The Cedar Project: Racism and its impacts on health and wellbeing among young Indigenous people who use drugs in Prince George and Vancouver, BC.

Racism continues to drive health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This study focuses on racism experienced by young Indigenous people who have used drugs in British Columbia (BC), and predictors of interpersonal racism. Cedar Project is a community-governed cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, BC. This cross-sectional study included data collected between August 2015-October 2016. The Measure of Indigenous Racism Experiences (MIRE) scale was used to assess experiences of interpersonal racism across 9 unique settings on a 5-point Likert scale, collapsing responses into three categories (none/low/high). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine associations between key variables and interpersonal racism. Among 321 participants, 79% (n = 255) experienced racism in at least one setting. Thirty two percent (n = 102) experienced high interpersonal racism from police, governmental agencies (child 'welfare', health personnel), and in public settings. Ever having a child apprehended (AOR:2.76, 95%CI:1.14-6.65), probable post-traumatic stress (AOR:2.64; 95%CI:1.08-6.46), trying to quit substances (AOR:3.69; 95%CI:1.04-13.06), leaving emergency room without receiving treatment (AOR:3.05; 95%CI:1.22-7.64), and having a traditional language spoken at home while growing up (AOR:2.86; 95%CI:1.90-6.90) were associated with high interpersonal racism. Among women, experiencing high interpersonal racism was more likely if they lived in Prince George (AOR:3.94; 95%CI:1.07-14.50), ever had a child apprehended (AOR:5.09; 95%CI:1.50-17.30), and had probable post-traumatic stress (AOR:5.21; 95%CI:1.43-18.95). Addressing racism experienced by Indigenous peoples requires immediate structural systemic, and interpersonal anti-racist reforms.

Experiences of HIV among global Indigenous populations through the lens of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Since its introduction in 2007, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has been adopted by 144 countries worldwide. In a ten-point statement released in 2017, Indigenous leaders in the HIV and AIDS community established a list of truths and actions to be used for advocacy to end AIDS among Indigenous Peoples through self-determination, justice, and human rights. 15 years after the UNDRIP and 5 years after the 10-point statement, this Review asks where we are in terms of upholding the UNDRIP and the International Indigenous HIV and AIDS Community statement in relation to HIV and AIDS, and what is needed to better uphold and respond to these directives. HIV in Indigenous populations continues to intersect with multiple forms of oppression, racism, and discrimination, which are yet to be eliminated from laws, policies, and practices. Eradicating white supremacy and Indigenous-specific racism across all health systems is a bare minimum requirement to uphold Indigenous rights within health care, and must be accompanied by support for Indigenous, self-determined, culturally tailored, and community-specific health and wellness services.

Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): HIV Prevalence and Vulnerabilities Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Postconflict Northern Uganda.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescent girls and young women younger than 25 years (AGYW) account for disproportionate HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Impacts of war in Northern Uganda continue to affect HIV-related health and wellbeing of young people postconflict. Prevalence and incidence of HIV infection were estimated, and factors associated with HIV prevalence among sexually active AGYW in Northern Uganda were investigated. METHODS: Cango Lyec is a cohort involving conflict-affected populations in Northern Uganda. Nine randomly selected communities in Gulu, Nwoya, and Amuru districts were mapped. House-to-house census was conducted. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were enrolled over 3 study rounds (2011-2015), of whom 533 were AGYW and had ever had sex. Data were collected on trauma, depression, and sociodemographic-behavioral characteristics. Venous blood was taken for HIV and syphilis serology. Multivariable logistic regression determined baseline factors associated with HIV prevalence. RESULTS: HIV prevalence among AGYW was 9.7% (95% CI: 7.3 to 12.6). AGYW living in Gulu (adjusted risk ratio, aRR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.12 to 5.51) or Nwoya (aRR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.03 to 6.83) were more likely than in Amuru to be living with HIV. Having self-reported genital ulcers (aRR: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.97 to 3.85) or active syphilis (aRR: 3.79; 95% CI: 2.35 to 6.12) was associated with increased risk of HIV infection. The likelihood of HIV was higher for those who experienced sexual violence in the context of war (aRR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.62) and/or probable depression (aRR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.54). HIV incidence was 8.9 per 1000 person-years. CONCLUSION: Ongoing legacies of war, especially gender violence and trauma, contribute to HIV vulnerability among sexually active AGYW. Wholistic approaches integrating HIV prevention with culturally safe initiatives promoting sexual and mental health in Northern Uganda are essential.

