Community-Based Cluster-Randomized Trial to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practices for reducing opioid-related overdose deaths include overdose education and naloxone distribution, the use of medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, and prescription opioid safety. Data are needed on the effectiveness of a community-engaged intervention to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths through enhanced uptake of these practices. METHODS: In this community-level, cluster-randomized trial, we randomly assigned 67 communities in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio to receive the intervention (34 communities) or a wait-list control (33 communities), stratified according to state. The trial was conducted within the context of both the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and a national surge in the number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths. The trial groups were balanced within states according to urban or rural classification, previous overdose rate, and community population. The primary outcome was the number of opioid-related overdose deaths among community adults. RESULTS: During the comparison period from July 2021 through June 2022, the population-averaged rates of opioid-related overdose deaths were similar in the intervention group and the control group (47.2 deaths per 100,000 population vs. 51.7 per 100,000 population), for an adjusted rate ratio of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.76 to 1.09; P = 0.30). The effect of the intervention on the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths did not differ appreciably according to state, urban or rural category, age, sex, or race or ethnic group. Intervention communities implemented 615 evidence-based practice strategies from the 806 strategies selected by communities (254 involving overdose education and naloxone distribution, 256 involving the use of medications for opioid use disorder, and 105 involving prescription opioid safety). Of these evidence-based practice strategies, only 235 (38%) had been initiated by the start of the comparison year. CONCLUSIONS: In this 12-month multimodal intervention trial involving community coalitions in the deployment of evidence-based practices to reduce opioid overdose deaths, death rates were similar in the intervention group and the control group in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fentanyl-related overdose epidemic. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; HCS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04111939.).

Food Insecurity and Transmission Risks Among People with HIV Who Use Substances.

Food insecurity (FI) impacts people with HIV (PWH) and those who use substances (i.e. drugs and alcohol). We evaluated the longitudinal association between FI and HIV transmission risks (unprotected sexual contacts and shared needles/syringes). Among 351 PWH who use substances in Russia, 51.6% reported FI and 37.0% past month injection drug use. The mean number of unprotected sexual contacts in the past 90 days was 13.4 (SD 30.1); 9.7% reported sharing needles/syringes in the past month. We did not find a significant association between mild/moderate FI (adjusted IRR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.47, 1.61) or severe FI (aIRR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.46, 1.54; global p = 0.85) and unprotected sexual contacts. We observed a significant association between severe FI and sharing needles/syringes in the past month (adjusted OR = 3.27, 95% CI 1.45, 7.39; p = 0.004), but not between mild/moderate FI and sharing needles/syringes in the past month (aOR = 1.40,95% CI 0.58, 3.38; p = 0.45). These findings suggest that severe FI could be a potential target for interventions to lower HIV transmission.

RESUMEN: La inseguridad alimentaria (IF) afecta a las personas que viven con VIH (PVV y a personas con abuso desustancias (.ej. drogas y alcohol). Evaluamos la asociación longitudinal entre la IF y los riesgos de transmisión del VIH (relaciones sexuales sin protección y agujas/jeringas compartidas). Entre 351 PVVcon abuso de sustancias en Rusia, el 51,6% reportó FI y el 37,0% consumió drogas intravenosas en el último mes. El promedio de contactos sexuales sin protección en los últimos 90 días fue de 13,4 (DE 30,1); el 9,7% informó haber compartido agujas/jeringas en el último mes. No encontramos una asociación significativa entre IF leve/moderada (IRR ajustada = 0,87, IC 95% = 0,47, 1,61) o IF grave (IRRa = 0,84, IC 95% = 0,46, 1,54; p global = 0,85) y relaciones sexuales sin protección. Observamos una asociación significativa entre IF grave y compartir agujas/jeringas en el último mes (OR ajustado = 3,27, IC 95% = 1,45, 7,39; p = 0,004), pero no entre IF leve/moderada y compartir agujas/jeringas en el último mes (ORa = 1,40, IC 95% = 0,58, 3,38; p = 0,45). Estos hallazgos sugieren que la IF grave podría ser un enfoque para intervenciones que buscan reducir la transmisión del VIH.

