The relationship between health-related variables and increases in smoking among recently diagnosed HIV+ people who inject drugs in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: In Vietnam tobacco smoking is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and causes excess mortality in this population. Injection drug use is a driver of HIV infections in Vietnam. Changes in HIV disease state may correlate to changes in smoking among PLHIV. This study investigates the relationship between increases in smoking and health-related variables among recently diagnosed HIV+ people who inject drugs (PWID) in Vietnam. METHODS: We analyzed longitudinal data from 323 recently diagnosed HIV+ PWID in a randomized controlled trial from 2009 to 2013 in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam. The outcome was an increase of >one cigarette/day from baseline visit cigarette smoking. A generalized estimating equation for repeated measures was used to estimate bivariable and multivariable associations between participant characteristics and smoking increases. We collected qualitative data to enhance our understanding of quantitative results, from 16 HIV+ PWID who smoke. RESULTS: Ninety three point 5% of participants reported some smoking at baseline. Smoking fewer cigarettes, higher health related quality of life (QOL), and higher CD4 counts were predictive of increases in smoking at future visits in a multivariable model. Qualitative data showed smoking increases were tied to improved perceived health, and counseling during respiratory illnesses may increase intention to quit. CONCLUSION: HIV+ PWID in Vietnam smoke at a very high rate. Increases in their smoking are correlated to increases in heath-related QOL, and increases in perceptions of health. Any tobacco-use intervention should account for internal tobacco use triggers faced by HIV+ PWID.

Public health clinic-based hepatitis C testing and linkage to care in Baltimore.

Testing and linkage to care are important determinants of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment effectiveness. Public health clinics serve populations at high risk of HCV. We investigated their potential to serve as sites for HCV testing, initiation of and linkage to HCV care. Cross-sectional study of patients accessing sexually transmitted infection (STI) care at the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) STI clinics, from June 2013 through April 2014 was conducted. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with HCV infection and specialist linkage to care. Between 24 June 2013 and 15 April 2014, 2681 patients were screened for HCV infection. Overall, 189 (7%) were anti-HCV positive, of whom 185 (98%) received follow-up HCV RNA testing, with 155 (84%) testing RNA positive. Of 155 RNA-positive individuals, 138 (89%) returned to the STI clinic for HCV RNA results and initial HCV care including counselling regarding transmission and harm reduction in alcohol, and 132 (85%) were referred to a specialist for HCV care. With provision of patient navigation services, 81 (52%) attended an offsite HCV specialist appointment. Alcohol use and lack of insurance coverage were associated with lower rates of specialist linkage (OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.1-0.9] and OR 0.4 [95% CI 0.1-0.9], respectively). We identified a high prevalence of HCV infection in BCHD STI clinics. With availability of patient navigation services, a large proportion of HCV-infected patients linked to off-site specialist care.

The HIV care continuum among men who have sex with men in Moscow, Russia: a cross-sectional study of infection awareness and engagement in care.

OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection is critical to improving clinical outcomes for HIV-infected individuals. We sought to characterise the HIV care continuum and identify correlates of being unaware of one's HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Moscow, Russia. METHODS: Participants (N=1376) were recruited via respondent-driven sampling and completed a sociobehavioural survey and HIV testing from 2010 to 2013. Sample and population estimates were calculated for key steps along the HIV care continuum for HIV-infected MSM and logistic regression methods were used to examine correlates of being unaware of one's HIV infection. RESULTS: 15.6% (184/1177; population estimate: 11.6%; 95% CI 8.5% to 14.7%) of participants were HIV infected. Of these, only 23.4% (43/184; population estimate: 13.2; 95% CI 11.0 to 15.4) were previously aware of their infection, 8.7% (16/184 population estimate: 4.7; 95% CI 1.0 to 8.5) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 4.4% (8/164; population estimate: 3.0; 95% CI 0.3 to 5.6) reported an undetectable viral load. Bisexual identity (reference: homosexual; adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.69; 95% CI 1.19 to 11.43), having ≥5 sexual partners in the last 6 months (reference: ≤1; AOR: 4.23; 95% CI 1.17 to 15.28), and employer HIV testing requirements (reference: no; AOR: 15.43; 95% CI 1.62 to 147.01) were associated with being unaware of one's HIV infection. HIV testing in a specialised facility (reference: private; AOR: 0.06; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.53) and testing ≥2 times in the last 12 months (reference: none; AOR: 0.17; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.73) were inversely associated with being unaware of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: There is a steep gradient along the HIV care continuum for Moscow-based MSM beginning with low awareness of HIV infection. Efforts that improve access to acceptable HIV testing strategies, such as alternative testing facilities, and linkage to care are needed for key populations.

Anal human papillomavirus and HIV: A cross-sectional study among men who have sex with men in Moscow, Russia, 2012-2013.

Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), but has not been studied in the Russian Federation. A cross-sectional survey and HPV genotyping were conducted among HIV seropositive (n=58) and seronegative MSM (n=65)in Moscow. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify correlates of infection with oncogenic HPV genotypes 16 and/or 18 (HPV 16/18). Forty per cent (49/124) of all MSM were infected with at least one anal HPV genotype, 31.5% (39/124) had HPV16/18,and 11.5% (14/121) had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). HPV 16/18 was more prevalent in HIV seropositive than seronegative men (24/58,41.4% vs 15/65, 23.1%; p=0.03). HIV infection was independently associated with HPV 16/18 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.08; 95% confidence intervals (CI):1.49-17.34, p=0.01), as was having 2-4 steady male sex partners in the last year (vs ≤ 1 partner; AOR: 6.99;95%CI: 1.94­25.24, p<0.01). History of prison/detention,migration to/within Russia and use of incompatible lubricants were marginally associated with HPV16/18 (p<0.10). Comprehensive prevention options are needed to address HIV and HPV infection among MSM in Russia and may benefit from inclusion of young men in piloted HPV vaccination programmes.

Social and structural risks for HIV among migrant and immigrant men who have sex with men in Moscow, Russia: implications for prevention.

Moscow has a large population of immigrants and migrants from across the Former Soviet Union. Little is studied about men who have sex with men (MSM) within these groups. Qualitative research methods were used to explore identities, practices, and factors affecting HIV prevention and risks among immigrant/migrant MSM in Moscow. Nine interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted between April-June 2010 with immigrant/migrant MSM, analyzed as a subset of a larger population of MSM who participated in qualitative research (n=121). Participants were purposively selected men who reported same sex practices (last 12 months). Migrants were men residing in Moscow but from other Russian regions and immigrants from countries outside of Russia. A socioecological framework was used to describe distal to proximal factors that influenced risks for HIV acquisition. MSM ranged from heterosexual to gay-identified. Stigma and violence related to homophobia in homelands and concerns about xenophobia and distrust of migrants in Moscow were emerged as key themes. Participants reported greater sexual freedom in Moscow but feared relatives in homelands would learn of behaviors in Moscow, often avoiding members of their own ethnicity in Moscow. Internalized homophobia was prevalent and linked to traditional sexual views. Sexual risks included sex work, high numbers of partners, and inconsistent condom use. Avoidance of HIV testing or purchasing false results was related to reporting requirements in Russia, which may bar entry or expel those testing positive. HIV prevention for MSM should consider immigrant/migrant populations, the range of sexual identities, and risk factors among these men. The willingness of some men to socialize with immigrants/migrants of other countries may provide opportunities for peer-based prevention approaches. Immigrants/migrants comprised important proportions of the MSM population, yet are rarely acknowledged in research. Understanding their risks and how to reach them may improve the overall impact of prevention for MSM and adults in Russia.

Understanding subtypes of inner-city drug users with a latent class approach.

AIMS: We empirically identified subtypes of inner-city users of heroin and cocaine based on type of drug used and route of administration. METHOD: The sample was recruited from the communities in Baltimore, MD (SHIELD study) and consisted of 1061 participants who used heroin and or cocaine in the past 6 months on a weekly basis or more. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subtypes of drug users based on type of drug and route of administration. Logistic regression was used to compare the subtypes on depressive symptoms, injection risk and drug network compositions. FINDINGS: Inner-city drug users were classified into five subtypes: three subtypes of injection drug users (IDUs) [heroin injecting (n=134; 13%), polydrug and polyroute (n=88, 8%), and heroin and cocaine injecting (n=404, 38%)], and two subtypes with low proportions of IDUs (LIDUs) [heroin snorting (n=275, 26%) and crack smoking (n=160; 14%)]. The polydrug and polyroute subtype had the highest depressive symptoms risk among all subtypes. Injection risk was lowest in the heroin injecting subtype and significantly differed from heroin and cocaine injecting subtype. The IDU subtypes also varied in the drug network compositions. The LIDU subtypes had similar depressive symptoms risk but vastly differed in the drug network compositions. CONCLUSIONS: Subgroups of inner-city cocaine and heroin users based on type and route of administration differed in their depressive symptoms, injection risk and drug network compositions. Future studies should longitudinally examine factors associated with transitioning across these subtypes to better inform prevention and treatment efforts.

Individual and environmental factors related to quitting heroin injection.

This study examines the relationship between individual-level and the certain neighborhood characteristics with drug use cessation among a sample of long-term inner-city heroin injectors in Baltimore, Maryland. The data were derived from baseline and first follow-up visits of SHIELD, a larger HIV prevention intervention study targeting members of the drug-using community. The survey instrument was interviewer-administered and ascertained sociodemographics, drug use history, and sexual and drug risk behaviors. The data were collected between August 1997 and March 1999. The current study was limited to participants with a median age of 41 years old. 27.5% (n=53) reported quitting drug use at follow-up. Compared with those who quit, participants who continued (n=147) were close to five times as likely to buy drugs in the neighborhoods in which they lived, 80% less likely to have used drugs in a shooting gallery in the past 6 months, and close to five times more likely to have used drugs in outside places. Controlling for other factors, enrollment in drug user treatment programs or attending self-help groups were not significantly associated with drug use cessation. This study points to the importance of examining specific environmental factors in relation to quitting drug use. Research is needed to further articulate the types and characteristics of physical environments that are related to and could be intervened in promoting sustainable drug cessation.