Overcoming the soul wound: Reflecting on experiences and resilience of intergenerational residential school survivors.

BACKGROUND: Between 1883 and 1996, thousands of Indigenous children were apprehended into Canada's Residential School System. Survivors and their descendants have testified to genocidal harms caused across generations. Yet, Indigenous Peoples continue to exist and resist through inherent resilience described by intergenerational survivors in this paper. OBJECTIVE: This article focuses on stories demonstrating the strength, power, and resilience of intergenerational residential school survivors. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: Cedar Project is an Indigenous-led cohort study that began as a HIV/AIDS response and contributes to healing among young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia, Canada. It is governed by the Cedar Project Partnership, an Indigenous body of Elders, leaders, and health/social services experts. METHODS: We present qualitative research involving in-depth interviews carried out with Cedar participants who have experienced significant and complex adversities including childhood maltreatment and illicit drug use. Woven throughout, Indigenous scholars who are themselves intergenerational (children and grandchildren) of residential school survivors provide first-person reflections on the findings. RESULTS: Analysis focused on narratives of resilience and resistance to stresses of intergenerational traumas across three broad themes: working to break cycles of intergenerational trauma; foundations of resilience and making positive changes and; hopes and dreams. CONCLUSIONS: Findings establish deeper understanding of processes that enable young people to cope with stresses of intergenerational traumas while facing institutional and structural barriers to wellness. Reflections provide context about how intergenerational experiences intersect with challenges that young intergenerational survivors continue to face. We highlight pathways to healing and sources of strength that inform recommendations for wellness.

Towards untying colonial knots in Canadian health systems: A net metaphor for settler-colonialism.

Forceful imposition of settler-colonial laws and institutions violate Indigenous rights to self-determination, with profound impacts on health and wellness. As a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous health leaders working in what's known colonially as "British Columbia," our collective work advances the rights and health of Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) by dismantling Indigenous-specific racism and White supremacy. We envision settler-colonialism as a net composed of hundreds of thousands of "colonial knots" that entangle Indigenous Peoples and prevent sovereignty and self-determination. The net also depicts Indigenous resistance, and the way forward of "untying colonial knots" patiently and persistently every day. We unpack this metaphor of the settler-colonial net and the artwork that inspired it. Our aim is to offer one more tool to Canadian health leaders who are bringing their hands, hearts, and minds to the complex and messy work of arresting White supremacy, Indigenous-specific racism, and settler-colonial harm.

Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in Northern Uganda five years after a violent conflict.

Background: From 1986 to 2006, Northern Uganda experienced an atrocious civil war between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. Acholi people living in the region continue to be impacted by trauma sequelae of the war and a wide range of daily stressors including poverty, hunger, and high rates of HIV infection. To date, there is a dearth of gender-differentiated mental health research in this post-conflict setting. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in three districts most affected by the Northern Ugandan conflict and examine socio-structural, war-related, and sexual vulnerability factors associated with mental health. Methods: Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) is an open cohort study involving participants from eight randomly selected communities in Amuru, Gulu, and Nwoya districts of Northern Uganda. Between November 2011 and July 2012, the baseline cohort (N = 2,458) completed the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) for screening PTSD and depression, in addition to a detailed questionnaire assessing socio-demographic-behavioral characteristics. Baseline categorical variables were compared between males and females using Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model correlates of probable PTSD and depression. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results: The overall prevalence of probable PTSD and depression was 11.7% and 15.2% respectively. Among former abductees, the prevalence was 23.2% for probable PTSD and 26.6% for probable depression. Women were significantly more likely to experience mental distress than men. Factors associated with mental distress included wartime trauma (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 2.80 to 7.19), experiences of abduction (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.97 to 3.03), and lack of housing stability and safety (adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.95 to 4.59). Additional risk factors for women included HIV infection (AOR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.29-2.80), sexual abuse in the context of war (AOR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.02-2.45), and intimate partner violence (AOR=2.45; 95% CI: 1.07-5.63). Conclusion: Cango Lyec participants displayed lower than previously reported yet significant levels of probable PTSD and depression. Based on findings from this study, providing trauma-informed care, ensuring food and housing security, eliminating gender-based violence, and reintegrating former abductees remain important tasks to facilitate post-conflict rehabilitation in Northern Uganda.

The Cedar Project: exploring the role of colonial harms and childhood maltreatment on HIV and hepatitis C infection in a cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in two Canadian cities.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined associations between childhood maltreatment, colonial harms and sex/drug-related risks for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among young Indigenous people who use drugs. DESIGN: The Cedar Project is a cohort involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Indigenous collaborators, collectively known as the Cedar Project Partnership, govern the entire research process. SETTING: Vancouver is a large city on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples. Prince George is a mid-sized city, on the traditional territory of Lheidli T'enneh First Nation. PARTICIPANTS: 420 participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and returned for follow-up from 2003 to 2016. PRIMARY/SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were HIV and HCV infection over the study period. Secondary outcomes included sex and substance use-related risks. RESULTS: Prevalence of childhood maltreatment was 92.6% experienced any maltreatment; 73.4% experienced emotional abuse; 62.6% experienced physical abuse; 60.3% experienced sexual abuse; 69.5% experienced emotional neglect and 79.1% experienced physical neglect. We observed significant associations between childhood maltreatment and apprehensions into residential schools and foster care. All maltreatment types were associated with higher odds of sex/substance use-related risks; sexual abuse was associated with higher odds of HCV infection (adjusted OR: 1.67; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.66; p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Findings reflect high prevalence of childhood maltreatment and their associations with HIV/HCV risk and HCV infection. Public health prevention and treatment initiatives must be trauma informed and culturally safe to support healing, health, and well-being.

The Cedar Project: Relationship between child apprehension and attempted suicide among young Indigenous mothers impacted by substance use in two Canadian cities.

Indigenous leaders are gravely concerned over disproportionate representation of Indigenous children in Canada's child welfare systems. Forced separation from children is deeply traumatizing for mothers and detrimental to the wellbeing of Indigenous families, communities and Nations. This study examined relationships between child apprehension and suicide attempt within a cohort of young Indigenous women impacted by substance use. We utilized data collected every 6 months (2008-2016) by the Cedar Project, an Indigenous-governed cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia, Canada. Recent child apprehension was defined as having a child apprehended by the Ministry of Child and Family Development since last visit. Recurrent event Cox proportional hazards models estimated the independent effect of child apprehension on maternal suicide attempt. Among 293 participants, 78 (27%) reported 136 child apprehensions; incidence of first apprehension was 6.64 (95%CI: 5.25-8.29) per 100 person-years. Forty-seven (16%) participants reported 75 suicide attempts with an incidence of 4.00 (95%CI: 2.94-5.33) per 100 person-years. Participants who reported recent child apprehension (HR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.00-3.55), had a parent attend residential school (HR: 4.12, 95%CI: 1.63-10.46), experienced recent sexual assault (HR: 4.04, 95%CI: 2.04-7.99), violence (HR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.52-4.27) or overdose (HR: 4.97, 95%CI: 2.96-8.35) were more likely to attempt suicide. Participants who had a traditional language spoken in the home growing up were half as likely to attempt suicide (HR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.23-1.01). Results suggest that child welfare systems in Canada perpetuate historical and intergenerational trauma among young Indigenous mothers. Indigenous self-determination over child welfare and culturally safe services are urgently needed to end cycles of child apprehension and support the wellbeing of families, communities and Nations.

Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Chronic Hepatitis B Virus among post-conflict affected populations living in mid-Northern Uganda.

BACKGROUND: The legacy of war in Northern Uganda continues to impact people's health and wellbeing in the Acholi region. Despite increasing attention to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Uganda and globally, concerns remain that unique drivers of infection, and barriers to screening, and treatment, persist among those affected by conflict. METHODS: Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) cohort survey involved conflict-affected adults aged 13-49 in three mid-Northern Uganda districts (Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya). Baseline (2011-2012) samples were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV e-antigen (HBeAg), antibodies to HBV surface antigen (HBsAb), antibodies to HBV e-antigen (HBeAb), and antibodies to HBV core antigen (HBcAb). All HBsAg positive samples were tested for IgM antibodies to HBV B core antigen (HBc-IgM) and where available, >6-month follow-up samples were tested for HBeAg and HBV DNA. Data were analyzed using STATA 15 software. Logistic regression accounted for variance due to complex two-stage sampling that included stratification, unequal selection probabilities and community clustering. Odds ratios measured effect potential risk factors associated with chronic HBV infection. RESULTS: Among 2,421 participants, 45.7% were still susceptible to HBV infection. HBsAg seropositivity was 11.9% (10.9-13.0), chronic HBV was 11.6% (10.4-12.8), acquired immunity resulting from vaccination was 10.9%, and prior natural infection was 31.5%. Older age (OR:0.570; 95%CI:0.368-0.883) and higher education (OR:0.598; 95%CI:0.412-0.868) were associated with reduced odds of chronic HBV infection. Being male (OR:1.639; 95%CI:1.007-2.669) and having been abducted (OR:1.461; 95%CI:1.055-2.023) were associated with increased odds of infection. Among women, having 1 or 2 pregnancies (compared to none or >2) was associated with increased odds of infection (OR:1.764; 95%CI:1.009-3.084). CONCLUSION: Chronic HBV is endemic in Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya districts. Recommended strategies to reduce post-conflict prevalence include establishment of Northern Uganda Liver Wellness Centres, integration of screening and treatment into antenatal care, and roll out of birth-dose vaccination.

The "Sticky Notes" Method: Adapting Interpretive Description Methodology for Team-Based Qualitative Analysis in Community-Based Participatory Research.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has a long history within HIV research, yet little work has focused on facilitating team-based data analysis within CBPR. Our team adapted Thorne's interpretive description (ID) for CBPR analysis, using a color-coded "sticky notes" system to conduct data fragmentation and synthesis. Sticky notes were used to record, visualize, and communicate emerging insights over the course of 11 in-person participatory sessions. Data fragmentation strategies were employed in an iterative four-step process that was reached by consensus. During synthesis, the team created and recreated mind maps of the 969 sticky notes, from which we developed categories and themes through discussion. Flexibility, trust, and discussion were key components that facilitated the evolution of the final process. An interactive, team-based approach was central to data co-creation and capacity building, whereas the "sticky notes" system provided a framework for identifying and sorting data.

The Cedar Project: Historical, structural and interpersonal determinants of involvement in survival sex work over time among Indigenous women who have used drugs in two Canadian cities.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous women involved in survival sex work face multiple layers of discrimination, criminalization and alarming levels of intergenerational and lifetime trauma. This longitudinal study examined historical, structural and interpersonal factors associated with survival sex work involvement among Indigenous women who have used drugs in British Columbia (BC), Canada. METHODS: The Cedar Project is an ongoing cohort study involving young Indigenous people who have used illicit drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, BC. Data was collected every 6 months from 2007 to 2016 . Generalized linear mixed-effects modeling was used to model survival sex work involvement, defined as exchanging sex for money, drugs, food or shelter in the previous six months. RESULTS: Among 292 participants, 34% reported their family always/often lived by traditional culture and 37% reported their family always/often spoke their traditional language. In contrast, 48% had a parent in residential school and 72% were removed from their biological parents. In total, 55% of women were involved in survival sex work at baseline. In adjusted analyses, those who were single (ARR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.50-2.35), identified as two-spirit (ARR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.36-2.91), experienced sexual assault (ARR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.22-2.58), were denied access to shelter (ARR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.18-2.28), used crack daily (ARR: 2.85; 95% CI: 2.36-3.31), used injection drugs (ARR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.98-3.07), and were unable to access substance use treatment (ARR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.15-2.05) were more likely to be involved in sex work. CONCLUSION: Indigenous-governed, wellness-based harm-reduction interventions, and structural reforms addressing housing insecurity and normalization of a culture of violence against Indigenous women, especially those involved in survival sex work, are urgently needed in Canada.