Improving the Delivery of Chronic Opioid Therapy Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is prevalent among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH); managing pain with chronic opioid therapy (COT) is common. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) providers often diverge from prescribing guidelines. METHODS: This 2-arm, unblinded, cluster-randomized clinical trial assessed whether the Targeting Effective Analgesia in Clinics for HIV (TEACH) intervention improves guideline-concordant care compared to usual care for PLWH on COT. The trial was implemented from 2015 to 2018 with 12-month follow-up at safety-net hospital-based HIV clinics in Boston and Atlanta. We enrolled 41 providers and their 187 patients on COT. Prescribers were randomized 1:1 to either a 12-month intervention consisting of a nurse care manager with an interactive electronic registry, opioid education, academic detailing, and access to addiction specialists or a control condition consisting of usual care. Two primary outcomes were assessed through electronic medical records: ≥2 urine drug tests and any early COT refills by 12 months. Other outcomes included possible adverse consequences. RESULTS: At 12 months, the TEACH intervention arm had higher odds of ≥2 urine drug tests than the usual care arm (71% vs 20%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 13.38 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 5.85-30.60]; P < .0001). We did not detect a statistically significant difference in early refills (22% vs 30%; AOR, 0.55 [95% CI, .26-1.15]; P = .11), pain severity (6.30 vs 5.76; adjusted mean difference, 0.10 [95% CI, -1.56 to 1.75]; P = .91), or HIV viral load suppression (86.9% vs 82.1%; AOR, 1.21 [95% CI, .47-3.09]; P = .69). CONCLUSIONS: TEACH is a promising intervention to improve adherence to COT guidelines without evident adverse consequences.

Chronic Opioid Therapy in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Patients' Perspectives on Risks, Monitoring, and Guidelines.

Background: Chronic opioid therapy (COT) is common in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), but is not well studied. We assessed opioid risk behaviors, perceptions of risk, opioid monitoring, and associated Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) scores of PLHIV on COT. Methods: COT was defined as ≥3 opioid prescriptions ≥21 days apart in the past 6 months. Demographics, substance use, COMM score, and perceptions of and satisfaction with COT monitoring were assessed among PLHIV on COT from 2 HIV clinics. Results: Among participants (N = 165) on COT, 66% were male and 72% were black, with a median age of 55 (standard deviation, 8) years. Alcohol and drug use disorders were present in 17% and 19%, respectively. In 43%, the COMM score, a measure of potential opioid misuse, was high. Thirty percent had an opioid treatment agreement, 66% a urine drug test (UDT), and 12% a pill count. Ninety percent acknowledged opioids' addictive potential. Median (interquartile range) satisfaction levels (1-10 [10 = highest]) were 10 (7-10) for opioid treatment agreements, 9.5 (6-10) for pill counts, and 10 (8-10) for UDT. No association was found between higher COMM score and receipt of or satisfaction with COT monitoring. Conclusions: Among PLHIV on COT, opioid misuse and awareness of the addictive potential of COT are common, yet COT monitoring practices were not guideline concordant. Patients who received monitoring practices reported high satisfaction. Patient attitudes suggest high acceptance of guideline concordant care for PLHIV on COT when it occurs.

Provider opioid prescribing practices and the belief that opioids keep people living with HIV engaged in care: a cross-sectional study.

We describe HIV providers' opioid prescribing practices and assess whether belief that chronic opioid therapy (COT) keeps people living with HIV (PLWH) engaged in care is associated with differences in these practices among providers from two HIV clinics. We conducted logistic regression to evaluate the association between the belief that COT keeps PLWH engaged in care and at least one component of guideline-recommended care (i.e., urine drug tests, treatment agreements, and/or prescription monitoring program use). The sample included 41 providers with a median age of 42 years, 63% female, 37% non-white. Routine adherence to guideline-recommended practices was: 34% urine drug tests, 27% treatment agreements, and 17% prescription monitoring program. Over half [54%] agreed that COT keeps PLWH engaged in care. There was no significant association between belief that COT keeps PLWH engaged in care and routinely providing any recommended COT care component (aOR 2.38; 95% CI 0.65-8.73). Most HIV providers do not routinely follow guidelines for opioid prescribing. We observed a positive association between belief that COT keeps PLWH engaged in care and following any guideline-recommended prescribing practices, although the result was not statistically significant. Interventions are needed to improve guideline-concordant care for COT by HIV providers.

Promoting addiction medicine teaching through functional mentoring by co-training generalist chief residents with faculty mentors.

