Using Causal Bayesian Networks to Assess the Role of Patient-Centered Care and Psychosocial Factors on Durable HIV Viral Suppression.

We assessed the role of patient-centered care on durable viral suppression (i.e., all viral load test results < 200 copies per ml during 2019) by conducting a retrospective cohort study of clients medically case managed by the Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program (RWP). Summary measures of patient-centered care practices of RWP-affiliated providers were obtained from a survey of 1352 clients. Bayesian network models analyzed the complex relationship between psychosocial and patient-centered care factors. Of 5037 clients, 4135 (82.1%) had durable viral suppression. Household income was the factor most strongly associated with durable viral suppression. Further, mean healthcare relationship score and mean "provider knows patient as a person" score were both associated with durable viral suppression. Healthcare relationship score moderated the association between low household income and lack of durable viral suppression. Although patient-centered care supports patient HIV care success, wrap around support is also needed for people with unmet psychosocial needs.

RESUMEN: Evaluamos el rol de la atención centrada en el paciente en la supresión viral duradera (es decir, todos los resultados de las pruebas de carga viral < 200 copias por ml durante 2019) mediante la realización de un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de clientes manejados médicamente por el Programa Ryan White del condado de Miami-Dade (RWP). Se obtuvieron medidas resumidas de las prácticas de atención centradas en el paciente de los proveedores afiliados a RWP usando una encuesta de 1352 clientes. Los modelos de redes bayesianos analizaron la relación compleja entre los factores psicosociales y de atención centrada en el paciente. De 5037 clientes, 4135 (82,1%) tenían una supresión viral duradera. Los ingresos del hogar fueron el factor asociado con la supresión viral duradera más fuerte. Además, la puntuación promedia de la relación con proveedores de atención médica y la puntuación promedia de "el proveedor conoce al paciente como persona" fueron asociados con una supresión viral duradera. La puntuación de la relación con proveedores de atención médica moderó la asociación entre los ingresos bajos del hogar y la falta de supresión viral duradera. Aunque la atención centrada en el paciente apoya el éxito de la atención médica del VIH, también se necesita un apoyo integral para las personas con necesidades psicosociales insatisfechas.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Tai Chi/Qigong Intervention for Older People Living With HIV.

Tai chi/qigong (TCQ) is a low impact, meditative movement with breathwork that may benefit people with HIV (PWH) over 50 years old. This study is a feasibility clinical trial of a remote TCQ intervention for older PWH. Participants (n = 48) were recruited via clinic sites and social media and randomized to a TCQ, sham qigong, or wait-list control group. The 12-week intervention included fourteen 45-60-minute sessions. Acceptability (satisfaction, attitudes, practice, attendance) and feasibility (retention rate, adverse events, remote delivery) data were surveyed. Overall retention rate was 72.9%, but 81.2% for the TCQ group. Most TCQ participants attended at least 10 sessions (62.5%) and were practicing TCQ after 2 weeks (72.7%). Over 92% of TCQ participants reported satisfaction and positive attitudes and preferred remote versus in person delivery (63.6%). Two mild intervention related adverse events occurred. Findings suggest that a remote TCQ intervention is acceptable, feasible, and safe among older PWH.

RESUMEN: Tai chi/qigong (TCQ) es un movimiento meditativo de bajo impacto con ejercicios de respiración que puede beneficiar personas que viven con VIH (PVV) mayores de 50 años. Este estudio es un ensayo clínico de viabilidad que evalúa una intervención de TCQ administrada remotamente para personas mayores que viven con VIH. Participaron personas (n = 48) reclutadas en clínicas y redes sociales, asignadas aleatoriamente a un grupo de TCQ, qigong falso, o control en lista de espera. La intervención duró 12 semanas con catorce sesiones de 45 a 60 minutos. Se encuestaron datos sobre aceptabilidad (satisfacción, actitudes, práctica, asistencia) y viabilidad (retención, eventos adversos, entrega remota). La tasa de retención general fue del 72,9%, pero del 81,2% para el grupo de TCQ. La mayoría de los participantes de TCQ asistieron a al menos 10 sesiones (62,5%) y continuaron practicando después de 2 semanas (72,7%). La satisfacción y las actitudes positivas hacia la intervención fueron reportadas por más del 92% de los participantes de TCQ quienes prefirieron la participación remota contra clases en persona (63,6%). Dos eventos adversos leves relacionados con la intervención ocurrieron. Los resultados sugieren que una intervención de TCQ administrada de forma remota es aceptable, viable y seguro para personas mayores que viven con VIH.