The Cedar Project - Mobile Phone Use and Acceptability of Mobile Health Among Young Indigenous People Who Have Used Drugs in British Columbia, Canada: Mixed Methods Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous leaders continue to be concerned about high rates of HIV and barriers to HIV treatment among young Indigenous people involved in substance use. Growing evidence suggests that using mobile phones for health (mHealth) may be a powerful way to support connection with health services, including HIV prevention and treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the patterns of mobile phone ownership and use among young Indigenous people who have used drugs living with or vulnerable to HIV and explored the acceptability of mHealth to support access to health care in this population. METHODS: The Cedar Project is a cohort study involving young Indigenous people who have used drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia. This mixed methods exploratory study involved 131 Cedar Project participants enrolled in our WelTel mHealth program. At enrollment, participants completed a questionnaire related to mobile phone use and interest in mHealth. Data were linked to Cedar Project questionnaires and serodata. We present comparative statistics (quantitative) and results of a rapid thematic analysis (qualitative) related to mobile phone patterns and interest in receiving mHealth. RESULTS: Less than half of the participants (59/130; 45.4%) reported owning a phone. Among those with a phone, the majority owned a smartphone (46/59; 78%). Most participants with a phone reported having an unlimited texting plan (39/55; 71%), using the internet on their phone (44/59; 75%), and texting daily (44/55; 80%). A majority reported that using a mobile phone for health would be invaluable (120/130; 92.3%). There were no differences in mHealth acceptance between participants who owned a phone and those who did not (P>.99). All but one participant living with HIV felt using a mobile phone would be helpful for their health, while a small proportion of HIV-negative participants remained unsure (1.9% vs 11.7%; P=.047). In response to open-ended questions asking why using a mobile phone may be helpful for health, participants identified a diverse set of anticipated benefits: (1) connection for emotional, mental, and spiritual support, (2) connection to family, (3) staying in touch and/or being reachable, (4) overcoming current barriers to phone use, (5) convenience, privacy, and safety, and (6) access to health care and emergency services. CONCLUSIONS: We observed high acceptance and interest in using mobile phone technology for health despite low rates of personal mobile phone connectivity among young Indigenous people who have used drugs living with and vulnerable to HIV in British Columbia, Canada. Mobile phones were viewed as a way to support connections and relationships that are seen as critical to health and well-being among young Indigenous people in this study. Findings may be useful for health care providers preparing to scale up mHealth programs to support HIV prevention and treatment in this population.

Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): HIV incidence in post-conflict Northern Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Civil war in Northern Uganda resulted in widespread atrocities, human rights violations, and death, and caused millions to flee to internally displaced persons camps. War-related traumas combined with difficulties accessing HIV prevention and health services has led to extreme HIV-related vulnerability among conflict-affected people who survived the war. Objectives were to (1) determine HIV incidence among conflict-affected people in Northern Uganda and (2) identify vulnerabilities associated with HIV infection. METHODS: The Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) Project is a prospective cohort involving conflict-affected populations in three districts in Northern Uganda. In 2011, eight randomly selected communities were mapped, and a census was conducted. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were followed over three rounds of follow-up. Longitudinal data collected included war-related experiences, sexual vulnerabilities, and sociodemographics. Blood samples were tested for HIV-1 at baseline and each 12-month follow-up. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models determined factors associated with HIV incidence. FINDINGS: Overall, 1920 baseline HIV-negative participants with at least one follow-up contributed 3877 person-years (py) for analysis. Thirty-nine (23 female, 16 male) participants contracted HIV during follow-up. Age- and gender-standardised HIV incidence rate was 10•2 per 1000py (95%CI: 7•2-14•0). Stratified by sex, the age-adjusted HIV incidence was 11•0 per 1000py (95%CI: 6•9-16•6) among women and 9•4 per 1000py (95%CI: 5•3-15•3) among men. Adjusting for confounders, factors associated with risk of HIV included: having been abducted (HR: 3•70; 95%CI: 1•87-7•34), experiencing ≥12 war-related traumatic events (HR: 2•91 95%CI: 1•28-6•60), suicide ideation (HR: 2•83; 95%CI: 1•00-8•03), having ≥2 sexual partners (HR: 4•68; 95%CI: 1•36-16•05), inconsistent condom use (HR: 6•75; 95%CI: 2•49-18•29), and self-reported genital ulcers (HR: 4•39; 95%CI: 2•04-9•45). INTERPRETATION: Conflict-affected participants who had experienced abduction and multiple traumas during the war were at greater risk of HIV infection. Trauma-informed HIV prevention and treatment services, and culturally-safe mental health initiatives, are urgent for Northern Uganda.