BACKGROUND: Generalist physicians should play a vital role in identifying and managing individuals with substance use but are inadequately trained to do so. METHODS: This 5-year (2008-2012) controlled educational study assessed whether internal medicine and family medicine chief residents' (CRs) addiction medicine teaching increased by co-training with faculty mentors at a Chief Resident Immersion Training (CRIT) program in addiction medicine. All CRIT CR attendees identified a residency program faculty mentor to support addiction medicine teaching after CRIT through functional mentoring with a focus on developing and implementing an Addiction Medicine Teaching Project ("Teaching Project"). Approximately half of the CRs attended CRIT with their mentor (co-trained) and half without their mentor (solo-trained). Addiction medicine teaching outcomes were compared between groups using 6- and 11-month questionnaires and 4 bimonthly teaching logs. Of co-trained CRs, mentor characteristics that positively influenced addiction medicine teaching outcomes were identified. RESULTS: One hundred CRs from 74 residency programs attended CRIT from 2008 to 2012; 47 co-trained with their mentors and 53 solo-trained without their mentors. At 6-month follow-up, the co-trained CRs were more likely to meet at least monthly with their mentor (22.7% vs. 9.6%, P < .01) and more likely to identify their mentor as a facilitator for Teaching Project implementation (82.2% vs. 38.5%, P < .01). At 11-month follow-up, a higher percentage of co-trained CRs had completed their Teaching Project (34.0% vs. 15.1%, P < .05). Both CR groups had similarly large increases in other addiction medicine teaching outcomes. Mentors with more experience, including years of teaching, was associated with better CR Teaching Project outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Co-training generalist chief residents with a faculty mentor appeared to facilitate functional mentoring-driven Teaching Project implementation but did not further increase already high levels of other addiction medicine teaching. Faculty mentors with more years of teaching experience were more effective in facilitating Teaching Project implementation.

Food Insecurity, HIV Disease Progression and Access to Care Among HIV-Infected Russians not on ART.

Food insecurity (FI) has been associated with HIV disease progression among people on antiretroviral therapy (ART), presumably a consequence of poor medication adherence. We assessed whether there is a longitudinal association between FI and two primary outcomes reflecting on HIV disease progression (i.e., CD4 count and time to ART initiation) among people not on ART. Analyses used linear mixed effects and Cox models controlling for confounders. In this cohort (n = 310) FI was common (53%). Most (71.3%) reported past month heavy alcohol use and 37.1% reported past month injection drug use. Only 50 participants initiated ART during the study and mean time to ART was 128 days (SD 120). There were no significant differences in CD4 cell count between the groups with mild/moderate FI or severe FI versus those with no FI [adjusted mean difference, mild/moderate insecurity versus no FI -32.5 (95% CI -94.3, 29.3); severe versus no FI -45.5 (95% CI -124.1, 33.0); global p = 0.42]. We found no significant association between FI and longer time to ART initiation (p = 0.36). Food security is a desirable goal for overall health and shown beneficial for those on ART, however it does not appear to be associated with HIV disease progression among those with high prevalence of substance use and not yet on ART.

HIV Stigma and Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among People Living with HIV in Russia.

Unhealthy alcohol use, highly prevalent in the Russian Federation (Russia), is associated with HIV risk behaviors among people living with HIV (PLWH). HIV stigma contributes to the HIV risk environment in Russia. To examine HIV stigma among Russian PLWH and to explore its association with unhealthy alcohol use, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of 700 PLWH in St. Petersburg, Russia. We assessed the association between alcohol dependence and HIV stigma measured at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Participants with alcohol dependence (n = 446) reported significantly higher HIV stigma scores over time than those without dependence (n = 254) (adjusted mean difference 0.60, 95% CI 0.03-1.17; p = 0.04). In secondary analyses, we examined recent risky alcohol use and did not detect an association with HIV stigma. Alcohol dependence is associated with high HIV stigma among Russian PLWH but the nature of the association is conjectural. HIV prevention efforts in Russia that address alcohol use disorders hold potential to mitigate HIV-related stigma and its possible adverse effects among PLWH.

HIV Stigma and Substance Use Among HIV-Positive Russians with Risky Drinking.

The link between HIV stigma with substance use is understudied. We characterized individuals with high HIV stigma and examined whether HIV stigma contributes to substance use among HIV-positive Russians reporting risky alcohol use. We analyzed data from HERMITAGE, a randomized controlled trial of 700 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) with past 6-month risky sex and risky alcohol use in St. Petersburg, Russia (2007-2011). Participants who were female and reported depressive symptoms and lower social support were more likely to endorse high HIV stigma (all p's < 0.001). In adjusted models, high HIV stigma was not significantly associated with the primary outcome unhealthy substance use and was not consistently associated with secondary substance use outcomes. Interventions to enhance social and mental health support for PLWHA, particularly women, may reduce stigma, though such reductions may not correspond to substantial decreases in substance use among this population.

