Psychosocial and socioeconomic changes among low-income people with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Miami-Dade County, Florida: racial/ethnic and gender differences.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 profoundly and uniquely impacted people with HIV. People with HIV experienced significant psychosocial and socioeconomic impacts, yet a limited amount of research has explored potential differences across gender and racial/ethnic groups of people with HIV. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine psychosocial and socioeconomic stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample of people with HIV in South Florida and to determine if the types of stressors varied across gender and racial/ethnic groups. METHODS: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey with Miami-Dade County, Ryan White Program recipients. Outcomes included mental health, socioeconomic, drug/alcohol, and care responsibility/social support changes. Weighted descriptive analyses provided an overview of stressors by gender and racial/ethnic group and logistic regressions estimated associations between demographics and stressors. RESULTS: Among 291 participants, 39% were Non-Hispanic Black, 18% were Haitian, and 43% were Hispanic. Adjusting for age, sex, language, and foreign-born status, Hispanics were more likely to report several worsened mental health (i.e. increased loneliness, anxiety) and socioeconomic stressors (i.e. decreased income). Spanish speakers were more likely to report not getting the social support they needed. Women were more likely to report spending more time caring for children. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight ways in which cultural and gender expectations impacted experiences across people with HIV and suggest strategies to inform interventions and resources during lingering and future public health emergencies. Results suggest that public health emergencies have different impacts on different communities. Without acknowledging and responding to differences, we risk losing strides towards progress in health equity.

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.

Exploring the use of self-management strategies for antiretroviral therapy adherence among women with HIV in the Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program.

Women with HIV (WWH) face increased difficulties maintaining adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to a variety of demographic and psychosocial factors. To navigate the complexities of ART regimens, use of strategies to maintain adherence is recommended. Research in this area, however, has largely focused on adherence interventions, and few studies have examined self-reported preferences for adherence strategies. The purpose and objectives of this study were to explore the use of ART self-management strategies among a diverse sample of WWH, examine demographic and psychosocial differences in strategy use, and assess the association between strategies and ART adherence. The current study presents secondary data of 560 WWH enrolled in the Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program. Participants responded to questionnaire items assessing demographic and psychosocial characteristics, use of adherence strategies, and ART adherence during the past month. Principal component analysis identified four categories among the individual strategies and multivariable binomial logistic regression assessed adherence while controlling for individual-level factors. The majority of WWH reported optimal ART adherence, and nearly all used multiple individual strategies. The number of individual strategies used and preferences for strategy types were associated with various demographic and psychosocial characteristics. Adjusting for demographic and psychosocial characteristics, optimal ART adherence during the past month was associated with the use of four or more individual strategies. When conducting regular assessments of adherence, it may be beneficial to also assess use of adherence strategies and to discuss with WWH how using multiple strategies contributes to better adherence.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of HIV-Related Stigma and Serostatus Disclosure on Retention in Care and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Among Women with HIV in the United States/Canada.

This systematic review explores the roles of HIV stigma and disclosure of HIV serostatus in antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and retention in care (RIC) among women with HIV (WHIV) in the United States and Canada. We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Google scholar) to identify peer-reviewed articles published between January 1996 and December 2022. The search yielded 1120 articles after duplicates were removed. Of these, 27 articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority (89%) of the studies were conducted in the United States. The studies included WHIV from diverse racial/ethnic groups, residing in both urban and rural areas. Most of the studies suggested that internalized stigma, perceived community stigma, and fear of disclosure were important barriers to ART adherence and RIC among WHIV. HIV-related stigma experienced within the health care setting was also reported as a factor impacting health care utilization. A few studies identified mental health distress as a potential mechanism accounting for the association and suggested that social support and resilience may buffer the negative effects of stigma and disclosure on ART adherence and RIC among WHIV. Our review indicates that stigma and concerns about disclosure continue to significantly affect HIV health outcomes for WHIV in high-income countries. It underscores the importance of integrated HIV care services and interventions targeting mental health, resilience building, and improved patient-provider relationships for WHIV to enhance ART adherence and RIC. Longitudinal studies and investigations into additional mechanisms are needed to advance understanding and inform women-centered interventions.

Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccination Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups With HIV in South Florida.

