2022
Implementation opportunities for scaling up methadone maintenance treatment in Kyrgyzstan: Methadone dosage and retention on treatment over two years
Ivasiy R, Madden LM, Farnum SO, Shumskaya N, de Leon S, Bromberg DJ, Kurmanalieva A, Duishenaliev A, Tokubaev R, Altice FL. Implementation opportunities for scaling up methadone maintenance treatment in Kyrgyzstan: Methadone dosage and retention on treatment over two years. Drug And Alcohol Dependence Reports 2022, 4: 100075. PMID: 36267100, PMCID: PMC9581459, DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100075.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMethadone maintenance treatmentDosage levelsMaintenance treatmentCox multivariate regression modelMethadone dosage levelsProspective observational databaseNational treatment guidelinesProportion of patientsHigher dosage levelsOptimal dosageMMT retentionMMT patientsMethadone dosageTreatment guidelinesHIV statusMultivariate regression modelHigh doseSurvival analysisTreatment dropoutClinical settingCost-effective strategySignificant predictorsMonthsHIVObservational database
2021
Methadone within prison and linkage to and retention in treatment upon community release for people with opioid use disorder in Kyrgyzstan: Evaluation of a national program
Bachireddy C, Shrestha R, Bromberg DJ, Azbel L, Kurmanalieva A, Wegman M, Shumskaya N, Rozanova J, Meyer JP, Altice FL. Methadone within prison and linkage to and retention in treatment upon community release for people with opioid use disorder in Kyrgyzstan: Evaluation of a national program. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2021, 101: 103558. PMID: 34915426, PMCID: PMC9998103, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103558.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV statusMean treatment durationOpioid use disorderPositive HIV statusDuration of treatmentMethadone doseHIV incidenceMethadone servicesMethadone treatmentIndependent correlatesHIV preventionUse disordersTreatment durationMethadoneNational programTreatmentHIVAdministrative dataCommunity releaseMonthsKyrgyz prisonsFirst evaluationIncarcerated peopleDurationReleaseIndividual and poly-substance use and condomless sex among HIV-uninfected adults reporting heterosexual sex in a multi-site cohort
Fredericksen RJ, Whitney BM, Trejo E, Nance RM, Fitzsimmons E, Altice FL, Carrico AW, Cleland CM, Del Rio C, Duerr A, El-Sadr WM, Kahana S, Kuo I, Mayer K, Mehta S, Ouellet LJ, Quan VM, Rich J, Seal DW, Springer S, Taxman F, Wechsberg W, Crane HM, Delaney JAC. Individual and poly-substance use and condomless sex among HIV-uninfected adults reporting heterosexual sex in a multi-site cohort. BMC Public Health 2021, 21: 2002. PMID: 34736425, PMCID: PMC8567631, DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12026-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLikelihood of CSRecent substance useHIV-negative partnersVaginal sexAnal sexSubstance useHIV-status unknown partnersMultivariable relative risk regressionExposure classificationType of sexHIV-negative adultsPooled effect estimatesPartner's HIV statusMulti-site cohortHigher likelihoodHeterosexual sexRelative risk regressionSingle substance usePoly-substance useHIV-negativeHIV statusRisk regressionPolysubstance useCannabis useSU exposure
2018
Factors Associated with HIV Viral Suppression Among Transgender Women in Lima, Peru
Rich KM, Wickersham JA, Huamaní J, Kiani SN, Cabello R, Elish P, Arce J, Pizzicato LN, Soria J, Sanchez J, Altice FL. Factors Associated with HIV Viral Suppression Among Transgender Women in Lima, Peru. LGBT Health 2018, 5: 477-483. PMID: 30874476, PMCID: PMC6306649, DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0186.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV-positive transgender womenViral suppressionTransgender womenUse disordersViral suppression ratesHIV viral suppressionMultivariable logistic regressionAdverse health outcomesSubstance use disordersAlcohol use disorderSevere drug useUse of drugsHIV statusSubstance disordersHigh burdenHigh prevalenceCondomless sexPsychiatric disordersAnal sexFactors AssociatedHealth outcomesDrug useHIV researchLogistic regressionLast partnerCorrelates of Recent HIV Testing Among Transgender Women in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Rutledge R, Morozova O, Gibson BA, Altice FL, Kamarulzaman A, Wickersham JA. Correlates of Recent HIV Testing Among Transgender Women in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. LGBT Health 2018, 5: 484-493. PMID: 30481120, PMCID: PMC6306652, DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2018.0021.