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Inoue M, Masa R, Prieto L, Baruah D, Kellermeyer K, Booker E, Sweeney G. Prevalence and Correlates of Food Insecurity Among Older Adults in the United States. J Gerontol Soc Work 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38739384 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2024.2339975] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
This study analyzed the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to assess food insecurity among adults aged 65 and older. Among 8,877 older adults, 4 percent (N=287) reported low or very low food security levels. Those who identified as Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino were more likely to experience food insecurity compared to White individuals. The study found that merely surpassing the poverty threshold might not be sufficient to protect against food insecurity. It also underscored socioemotional support's protective role in older adults' food security. Social workers must recognize various factors influencing food security among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Inoue
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
| | - Rainier Masa
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lucas Prieto
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
| | - Dicky Baruah
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Emma Booker
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
| | - Grace Sweeney
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Virginia, USA
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Masa R, Inoue M, Prieto L, Baruah D, Nosrat S, Mehak S, Operario D. Mental Health of Older Adults by Sexual Minority Status: Evidence From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:276-286. [PMID: 37801680 PMCID: PMC10809733 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231203838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored differences among older adults in mental health by sexual minority status. Data came from the 2021 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. The study sample included older adults (or those aged ≥50 years, N = 15,559), and of those, two percent (n = 380) self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Older LGB adults had significantly higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of depression and anxiety and experiencing serious psychological distress than older non-LGB adults. Additionally, older LGB adults reported higher odds of experiencing depression and anxiety more frequently than older non-LGB adults. Significant covariates included age, sex, housing, food security, and social support. Increased risk for mental illness may be long-term consequences of stigma and discrimination that this population has experienced over the life course. The combination of structural interventions and affirming mental healthcare that recognizes the cumulative negative experience among older LGB adults is necessary to achieve mental health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainier Masa
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Global Social Development Innovations, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Megumi Inoue
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Lucas Prieto
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Dicky Baruah
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Nosrat
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Samreen Mehak
- Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Don Operario
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Masa R, Shangani S, Baruah D, Operario D. The Association of Food Insecurity, Mental Health, and Healthcare Access and Use Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults in the United States: Results From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:68-79. [PMID: 37899588 PMCID: PMC10748451 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231211134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to describe the prevalence of food insecurity and its relationship with mental health, health care access, and use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults in the U.S. DESIGN AND SETTING We analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a cross-sectional study of noninstitutionalized adults from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. SAMPLE The study sample was restricted to LGB adults ≥18 years (N = 1178) from the 2021 NHIS survey. MEASURES Food security was assessed using the 10-item U.S Adult Food Security Survey Module. Study outcomes were mental health (depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, and serious psychological distress), health care utilization, and medication adherence. ANALYSIS Descriptive statistics and linear and generalized linear regressions. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 69% White, 14% Hispanic/Latinx, 9% Black, and 8% people of other races. Approximately half (53%) identified as bisexual and 47% identified as gay or lesbian. Eleven percent were food insecure. Sexual orientation, income-to-poverty ratio, and health insurance were significant correlates of food insecurity. In multivariable analyses, food insecurity was significantly associated with mental illness (including depression, anxiety, and serious psychological distress), limited health care access and use (including inability to pay medical bills, delay in getting medical and mental health care, and going without needed medical and mental health care), and medication nonadherence (including skipping medication, taking less medication, delay filling prescription, and going without needed prescription). CONCLUSION Food insecurity is a constant predictor of adverse mental health and low medical and mental health care use rates among LGB adults in the United States. Achieving food security in LGB people requires improving their financial and nonfinancial resources to obtain food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainier Masa
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Dicky Baruah