BACKGROUND: Racial/ethnic minority groups with HIV in the United States are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 consequences and can significantly benefit from increased uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. This study identified factors associated with full COVID-19 vaccination among people with HIV. SETTING: Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program in Miami-Dade County, FL. METHODS: Data were collected from 299 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program adult clients during January-March 2022 using a cross-sectional phone survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All analyses were weighted to be representative of the race/ethnicity and sex distribution of clients in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. RESULTS: Eighty-four percent of participants were fully vaccinated with a primary vaccine series; stratified by race/ethnicity, the percentages were 88.9% of Hispanic, 72.0% of black/African American, and 67.5% of Haitian participants. Fully vaccinated participants were less likely to be black/African American than Hispanic (aOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.67) and more likely to not endorse any misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines (aOR = 8.26; 95% CI: 1.38 to 49.64), to report encouragement to get vaccinated from sources of information (aOR = 20.82; 95% CI: 5.84 to 74.14), and to perceive that more than 50% of their social network was vaccinated (aOR = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.04 to 10.71). Experiences of health care discrimination, structural barriers to access vaccines, and recommendations from HIV providers were not associated with full vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of delivering accurate and positive messages about vaccines and engaging social networks to promote COVID-19 vaccination among people with HIV. This information can be leveraged to promote uptake of subsequent boosters and other recommended vaccines.

Increased alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with HIV from racial/ethnic minority groups in South Florida.

People with HIV (PWH) from racial/ethnic minority groups may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Exacerbated COVID-19-related stressors may lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as increased alcohol use. This study examined socioeconomic and psychosocial predictors of increased alcohol use during the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic among PWH from racial/ethnic minority groups in South Florida. Data were collected from Ryan White Program clients during October 2020-January 2021 using a cross-sectional phone survey, and were analyzed using logistic regression modeling. Among 139 participants, 20% reported increased alcohol use. Findings showed that being unable to buy needed food (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-11.31) and spending more time caring for children (aOR: 5.22, 95% CI: 1.61-16.88) was associated with increased alcohol use during the Pandemic. Providing support to alleviate food insecurity and manage caregiving burden during public health crises like the COVID-19 Pandemic might help prevent increases in alcohol use among PWH.

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.

The Impact of HIV-Related Stigma on Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Retention in HIV Care Among Adults Living with HIV in Florida.

BACKGROUND: Our study examines the effects of distinct HIV stigma subtypes on retention in care and racial-ethnic differences among persons with HIV (PWH). METHODS: Using Florida Medical Monitoring Project 2015-2017 data, we analyzed patients' clinical and behavioral characteristics. We analyzed 89,889 PWH in Florida (50.0% non-Hispanic Blacks, 20.8% Hispanics, 29.2% non-Hispanic whites). HIV stigma subtypes, negative self-image, anticipated stigma, personalized stigma, and retention in care were examined with logistic regressions. RESULTS: People with high negative self-image and anticipated stigma were less likely to be retained (CI: 0.84-0.92; 0.47-0.53). The association between HIV-related stigma subtypes and retention in care differed between Black, White, and Hispanic participants. Negative self-image was associated with higher retention rates among Hispanics (CI: 5.64-9.26) and Whites (CI: 1.04-1.27), while low retention rates among Blacks (0.617-0.686). The likelihood of staying in care was lower across all racial-ethnic groups when the anticipated stigma was high or moderate. In contrast, personalized stigma increased retention across all racial-ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: Results showed that distinct types of HIV stigma differentially impact retention, and these associations differ by race and ethnicity. Future interventions should address the effect HIV stigma subtypes have on racially minoritized PWH retention.

Factors Associated with Geographic Patterns of Poor Sustained Viral Suppression in Miami-Dade County Florida, 2017.

BACKGROUND: Identifying geographic locations most affected by the HIV epidemic is essential to addressing disparities that impact people living with HIV. This study sought to identify individual and neighborhood-level factors that are associated with residing in geographic hotspots of poor sustained HIV viral suppression. METHODS: Using data from the Miami-Dade County Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, spatial autocorrelation of poor sustained viral suppression (at least 1 laboratory test ≥ 200 copies/ml in 2017) was investigated using Global Moran's I followed by Local Moran's I and Getis Ord Gi* statistics by ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTAs). Subsequently, multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with residing in geographic hotspots of poor sustained viral suppression. RESULTS: Several ZCTAs in the northern part of the county, accounting for 1/3 of the Ryan White program clients, had significantly higher clustering of poor sustained viral suppression. Client-level sociodemographic characteristics such as race/ethnicity, age, and poverty, and neighborhood-level characteristics (socioeconomic disadvantage index, residential instability index, and racial/language homogeneity index) were significantly associated with living in a hotspot of poor sustained viral suppression. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight that spatial variation in sustained viral suppression exists within the county. Targeted strategies that address structural factors and the needs of people with HIV living in specified geographic areas may improve their HIV health outcomes and contribute towards local, regional, and national goals of ending the HIV epidemic.

