McNulty MC, Kerman J, Devlin SA
… +10 more, Pyra M, Rusie L, Curoe K, Thompson L, Mason JA, Friedman EE, Uvin AZ, Brown CH, Schneider J, Patel R
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jun · PMID 37410372
·
Full text
Monitoring pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) metrics can guide service delivery yet does not occur routinely. We developed a survey to understand current practices for monitoring PrEP at PrEP-providing organizations in Ill...Monitoring pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) metrics can guide service delivery yet does not occur routinely. We developed a survey to understand current practices for monitoring PrEP at PrEP-providing organizations in Illinois and Missouri. The survey was distributed from September through November 2020; 26 organizations participated. Most respondents indicated ongoing efforts to screen for PrEP eligibility (66.7%), link to care (87.5%), and retain clients in care (70.8%); 70.8% reported collecting data on PrEP initiation, 41.7% on retention in care, and 37.5% on missed visits. Barriers to monitoring PrEP metrics included lack of IT support (69.6%), manual processes (69.6%), and lack of staff resources (65.2%). Most respondents offered clients support for PrEP retention and adherence and wanted to expand interventions for PrEP persistence, yet fewer monitored corresponding metrics. To enhance PrEP implementation, organizations should improve monitoring and evaluation of PrEP metrics along the entire continuum and respond with appropriate services to support clients.
Levandowski BA, Steinke J, Stewart C
… +4 more, Urbina AE, Wilder TL, Bevec E, Dye TD
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jun · PMID 37410371
·
Publisher ↗
Since 2015, Mount Sinai HIV/HCV Center of Excellence has implemented two-day HIV and HCV preceptorships for New York State health care. Participants assessed their knowledge of and confidence to perform 13 HIV or 10 HCV...Since 2015, Mount Sinai HIV/HCV Center of Excellence has implemented two-day HIV and HCV preceptorships for New York State health care. Participants assessed their knowledge of and confidence to perform 13 HIV or 10 HCV prevention- and treatment-related skills, measured on a 4-point Likert scale from "not at all" to "very" knowledgeable/confident at baseline, exit survey, and a recent evaluation. Wilcoxon signed rank sum tests determined mean differences at all three time points. Between baseline to exit assessment and baseline to evaluation assessment, HIV and HCV preceptorship attendees reported significant increases in knowledge for five HIV and three HCV components and confidence for two HIV and three HCV tasks ( < .05), respectively. The preceptorship significantly and positively impacted short-term and long-term knowledge and confidence around HCV and HIV clinical skills. The implementation of HIV and HCV preceptorship programs may increase HIV and HCV treatment and prevention service efficacy within key population areas.
Robbins T, Szucs LE, Trujillo L
… +2 more, Young E, NHBS-YMSM Study Group
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jun · PMID 37410370
·
Full text
In the U.S., HIV transmission rates have increased among male-male sexual contacts. Sex education reduces HIV-related risks; yet impacts for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) are less known. Data from a sample ( =...In the U.S., HIV transmission rates have increased among male-male sexual contacts. Sex education reduces HIV-related risks; yet impacts for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) are less known. Data from a sample ( = 556) of ASMM (aged 13-18) in three U.S cities were used to examined associations between HIV education in school and sexual behaviors. Outcomes of interest included: sexually transmitted infection (STI), multiple sex partners, and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with a male (all past 12 months). Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Of 556 ASMM, 84% reported received HIV education. Among sexually active ASMM ( = 440) who received HIV education, fewer reported an STI (10% vs. 21%, aPR: 0.45, CI [0.26, 0.76]) and CAI (48% vs. 64%, aPR: 0.71, CI [0.58, 0.87]) than ASMM who did not receive HIV education. Protective effects of school HIV education on sexual behaviors are promising and suggest prevention education is vital to reducing HIV- and STI-related risks among ASMM.
Zapata JP, Avila AA, Hurtado M
… +3 more, de St Aubin E, Rodriguez-Diaz CE, Robles G
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jun · PMID 37410369
·
Full text
Compared with non-Latino White sexual minority men, Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) have lower engagement with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and likelihood of discussing PrEP with a health care provider. The over...Compared with non-Latino White sexual minority men, Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) have lower engagement with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and likelihood of discussing PrEP with a health care provider. The overall goal of the current study was to collect data from community stakeholders to inform the integration of culturally relevant factors into an empirically supported PrEP prevention program. Between December 2020 and August 2021, 18 interviews were conducted with 18 stakeholders with experience delivering health and social services. Themes identified are: (1) stakeholders' perspectives of new HIV infections among LSMM; (2) stakeholders' perspectives of general cultural variables; and (3) the development of culturally tailored programs. Our findings demonstrate how culturally competent stakeholders can leverage their established rapport and trust to reduce the negative effects of machismo and/or homophobia in the Latinx community to promote HIV prevention.