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Don Operario
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ware OD, Austin AE, Srivastava A, Dawes HC, Baruah D, Hall WJ. Characteristics of Outpatient and Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities with a Tailored LGBT Program. Subst Abuse 2023; 17:11782218231181274. [PMID: 37342586 PMCID: PMC10278416 DOI: 10.1177/11782218231181274] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals have a high prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) and experience unique barriers to treatment. Little is known about the characteristics of SUD treatment facilities providing LGBT-tailored programs at the outpatient and residential levels of care. The purpose of this study is to examine the availability of LGBT-tailored programs in outpatient and residential SUD treatment facilities. Using the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services 2020, we conducted logistic regression to examine facility characteristics, including ownership, pay assistance, region, outreach, and telehealth services, associated with having an LGBT-tailored program among SUD treatment facilities. Outpatient facilities that were for-profit, had pay assistance, had community outreach services, and provided telemedicine/telehealth were more likely to have an LGBT-tailored program. Those that were government-owned, in the Midwest, and that accepted Medicaid were less likely to have an LGBT-tailored program. Residential facilities that were in the West, for-profit, and had community outreach services were more likely to have an LGBT-tailored program. This study offers a national examination of the availability of LGBT-tailored programs in SUD treatment facilities. Differences in availability based on ownership, region, pay assistance, and outreach highlight potential gaps in treatment availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orrin D. Ware
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna E. Austin
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ankur Srivastava
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hayden C. Dawes
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dicky Baruah
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - William J. Hall
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Lodge Ii W, Biello K, Thomas B, Rawat S, Baruah D, Dange A, Anand V, Swaminathan S, Kumar S, Balu V, Menon S, O'Cleirigh C, Mayer KH, Safren SA, Mimiaga MJ. Longitudinal impact of stressful life events on HIV-related risk and psychosocial problems among MSM in Chennai and Mumbai, India. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:416-422. [PMID: 36825555 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231155998] [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: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies show that stressful life events (SLE) (e.g., discrimination, financial problems) can lead to psychosocial problems and exacerbate condomless anal sex (CAS) without protection via pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men. However, few studies have examined this relationship among men who have sex with men in India, and none have examined this longitudinally. METHODS As a part of an HIV-prevention intervention, 608 MSM from Chennai and Mumbai, India, completed behavioral surveys at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months. We used longitudinal generalized estimating equations (GEE) modeling to examine the relationship between SLE and its severity and subsequent psychosocial problems, CAS, and history of diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI). All models are adjusted for age, sexual identity, intervention arm, human immunodeficiency virus status, and recruitment city. RESULTS The number of SLE and their corresponding perceived impact score remained consistent at each time point. In multivariable GEE models, the number of SLE was predictive of CAS, depression, and harmful drinking. Similarly, the ratio of the impact of SLE was predictive of CAS, depression, and diagnosed STI. However, harmful drinking was not predictive in this model. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that can inform future interventions, which can be used to enhance self-acceptance, coping skills, and other forms of resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lodge Ii
- Department of Behavioral and Social Health Sciences, 174610Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Katie Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Health Sciences, 174610Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, 174610Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.,The Fenway Institute, 196148Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beena Thomas
- 29888National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Soumya Swaminathan
- 29888National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai, India
| | - Senthil Kumar
- 29888National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai, India
| | - Vinoth Balu
- 29888National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai, India
| | | | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- The Fenway Institute, 196148Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, 196148Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven A Safren