Sociodemographic patterns of preterm birth and low birth weight among pregnant women in rural Mysore district, India: A latent class analysis.

Few studies have utilized person-centered approaches to examine co-occurrence of risk factors among pregnant women in low-and middle-income settings. The objective of this study was to utilize latent class analysis (LCA) to identify sociodemographic patterns and assess the association of these patterns on preterm birth (PTB) and/or low birth weight (LBW) in rural Mysore District, India. Secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study among 1540 pregnant women was conducted. Latent class analysis was performed to identify distinct group memberships based on a chosen set of sociodemographic factors. Binary logistic regression was conducted to estimate the association between latent classes and preterm birth and low birth weight. LCA yielded four latent classes. Women belonging to Class 1 "low socioeconomic status (SES)/early marriage/multigravida/1 child or more", had higher odds of preterm birth (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.77, 95% CI: 1.05-2.97) compared to women in Class 4 "high SES/later marriage/primigravida/no children". Women in Class 2 "low SES/later marriage/primigravida/no children" had higher odds of low birth weight (aOR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.51-4.22) compared to women in Class 4. Women less than 20 years old were twice as likely to have PTB compared to women aged 25 years and older (aOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.08-3.71). Hypertension (>140/>90 mm/Hg) was a significant determinant of PTB (aOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.02-5.07). Furthermore, women with a previous LBW infant had higher odds of delivering a subsequent LBW infant (aOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.40-3.29). Overall study findings highlighted that woman belonging to low socioeconomic status, and multigravida women had increased odds of preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Targeted government programs are crucial in reducing inequalities in preterm births and low birth weight infants in rural Mysore, India.

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.

Person-time spent with HIV viral load above 1500 copies/mL among Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program clients, 2017-2019: a retrospective analysis.

HIV transmission risk significantly increases at HIV viral load (VL) >1500 copies/mL. We sought to determine the percentage of person-time spent with VL >1500 copies/mL (pPT >1500) and the associations of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors and this outcome among persons with HIV receiving care. A retrospective analysis of data from clients enrolled in the Ryan White Program from 2017 to 2019 was performed. We assessed pPT >1500 in HIV care by utilizing consecutive VL pairs and calculating the length of time between each pair and the corresponding time spent for the observation period. The association between pPT >1500 and selected client characteristics were analyzed using a random-effects zero-inflated negative binomial model. Among the 6390 clients, 42% were aged 50 or older, 52% MSM, and 59% Hispanic. Overall, 7.5% of clients spent, on average, 27.4 days per year at substantial risk of transmitting HIV. Younger age, AIDS diagnosis, and reported drug use in the preceding 12 months were associated with higher pPT >1500. Tailored interventions should be implemented to meet the unique HIV needs of groups with consistent viremia to significantly minimize transmission risk.

Relationship between Housing Characteristics and Care Outcomes among Women Living with HIV: Latent Class Analysis.

Housing plays a critical role in the care outcomes of individuals living with a HIV, yet few studies have examined the unique housing profiles of women living with HIV (WLH), especially among those belonging to low-income racial/ethnic minority groups. In this study, authors conducted a latent class analysis to generate latent profiles of women (N = 1,501) according to their housing status and household characteristics and assessed associations between classes and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and between classes and three HIV care outcomes: retention in care, viral suppression, and sustained viral suppression. A three-class model was selected using five dichotomized housing indicators: housing status, head of household status, living with minors, living with another adult, and disclosure of HIV status to adults with whom they live. While class 1 and class 2 had comparable HIV care outcomes, women in class 3-who were predominately unstably housed, living alone, and did not disclose their HIV status with those with whom they lived-had significantly lower crude odds of successful care outcomes. When accounting for sociodemographic and behavioral factors, significant differences in retention in care persisted. Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions for subgroups of low-income WLH and provide contextual details around the role of housing experiences.

Evaluating the moderating role of accredited social health activists on adverse birth outcomes in rural India.

