2025
“Call Back When You Are More Homeless:” Missed Targets for Prevention and Risk Reduction Among Youth Who Are Couch Surfing
Mosher H, Weeks M, Li J. “Call Back When You Are More Homeless:” Missed Targets for Prevention and Risk Reduction Among Youth Who Are Couch Surfing. International Journal On Homelessness 2025, 1-30. DOI: 10.5206/ijoh.2023.3.18666.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchHomeless youthCouch surfingRisk characteristicsSurvey dataHomeless young peopleFollow-up in-depth interviewsHousing characteristicsPolicy reformsSocial supportIn-depth interviewsQuantitative survey dataNon-parametricRespondent-driven samplingHidden populationSexual riskYouthHousingYoung peopleVulnerable populationsMixed-methods designThematic analysisMental healthInterviewsSurvey respondentsInterview transcriptsCorrelates of never testing for HIV among men who have sex with men in Nepal
Paudel K, Gautam K, Pandey A, Bhandari P, Dhakal M, Sujan S, Wickersham J, Shrestha R. Correlates of never testing for HIV among men who have sex with men in Nepal. PLOS Global Public Health 2025, 5: e0004432. PMID: 40354346, PMCID: PMC12068604, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004432.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSexually transmitted infectionsHIV testingRespondent-driven samplingIncrease HIV testing ratesHIV self-test kitsHIV testing ratesMulti-level barriersHIV self-testingDiagnosis of sexually transmitted infectionsSelf-test kitsTransactional sexPre-exposure prophylaxisHigh-risk sexual behaviorTested HIVParticipant characteristicsClinical servicesHigher oddsTargeted interventionsTesting ratesCondomless sexHIV transmissionMSMTreatment of HIVHIVPerceived importanceImpact of scaling up harm reduction interventions on injecting risk behaviours, ART outcomes and HIV incidence among people who inject drugs in Kenya
Walker J, Akiyama M, Artenie A, Cleland C, Lizcano J, Musyoki H, Nyakowa M, Cherutich P, Kurth A, Vickerman P. Impact of scaling up harm reduction interventions on injecting risk behaviours, ART outcomes and HIV incidence among people who inject drugs in Kenya. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2025, 140: 104824. PMID: 40328143, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.104824.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid agonist therapyHIV incidenceAssociated with lower HIV incidenceEffectiveness of HIV prevention interventionsViral suppressionRisk behaviorsReduced risk of HIV acquisitionIncrease ART uptakeHIV prevention interventionsRisk of HIV acquisitionLower HIV incidenceBio-behavioural surveyHIV viral loadProportion of peopleRespondent-driven samplingART uptakeDried blood spot samplesHIV outcomesReduction interventionsPreventive interventionsART coverageBlood spot samplesInjection risk behaviorsEvidence gapsHIV acquisition
2024
Preferences and decisional considerations relating to opioid agonist therapy among Ukrainian people who use drugs: A conjoint analysis survey.
Bromberg D, Madden L, Fraenkel L, Muthulingam D, Rhoades D, Dvoriak S, Dumchev K, Pykalo I, Altice F. Preferences and decisional considerations relating to opioid agonist therapy among Ukrainian people who use drugs: A conjoint analysis survey. PLOS Global Public Health 2024, 4: e0002725. PMID: 38277422, PMCID: PMC10817130, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002725.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchOpioid agonist therapyWithdrawal symptomsAdverse side effectsAgonist therapySide effectsOpioid use disorderQuality-of-life improvementUse disorderCombined HIVHIV incidenceClinical decision-makingDosing frequencyRespondent-driven samplingOpioidOpioid epidemicAssess preferencesClinical concernPatient preferencesPatientsDelivery strategiesTherapyDisordersHIVPatient concernsWithdrawalMediating role of food insecurity in the relationship between perceived MSM related stigma and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in Nepal
Paudel K, Bhandari P, Gautam K, Wickersham J, Ha T, Banik S, Shrestha R. Mediating role of food insecurity in the relationship between perceived MSM related stigma and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in Nepal. PLOS ONE 2024, 19: e0296097. PMID: 38166131, PMCID: PMC10760890, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296097.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDepressive symptomsHigher ageCross-sectional studyHealth-related confoundersResource-limited countriesCondom-less sexMental health concernsRespondent-driven samplingPrEP uptakeFood insecurityDearth of evidenceUnadjusted modelsAdjusted modelSymptomsHealth concernMSMOutcome variablesConfidence intervalsMenMonthly incomeSexAssociationStigmaAgePrevious studies
2022
Mobile Health Technology Use and the Acceptability of an mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Cross-sectional Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey
Shrestha R, Maviglia F, Altice FL, DiDomizio E, Khati A, Mistler C, Azwa I, Kamarulzaman A, Halim MAA, Wickersham JA. Mobile Health Technology Use and the Acceptability of an mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Cross-sectional Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey. Journal Of Medical Internet Research 2022, 24: e36917. PMID: 35877172, PMCID: PMC9361153, DOI: 10.2196/36917.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV prevention informationHIV preventionDrug usePrevention informationMalaysian menMHealth platformHIV risk-related behaviorsHIV prevention toolHIV prevention servicesSexual activityReceptive anal sexMobile health interventionsHIV prevention effortsUse of mHealthIllicit drug useSexualized drug useCross-sectional surveyAcceptability of mHealthHealth technology useSelf-administered questionnaireRespondent-driven samplingHealth-related informationSuboptimal engagementDearth of evidencePrevention servicesMobile Technology Use and Acceptability of mHealth for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia
Maviglia F, Shrestha R, Altice F, DiDomizio L, Khati A, Mistler C, Azwa I, Kamarulzaman A, Halim M, Wickersham J. Mobile Technology Use and Acceptability of mHealth for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia. Iproceedings 2022, 8: e39303. DOI: 10.2196/39303.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAcceptability of mHealthHIV preventionMalaysian MSMHIV risk-related behaviorsHIV prevention needsHIV prevention servicesHIV prevention informationHIV prevention effortsCross-sectional surveyRespondent-driven samplingHealth-related informationSuboptimal engagementPrevention needsDearth of evidencePrevention servicesMHealth interventionsDrug useKey populationsMHealth strategiesRisk-related behaviorsDrug cravingPrevention informationPrevention effortsParticipant demographicsPreventionPrevalence and Correlates of Active Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Use Among Female Sex Workers in Malaysia
Pedersen CJ, Wickersham JA, Altice FL, Kamarulzaman A, Khoshnood K, Gibson BA, Khati A, Maviglia F, Shrestha R. Prevalence and Correlates of Active Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Use Among Female Sex Workers in Malaysia. Frontiers In Psychiatry 2022, 13: 879479. PMID: 35774093, PMCID: PMC9237260, DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.879479.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchFemale sex workersATS useSubstance use disordersAmphetamine-type stimulantsUse disordersSevere substance use disordersAmphetamine-type stimulant useSex workersAdverse health outcomesLogistic regression analysisAdverse health consequencesSexual risk behaviorsBehavioral health issuesUse of drugsHarm reduction strategiesSex work clientsRespondent-driven samplingHIV transmissionMultivariable modelHigh prevalenceHealth outcomesDrug useSex workTransgender womenRisk behaviorsA PrEP Demonstration Project Using eHealth and Community Outreach to Justice-Involved Cisgender Women and Their Risk Networks
Meyer JP, Price CR, Ye Y, Qin Y, Tracey D, Demidont AC, Melbourne K, Altice FL. A PrEP Demonstration Project Using eHealth and Community Outreach to Justice-Involved Cisgender Women and Their Risk Networks. AIDS And Behavior 2022, 26: 3807-3817. PMID: 35672552, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03709-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTDF/FTCPrEP care continuumPre-exposure prophylaxisPrimary care providersPrEP demonstration projectRisk network membersNon-Hispanic whitesCisgender womenOutreach modelRespondent-driven samplingPrEP awarenessCommunity outreach modelEnrolled participantsMean ageClinical criteriaIndex participantsCare continuumHIV preventionSocial comorbiditiesCare providersKey populationsPrEPSubstance useMedical insuranceWomen
2021
Acceptability of an mHealth App That Provides Harm Reduction Services Among People Who Inject Drugs: Survey Study
Shelby T, Zhou X, Barber D, Altice F. Acceptability of an mHealth App That Provides Harm Reduction Services Among People Who Inject Drugs: Survey Study. Journal Of Medical Internet Research 2021, 23: e25428. PMID: 34259640, PMCID: PMC8319773, DOI: 10.2196/25428.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSyringe services programHarm reduction servicesReduction servicesSecondary outcomesMHealth appsParticipant characteristicsHarm reduction needsHome deliveryMost participantsRespondent-driven samplingPrimary outcomeSuboptimal accessIndependent correlatesMedical recordsDrug injectionMobile health appsPWIDSummary scoresMedication remindersSSP usePoisson regressionUnstable housingVulnerable populationsSyringe deliveryHealth appsReported history and correlates of drug overdose among people who inject drugs in Lebanon