Patient-Provider Relationships and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence and Durable Viral Suppression Among Women with HIV, Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2021-2022.

Women with HIV in the United States are more negatively affected by adverse social determinants such as low education and poverty than men, and thus, especially need a supportive health care system. This cross-sectional study assessed the role of the patient-provider relationship on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and durable viral suppression among women with HIV (WHIV) in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Patient-provider relationship was measured, in part, using the Health Care Relationship Trust Scale and Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems. The survey was administered by telephone to women in the Ryan White Program June 2021-March 2022. Adherence was defined as 90% adherent on the average of three self-reported items. Lack of durable viral suppression was defined by at least one viral load ≥200 copies/mL among all tests conducted in a year. Logistic regression models were generated using backward stepwise modeling. Of 560 cis-gender women, 401 (71.6%) were adherent, and 450 (80.4%) had durable viral suppression. In the regression model, adherence was associated with higher patient-provider trust and provider communication as well as excellent perceived health, lack of significant depressive symptoms, no alcohol use within the last 30 days, and lack of transportation problems. In the regression model using provider as a random effect, durable viral suppression was associated with older age, Hispanic ethnicity, and lack of illegal drug use. While the results show that a strong patient-provider relationship facilitates ART adherence in WHIV, there was no association with durable viral suppression.

Sex differences in psychosocial and demographic factors associated with sustained HIV viral suppression in the Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program, 2017.

This exploratory study examined sex differences in psychosocial and demographic factors associated with sustained HIV viral suppression (SVS). The study population included 6,489 Miami-Dade Ryan White Program (RWP) clients receiving services during 2017; administrative data was analyzed. SVS was defined as having all viral load tests during 2017 below 200 copies/ml. Multilevel logistic regression models accounted for clustering by medical case management site. Models were stratified by sex. Overall, a higher proportion of females did not achieve SVS (23.5%) than males (18.1%). For females (n = 1,503), having acquired HIV perinatally and not having a partner oradult household member were associated with not achieving SVS. For males (n = 4,986), lacking access to food, Black or Haitian race/ethnicity, problematic substance use, and unknown physician were associated with not achieving SVS. For both sexes, younger age, lower household income, ever having an AIDS diagnosis, feeling depressed or anxious, and experiencing homelessness were associated with not achieving SVS. Elements of the transition from adolescent to adult HIV care that may differentially impact female clients and factors associated with disclosure should be explored further. Male clients may require additional support for food security. Improving culturally specific care for Haitian and non-Hispanic Black male clients should also be explored.

Gay Neighborhoods: Can They Be Identified in a Systematic Way Using Latent Class Analysis?

Identifying gay neighborhoods could help in targeting HIV prevention efforts for men who have sex with men. This study's purpose was to identify gay neighborhoods using latent class analysis (LCA). Data at the ZIP code level were drawn from the American Community Survey, website lists of gay bars and neighborhoods, and the Florida Department of Health HIV surveillance system. A two-class model was selected based on fit. About 9% of the ZIP code data was in class two, which was designated as gay neighborhoods. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to examine agreement between the classification of ZIP codes from LCA and websites. Fair agreement was found (0.2501). Gay neighborhoods could serve as a place to disseminate information about pre-exposure prophylaxis and other methods for HIV prevention. Improved measures, such as the planned question about same-sex spouses for the 2020 US Census, are needed to identify gay neighborhoods in population-level surveys.

Predictors of chlamydia or gonorrhea among people with HIV in Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program in 2017.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of chlamydia or gonorrhea and factors associated with the diagnoses among people with HIV (PHIV) in the Ryan White Program Part A (RWP) in Miami-Dade County, Florida. We used 2017 calendar year data to identify factors associated with a chlamydia or gonorrhea diagnoses using logistic regression. About 50% of the 7110 PHIV who were ≥18 years old in active Ryan White care in 2017 reported being screened for chlamydia or gonorrhea. Of those screened, 2.3% reported diagnoses of chlamydia, gonorrhea or both. In the adjusted model, compared to PHIV ≥40 years-old, PHIV aged 18-24 and 25-39 years reported higher odds of diagnoses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73-10.63 and aOR 4.58; 95% CI; 2.62-7.99 respectively). Those with multiple sexual partners in the last 12 months reported higher odds of diagnoses (aOR 1.67; (95% CI; 1.04-2.69)). Screening rates for chlamydia or gonorrhea are low, relative to CDC guidelines. Interventions are needed to increase rates of screening and targeted behavioral risk reduction techniques are highly recommended among those 18-39 years of age and those who have multiple sexual partners.

Post-immigration factors affecting retention in HIV care and viral suppression in Latin American and Caribbean immigrant populations in the United States: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To reduce disparities in HIV care outcomes among Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) immigrants living with HIV in the U.S., it is necessary to identify factors influencing HIV care in this population. A systematic review that provides a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing retention in HIV care and viral suppression among LAC immigrants living with HIV in the U.S. is lacking. This systematic review used the Immigrant Health Services Utilization theoretical framework to provide an understanding of these factors. DESIGN: We searched for peer-reviewed publications in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ASSIA, from January 1996 to June 2020. RESULTS: A total of 17 qualitative (n = 10) and quantitative (n = 7) studies were included in the review. The most commonly reported general and immigrant-specific factors appearing in studies were undocumented immigration status, HIV stigma, homophobia, cultural norms, values and beliefs, family and social support, language barriers, structure, complexity and quality of the U.S. healthcare delivery system, and patient-provider relationship. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of considering immigrant-specific factors along with general factors to improve the provision of HIV care services and HIV care outcomes among LAC immigrant populations.

Development and Validation of Vulnerable and Enabling Indices for HIV Viral Suppression among People with HIV Enrolled in the Ryan White Program.

BACKGROUND: Numerous factors impact HIV care, often requiring consideration of indices to prevent collinearity when using statistical modeling. Using the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, we developed vulnerable and enabling indices for people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: We used Ryan White Program (RWP) data and principal component analysis to develop general and gender- and racial/ethnic-specific indices. We assessed internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha), convergent validity (correlation coefficient), and predictive utility (logistic regression) with non-viral suppression. RESULTS: Three general factors accounting for 79.2% of indicators' variability surfaced: mental health, drug use, and socioeconomic status (Cronbach's alpha 0.68). Among the overall RWP population, indices showed convergent validity and predictive utility. Using gender- or racial/ethnic-specific indices did not improve psychometric performance. DISCUSSION: General mental health, drug use, and socioeconomic indices using administrative data showed acceptable reliability, validity, and utility for non-viral suppression in an overall PLWH population and in gender- and racial/ethnic-stratified populations. These general indices may be used with similar validity and utility across gender and racial/ethnic diverse populations.

Duration of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriales carriage among ICU patients in Miami, FL: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest placing patients with carbapenem-producing Enterobacteriales (CPE) in contact precautions, but there is no consensus on the appropriate duration of precautions. AIM: We aimed to evaluate predictors for prolonged CPE carriage and median clearance time. METHODS: Patients with first isolated CPE identified from 2012-2016 were followed for clearance of CPE using at least two rectal or tracheal aspirate surveillance cultures and clinical cultures during intensive-care-unit admission. Predictors associated with prolonged CPE carriage were assessed using Cox proportional-hazards. RESULTS: Out of 75 eligible patients, 25 (33%) cleared their CPE-carrier status; median time to clearance was 80 days (Range, 16-457). Patients who were immunocompromised, had mechanical ventilation exposure, or exposure to carbapenems had 66%, 66%, and 86% (HR, 0.34, 0.34, and 0.14, respectively [P-value <.05]) lower probability of clearing compared to those immunocompetent of without such exposures. Patients with CPE isolated from more than one body site had a 5.3 times higher probability of clearing their CPE-carrier status (P-value <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients immunocompromised, with mechanical ventilation exposure, or exposure to carbapenems had higher risk for prolonged CPE carriage. Infection prevention programs should consider these predictors as part of their assessment of discontinuing contact precautions among CPE carriers to prevent horizontal transmission and outbreaks within healthcare facilities.

Factors Associated with Viral Suppression Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Women in the Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program, 2017.

The study's objective was to identify factors associated with differences in the rate of viral suppression among minority women with HIV/AIDS in care in the Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program (RWP). A retrospective cohort study was conducted using social characteristics and laboratory data of minority women enrolled in the Miami-Dade County RWP in 2017. Viral suppression was defined as <200 copies/mL using the last viral load test of 2017. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of the 1,550 racial/ethnic minority women in the study population, 43.1% were African American, 31.3% were Hispanic, and 25.6% were Haitian. The proportion of women virally suppressed was lower among African Americans (80.8%) than among Hispanics (86.4%) and Haitians (85.1%). Viral suppression rates were significantly lower among women aged 18-34 years (aOR: 0.41, CI: 0.27-0.64) and 35-49 years (0.63, 0.45-0.90) vs. ≥50 years, born in the United States (0.48, 0.30-0.78), having a household income of <100% the federal poverty level (0.54, 0.30-0.95), previously diagnosed with AIDS (0.60, 0.44-0.81), reporting problematic drug use (0.23, 0.08-0.69), and living in a residentially unstable neighborhood (0.77, 0.64-0.93). Race/ethnicity was not associated with viral suppression after adjusting for other factors. Factors associated with lack of viral suppression were similar among minority racial/ethnic groups. Interventions at the individual level focusing on young, U.S. born individuals, and those who report drug use, and at the neighborhood level for those living in residentially unstable neighborhoods are needed to improve viral suppression outcomes.

Development and Validation of the Community PrEP-Related Stigma Scale (Community-PSS).

Despite increasing availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV prevention efforts have stalled. It is important to study potential barriers to HIV prevention methods, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis stigma. This study aims to develop and validate the Community PrEP-related Stigma Scale (Community-PSS) to address gaps in the literature. Participants were 108 sexual and gender minority men recruited through virtual and community-posted advertisements in Florida. The authors assessed reliability using Cronbach's alpha analysis, determined scale components using principal component analysis, and assessed construct validity based on five a priori hypotheses. The scale had high internal consistency (α = 0.86) and four components (stigma of actions outside of sex, stigma of sexual actions, extreme stigma perceptions, and positive community perception). The Community-PSS was valid, supporting four out of five hypotheses and in the expected directions. The Community-PSS was a valid and reliable tool in the sample and correlates with a previously validated PrEP stigma scale, HIV knowledge, PrEP knowledge, and likelihood of condom use with a partner on PrEP.

Monitor-Watcher Use, Nurses' Knowledge of Electrocardiographic Monitoring, and Arrhythmia Detection.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic telemetry monitors are ubiquitous in hospitals. Dedicated monitor watchers, either on the unit or in a centralized location, are often responsible for observing telemetry monitors and responding to their alarms. The impact of use of monitor watchers is not known. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of monitor-watcher use with (1) nurses' knowledge of electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring and (2) accuracy of arrhythmia detection. METHODS: Baseline data from 37 non-intensive care unit cardiac patient care areas in 17 hospitals in the Practical Use of the Latest Standards for Electrocardiography trial were analyzed. Nurses' knowledge (n = 1136 nurses) was measured using a validated, 20-item online test. Accuracy of arrhythmia detection (n = 1189 patients) was assessed for 5 consecutive days by comparing arrhythmias stored in the monitor with nurses' documentation. Multiple regression was used to evaluate the association of use of monitor watchers with scores on the ECG-monitoring knowledge test. The association of monitor-watcher use with accuracy of arrhythmia detection was examined by χ2 analysis. RESULTS: Of the 37 units, 13 (35%) had monitor watchers. Use of monitor watchers was not independently associated with ECG-monitoring knowledge (P = .08). The presence of monitor watchers also was not significantly associated with the accuracy of arrhythmia detection (P = .94). CONCLUSION: Although the use of monitor watchers was not associated with diminished nurses' knowledge of ECG monitoring, it also was not associated with more accurate arrhythmia detection. If implementing a monitor-watcher program, critical safety points, such as ensuring closed-loop communication, must be considered.

The individual, interactive, and syndemic effect of substance use, depression, education, and ethnicity on retention in HIV care.