- The Fenway Institute, 196148Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health (CHARM), 5452University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, 196148Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.,UCLA Center for LGBTQ+ Advocacy, Research & Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, 25808UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Chamberlin JH, Smith C, Schoepf UJ, Nance S, Elojeimy S, O'Doherty J, Baruah D, Burt JR, Varga-Szemes A, Kabakus IM. A deep convolutional neural network ensemble for composite identification of pulmonary nodules and incidental findings on routine PET/CT. Clin Radiol 2023; 78:e368-e376. [PMID: 36863883 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.01.014] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate primary and secondary pathologies of interest using an artificial intelligence (AI) platform, AI-Rad Companion, on low-dose computed tomography (CT) series from integrated positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT to detect CT findings that might be overlooked. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and eighty-nine sequential patients who had undergone PET/CT were included. Images were evaluated using an ensemble of convolutional neural networks (AI-Rad Companion, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). The primary outcome was detection of pulmonary nodules for which the accuracy, identity, and intra-rater reliability was calculated. For secondary outcomes (binary detection of coronary artery calcium, aortic ectasia, vertebral height loss), accuracy and diagnostic performance were calculated. RESULTS The overall per-nodule accuracy for detection of lung nodules was 0.847. The overall sensitivity and specificity for detection of lung nodules was 0.915 and 0.781. The overall per-patient accuracy for AI detection of coronary artery calcium, aortic ectasia, and vertebral height loss was 0.979, 0.966, and 0.840, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for coronary artery calcium was 0.989 and 0.969. The sensitivity and specificity for aortic ectasia was 0.806 and 1. CONCLUSION The neural network ensemble accurately assessed the number of pulmonary nodules and presence of coronary artery calcium and aortic ectasia on low-dose CT series of PET/CT. The neural network was highly specific for the diagnosis of vertebral height loss, but not sensitive. The use of the AI ensemble can help radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians to catch CT findings that might be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Chamberlin
- Division of Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - C Smith
- Division of Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - U J Schoepf
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - S Nance
- Division of Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - S Elojeimy
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - J O'Doherty
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, PA, USA
| | - D Baruah
- Division of Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - J R Burt
- Division of Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - A Varga-Szemes
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - I M Kabakus
- Division of Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Chakrapani V, Newman PA, Shunmugam M, Rawat S, Mohan BR, Baruah D, Tepjan S. A scoping review of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people's health in India. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001362. [PMID: 37079524 PMCID: PMC10118178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Amid incremental progress in establishing an enabling legal and policy environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified people, and people with intersex variations (LGBTQI+) in India, evidence gaps on LGBTQI+ health are of increasing concern. To that end, we conducted a scoping review to map and synthesize the current evidence base, identify research gaps, and provide recommendations for future research. We conducted a scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. We systematically searched 14 databases to identify peer-reviewed journal articles published in English language between January 1, 2010 and November 20, 2021, that reported empirical qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods data on LGBTQI+ people's health in India. Out of 3,003 results in total, we identified 177 eligible articles; 62% used quantitative, 31% qualitative, and 7% mixed methods. The majority (55%) focused on gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM), 16% transgender women, and 14% both of these populations; 4% focused on lesbian and bisexual women, and 2% on transmasculine people. Overall, studies reported high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections; multilevel risk factors for HIV; high levels of mental health burden linked to stigma, discrimination, and violence victimization; and non-availability of gender-affirmative medical care in government hospitals. Few longitudinal studies and intervention studies were identified. Findings suggest that LGBTQI+ health research in India needs to move beyond the predominant focus on HIV, and gay men/MSM and transgender women, to include mental health and non-communicable diseases, and individuals across the LGBTQI+ spectrum. Future research should build on largely descriptive studies to include explanatory and intervention studies, beyond urban to rural sites, and examine healthcare and service needs among LGBTQI+ people across the life course. Increased Indian government funding for LGBTQI+ health research, including dedicated support and training for early career researchers, is crucial to building a comprehensive and sustainable evidence base to inform targeted health policies and programs moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
- The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - Peter A Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- VOICES-Thailand Foundation, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