Experiences of the HIV Cascade of Care Among Indigenous Peoples: A Systematic Review.

Indigenous leaders remain concerned that systemic oppression and culturally unsafe care impede Indigenous peoples living with HIV from accessing health services that make up the HIV cascade of care. We conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence related to experiences of the HIV care cascade among Indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United States. We identified 93 qualitative and quantitative articles published between 1996 and 2017 reporting primary data on cascade outcomes disaggregated by Indigenous identity. Twelve involved data from Australia, 52 from Canada, 3 from New Zealand and 26 from United States. The majority dealt with HIV testing/diagnosis (50). Relatively few addressed post-diagnosis experiences: linkage (14); retention (20); treatment initiation (21); adherence (23); and viral suppression (24). With the HIV cascade of care increasingly the focus of global, national, and local HIV agendas, it is critical that culturally-safe care for Indigenous peoples is available at all stages.

Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant): Gender Differences in HIV Infection in Post-conflict Northern Uganda.

BACKGROUND: As previously encamped resettle, potential for rapid HIV transmission in post-conflict Northern Uganda is concerning. Women in particular may be experiencing heightened vulnerability resulting from war-related sexual violence. SETTING: Cango Lyec (Healing the Elephant) Project is a cohort involving conflict-affected people in 3 districts in Northern Uganda. METHODS: Eight randomly selected communities were mapped, and a census was conducted. Participants aged 13-49 years completed questionnaires in Luo on war-related experiences, mental health, sexual vulnerabilities, and sociodemographics. Blood samples were tested for HIV and syphilis. Baseline data from all sexually active participants was used to determine gender differences in HIV prevalence. Multivariate modeling determined correlates of HIV by gender. RESULTS: Among 2008 participants, HIV prevalence was higher among women [17.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 14.7 to 19.7] compared to men (10.6; 95% CI: 8.0 to 13.2, <0.001). Among women, correlates of HIV included: war-related sexual assault [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.95; 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.26]; probable depression (AOR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.46 to 3.37); probable post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.45 to 2.84); experiencing ≥12 traumatic events (AOR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.18); suicide ideation (AOR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.28); living in a female-headed household (AOR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.49); first sexual partner ≥10 years older (AOR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.67); sex for exchange (AOR: 5.51; 95% CI: 1.76 to 17.31); having 2 (AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.23 to 5.23) or 3+ (AOR: 4.65; 95% CI: 2.65 to 8.18) sexual partners; inconsistent condom use (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.57); genital ulcers (AOR: 3.08; 95% CI: 2.16 to 4.38); active syphilis (AOR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.22 to 15.40); and ill health without medical care (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.22 to 3.34). Among men, correlates of HIV included no condom at sexual debut (AOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.30 to 2.83) and genital ulcers (AOR: 4.40; 95% CI: 1.35 to 14.40). CONCLUSION: Women are disproportionately impacted by HIV, trauma, and depression in this conflict-affected population. Trauma-informed HIV prevention and culturally safe mental health initiatives are urgently required.

The Cedar Project: mortality among young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia.

BACKGROUND: Young Indigenous people, particularly those involved in the child welfare system, those entrenched in substance use and those living with HIV or hepatitis C, are dying prematurely. We report mortality rates among young Indigenous people who use drugs in British Columbia and explore predictors of mortality over time. METHODS: We analyzed data collected every 6 months between 2003 and 2014 by the Cedar Project, a prospective cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use illicit drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, BC. We calculated age-standardized mortality ratios using Indigenous and Canadian reference populations. We identified predictors of mortality using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: Among 610 participants, 40 died between 2003 and 2014, yielding a mortality rate of 670 per 100 000 person-years. Young Indigenous people who used drugs were 12.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.2-17.5) times more likely to die than all Canadians the same age and were 7.8 (95% CI 5.6-10.6) times more likely to die than Indigenous people with Status in BC. Young women and those using drugs by injection were most affected. The leading causes of death were overdose (n = 15 [38%]), illness (n = 11 [28%]) and suicide (n = 5 [12%]). Predictors of mortality included having hepatitis C at baseline (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.76, 95% CI 1.47-5.16), previous attempted suicide (adjusted HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.01-3.50) and recent overdose (adjusted HR 2.85, 95% CI 1.00-8.09). INTERPRETATION: Young Indigenous people using drugs in BC are dying at an alarming rate, particularly young women and those using injection drugs. These deaths likely reflect complex intersections of historical and present-day injustices, substance use and barriers to care.

Participation in a mobile health intervention trial to improve retention in HIV care: does gender matter?

Background To be consistent with the United Nations' sustainable development goals on gender equality, mobile health (mHealth) programmes should aim to use communications technology to promote the empowerment of women. We conducted a pre-trial analysis of data from the WelTel Retain study on retention in HIV care to assess gender-based differences in phone access, phone sharing and concerns about receiving text messages from a healthcare provider. Methods Between April 2013-June 2015, HIV-positive adults were screened for trial participation at two clinics in urban slums in Nairobi, Kenya. Proportions of men and women excluded from the trial due to phone-related criteria were compared using a chi-square test. Gender-based differences in phone sharing patterns and concerns among trial participants were similarly compared. Results Of 1068 individuals screened, there was no difference in the proportion of men ( n = 39/378, 10.3%) and women ( n = 71/690, 10.3%) excluded because of phone-related criteria ( p-value = 0.989). Among those who shared their phone, women ( n = 52/108, 48.1%) were more likely than men ( n = 6/60, 10.0%) to share with other non-household and household members ( p < 0.001). Few participants had concerns about receiving text messages from their healthcare provider; those with concerns were all women ( n = 6/700). Discussion In this study, men and women were equally able to participate in a trial of an mHealth intervention. Equitable access in these urban slums may indicate the 'gender digital divide' is narrowing in some settings; however, gender-specific phone sharing patterns and concerns regarding privacy must be fully considered in the development and scale-up of mHealth programmes.

"The Cango Lyec Project - Healing the Elephant": HIV related vulnerabilities of post-conflict affected populations aged 13-49 years living in three Mid-Northern Uganda districts.

BACKGROUND: The protracted war between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army in Northern Uganda (1996-2006) resulted in widespread atrocities, destruction of health infrastructure and services, weakening the social and economic fabric of the affected populations, internal displacement and death. Despite grave concerns that increased spread of HIV/AIDS may be devastating to post conflict Northern Uganda, empirical epidemiological data describing the legacy of the war on HIV infection are scarce. METHODS: The 'Cango Lyec' Project is an open cohort study involving conflict-affected populations living in three districts of Gulu, Nwoya and Amuru in mid-northern Uganda. Between November 2011 and July 2012, 8 study communities randomly selected out of 32, were mapped and house-to-house census conducted to enumerate the entire community population. Consenting participants aged 13-49 years were enrolled and interviewer-administered data were collected on trauma, depression and socio-demographic-behavioural characteristics, in the local Luo language. Venous blood was taken for HIV and syphilis serology. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with HIV prevalence at baseline. RESULTS: A total of 2954 participants were eligible, of whom 2449 were enrolled. Among 2388 participants with known HIV status, HIV prevalence was 12.2% (95%CI: 10.8-13.8), higher in females (14.6%) than males (8.5%, p < 0.001), higher in Gulu (15.2%) than Nwoya (11.6%, p < 0.001) and Amuru (7.5%, p = 0.006) districts. In this post-conflict period, HIV infection was significantly associated with war trauma experiences (Adj. OR = 2.50; 95%CI: 1.31-4.79), the psychiatric problems of PTSD (Adj. OR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.06-1.96), Major Depressive Disorder (Adj. OR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.28-2.80) and suicidal ideation (Adj. OR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.34-2.61). Other HIV related vulnerabilities included older age, being married, separated, divorced or widowed, residing in an urban district, ulcerative sexually transmitted infections, and staying in a female headed household. There was no evidence in this study to suggest that people with a history of abduction were more likely to be HIV positive. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence in this post conflict-affected population is high and is significantly associated with age, trauma, depression, history of ulcerative STIs, and residing in more urban districts. Evidence-based HIV/STI prevention programs and culturally safe, gender and trauma-informed are urgently needed.