In this study, we sought to assess the individual, syndemic, and interactive associations between individual-level factors and retention in care. The sample was derived from the Miami Adult Studies on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cohort from 2009 to 2014. The variables were entered into a multiple logistic regression with retention as the outcome. Backward regression, adjusting for all main effects, was conducted to determine which two-way interactions were associated with retention. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test which number of factors were associated with retention. Non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity was associated with improved retention (odds ratio [OR] = 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-5.75, p ≤ 0.05) when compared to Non-Hispanic White persons. Black-Hispanic and Other racial/ethnic identities were associated with increased retention (OR = 4.84, 95%CI: 1.16-25.79, p ≤ 0.05 and OR = 7.24, 95%CI: 1.54-54.05, p ≤ 0.05, respectively) when compared to Non-Hispanic White persons. The interaction between depressive symptoms and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT, a test that assesses alcohol use disorder) score was significantly and negatively associated with retention in HIV care (OR = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.01-1.11, p ≤ 0.10). The interaction between age and male gender was also negatively associated with retention (OR = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.88-1.01, p ≤ 0.10), and the interaction between male gender and depression was positively associated with retention (OR = 7.17, 95%CI: 0.84-98.49, p ≤ 0.10). In conclusion, multiple races/ethnicities, specifically Non-Hispanic Black, Black-Hispanic, and Other racial/ethnic identification, were associated with increased odds of retention. Multiple interactions, specifically depressive symptoms * alcohol use disorder and male gender * age, were negatively associated with retention. The male gender * depression interaction was positively associated with retention in HIV care.

Identifying patterns of retention in care and viral suppression using latent class analysis among women living with HIV in Florida 2015-2017.

The study objective was to classify women with newly diagnosed HIV into patterns of retention in care (≥2 HIV care visits ≥3 months apart) and viral suppression over time and identify factors associated with class membership. Florida HIV/AIDS surveillance data were used to conduct Latent Class Analysis to classify women into patterns, and multinomial regression was used to compare the prevalence of class membership by demographic and clinical factors. Four classes were selected based on model fit parameters: (Class 1) consistently retained and suppressed (>90% probability of being retained and suppressed), (Class 2) not consistently retained or suppressed (≤10% probability of being retained and suppressed), (Class 3) increasingly retained and suppressed, and (Class 4) decreasingly retained and suppressed. The proportion of women in each class was 48.6%, 24.9%, 14.3%, and 12.2%, respectively. Women aged 25-34 compared to 35-49 years old, injection drug use mode of exposure, US born, and not linked to care three months post-diagnosis had a lower prevalence of belonging to the consistently retained and suppressed class. Findings may be useful in tailoring and targeting interventions to increase the prevalence of women who are consistently retained in care and virally suppressed.

Enacted HIV-Related Stigma's Association with Anxiety & Depression Among People Living with HIV (PLWH) in Florida.

Research has shown that HIV-related stigma contributes to people living with HIV having a higher risk of mental health disorders. Our study examines the association between enacted HIV-related stigma and symptoms of anxiety and depression among PLWH. We used baseline data from 932 PLWH collected from the Florida Cohort study between 2014 and 2018. The sample was majority 45 + years of age (63.5%), male (66.0%), and Black (58.1%). The majority had previously experienced enacted HIV-related stigma (53.1%). Additionally, 56.6% and 65.2% showed mild to moderate/severe levels of anxiety and depression, respectively. Those who experienced any levels of enacted HIV-related stigma (vs none) had significantly greater odds of mild and moderate/severe levels of anxiety (vs no/minimal) (AOR[CI] 1.54[1.13, 2.10], p = 0.006; AOR[CI] 3.36[2.14, 5.26], p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (AOR[CI] 1.61[1.19, 2.18], p = 0.002; AOR[CI] 3.66[2.32, 5.77], p < 0.001, respectively). Findings suggest a need to evaluate interventions for PLWH to reduce the deleterious effects of enacted HIV-related stigma on mental health.

RESUMEN: Investigaciones previas han documentado que el estigma relacionado con el VIH contribuye al alto riesgo de trastornos de salud mental entre las personas que viven con VIH. Nuestro estudio examina la asociación entre el estigma declarado y síntomas de ansiedad y depresión entre las personas que viven con VIH. Utilizamos datos de referencia recopilados por el "Florida Cohort Study" de 932 personas que viven con VIH. La mayoría de la muestra sobrepasaba 45 años (63.5%), era masculina (66.0%), y racialmente negra (58.1%). La mayoría había experimentado estigma declarado (53.1%). Además, 56.5% y 65.2% mostro niveles de síntomas leves a moderados/severos de ansiedad y depresión, respectivamente. Aquellos que experimentaron cualquier nivel de estigma declarado (vs ninguno) tenían mayores probabilidades de niveles de síntomas leves y moderados/severos de ansiedad (vs ninguno) (ORa[IC] 1.54[1.13, 2.10], p = 0.006; ORa[IC] 3.36[2.14, 5.26], p < 0.001, respectivamente) y depresión (ORa[IC] 1.61[1.19, 2.18], p = 0.002; ORa[IC] 3.66[2.32, 5.77], p < 0.001, respectivamente). Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de evaluar las intervenciones para las personas que viven con VIH para reducir los efectos nocivos del estigma declarado en la salud mental.