Alcohol Use and Food Insecurity Among People Living with HIV in Mbarara, Uganda and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Food insecurity (FI) is a documented problem associated with adverse health outcomes among HIV-infected populations. Little is known about the relationship between alcohol use and FI. We assessed whether heavy alcohol use was associated with FI among HIV-infected, antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve cohorts in Uganda and Russia. Inverse probability of treatment weighted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association using cross-sectional baseline data. FI was experienced by half of the Russia cohort (52 %) and by a large majority of the Uganda cohort (84 %). We did not detect an association between heavy alcohol use and FI in either cohort (Russia: AOR = 0.80, 95 % CI 0.46, 1.40; Uganda: AOR = 1.00, 95 % CI 0.57, 1.74) or based on the overall combined estimate (AOR = 0.89, 95 % CI 0.60, 1.33). Future studies should explore the determinants of FI in HIV-infected populations to inform strategies for its mitigation.

"It is easier for me to shoot up": stigma, abandonment, and why HIV-positive drug users in Russia fail to link to HIV care.

Many HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWID) globally are not receiving HIV care. This represents a major challenge among key populations to end the global HIV epidemic. This qualitative study explored the process and associated barriers of linking HIV-positive PWID who are in addiction treatment to HIV care in St. Petersburg, Russia. We conducted three focus groups and seven semi-structured interviews with participants in the LINC ("Linking Infectious and Narcology Care") project at addiction and HIV hospitals in St. Petersburg. The sample consisted of 25 HIV-infected patients with opioid dependence and seven health-care providers, including addiction and infectious disease physicians and case managers. A variety of intertwining factors influence effective engagement of PWID with HIV treatment. Stigma, problematic patient-provider relationships, and fragmented health care were the main challenges for HIV care initiation by PWID, which were further exacerbated by injection drug use. Effective linkage of PWID to HIV care requires acknowledging and addressing stigma's role and different perspectives of patients and providers.

Pain and Mortality Risk in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Persons with Alcohol Use Disorders.

Pain has been associated with increased risk for mortality in some studies. We analyzed data from a cohort study [HIV-longitudinal interrelationships of viruses and ethanol (HIV-LIVE)] of HIV-infected persons with alcohol use disorders enrolled 2001-2003 to explore whether reporting moderate or greater pain interference was associated with mortality. The main independent variable was pain that at least moderately interfered with work based on a single question from the SF-12. Primary analyses dichotomized at "moderately" or above. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the association between pain interference and death adjusting for demographics, substance use, CD4 count, HIV viral load and co-morbidities. Although significant in unadjusted models (HR = 1.58 (95 % CI 1.03-2.41; p value = 0.04)), after adjusting for confounders, ≥moderate pain interference was not associated with an increased risk of death [aHR = 1.30 (95 % CI 0.81-2.11, p value = 0.28)]. Among HIV-infected persons with alcohol use disorders, we did not detect a statistically significant independent association between pain interference and risk of death after adjustment for potential confounders.

Heroin Use and HIV Disease Progression: Results from a Pilot Study of a Russian Cohort.

Opioids have immunosuppressive properties, yet their impact on HIV disease progression remains unclear. Using longitudinal data from HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy-naïve Russian individuals (n = 77), we conducted a pilot study to estimate the effect of heroin use on HIV disease progression. Heroin use was categorized based on past 30 days self-reported use at baseline, 6 and 12 months as none, intermittent or persistent. We estimated the effect of heroin use on HIV disease progression, measured as change in CD4 count from baseline to 12 months, using multivariable linear regression. Those with intermittent (n = 21) and no heroin use (n = 39) experienced mean decreases in CD4 count from baseline to 12 months (-103 and -10 cells/mm(3), respectively; adjusted mean difference (AMD) -93; 95 % CI -245, 58). Those with persistent use (n = 17) showed a mean increase of 53 cells/mm(3) (AMD 63; 95 % CI -95, 220). Future studies exploring the effects of heroin withdrawal on HIV disease progression are warranted.

Depressive symptoms and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among HIV-infected Russian drinkers.

