Exploring the experiences of Haitians/Haitian Americans in Miami-Dade County, Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic: how this community coped with the public health emergency.

Objective: To explore and describe the experiences of Haitians/Haitian Americans in Miami-Dade County, Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic, including their attitudes and practices towards vaccination. Design: We interviewed 15 community members and 15 stakeholders in the Haitian/Haitian American community in Miami-Dade County, Florida using a semi-structured interview guide. The qualitative interviews were conducted between February 4, 2021, and October 1, 2021. They were conducted in both English and Haitian Creole, audio recorded transcribed/translated, and coded using thematic content analysis. Results: The analyses revealed 9 major themes: (1) thoughts about the pandemic, (2) concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines, (3) healthcare access, February-October 2021, (4) intrapersonal relationship dynamics, (5) thoughts about individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, (6) thoughts about prevention measures (e.g., wearing masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, vaccination), (7) mental health struggles and coping, (8) food insecurity, and (9) overall experiences of the pandemic. The findings reveal that the COVID-19 public health emergency negatively affected Haitians/Haitian Americans across several domains, including employment, healthcare access, personal relationships, and food security. Conclusion: This research echoes the compounding negative experiences reported by multiple disadvantaged groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. From loss of employment to healthcare barriers, the pandemic forced many Haitians/Haitian Americans into greater economic and social instability. Interventions addressing these issues should recognize how these factors may interact and compound the experiences of this group. Health and public health agencies should work alongside community partners to build trust so that preventive efforts will be more readily accepted during public health emergencies.

Aspergillus fumigatus Epidural Abscess and Postsurgical Wound Infection in an Immunocompetent Host.

In this case, we present an immunocompetent patient who had a wound infection secondary to Aspergillus fumigatus after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure that was complicated by an epidural abscess. The patient was treated with voriconazole and responded favorably. We highlight the need for awareness of the possibility of an Aspergillus infection in people without any obvious immunocompromise and advocate for the inclusion of this opportunistic fungus in the workup of postneurosurgical infections and dura-based collections. A brief review of relevant literature is also included.

Neurocysticercosis mimicking craniopharyngioma: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: In patients with appropriate epidemiological risk factors, neurocysticecosis should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of suprasellar or parasellar mass lesions. As neuroimaging findings can be nonspecific, serology may be helpful, but when still in doubt, brain biopsy, and histopathology may be necessary to make the correct diagnosis. Abstract: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a well-documented central nervous system helminth infection that is, frequently observed in developing countries. Known sites of NCC infection include the highly vascular gray-white matter junction, basal cistern, brain parenchyma, subarachnoid space, ventricular system, and spinal cord. This case highlights an uncommon yet intriguing site of NCC infection within the suprasellar area, which presented with similar clinical and imaging characteristics as suprasellar masses or lesions. The 44-year-old female initially complained of headaches and nausea that persisted for 5 years and progressed to vision problems and short-term memory loss. A craniopharyngioma was initially suspected, based on imaging findings of a partially calcified suprasellar tumor. However, cysticercosis was confirmed by histopathology and serological testing positive for Cysticercus IgG antibodies. The patient was successfully treated with albendazole and tapering doses of steroids, which improved her presenting symptoms and resolved prior imaging findings. This case serves as a reminder to consider NCC in the differential diagnosis of sellar and suprasellar masses or lesions, particularly when an epidemiologic risk factor is present.

Bon Sante (Good Health): Factors Influencing PrEP Use Among Haitians/Haitian Americans.

BACKGROUND: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has disproportionately affected Black individuals in the USA, and this health disparity has increased over time. Despite the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a prevention tool for HIV, there are disparities in its use, and uptake of this intervention remains low among racial and ethnic minorities, including Haitians/Haitian Americans. In this study, factors influencing PrEP use among Haitians/Haitian Americans in Miami, FL, are explored to provide necessary data to address disparities. METHODS: The research team collaborated with local organizations to recruit 30 individuals (Haitians/Haitian Americans) between February 4 and October 1, 2021, and conducted semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and NVivo® was used to analyze the transcripts for emergent themes. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 30 adults of Haitian descent in Miami, FL (50% female, approximately 67% with a high school education or more, mean age = 43.7 ± 13 years, and 74.2% born in Haiti). Four primary themes emerged from the analysis: (1) limited PrEP awareness, (2) underutilization of PrEP, (3) inadequate discussion of HIV prevention strategies, and (4) PrEP delivery encompassing barriers and facilitators for PrEP delivery and promotion strategies. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that there is a critical need to increase Haitians/Haitian Americans' knowledge regarding PrEP. Health communication interventions tailored specifically for Haitians/Haitian Americans that target stigma, attitudes toward HIV, and risk perception may be significant in increasing PrEP in this population.