Risk factors for the development of infections associated with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among previously colonized patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Not all patients who acquire carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) develop infections by these organisms; many remain only colonized. Of 54 CPE-colonized patients, 16 (30%) developed CPE infections. We identified indwelling urinary catheter exposure, exposure to intravenous colistin, and overseas transfer as variables associated with CPE infection development among colonized patients.

Multilevel influences of women's empowerment and economic resources on risky sexual behaviour among young women in Zomba district, Malawi.

Gender disparities are pronounced in Zomba district, Malawi. Among women aged 15-49 years, HIV prevalence is 16.8%, compared with 9.3% among men of the same age. Complex structural factors are associated with risky sexual behaviour leading to HIV infection. This study's objective was to explore associations between multilevel measures of economic resources and women's empowerment with risky sexual behaviour among young women in Zomba. Four measures of risky sexual behaviour were examined: ever had sex, condom use and two indices measuring age during sexual activity and partner history. Multilevel regression models and regression models with cluster-robust standard errors were used to estimate associations, stratified by school enrolment status. Among the schoolgirl stratum, the percentage of girls enrolled in school at the community level had protective associations with ever having sex (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.96) and condom use (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.11). Belief in the right to refuse sex was protective against ever having sex (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.96). Participants from households with no secondary school education had higher odds of ever having sex (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.22). Among the dropout stratum, participants who had not achieved a secondary school level of education had riskier Age Factor and Partner History Factor scores (ß = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.79, and ß = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.41, respectively). Participants from households without a secondary school level of education had riskier Age Factor scores (ß = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.48). Across strata, the most consistent variables associated with risky sexual behaviour were those related to education, including girl's level of education, highest level of education of her household of origin and the community percentage of girls enrolled in school. These results suggest that programmes seeking to reduce risky sexual behaviour among young women in Malawi should consider the role of improving access to education at multiple levels.

A tai chi/qigong intervention for older adults living with HIV: a study protocol of an exploratory clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Almost half of people living with HIV (PLWH) in the USA are over 50 years of age; this is expected to increase to 70% by 2020. Yet, few interventions exist for older PLWH that address psychological and physical symptoms combined, both prevalent in this population. There is a need to find innovative and accessible interventions that can help older PLWH to manage their symptoms. Mind-body interventions, like tai chi/qigong (TCQ), improve both physical and psychological health. TCQ is a series of slow, low-impact meditative movements that integrates breathwork, meditation, and stances. METHODS: The present study is an exploratory clinical trial that will evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a 12-week, small group TCQ intervention (n = 24), a sham qigong control condition (n = 24), and a standard of care control condition (n = 24) for older people living with HIV/AIDS. It will also explore any preliminary associations between the TCQ intervention and symptom alleviation. Participants will be recruited from community-based health and social services organizations in Miami, FL, and randomized to one of the 3 conditions. DISCUSSION: We will assess feasibility and acceptability through questionnaires and adherence to TCQ. We will assess preliminary associations with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, social support, chronic HIV-related fatigue, and clinical outcomes. These will be described through proportions, means, and changes over time through graphing techniques. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, at post-intervention, and at 3 months follow-up. These preliminary analyses also will provide information necessary to estimate effect size and power needed for a larger clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03840525 . Registered on 16 July 2018.

Differential Role of Psychosocial, Health Care System and Neighborhood Factors on the Retention in HIV Care of Women and Men in the Ryan White Program.

We investigated potential differential impact of barriers to HIV care retention among women relative to men. Client intake, health assessment, service, and laboratory information among clients receiving medical case management during 2017 in the Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program (RWP) were obtained and linked to American Community Survey data by ZIP code. Cross-classified multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted. Among 1609 women and 5330 men, 84.6% and 83.7% were retained in care. While simultaneously controlling for all demographic characteristics, vulnerable/enabling factors, and neighborhood indices in the model, younger age, being US born, not working, and having a medical provider with low volume (<10) of clients remained associated with non-retention in care among women and men; while having ≥3 minors in the household and being perinatally infected were additionally associated with retention only for women. Both gender-specific and gender-non-specific barriers should be considered in efforts to achieve higher retention rates.