The impact of depressive symptoms on ART initiation among Russian HIV-infected heavy drinkers enrolled in a secondary HIV prevention trial (HERMITAGE) was examined. We assessed 133 participants eligible for ART initiation (i.e., CD4 count <350 cells/µl) who were not on ART at baseline. Depressive symptom severity and ART use were measured at baseline, 6- and 12-months. Association between depressive symptoms and subsequent ART initiation was evaluated using GEE logistic regression adjusting for gender, past ART use, injection drug use and heavy drinking. Depressive symptom severity was not significantly associated with lower odds of initiating ART. Cognitive depression symptoms were not statistically significant (global p = 0.05); however, those with the highest level of severity had an AOR of 0.25 (95 % CI 0.09-0.71) for delayed ART initiation. Although the effect of depression severity was not significant, findings suggest a potential role of cognitive depression symptoms in decisions to initiate ART in this population.

Associations of sex trafficking history with recent sexual risk among HIV-infected FSWs in India.

History of forced or coerced sex work entry and/or sex work entry prior to age 18 (i.e., sex trafficking) relate to early HIV risk; whether such risk persists is unclear. The current study assessed associations of reported sex trafficking histories and recent sexual risk among adult HIV-infected female sex workers (FSWs; n = 211) in Mumbai, India. Approximately one-half reported entering sex work prior to age 18 (50.2 %) or being forced or coerced into sex work (41.7 %). Past 90-day unprotected transactional sex was more prevalent among FSWs entering as minors than those entering as adults (AOR 2.06); in contrast, being forced or coerced into sex work related to reduction in such risk for HIV transmission (AOR 0.45). Histories of each form of sex trafficking may relate differently to later HIV risk. Intervention with HIV-infected FSWs entering sex work as minors should be prioritized based on potential elevated risk of HIV transmission.

Risk factors for recent nonfatal overdose among HIV-infected Russians who inject drugs.

Overdoses and HIV infection are common among Russians who inject drugs, yet risk factors have not been studied. We analyzed baseline data of 294 participants with 30-day injection drug use from an HIV secondary prevention trial for persons reporting "heavy" alcohol use (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA] risky drinking definition) and risky sex in the past 6 months. The outcome was any self-reported overdose in the previous 3 months. We examined demographic, HIV-related, criminal justice, mental health, substance use, and injection risk factors. Participants' characteristics included median age 29 years, 117/294 (40%) female, and median CD4 cell count 345/µl. Over three quarters 223/294 (76%) reported a history of overdose and 47/294 (16%) reported overdose in the past 3 months. Past month injection frequency (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-14.0 highest vs. lowest quartile; AOR 3.58, 95% CI: 1.20-10.69 second highest vs. lowest quartile) and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at time of interview (AOR 3.96 95% CI: 1.33-11.83) were associated with 3-month overdose. Nonfatal overdose among HIV-infected Russians who inject drugs is common. Risk factors include injection frequency and anti-retroviral therapy (ART), which warrant further study. Overdose prevention efforts are needed among HIV-infected Russians who inject drugs.

Impact of lifetime alcohol use on liver fibrosis in a population of HIV-infected patients with and without hepatitis C coinfection.

BACKGROUND: The effect of alcohol on liver disease in HIV infection has not been well characterized. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional multivariable analysis of the association between lifetime alcohol use and liver fibrosis in a longitudinal cohort of HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems. Liver fibrosis was estimated with 2 noninvasive indices, "FIB-4," which includes platelets, liver enzymes, and age; and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index ("APRI"), which includes platelets and liver enzymes. FIB-4 <1.45 and APRI <0.5 defined the absence of liver fibrosis. FIB-4 >3.25 and APRI >1.5 defined advanced liver fibrosis. The main independent variable was lifetime alcohol consumption (<150 kg, 150 to 600 kg, >600 kg). RESULTS: Subjects (n = 308) were 73% men, mean age 43 years, 49% with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 60% on antiretroviral therapy, 49% with an HIV RNA load <1,000 copies/ml, and 18.7% with a CD4 count <200 cells/mm(3) . Forty-five percent had lifetime alcohol consumption >600 kg, 32.7% 150 to 600 kg, and 22.3% <150 kg; 33% had current heavy alcohol use, and 69% had >9 years of heavy episodic drinking. Sixty-one percent had absence of liver fibrosis and 10% had advanced liver fibrosis based on FIB-4. In logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, gender, HCV infection, and CD4 count, no association was detected between lifetime alcohol consumption and the absence of liver fibrosis (FIB-4 <1.45) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.12 [95% CI: 0.25 to 2.52] for 150 to 600 kg vs. <150 kg; AOR = 1.11 [95% CI: 0.52 to 2.36] for >600 kg vs. <150 kg; global p = 0.95). Additionally, no association was detected between lifetime alcohol use and advanced liver fibrosis (FIB-4 >3.25). Results were similar using APRI, and among those with and without HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems, we found no significant association between lifetime alcohol consumption and the absence of liver fibrosis or the presence of advanced liver fibrosis, suggesting that alcohol may be less important than other known factors that promote liver fibrosis in this population.