Illicit drug use in one's social network and in one's neighborhood predicts individual heroin and cocaine use.

PURPOSE: The nature of competing social environmental factors' influence on substance abuse is unclear. A longitudinal study was undertaken to determine the relative power of social network and neighborhood characteristics to predict continuing illicit drug use. METHODS: Three hundred forty-two inner-city adults with a history of injection drug use were followed for 1 year; their heroin and cocaine use were assessed semiannually. Multiple logistic regression models were fit to determine the degree to which social network and neighborhood characteristics, assessed at baseline, predicted continuing heroin and/or cocaine use throughout the study period. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-six (69%) participants reported continuing heroin and/or cocaine use. Drug use by members of the social network was a stronger predictor of participants' continuing drug use (OR = 4.31, 95% CI 2.51 to 7.40) than was a high level of drug-related arrests in the participant's neighborhood (OR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.71), after adjusting for drug treatment and demographic variables. Both seemed to have independent effects on study participants' drug use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reiterate the importance of breaking ties with drug-using associates, even for those who reside in high-risk environments. Further work is needed to develop interventions that increase drug users' success in altering social network composition or also treat drug-using network members.

Using geographic information systems to assess spatial patterns of drug use, selection bias and attrition among a sample of injection drug users.

This study sought to assess whether frequency and type of drug use are geographically located within the city of Baltimore independent of neighborhood characteristics. The second goal was to assess geographic factors associated with sample selection and attrition. The sample consisted of 597 inner-city injection drug users who were enrolled in a HIV prevention study. The residential locations were plotted using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Three patterns of drug use in the prior 6 months were examined: daily use of injection heroin, daily use of injection cocaine and any use of crack cocaine. Daily use of cocaine and any use of crack were found to be statistically associated with residing in the western portion of the city and distance from the western district sexually transmitted disease clinic. After adjusting for individual level characteristics and neighborhood level variables, as measured by 1990 census tract data, daily use of cocaine was found to be associated with residing in a more southern area of the city and distance from the western district sexually transmitted disease clinic, and any crack use was found to be associated with residing in a more western area of the city and distance from the western district sexually transmitted disease clinic. Men and younger participants were more likely to reside further away from the study clinic as were individuals who dropped out of the intervention condition. The results of this study suggest that type and frequency of drug use is associated with specific geographic areas, independent of neighborhood characteristics. These results have implications for the location of drug prevention, needle exchange and other HIV prevention activities.

The relationship between risk networks' patterns of crack cocaine and alcohol consumption and HIV-related sexual behaviors among adult injection drug users: a prospective study.

Social context may be an important determinant of drug and alcohol consumption and HIV-related behaviors. To assess the influence of peers on drug users' risk behaviors this study examined the association between individual level and group level behaviors. This analysis reports on the prospective association between baseline self-reported drug and alcohol use of the network members of injection drug users, and self-reported sexual behaviors and alcohol use at 5-month follow-up. Participants were a nontreatment sample of inner-city injection drug users who volunteered for a network-oriented HIV preventive intervention. They were predominantly unemployed, African American males. Of the 71 index participants who completed both the baseline and follow-up interviews, 227 of their drug network members were enrolled in the study. At baseline indexes' sexual risk behaviors were significantly associated with their drug network members' level of crack cocaine use. At follow-up higher levels of alcohol and crack use among drug network members were associated with indexes' reports of multiple sex partners and increased alcohol consumption. Higher levels of crack use among the drug network members were associated with the indexes' reporting casual sex partners at follow-up. These results highlight the importance of studying the role of peer group influence and the social context of risk behaviors.

Using social network analysis to study patterns of drug use among urban drug users at high risk for HIV/AIDS.

Few studies have examined the current social relationships of injecting drug users. This paper examines the structural and relationship characteristics of the social networks of injecting drug users, and the relation of social network characteristics to the HIV infection risk behavior of frequency of injecting heroin and cocaine. The study sample was comprised of 293 inner city injecting drug users in Baltimore, Maryland. Most participants (89%) reported at least one family member in their social network, and 44% listed their mother or step-mother in their network. Presence of family members in personal social networks was not related to patterns of drug use examined here; however, those who reported a partner in their personal social network injected significantly less often than those who did not report a partner. Network density and size of drug subnetworks were positively associated with frequency of drug injection. The results of this study suggest that social network analysis may be a useful tool for understanding the social context of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors.