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25826. [PMID: 34605174 PMCID: PMC8488229 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25826] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. United States Public Health Service (USPHS) clinical practice guidelines define biobehavioral indications for initiation. To assess guideline implementation, it is critical to quantify PrEP nonusers who are indicated and PrEP users who are not indicated. We sought to estimate current PrEP use among US men who have sex with men (MSM), characterize whether their PrEP use aligned with their current indications for PrEP, and assess whether the association between PrEP indications and PrEP use differed by demography or geography. METHODS Using data from a US web-based sexual network study of MSM between 2017 and 2019, we measured PrEP usage and assessed whether respondents met indications for PrEP. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate the relationship between PrEP indications and PrEP use, with adjustment for geography, age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS Of 3508 sexually active, HIV-negative MSM, 34% met indications for PrEP. The proportion with current PrEP use was 32% among MSM meeting indications and 11% among those without indications. Nearly 40% of those currently using PrEP did not meet indications for PrEP, and 68% of MSM with indications for PrEP were not currently using PrEP. After adjusting for geography and demographics, MSM with PrEP indications were about three times as likely to be currently using PrEP. This association varied slightly, but not significantly, by geographic region, age and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Indications for PrEP strongly predicted current PrEP use among US MSM. However, we identified substantial misalignment between indications and use in both directions (indicated MSM who were not benefitting from PrEP, and MSM taking PrEP while not presently being indicated). PrEP underuse by those at greatest risk for HIV acquisition may limit the projected impact of PrEP implementation, despite reported increases in PrEP provision. This calls for further implementation efforts to improve PrEP delivery to those most in need during periods of elevated sexual risk and to close the gap between indications and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Weiss
- Department of EpidemiologyEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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Hecht J, Sanchez T, Sullivan PS, DiNenno EA, Cramer N, Delaney KP. Increasing Access to HIV Testing Through Direct-to-Consumer HIV Self-Test Distribution - United States, March 31, 2020-March 30, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021; 70:1322-1325. [PMID: 34555001 PMCID: PMC8459896 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7038a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Siegler AJ, Luisi N, Hall EW, Bradley H, Sanchez T, Lopman BA, Sullivan PS. Trajectory of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Over Time and Association of Initial Vaccine Hesitancy With Subsequent Vaccination. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2126882. [PMID: 34559232 PMCID: PMC8463937 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.26882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This cohort study assesses the association between baseline vaccine hesitancy and vaccine receipt at study follow-up and explores the validity of vaccine self-report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Eric W. Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Epidemiology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Benjamin A. Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Norelli J, Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez T, Sullivan PS. Scaling Up CareKit: Lessons Learned from Expansion of a Centralized Home HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Program. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:S66-S70. [PMID: 34030160 PMCID: PMC8284343 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in implementing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) services for men who have sex with men (MSM), many remain underserved because of barriers like stigma, low facility coverage, and provider competency. This article describes the implementation of centralized nationwide mailed HIV/STI home testing (CareKit). METHODS The Emory Center for AIDS Research developed CareKit for research study participants to request HIV self-test kits, STI specimen collection kits, and condom/lubricant packs to be shipped to any mailing address in the United States. Sexually transmitted infection kits were customized according to study needs and could include materials to collect whole blood, dried blood spots, urine sample, and rectal and pharyngeal swab samples for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia testing. Specimens were mailed back to a central Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved laboratory for testing, and results were returned to participants. RESULTS CareKit was used by 12 MSM studies and mailed 1132 STI kits to 775 participants between January 2018 and March 2020. Participants returned 507 (45%) STI kits, which included 1594 individual specimens. Eighty-one kits (16%) had at least one positive STI test result: pharyngeal chlamydia (n = 7), pharyngeal gonorrhea (n = 11), rectal chlamydia (n = 15), rectal gonorrhea (n = 12), genital chlamydia (n = 6), genital gonorrhea (n = 1), and syphilis (n = 54). In this same 2-year period, 741 HIV self-test kits were mailed to 643 MSM. CONCLUSIONS CareKit successfully met studies' needs for home HIV/STI testing and diagnosed many STIs. These processes continue to be adapted for research and programs. The ability to mail home test kits has become increasingly important to reach those who may have limited access to health care services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Brown CA, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R, Baral SD, Bekker LG, Phaswana-Mafuya NR, Simbayi LC, Sanchez T, Valencia RK, Zahn RJ, Siegler AJ. Developing and validating the Multidimensional Sexual Identity Stigma Scale among men who have sex with men in South Africa. Stigma and Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1037/sah0000294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Lamba K, Bradley H, Shioda K, Sullivan PS, Luisi N, Hall EW, Mehrotra ML, Lim E, Jain S, Kamali A, Sanchez T, Lopman BA, Fahimi M, Siegler AJ. SARS-CoV-2 Cumulative Incidence and Period Seroprevalence: Results From a Statewide Population-Based Serosurvey in California. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab379. [PMID: 34377733 PMCID: PMC8339610 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background California has reported the largest number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases of any US state, with more than 3.5 million confirmed as of March 2021. However, the full breadth of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in California is unknown as reported cases only represent a fraction of all infections. Methods We conducted a population-based serosurvey, utilizing mailed, home-based SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing along with a demographic and behavioral survey. We weighted data from a random sample to represent the adult California population and estimated period seroprevalence overall and by participant characteristics. Seroprevalence estimates were adjusted for waning antibodies to produce statewide estimates of cumulative incidence, the infection fatality ratio (IFR), and the reported fraction. Results California's SARS-CoV-2 weighted seroprevalence during August-December 2020 was 4.6% (95% CI, 2.8%-7.4%). Estimated cumulative incidence as of November 2, 2020, was 8.7% (95% CrI, 6.4%-11.5%), indicating that 2 660 441 adults (95% CrI, 1 959 218-3 532 380) had been infected. The estimated IFR was 0.8% (95% CrI, 0.6%-1.0%), and the estimated percentage of infections reported to the California Department of Public Health was 31%. Disparately high risk for infection was observed among persons of Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity and people with no health insurance and who reported working outside the home. Conclusions We present the first statewide SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence estimate among adults in California. As of November 2020, ~1 in 3 SARS-CoV-2 infections in California adults had been identified by public health surveillance. When accounting for unreported SARS-CoV-2 infections, disparities by race/ethnicity seen in case-based surveillance persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Lamba
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kayoko Shioda
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric W Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Megha L Mehrotra
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Esther Lim
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Seema Jain
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Amanda Kamali
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Benjamin A Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Sullivan PS, Siegler AJ, Shioda K, Hall EW, Bradley H, Sanchez T, Luisi N, Valentine-Graves M, Nelson KN, Fahimi M, Kamali A, Sailey C, Lopman BA. SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence, United States, August-December 2020. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1141-1150. [PMID: 34245245 PMCID: PMC8406864 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases underestimate severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. We conducted a
national probability survey of US households to estimate cumulative
incidence adjusted for antibody waning. Methods From August–December 2020 a random sample of US addresses were mailed a
survey and self-collected nasal swabs and dried blood spot cards. One adult
household member completed the survey and mail specimens for viral detection
and total (immunoglobulin [Ig] A, IgM, IgG) nucleocapsid antibody by a
commercial, emergency use authorization–approved antigen capture
assay. We estimated cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 adjusted for waning
antibodies and calculated reported fraction (RF) and infection fatality
ratio (IFR). Differences in seropositivity among demographic, geographic,
and clinical subgroups were explored. Results Among 39 500 sampled households, 4654 respondents provided responses.
Cumulative incidence adjusted for waning was 11.9% (95% credible interval
[CrI], 10.5%–13.5%) as of 30 October 2020. We estimated 30 332 842
(CrI, 26 703 753–34 335 338) total infections in the US adult
population by 30 October 2020. RF was 22.3% and IFR was 0.85% among adults.
Black non-Hispanics (Prevalence ratio (PR) 2.2) and Hispanics (PR, 3.1) were
more likely than White non-Hispanics to be seropositive. Conclusions One in 8 US adults had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 by October 2020;
however, few had been accounted for in public health reporting. The COVID-19
pandemic is likely substantially underestimated by reported cases.
Disparities in COVID-19 by race observed among reported cases cannot be
attributed to differential diagnosis or reporting of infections in
population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kayoko Shioda
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric W Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Heather Bradley
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicole Luisi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mariah Valentine-Graves
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristin N Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Amanda Kamali
- California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, California, USA (Kamali)
| | - Charles Sailey
- Molecular Testing Labs, Vancouver, Washington, USA (Sailey)
| | - Benjamin A Lopman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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