Khoshnood K, Sheb F, Khouri D, Aaraj E, Barbour R, Crawford F, Mokhbat J, Parpia A, Heimer R. Reported history and correlates of drug overdose among people who inject drugs in Lebanon. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal 2021, 27: 571-579. DOI: 10.26719/2021.27.6.571.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSubstance use treatmentCorrelates of drugDrug overdoseOpioid overdoseDrug treatmentNon-fatal opioid overdoseUse treatmentOverdose prevention programsInfectious disease test resultsBetter epidemiologic dataDisease test resultsDrug use historySexual risk behaviorsHistory of incarcerationEffective treatment programsRespondent-driven samplingEligible PWIDDrug injectionEpidemiologic dataFirst drugAverage ageLebanese menHistory of arrestPrevention programsRisk behaviorsStigma, displacement stressors and psychiatric morbidity among displaced Syrian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women: a cross-sectional study in Lebanon
Clark K, Pachankis J, Khoshnood K, Bränström R, Seal D, Khoury D, Fouad FM, Barbour R, Heimer R. Stigma, displacement stressors and psychiatric morbidity among displaced Syrian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women: a cross-sectional study in Lebanon. BMJ Open 2021, 11: e046996. PMID: 33986065, PMCID: PMC8126317, DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046996.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPsychiatric morbidityPost-traumatic stress disorderTransgender womenStigma-related stressorsStress disorderCross-sectional studyRespondent-driven samplingPsychiatric comorbidityMental health challengesPsychiatric outcomesMorbiditySevere anxietySociodemographic characteristicsHealth challengesMSMGreater BeirutWomenMenLebanese participantsSyrian menTotal sampleDisordersDepressionPerson surveyParticipants
2017
Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Cisgender and Transgender Women Sex Workers in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wickersham JA, Gibson BA, Bazazi AR, Pillai V, Pedersen CJ, Meyer JP, El-Bassel N, Mayer KH, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Cisgender and Transgender Women Sex Workers in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2017, 44: 663-670. PMID: 28708696, PMCID: PMC5636657, DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000662.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTransgender women sex workersHuman immunodeficiency virusInconsistent condom useCisgender women sex workersHIV prevalenceImmunodeficiency virusSex workersWomen sex workersDrug useCondom useHigh human immunodeficiency virusGlobal HIV prevalenceLast HIV testLifetime HIV testingPooled HIV prevalenceRespondent-driven samplingSTI prevalenceHIV testHIV burdenHIV testingMedian timeSTI preventionΧ testChlamydia trachomatisIndependent sample t-testHIV Testing and awareness of HIV status among people who inject drugs in greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Bazazi AR, Vijay A, Crawford FW, Heimer R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. HIV Testing and awareness of HIV status among people who inject drugs in greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AIDS Care 2017, 30: 59-64. PMID: 28803503, PMCID: PMC5699941, DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1363852.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV testingCompulsory drug detention centersHIV statusCorrelates of testingHIV-positive PWIDHIV testing servicesHigh-risk populationHIV testing policiesRecent criminal justice involvementRespondent-driven samplingMost PWIDHIV treatmentHIV epidemicVoluntary testingCriminal justice involvementPWIDHIVTesting recommendationsKuala LumpurTesting behaviorMandatory testingPrimary locationGreater Kuala LumpurMain correlatesTesting servicesHIV Risk, Prevalence, and Access to Care Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lebanon
Heimer R, Barbour R, Khouri D, Crawford FW, Shebl F, Aaraj E, Khoshnood K. HIV Risk, Prevalence, and Access to Care Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lebanon. AIDS Research And Human Retroviruses 2017, 33: 1149-1154. PMID: 28540733, PMCID: PMC6913106, DOI: 10.1089/aid.2016.0326.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV testingHIV prevalenceExperiences of stigmaGroup sex encounterAnonymous HIV testingCases of HIVSpread of HIVNational-level surveillanceSpecific risk behaviorsSociodemographic situationRespondent-driven samplingAntiretroviral therapyHIV diagnosisHIV riskCondomless sexDrug useCondom useRisk behaviorsPrevalenceInterview questionnaireMSMMenSexual behaviorHIVBiobehavioral studies
2016
The complex interplay of social networks, geography and HIV risk among Malaysian Drug Injectors: Results from respondent-driven sampling