The Cedar Project WelTel mHealth intervention for HIV prevention in young Indigenous people who use illicit drugs: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite successes in preventing and treating HIV, Indigenous people in Canada continue to face disproportionately high rates of HIV infection. Programs that support healing from lifetime trauma, support connection to culture, and reduce drug-related harms are critical to preventing HIV among young Indigenous people who use drugs. The Cedar Project WelTel mHealth intervention proposed here is a structured mobile-phone initiative to connect young Indigenous people who use drugs with Cedar Case Managers in a community-based setting. The intervention consists of a package of supports, including a mobile phone and cellular plan, weekly two-way text messaging, and support from Cedar Case Managers. METHODS: The Cedar Project WelTel mHealth study is a multi-site Zelen pre-randomized trial to measure the effect of a two-way supportive text-message intervention to reduce HIV vulnerability among young Indigenous people who use illicit drugs in two Canadian cities. The trial is nested within the Cedar Project, an ongoing cohort study addressing HIV and hepatitis C vulnerability among young Indigenous people who use drugs in Vancouver and Prince George, British Columbia. The Cedar Project Partnership, an independent body of Indigenous Elders, leaders, and health/social service experts, governs all aspects of the study. Two hundred participants will be followed over a 16-month period, with HIV propensity score at 6 months as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include HIV propensity at 1 year, HIV risk, resilience, psychological distress, access to drug-related services, and connection to culture measured at 6 months and 1 year. Primary analysis is by intention to treat. DISCUSSION: Culturally safe interventions that address barriers to HIV prevention while supporting the strength of young Indigenous people who use drugs are urgently needed. Despite presenting a tremendous opportunity to connect young, highly transient Indigenous people who use drugs to prevention services, supportive two-way mHealth programs have yet to be tested for HIV prevention in a community-based setting with this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02437123 https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02437123 (registered 4 May 2015). Protocol version: 24 July 2015.

The Cedar Project: resilience in the face of HIV vulnerability within a cohort study involving young Indigenous people who use drugs in three Canadian cities.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous scholars have long argued that it is critical for researchers to identify factors related to cultural connectedness that may protect against HIV and hepatitis C infection and buffer the effects of historical and lifetime trauma among young Indigenous peoples. To our knowledge, no previous epidemiological studies have explored the effect of historical and lifetime traumas, cultural connectedness, and risk factors on resilience among young, urban Indigenous people who use drugs. METHODS: This study explored risk and protective factors associated with resilience among participants of the Cedar Project, a cohort study involving young Indigenous peoples who use illicit drugs in three cities in British Columbia, Canada. We utilized the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale to measure resilience, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire to measure childhood maltreatment, and the Symptom-Checklist 90-Revised to measure psychological distress among study participants. Multivariate linear mixed effects models (LME) estimated the effect of study variables on mean change in resilience scores between 2011-2012. RESULTS: Among 191 participants, 92 % had experienced any form of childhood maltreatment, 48 % had a parent who attended residential school, and 71 % had been in foster care. The overall mean resilience score was 62.04, with no differences between the young men and women (p = 0.871). Adjusted factors associated with higher mean resilience scores included having grown up in a family that often/always lived by traditional culture (B = 7.70, p = 0.004) and had often/always spoken their traditional language at home (B = 10.52, p < 0.001). Currently knowing how to speak a traditional language (B = 13.06, p = 0.001), currently often or always living by traditional culture (B = 6.50, p = 0.025), and having recently sought drug/alcohol treatment (B = 4.84, p = 0.036) were also significantly associated with higher mean resilience scores. Adjusted factors associated with diminished mean resilience scores included severe childhood emotional neglect (B = -13.34, p = 0.001), smoking crack daily (B = -5.42, p = 0.044), having been sexual assaulted (B = 14.42, p = 0.041), and blackout drinking (B = -6.19, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Young people in this study have faced multiple complex challenges to their strength. However, cultural foundations continue to function as buffers that protect young Indigenous people from severe health outcomes, including vulnerability to HIV and HCV infection.