BACKGROUND: The Indian government established the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) program in 2006 to improve access and healthcare coverage in rural regions. The objective of this study was to examine the moderating role of ASHA home visits and ASHA-accompanied antenatal care visits (ANC) on the relationship between sociodemographic latent classes of pregnant women and preterm birth and low birth weight infants in rural Mysore District, India. METHODS: Utilizing a prospective cohort study conducted between 2011 and 2014, secondary data analysis was performed among 1540 pregnant women in rural Mysore, India. Latent class analysis was performed to identify sociodemographic distinct patterns. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the moderating effects of ASHA-accompanied ANC visits and ASHA home visits on preterm birth and low birth weight. RESULTS: Among women who never/rarely had ASHA-accompanied ANC visits, women in Class 1 "low socioeconomic status (SES)/early marriage/multigravida/1 child or more" had higher odds of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-6.12 compared to Class 4 "high SES/later marriage/primigravida/no children.". Women in Class 3 "high SES/later marriage/multigravida/1 child or more" had higher odds of preterm birth compared to class 4. Women in Class 2 "low SES/later marriage/primigravida/no children" had higher odds of low birth weight infant. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that ASHA accompanying women to ANC moderates the risk of preterm births among women in high-risk SES groups. Targeted policies and interventions in improving and strengthening the ASHA program are needed to reduce inequalities in adverse birth outcomes in rural India.

Examining Barriers to Medication Adherence and Retention in Care among Women Living with HIV in the Face of Homelessness and Unstable Housing.

Despite advances in biomedical treatments, women living with HIV (WLH) who experience homelessness and housing instability suffer suboptimal HIV outcomes, even when linked to treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of housing instability among WLH and to understand its role in their ability to adhere to antiretroviral medication and remain retained in care. Sixteen women who were linked to Ryan White Program HIV care in South Florida participated in in-depth interviews. The findings focus around four larger themes: difficulty storing medication, privacy- and stigma-related issues, inconsistent access to medication and health care disruptions, and competing and unmet physical and mental health needs. Findings underscore the importance of strategies that are responsive to the disruption of routines and are sensitive to privacy issues in shared dwelling spaces; the proactive inquiry of behavioral and environmental considerations when prescribing antiretroviral medication; and the identification and treatment of comorbid conditions. This study provides evidence for strategies to facilitate self-management and improve modifiable system realities to augment larger-level policy and funding shifts that are critically needed to end the epidemic among vulnerable populations living with HIV.

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.

A Comparative Analysis of Different HIV Viral Load Suppression Definitions Among Clients Receiving Care in the Miami-Dade Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

The study's objective was to examine variations in viral load (VL) suppression definitions among clients in the Ryan White Program (RWP). Data from clients enrolled in the RWP during 2017 were examined to calculate the proportion of virally suppressed clients using three definitions: recent viral suppression, defined as having a suppressed VL (< 200 copies/mL) in the last test in 2017; maintained viral suppression, having a suppressed VL for both the first and last tests in 2017; and sustained viral suppression, having all tests in 2017 showing suppression. Relative differences across all three definitions were computed. Recent viral suppression measures were higher than maintained and sustained viral suppression measures by 7.0% and 10.1%, respectively. Significant relative differences in definitions by demographic, socioeconomic and clinical status were observed. It may be beneficial for care planning to report not only estimates of recent viral suppression but maintained and sustained viral suppression as well.

HIV Care Access During the COVID-19 Pandemic as Perceived by Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups Served by the Ryan White Program, Miami-Dade County, Florida.

The Ryan White Program (RWP) in Miami-Dade County, Florida made several modifications to keep HIV care accessible during the COVID-19 Pandemic, including expanding telehealth services, increasing access to HIV medications, and waiving required lab tests for service recertification. We assessed ease of access to medical providers, medical case managers, and antiretroviral medications during the COVID-19 Pandemic among 298 Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Haitian people with HIV (PWH) served by the RWP Part A, Miami-Dade County, Florida using a telephone-administered survey between October 2020 and January 2021. Overall, most clients reported similar or better access compared to before the Pandemic. Use of videocalls to communicate with HIV medical providers varied by race/ethnicity: Hispanics (49.6%), Non-Hispanic Blacks (37.7%), and Haitian clients (16.0%). Results suggest the modifications helped maintain access to care during an unprecedented health crisis. Permanently adopting many of these modifications should be considered to continue to facilitate access to care.