Zelenev A, Long E, Bazazi AR, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. The complex interplay of social networks, geography and HIV risk among Malaysian Drug Injectors: Results from respondent-driven sampling. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2016, 37: 98-106. PMID: 27639995, PMCID: PMC5102779, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.08.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV statusHIV transmissionClean needlesRecent injection partnersHigh-risk populationRisk reduction interventionsTargeting of interventionsPublic health surveillanceRespondent-driven samplingInjection partnersHIV preventionHIV riskTreatment coverageDrug injectorsHIVPrevention strategiesPWIDHealth surveillanceGreater Kuala LumpurKuala LumpurInterventionSurveillanceImportant mechanismStatusFactors associated with physical and sexual violence by police among people who inject drugs in Ukraine: implications for retention on opioid agonist therapy
Kutsa O, Marcus R, Bojko MJ, Zelenev A, Mazhnaya A, Dvoriak S, Filippovych S, Altice FL. Factors associated with physical and sexual violence by police among people who inject drugs in Ukraine: implications for retention on opioid agonist therapy. Journal Of The International AIDS Society 2016, 19: 20897. PMID: 27435717, PMCID: PMC4951533, DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.20897.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPolice violenceSexual violenceViolence experiencesHIV prevention strategiesCost-effective HIV prevention strategyMore physical violenceOpioid agonist therapyPolice harassmentLaw enforcementPhysical violenceViolencePoliceFrequent harassmentPWID's experiencesEastern EuropeSexual assaultOAT retentionUkrainian citiesOAT clientsCentral AsiaHIV prevalence ratesAgonist therapyFrequent experiencesRespondent-driven samplingHIV prevention
2015
HIV Prevalence Among People Who Inject Drugs in Greater Kuala Lumpur Recruited Using Respondent-Driven Sampling
Bazazi AR, Crawford F, Zelenev A, Heimer R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. HIV Prevalence Among People Who Inject Drugs in Greater Kuala Lumpur Recruited Using Respondent-Driven Sampling. AIDS And Behavior 2015, 19: 2347-2357. PMID: 26358544, PMCID: PMC4743744, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1191-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV prevalenceHIV epidemicPrevention interventionsRapid HIV testingHIV prevention interventionsRespondent-driven samplingHIV testingAppropriate treatmentHigh prevalencePWIDCommunity surveillanceKuala LumpurPrevalenceBehavioral assessmentOverall sampleDrugsInterventionRecruitment sitesEpidemicInterview siteHIVGeographic regionsGreater Kuala LumpurDiscrete geographic regionsLumpur
2014
High prevalence of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Malaysia: Correlates of overdose and implications for overdose prevention from a cross-sectional study
Bazazi AR, Zelenev A, Fu JJ, Yee I, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. High prevalence of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Malaysia: Correlates of overdose and implications for overdose prevention from a cross-sectional study. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2014, 26: 675-681. PMID: 25532449, PMCID: PMC4452449, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-fatal overdoseRecent non-fatal overdoseRespondent-driven samplingDrug useOdds of overdoseOpioid substitution therapyInjection drug useMultivariable logistic regressionCross-sectional studyProvision of naloxoneRisk of overdoseCause of deathSelf-reported historyPast-month drug useMethadone usePrimary outcomePeriod prevalenceOpioid dependenceSubstitution therapyOpioid usersFatal overdoseHigh prevalenceLower oddsOverdose preventionPolysubstance use
2013
Associations Between Injection Risk and Community Disadvantage Among Suburban Injection Drug Users in Southwestern Connecticut, USA
Heimer R, Barbour R, Palacios WR, Nichols LG, Grau LE. Associations Between Injection Risk and Community Disadvantage Among Suburban Injection Drug Users in Southwestern Connecticut, USA. AIDS And Behavior 2013, 18: 452-463. PMID: 23921583, PMCID: PMC3917972, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0572-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultConnecticutDrug UsersFemaleHarm ReductionHealth Services AccessibilityHumansInterviews as TopicLongitudinal StudiesMaleNeedle SharingPrevalenceResidence CharacteristicsRisk FactorsSocial EnvironmentSocioeconomic FactorsSubstance Abuse, IntravenousSubstance-Related DisordersSuburban Health ServicesSuburban PopulationYoung AdultConceptsHarm reduction servicesInjection riskReduction servicesAbuse treatmentInjection drug useInjection drug usersRisky injection practicesPoor social supportDisadvantaged census tractsSubstance abuse treatmentDrug abuse treatmentPatterns of heroinRespondent-driven samplingHepatitis BInfluence of residenceSevere depressionOpioid overdosesSerological testingOverdose deathsGeneral populationInjection practicesDrug usersDrug useYounger ageRisk behaviors
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