Prevalence and correlates of non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners among HIV-infected female sex workers and HIV-infected male clients of female sex workers in India.

This study examines non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners among HIV-infected adults involved with transactional sex in Mumbai, India. Surveys were conducted with HIV-infected female sex workers (n = 211) and infected male clients (n = 205) regarding HIV knowledge, awareness of sex partners' HIV serostatus, alcohol use, transactional sex involvement post-HIV diagnosis and non-disclosure of HIV serostatus. Gender-stratified multiple logistic regression models were used for analysis. Non-disclosure of one's serostatus to all sex partners was reported by almost three-fifths of females and two-fifths of males. Predictors of non-disclosure included lack of correct knowledge about HIV and no knowledge of sex partners' HIV serostatus. Among females, recent alcohol consumption also predicted non-disclosure. Among males, 10 + paid sexual partners in the year following HIV diagnosis predicted non-disclosure. Secondary HIV prevention efforts in India require greater focus on HIV disclosure communication and integrated alcohol and sexual risk reduction.

Nondisclosure of HIV infection to sex partners and alcohol's role: a Russian experience.

Nondisclosure of one's HIV infection to sexual partners obviates safer sex negotiations and thus jeopardizes HIV transmission prevention. The role of alcohol use in the disclosure decision process is largely unexplored. This study assessed the association between alcohol use and recent nondisclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners by HIV-infected risky drinkers in St. Petersburg, Russia. Approximately half (317/605; 52.4 %) reported not having disclosed their HIV serostatus to all partners since awareness of infection. Using three separate GEE logistic regression models, we found no significant association between alcohol dependence, risky alcohol use (past 30 days), or alcohol use at time of sex (past 30 days) with recent (past 3 months) nondisclosure (AOR [95 % CI] 0.81 [0.55, 1.20], 1.31 [0.79, 2.17], 0.75 [0.54, 1.05], respectively). Alcohol use at time of sex was associated with decreased odds of recent nondisclosure among seroconcordant partners and among casual partners. Factors associated with nondisclosure were relationship with a casual partner, a serodiscordant partner, multiple sex partners, awareness of HIV diagnosis less than 1 year, and a lifetime history of sexually transmitted disease. Nondisclosure of HIV status to sex partners is common among HIV-infected Russians, however alcohol does not appear to be a predictor of recent disclosure.

Associations between partner violence perpetration and history of STI among HIV-infected substance using men in Russia.

Studies document a significant association between victimization from intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among substance using women in Russia and elsewhere, but no study has examined IPV perpetration and STI among Russian men or HIV-infected men in Eastern Europe. This study was designed to assess the association between lifetime history of IPV perpetration and STI (lifetime and current) among substance using HIV-infected men in Russia. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted with baseline data from 415 male participants enrolled in a randomized HIV intervention clinical trial [the HERMITAGE Study]. Participants were HIV-infected men reporting recent heavy alcohol use and unprotected sex in St. Petersburg, Russia. Baseline surveys assessed demographics, IPV perpetration, risk behaviors, and STI history. Current STI was assessed via blood testing for syphilis and urine testing for gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between history of IPV with lifetime and current STI. Participants were aged 20-57 years. Almost half of participants (46%) reported a history of IPV perpetration; 81% reported past 30-day binge alcohol use, and 43% reported past 30-day injection drug use. Past and current STI was 41% and 12%, respectively. Men reporting a history of IPV perpetration had significantly higher odds of reporting ever having an STI (AOR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1, 2.4) but lower odds of testing positive for a current STI (AOR=0.50, 95% CI=0.26, 0.96). These findings demonstrate that a history of male IPV perpetration is common in HIV-infected Russian men and associated with a history of STI. Programmatic work toward IPV prevention is needed in Russia and may be beneficial in mitigating STIs, but more research is needed to understand how and why the association between IPV and STI changes over time in this population.