Howard AL, Chiang L, Picchetti V
… +15 more, Zhu L, Hegle J, Patel P, Saul J, Wasula L, Nantume S, Coomer R, Kamuingona R, Oluoch RP, Mharadze T, Duffy M, Kambona CA, Ramphalla P, Fathim KM, Massetti GM
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jul · PMID 37406147
·
Full text
Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) data from seven countries were analyzed to estimate population-level eligibility for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Determined, Resilient, Empowe...Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) data from seven countries were analyzed to estimate population-level eligibility for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) HIV prevention program for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The prevalence of overall eligibility and individual risk factors, including experiences of violence, social, and behavioral risks differ across countries and age groups. A large proportion of AGYW across all countries and age groups examined have at least one risk factor making them eligible for DREAMS. Experiencing multiple risks is also common, suggesting that researchers and programs could work together to identify combinations of risk factors that put AGYW at greatest risk of HIV acquisition, or that explain most new HIV infections, to more precisely target the most vulnerable AGYW. The VACS provides important data for such analyses to refine DREAMS and other youth programming.
Peck ME, Ong K, Lucas T
… +33 more, Thomas AG, Wandira R, Ntwaaga B, Mkhontfo M, Zegeye T, Yohannes F, Mulatu D, Gultie T, Juma AW, Odoyo-June E, Maida A, Msungama W, Canda M, Mutandi G, Zemburuka BLT, Kankindi I, Vranken P, Maphothi N, Loykissoonlal D, Bunga S, Grund JM, Kazaura KJ, Kabuye G, Chituwo O, Muyunda B, Kamboyi R, Lingenda G, Mandisarisa J, Peterson A, Malaba R, Xaba S, Moyo T, Toledo C
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jul · PMID 37406146
·
Full text
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is an HIV prevention intervention that has predominantly targeted adolescent and young men, aged 10-24 years. In 2020, the age eligibility for VMMC shifted from 10 to 15 years o...Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is an HIV prevention intervention that has predominantly targeted adolescent and young men, aged 10-24 years. In 2020, the age eligibility for VMMC shifted from 10 to 15 years of age. This report describes the VMMC client age distribution from 2018 to 2021, at the site, national, and regional levels, among 15 countries in southern and eastern Africa. Overall, in 2018 and 2019, the highest proportion of VMMCs were performed among 10-14-year-olds (45.6% and 41.2%, respectively). In 2020 and 2021, the 15-19-year age group accounted for the highest proportion (37.2% and 50.4%, respectively) of VMMCs performed across all age groups. Similarly, in 2021 at the site level, 68.1% of VMMC sites conducted the majority of circumcisions among men aged 15-24 years. This analysis highlights that adolescent boys and young men are the primary recipients of VMMC receiving an important lifetime reduction in HIV risk.
Kabaghe AN, Stephens R, Payne D
… +10 more, Theu J, Luhanga M, Chalira D, Arons MM, O'Malley G, Thomson KA, Nyangulu M, Nyirenda R, Patel P, Wadonda-Kabondo N
Awareness of HIV status in Malawi is 88.3% and lowest among 15-24-year-olds (76.2%). There is a need to understand HIV testing history and transmission in this age group. We analyzed pooled HIV surveillance data to descr...Awareness of HIV status in Malawi is 88.3% and lowest among 15-24-year-olds (76.2%). There is a need to understand HIV testing history and transmission in this age group. We analyzed pooled HIV surveillance data to describe testing history and HIV recent infection among 8,389 HIV-positive 15-24-year-olds from 251 sites in Malawi between 2019 and 2022. Most HIV-positive 15-24-year-olds were female; aged 23-24 years; rural residents; and diagnosed at voluntary counseling and testing. No prior HIV testing was reported in 43.5% and 32.9% of 15-19-year-olds and males, respectively. Overall, 4.9% of HIV-positive diagnoses were classified as recent HIV infections, with the highest proportions among breastfeeding women (8.2%); persons tested at sexually transmitted infection clinics (9.0%); persons with a prior negative test within 6 months (13.0%); and 17-18-year-olds (7.3%). Tailored and innovative HIV prevention and testing strategies for young adolescents, young males, and pregnant and breastfeeding women are needed for HIV epidemic control.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a complex issue deeply rooted in social structures, making its eradication challenging. GBV increases the risk of HIV transmission and is a barrier to HIV testing, care, and treatment. Qual...Gender-based violence (GBV) is a complex issue deeply rooted in social structures, making its eradication challenging. GBV increases the risk of HIV transmission and is a barrier to HIV testing, care, and treatment. Quality clinical services for GBV, which includes the provision of HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), vary, and service delivery data are lacking. We describe GBV clinical service delivery in 15 countries supported by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Through a descriptive statistical analysis of PEPFAR Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) data, we found a 252% increase in individuals receiving GBV clinical services, from 158,691 in 2017 to 558,251 in 2021. PEP completion was lowest (15%) among 15-19-year-olds. Understanding GBV service delivery is important for policy makers, program managers, and providers to guide interventions to improve the quality of service delivery and contribute to HIV epidemic control.
Kanagasabai U, Aholou T, Chevalier MS
… +10 more, Tobias JL, Okuku J, Shiraishi RW, Sheneberger R, Pande YC, Chifuwe C, Mamane LE, Njika G, Obongo C, Thorsen VC
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jul · PMID 37406142
·
Full text
Faith leaders can be uniquely positioned to guide and support young people on health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and sexual violence. Faith Matters!, a 2-day training workshop for faith leaders, was delivered in Septem...Faith leaders can be uniquely positioned to guide and support young people on health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and sexual violence. Faith Matters!, a 2-day training workshop for faith leaders, was delivered in September 2021 in Zambia. Sixty-six faith leaders completed a questionnaire at baseline, 64 at posttraining, and 59 at 3-month follow-up. Participants' knowledge, beliefs, and comfort communicating about HIV/AIDS and sexual violence were assessed. More faith leaders accurately identified common places where sexual violence occurs at the 3-month point compared to baseline: at church (2 vs. 22, = .000), the fields (16 vs. 29, = .004), parties (22 vs. 36, = .001), and clubs (24 vs. 35, = .034). More faith leaders stated that they engaged in conversations that supported people living with HIV (48 at baseline vs. 53, = .049 at 3-month follow-up). These findings can inform future HIV/AIDS initiatives focusing on increasing the capacity among communities of faith.
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Jul · PMID 37406141
·
Full text
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa remain at high risk for HIV, yet limited data exist on implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for this group. We examined PrEP uptake among AGY...Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa remain at high risk for HIV, yet limited data exist on implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for this group. We examined PrEP uptake among AGYW using a retrospective cohort enrolled in the Determined Resilient Empowered AIDS-free Mentored Safe (DREAMS) initiative in Zambia between October 2020 and March 2022. Consent was obtained from eligible AGYW at substantial risk for HIV, and they voluntarily participated in PrEP. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with PrEP refills following initiation. Of 4,162 HIV-negative AGYW, 3,233 (77%) were at substantial risk and initiated on PrEP. Overall, 68% of AGYW had at least one refill, but this differed significantly by age group and district. DREAMS was successful at reaching AGYW with PrEP services. More evidence is needed to assess reasons for discontinuation and to improve persistence for those with sustained HIV risk.
Internalized HIV stigma is prevalent and research on internalized HIV stigma has increased during the past 10 years. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize research on internalized HIV stigma and relationshi...Internalized HIV stigma is prevalent and research on internalized HIV stigma has increased during the past 10 years. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize research on internalized HIV stigma and relationships with various health-related variables in order to better inform the development of interventions aimed at reducing internalized HIV stigma. We reviewed 176 studies with a quantitative design reporting correlates that were peer-reviewed, published in English before January 2021, drawn from PubMed, PSYCHINFO, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Scopus. Synthesis showed consistent associations between internalized stigma and negative psychological (e.g., depression, anxiety), social (e.g., lack of social support, discrimination, nondisclosure, and intersecting stigmas), and health (e.g., substance use, treatment nonadherence, negative clinical HIV outcomes) variables. We argue for a more socioecological approach to internalized stigma, with greater attention for intersectional stigmas, and more longitudinal research, if we are to effectively develop interventions that reduce internalized stigma.
Despite documented efficacy in reducing HIV transmission, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among Black sexual minority men (BSMM) is limited. One understudied factor which may impede PrEP uptake is PrEP-related int...Despite documented efficacy in reducing HIV transmission, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among Black sexual minority men (BSMM) is limited. One understudied factor which may impede PrEP uptake is PrEP-related interactive toxicity beliefs (i.e., believing it is hazardous to use alcohol/drugs while taking PrEP). Data from = 169 HIV negative BSMM over 4 months showed high rates of agreement with at least one alcohol (78%) or drug (84%) interactive toxicity belief. Univariate analyses showed increased alcohol or drug interactive toxicity beliefs predicted lower PrEP uptake. Multivariable regression suggested those with PrEP-related alcohol or drug interactive toxicity beliefs were more likely to report high PrEP stigma, more negative PrEP beliefs (e.g., concern that taking PrEP disrupts life), and were more likely to use alcohol/drugs (respectively) prior to/during sex. Findings warrant intervention work targeting interactive toxicity beliefs with tailored messaging to mitigate PrEP stigma and correct concerns around substance use and PrEP.
While sources of stigma associated with HIV, incarceration, and aging have been explored separately, the concurrent effects of these multiple sources have been understudied. We conducted in-depth interviews with 48 older...While sources of stigma associated with HIV, incarceration, and aging have been explored separately, the concurrent effects of these multiple sources have been understudied. We conducted in-depth interviews with 48 older adults over 50 years of age with HIV infection who were returning from correctional settings concerning their experiences of stigma. Participants described HIV-related stigma substantially more often than incarceration-related stigma and a greater number of stigma experiences as time passed from release. Anticipated stigma experiences were frequently associated with HIV. Enacted stigma was often related to incarceration. Internalized stigma was associated with both HIV and incarceration. However, participants often described aging as a positive experience of gaining wisdom and control over their life. The findings indicated that multiple sources of stigma affect different dimensions of stigma. Postrelease interventions may benefit from addressing increasing experiences of stigma in the rapidly growing population of older adults living with HIV with a history of incarceration.
This study addresses rural Guatemala's poor maternal health and HIV status by culturally adapting an evidence-based HIV intervention, SEPA (Self-Care, Education, Prevention, Self-Care), to extend the capacity of comadron...This study addresses rural Guatemala's poor maternal health and HIV status by culturally adapting an evidence-based HIV intervention, SEPA (Self-Care, Education, Prevention, Self-Care), to extend the capacity of comadronas (Mayan birth attendants) as HIV prevention providers. This mixed-method study examined the acceptability, suitability, and feasibility of SEPA presented to traditional elder and a younger cohort of comadronas over three sessions. Outcome variables were reported as mean scores. Open-ended qualitative responses were categorized under central themes. Session 1, 2, and 3 acceptability (4.6/5, 4.6/5, 4.8/5), suitability (4.7/5, 4.6/5, 4.9/5), and feasibility (4.4/5, 4.7/5, 4.8/5) remained high across sessions. While comadronas reported that information was difficult, they reported high levels of understanding and comfort with SEPA content and they also found it to be culturally appropriate, increasing their confidence to discuss HIV with their community. The broader utilization of comadronas could create a pathway to enhance reproductive health among indigenous women.
Perry B, Molokwu N, Agot K
… +3 more, Ngoje DO, Strack R, Corneli A
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Apr · PMID 37129591
·
Full text
Young women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to be disproportionately at risk for HIV. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce women's HIV risk when taken daily throughout their "seasons of risk". We used photovoic...Young women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to be disproportionately at risk for HIV. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce women's HIV risk when taken daily throughout their "seasons of risk". We used photovoice to describe community views on factors influencing interruptions in PrEP use among young cisgender women in Siaya County, Kenya. Through group discussions, young women taking PrEP and their social network members (female peers, male peers/partners, family, and community members) shared photographs and identified broad social-ecological causes of PrEP interruptions, including: (1) widespread misinformation about PrEP, (2) social pressures from religious communities, (3) health care staff recommendations to interrupt PrEP use, (4) partner rejection of PrEP, (5) changes in women's risk awareness, and (6) a personal desire to occasionally pause daily use. Collectively, participants identified strategies to address these challenges. These findings can inform future programs targeting the broader social-ecological influences on young women's persistent use of PrEP.