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Chakrapani V, Scheim AI, Newman PA, Shunmugam M, Rawat S, Baruah D, Bhatter A, Nelson R, Jaya A, Kaur M. Affirming and negotiating gender in family and social spaces: Stigma, mental health and resilience among transmasculine people in India. Cult Health Sex 2022; 24:951-967. [PMID: 33847243 PMCID: PMC7612960 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1901991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Research on transmasculine people's health is scant globally, including in India. We explored transmasculine people's experiences in affirming their gender in family and social spaces, and how those experiences impact mental health. In 2019, we conducted four focus groups (n = 17 participants) and 10 in-depth interviews with transmasculine people in Mumbai and Chennai. Data analyses were guided by minority stress theory and the gender affirmation model. Within family, the pressure to conform to assigned gender roles and gender policing usually began in adolescence and increased over time. Some participants left parental homes due to violence. In educational settings, participants described the enforcement of gender-normative dress codes, lack of faculty support, and bullying victimisation, which led some to quit schooling. In the workplace, experiences varied depending on whether participants were visibly trans or had an incongruence between their identity documents and gender identity. Everyday discrimination experiences in diverse settings contributed to psychological distress. Amidst these challenges, participants reported resilience strategies, including self-acceptance, connecting with peers, strategic (non)disclosure, and circumventing gendered restrictions on dress and behaviour. Interventions at social-structural, institutional, family and individual levels are needed to reduce stigma and discrimination faced by transmasculine people in India and to promote their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
- The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - Ayden I. Scheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter A. Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | - Ruban Nelson
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
- The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - A Jaya
- Sahodaran, Chennai, India
| | - Manmeet Kaur
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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9
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Safren SA, Thomas B, Biello KB, Mayer KH, Rawat S, Dange A, Bedoya CA, Menon S, Anand V, Balu V, O'Cleirigh C, Klasko-Foster L, Baruah D, Swaminathan S, Mimiaga MJ. Strengthening resilience to reduce HIV risk in Indian MSM: a multicity, randomised, clinical efficacy trial. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e446-e455. [PMID: 33740407 PMCID: PMC8091574 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) in India are extremely marginalised and stigmatised, and therefore experience immense psychosocial stress. As current HIV prevention interventions in India do not address mental health or resilience to these stressors, we aimed to evaluate a resilience-based psychosocial intervention in the context of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. METHODS We did a multicity, randomised, clinical efficacy trial in Chennai (governmental tuberculosis research institute) and Mumbai (non-governmental organisation for MSM), India. Inclusion criteria were MSM, aged 18 years or older, who were at risk of HIV acquisition or transmission, defined as having any of the following in the 4 months before screening: anal sex with four or more male partners (protected or unprotected), diagnosis of an STI, history of transactional sex activity, or condomless anal sex with a man who was of unknown HIV status or serodiscordant. Participants were required to speak English, Tamil (in Chennai), or Hindi (in Mumbai) fluently. Eligible individuals were randomly assigned (1:1) to either a resilience-based psychosocial HIV prevention intervention, consisting of group (four sessions) and individual (six sessions) counselling alongside HIV and STI voluntary counselling and testing, or a standard-of-care control comprising voluntary counselling and testing alone. The primary outcomes were number of condomless anal sex acts with male partners during the past month (at baseline and 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months after randomisation), and incident bacterial STIs (at 12 months after randomisation). Resilience-related mediators included self-esteem, self-acceptance, and depression. Recruitment is now closed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02556294. FINDINGS Between Sept 4, 2015, and June 28, 2018, we enrolled 608 participants; 305 (50%) were assigned to the psychosocial intervention condition and 303 (50%) were assigned to the control condition. 510 (84%) of 608 men completed an assessment at 4 months after randomisation, 483 (79%) at 8 months, and 515 (85%) at 12 months. 512 (99%) of 515 men had STI data from the 12-month assessment. The intervention condition had a 56% larger reduction in condomless anal sex acts (95% CI 35-71; p<0·0001) from baseline to 4-month follow-up, 72% larger reduction (56-82; p<0·0001) from baseline to 8-month follow-up, and 72% larger reduction (53-83; p<0·0001) from baseline to 12-month follow-up, compared with the standard-of-care control condition (condition by time interaction; χ2=40·29, 3 df; p<0·0001). Improvements in self-esteem and depressive symptoms both mediated 9% of the intervention effect on condomless anal sex acts. Bacterial STI incidence did not differ between study conditions at 12-month follow-up. INTERPRETATION A resilience-based psychosocial intervention for MSM at risk of HIV acquisition or transmission in India was efficacious in reducing condomless anal sex acts, with evidence for mediation effects in two key target resilience variables. HIV prevention programmes for MSM in India should address mental health resilience to augment reductions in the risk of sexually transmitted HIV. FUNDING National Institute of Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA; Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Beena Thomas
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioural and Social Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - C Andres Bedoya
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Vinoth Balu
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Conall O'Cleirigh
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynne Klasko-Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Soumya Swaminathan
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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10