Case report: A case of neuro-Behçet's syndrome presenting as brain stem mass lesions.

Neuro-Behçet's syndrome, a severe and rare manifestation of Behçet's disease (BD), can be misdiagnosed due to its challenging clinical presentation. This article presents the case of a 20-year-old cis-gender male with intermittent fever, bilateral uveitis, and neurological symptoms who was found to have multiple brain stem mass lesions on brain imaging. A careful medical history elicited recurrent painful oral and genital ulcerations which were important in making the correct diagnosis. As there are no validated criteria or definite set of tests available to confirm neuro-Behçet's disease, the diagnosis is often established by exclusion after ruling out other potential etiologies. In our case, after an extensive negative workup for infectious, neuro-degenerative and malignant etiologies combined with the patient's medical history, a diagnosis of Behçet's disease with neurological involvement (neuro-Behçet's syndrome) was made. High doses of steroids were given, and the patient had a favorable outcome. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging of the brain 2 years later showed no new brain lesions. Neuro-Behçet's disease should be included as a differential diagnosis of unexplained brain stem lesions in the right clinical context. In these situations, providers should obtain medical histories related to genital and oral ulcers and eye problems as these may help to narrow down the diagnosis. The clinical presentation and challenges of this uncommon presentation of BD including a brief literature review of neuro-Behçet's disease with brain stem mass lesions are discussed in this case study.

Bringing Health Care Equity to Diverse and Underserved Populations in Sleep Medicine and Research Through a Digital Health Equity Framework.

Individuals from minoritized groups are less likely to receive sleep medicine care and be the focus of sleep research. Several barriers may explain under-representation and low participation. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted a digital divide that exacerbated disproportionate sleep health outcomes and access to sleep medicine and research opportunities among minoritized groups. The authors' team developed a digital health equity and inclusion model and revamped its culturally-tailored community outreach program to advance sleep health equity among minoritized groups. This article describes how the authors implemented their digital sleep health equity and inclusion model during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis infection in the setting of Escherichia coli meningitis and bacteraemia in a patient living with HIV on high-dose corticosteroid therapy.

Strongyloidiasis, a helminth infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, can be complicated by hyperinfection, especially in the setting of immunosuppression; however, many patients go undiagnosed. One clue to diagnosis is unexplained gram-negative bacteraemia or meningitis in patients who are immunosuppressed. Serology can be helpful but may be negative in these patients who are immunocompromised.We present the case of a white cisgender man from Central America in his 40s, living with HIV, with a CD4 count of 77 cells/µL. He was diagnosed with Strongyloides hyperinfection after an increase in his steroid dose. He also had Escherichia coli meningitis and bacteraemia. Strongyloidiasis was diagnosed by stool microscopy despite a negative serology test.This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing strongyloidiasis in the setting of immunosuppression. A high index of clinical suspicion is warranted for patients living with HIV on high-dose corticosteroids. Up to three stool microscopy studies for Strongyloides should be sent in addition to serology.

The Educational, Health, and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Among Haitians in the USA: Time for Systemic Change.

Haitians are the fourth largest Afro-Caribbean immigrant group in the USA, and there is a dearth of research focusing on the factors impacting their lives. As a marginalized group with extensive pre-existing conditions, Haitian immigrants are disproportionately affected by the pandemic in areas such as education, health, and economics. This paper provides a summary of existing disparities among Haitians in the USA and how COVID-19 has significantly impacted this group. It concludes with an analysis of how the Strategic Framework for Improving Racial and Ethnic Minority Health and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities can be used to guide, organize, and coordinate systematic planning for sustainable changes to address these disparities. Addressing immigrant and minority health in the USA requires a deeper dive into the various immigrant groups. This paper concludes with recommendations for research and policy changes necessary to eliminate disparities in the USA.