Residential substance use disorder treatment is designed to treat more severe substance use disorders. Considering the strong association between substance use and HIV, providing HIV prevention services during residentia...Residential substance use disorder treatment is designed to treat more severe substance use disorders. Considering the strong association between substance use and HIV, providing HIV prevention services during residential substance use disorder treatment is imperative. However, not all treatment facilities offer the same services, and differences in residential substance use disorder treatment facilities providing HIV prevention services might stem from facility-level characteristics. Using 3 years (2018-2020) of cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, we examined which treatment facility characteristics were associated with having HIV prevention services. Using a logistic regression model with HIV prevention services as the outcome, we found that facilities that were accredited, engaged in community outreach, and offered assistance with housing and transportation were more likely to provide HIV prevention services. Furthermore, facilities in the Midwest and West were less likely to provide HIV prevention services than those in the South.
Derose KP, Berkley-Patton J, Hamilton-Burgess C
… +4 more, Thompson CB, Williams ED, Simon S, Allsworth JE
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Feb · PMID 36735231
·
Full text
HIV-related stigmas contribute to disparities, and contact with HIV-positive individuals has been suggested to reduce stigma. Faith-based organizations have been recognized as important to stigma reduction efforts among...HIV-related stigmas contribute to disparities, and contact with HIV-positive individuals has been suggested to reduce stigma. Faith-based organizations have been recognized as important to stigma reduction efforts among African American populations; however, relatively few church-based studies have measured HIV-related stigma. This study uses baseline data ( = 1,448) from a study with 14 African American churches in Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, to examine correlates of HIV-related stigmas among church members and community members accessing church social services using two previously validated scales that measure discomfort interacting with individuals with HIV and anticipated stigma or rejection. Knowing someone with HIV was associated with lower discomfort, even after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and sexual risk, HIV knowledge, previous communication about HIV at church, and mean drug and homosexuality stigmas. Knowing someone with HIV was not associated with anticipated stigma or rejection after adjustment. Contact-based interventions hold promise for reducing discomfort around people with HIV among church-affiliated populations.
Owens C, Brandenburg D, Grant MJ
… +3 more, Carter K, Hoffman M, Hubach RD
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Feb · PMID 36735230
·
Publisher ↗
Although parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents are key stakeholders in SGM adolescents using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), there is limited understanding of parental concerns and attitudes about...Although parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents are key stakeholders in SGM adolescents using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), there is limited understanding of parental concerns and attitudes about their SGM adolescents taking PrEP. Fifty-four parents in the West South Central region of the U.S. completed an online, mixed-method, cross-sectional questionnaire to explore their concerns and questions about PrEP. Quantitative and qualitative results show that participants were more concerned about side effects, drug interactions, (non)adherence, and eligibility and duration of PrEP. Parents are less worried about picking PrEP from a pharmacy or returning to follow-up lab testing every three months. Most parents reported receiving medication information their adolescent takes from a medical provider and the media. Findings from this study can inform the development of parent-based PrEP interventions. Without further parent-based research and programming, SGM adolescents may continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV.
LoVette A, Sullivan A, Kuo C
… +3 more, Operario D, Harrison A, Mathews C
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2023 Feb · PMID 36735229
·
Publisher ↗
Resilience, or multilevel processes related to thriving, offers a strengths-based approach to reducing HIV and sexual risk behaviors among girls and young women. Processes of resilience may change based on the experience...Resilience, or multilevel processes related to thriving, offers a strengths-based approach to reducing HIV and sexual risk behaviors among girls and young women. Processes of resilience may change based on the experience of living with HIV. However, little is known about how resilience and serologically verified HIV status influence sexual health. Using weighted cross-sectional data collected during 2017-2018 from South African girls and young women aged 15-24 ( = 7237), this article examines associations between resilience and three sexual risk behaviors among those living with and without HIV. Logistic regression models indicated greater resilience scores were associated with reduced odds of engaging in transactional sex and early sexual debut. Results also identified differing associations between resilience and sexual risk behaviors by HIV status. Findings provide implications for programming to prevent HIV and improve sexual health while underscoring the need for tailored resilience-promoting interventions for South African girls and young women living with HIV.