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Chakrapani V, Newman PA, Shunmugam M, Rawat S, Baruah D, Nelson R, Roungkraphon S, Tepjan S. PrEP eligibility, HIV risk perception, and willingness to use PrEP among high-risk men who have sex with men in India: A cross-sectional survey. AIDS Care 2021; 34:301-309. [PMID: 33615903 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1887801] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is not yet included in India's national AIDS program, with demonstration projects for MSM in planning stages. In order to support PrEP roll-out for MSM, we assessed: (1) associations between guideline-informed PrEP eligibility, HIV risk perception, and perceived PrEP benefits and costs, with willingness to use PrEP (WTUP); and (2) correlates of non-WTUP among PrEP-eligible MSM. Data were collected from MSM (n = 197) sampled from cruising sites in Mumbai and Chennai. More than half (58.4%) reported inconsistent condom use with male partners, 88.3% >1 male partner, and 48.6% engaging in sex work (all past month). Overall, 76.6% reported they would "definitely use" PrEP. Among 92.9% deemed PrEP-eligible, 79.2% reported WTUP. In adjusted analyses, PrEP eligibility (aOR = 5.31, 95% CI 1.11, 25.45), medium (aOR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.03, 5.63) or high (aOR = 13.08, 95% CI 1.29, 132.27) perceived HIV risk, and greater perceived benefits (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.03, 1.24) were associated with higher odds of WTUP. Among PrEP-eligible MSM, non-WTUP was associated with low HIV risk perception and lower perceived benefits. Facilitating accurate risk assessment and promoting awareness of PrEP benefits and eligibility criteria may increase PrEP uptake among MSM in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India.,The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - Peter A Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Ruban Nelson
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | - Surachet Roungkraphon
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
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Safren SA, Devaleenal B, Biello KB, Rawat S, Thomas BE, Regenauer KS, Balu V, Bedoya CA, Dange A, Menon S, O’Cleirigh C, Baruah D, Anand V, Hanna LE, Karunaianantham R, Thorat R, Swaminathan S, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH. Geographic and behavioral differences associated with sexually transmitted infection prevalence among Indian men who have sex with men in Chennai and Mumbai. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:144-151. [PMID: 33323073 PMCID: PMC9528997 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420943016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
India has one of the largest numbers of men who have sex with men (MSM) globally; however, geographic data on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and associations with sexual behavior are limited. Six-hundred and eight MSM in Chennai and Mumbai underwent screening for a behavioral trial and were assessed for bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea), HIV, and past-month self-reported condomless anal sex (CAS). Mumbai (37.8%) had a greater prevalence of any STI than Chennai (27.6%) (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.73). This pattern also emerged for gonorrhea and chlamydia separately but not syphilis. Conversely, Mumbai MSM reported lower rates of CAS (mean = 2.2) compared to Chennai MSM (mean = 14.0) (mean difference = -11.8, 95% CI: -14.6, -9.1). The interaction of city by CAS on any STI prevalence (PR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.01, p < .0001) revealed that in Chennai, higher rates of CAS were not associated with STI prevalence, but in Mumbai they were (PR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.76, p < .0001). The higher prevalence of bacterial STIs but lower frequency of CAS in Mumbai (versus Chennai), along with the significant interaction of CAS with city on STI rates, suggests that there are either differences in disease burden or differences by city with respect to self-reported assessment of CAS. Regardless, the high prevalence rates of untreated STIs and condomless sex among MSM suggest the need for additional prevention intervention efforts for MSM in urban India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A. Safren
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
| | - Bella Devaleenal
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - Katie B. Biello
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | | | - Beena E. Thomas
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | | | - Vinoth Balu
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - C. Andres Bedoya
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Conall O’Cleirigh
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Luke Elizabeth Hanna
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - Ramesh Karunaianantham
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | | | - Soumya Swaminathan
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthew J. Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Departments of Behavioral & Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Chakrapani V, Shunmugam M, Rawat S, Baruah D, Nelson R, Newman PA. Acceptability of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Transgender Women in India: A Qualitative Investigation. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2020; 34:92-98. [PMID: 31951490 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2019.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high HIV prevalence among transgender women (TGW) in India, there is limited exploration of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) acceptability. With PrEP licensure pending, we conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) with diverse TGW (n = 36), and eight key informant interviews with community leaders and physicians, in Mumbai and Chennai. Data were explored using framework analysis guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. FGD participants' mean age was 26.1 years (SD = 4.8); two-thirds engaged in sex work. TGW reported low PrEP awareness, with moderate acceptability once PrEP was explained. Population-specific facilitators of PrEP acceptability included its perceived effectiveness in the context of challenges to condom use in serodiscordant relationships and forced sex encounters. PrEP was considered especially appropriate for TGW sex workers; however, barriers were anticipated in the context of hierarchical hijra (indigenous trans identity) kinship networks and gurus' (masters) potential negative reactions to PrEP use by their chelas (disciples). Positive attitudes toward high efficacy and potential covert use were tempered by TGW's concerns about high costs and adherence challenges living with parents or primary partners, and TGW sex workers' unpredictable schedules. Anticipated interactions with feminizing hormones, visible side effects, and PrEP-related stigma within TGW communities emerged as opportunity costs. PrEP implementation for TGW in India should promote comprehensive information on side effects and potential interactions with feminizing hormones, provide free or subsidized PrEP, and highlight the advantages of added protection in sex work and forced sexual encounters. Meaningful engagement with TGW kinship networks can encourage positive transgender community norms on PrEP use and mitigate multifaceted stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Chakrapani
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
- The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India
| | - Murali Shunmugam
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | | | | | - Ruban Nelson
- Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India
| | - Peter A. Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Mohanlal K, Malik CA, Bhatnagar CR, Baruah D. Placenta in IUGR: A morphometric study. J ANAT SOC INDIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jasi.2017.08.104] [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: 11/30/2022]
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Bhau BS, Gogoi G, Baruah D, Ahmed R, Hazarika G, Ghosh S, Borah B, Gogoi B, Sarmah DK, Nath SC, Wann SB. Development of an effective and efficient DNA isolation method for Cinnamomum species. Food Chem 2015; 188:264-70. [PMID: 26041191 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Different species of Cinnamomum are rich in polysaccharide's and secondary metabolites, which hinder the process of DNA extraction. High quality DNA is the pre-requisite for any molecular biology study. In this paper we report a modified method for high quality and quantity of DNA extraction from both lyophilized and non-lyophilized leaf samples. Protocol reported differs from the CTAB procedure by addition of higher concentration of salt and activated charcoal to remove the polysaccharides and polyphenols. Wide utility of the modified protocol was proved by DNA extraction from different woody species and 4 Cinnamomum species. Therefore, this protocol has also been validated in different species of plants containing high levels of polyphenols and polysaccharides. The extracted DNA showed perfect amplification when subjected to RAPD, restriction digestion and amplification with DNA barcoding primers. The DNA extraction protocol is reproducible and can be applied for any plant molecular biology study.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Bhau
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India.
| | - G Gogoi
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - D Baruah
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - R Ahmed
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - G Hazarika
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | | | - B Borah
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - B Gogoi
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - D K Sarmah
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - S C Nath
- Plant Genomics Laboratory, Medicinal Aromatic & Economic Plants (MAEP) Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - S B Wann
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
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Wang D, Michel M, Baruah D, Bedi M, Campbell B, Massey B, Wong S, Schultz C. High Negative Predictive Value of FDG-PET/CT in Assessment of Tumor Response Following Radiation Treatment for Head-and-Neck Carcinomas: Long-term update. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2012.07.1391] [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: 10/27/2022]
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Golshani B, Lazzaro M, Darkhabani Z, Raslau F, Baruah D, Fitzsimmons BF, Zaidat O. Surveillance Imaging after Intracranial Stent Implantation: Non-Invasive Imaging Compared with DSA (P05.256). Neurology 2012. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.78.1_meetingabstracts.p05.256] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
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Baruah D, Gupta OP. A comparative study of Prameha Roga from the Brihatrayee. Bull Indian Inst Hist Med Hyderabad 2002; 32:93-107. [PMID: 15981374] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The study of this Prameha Roga reveals the rich knowledge of the Ayurveda developed since the time immemorial. Although descriptions of this disease are scattered in different classics of Ayurveda but here importance has been given to Brihatrayee. The aim and object of this paper review the well documented concept of the Ayurveda about the Prameha Roga as the trend of diabetes is increasing day by day in the society and is very difficult to prevent and manage owing to its complexity. The Ayurvedic concept of this Roga information on the subject regarding classification, characteristics, features etc. has been also made in this paper. This article highlights the wisdom of ancient Indian literature and some historical view of the disease i.e. Prameha Roga or Diabetes Mellitus.
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