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPrimary care providersRecent HIV testingHIV testingTransgender womenLogistic regressionHIV/AIDS StrategyCorrelates of HIVPrevious depression diagnosisJoint United Nations ProgrammeHIV testing historyBehavioral risk factorsMultivariate logistic regressionYears of ageMental health functioningBivariate logistic regressionUnited Nations ProgrammeHIV statusHIV treatmentRisk factorsHIV epidemicDepression diagnosisAIDS StrategyAmphetamine useCare providersPrevention servicesHIV Sero-Status Non-disclosure Among HIV-Infected Opioid-Dependent Individuals: The Roles of HIV-Related Stigma, Risk Behavior, and Social Support
Shrestha R, Altice FL, Sibilio B, Copenhaver MM. HIV Sero-Status Non-disclosure Among HIV-Infected Opioid-Dependent Individuals: The Roles of HIV-Related Stigma, Risk Behavior, and Social Support. Journal Of Community Health 2018, 44: 112-120. PMID: 30043195, PMCID: PMC6330145, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-018-0560-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid-dependent individualsOpioid-dependent patientsHIV statusFamily/friendsSexual partnersHIV disclosureHIV sero-status disclosureRisk behaviorsHIV sero statusAntiretroviral therapy adherenceHigh-risk HIVRole of HIVMultivariable logistic regressionSubstance abuse treatment settingsHIV risk behaviorsInconsistent condom useMultiple sex partnersSocial supportHigh HIVSero statusHIV transmissionTherapy adherenceIndependent correlatesHIV riskHIV stigma
2017
Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability of mHealth among Underserved HIV+ Cocaine Users and Their Healthcare Providers
Brown S, Krishnan A, Ranjit Y, Marcus R, Altice F. Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability of mHealth among Underserved HIV+ Cocaine Users and Their Healthcare Providers. Iproceedings 2017, 3: e48. DOI: 10.2196/iproc.8676.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchGroup of HIVText remindersCocaine usersDrug treatment clinicsFeasibility of mHealthHIV treatment outcomesSelf-reported cocaine useRisk of transmissionAcceptability of mHealthPhone callsViral suppressionAntiretroviral medicationsMobile medical unitsUnstable living conditionsHIV statusMedication adherenceSubstance use providersTreatment clinicsTreatment outcomesPharmacological interventionsControl trialHIVAdherence behaviorMHealth interventionsHealth behaviorsHIV 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 services
2016
Healthcare resources are inadequate to address the burden of illness among HIV-infected male prisoners in Malaysia
Bick J, Culbert G, Al-Darraji HA, Koh C, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice F. Healthcare resources are inadequate to address the burden of illness among HIV-infected male prisoners in Malaysia. International Journal Of Prisoner Health 2016, 12: 253-269. PMID: 27921633, DOI: 10.1108/ijph-06-2016-0017.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntiretroviral therapyHealth needsLatent tuberculosis infectionCo-morbid conditionsBurden of illnessComprehensive health assessmentHepatitis C virusComplex health needsSerious public health threatPublic health threatCD4 monitoringHIV careTuberculosis infectionHIV statusPhysical examinationC virusUntreated syphilisMale prisonersTobacco useHIVDisease comorbiditiesMalaysian adultsStructured historyHealthcare resourcesDrug useThe 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 mechanismStatusDeterminants of willingness to enroll in opioid agonist treatment among opioid dependent people who inject drugs in Ukraine
Makarenko I, Mazhnaya A, Polonsky M, Marcus R, Bojko MJ, Filippovych S, Springer S, Dvoriak S, Altice FL. Determinants of willingness to enroll in opioid agonist treatment among opioid dependent people who inject drugs in Ukraine. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2016, 165: 213-220. PMID: 27370527, PMCID: PMC5094181, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.06.011.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid agonist treatmentAdjusted odds ratioOpioid use disorderAgonist treatmentUse disordersSignificant adjusted odds ratiosMultivariable logistic regressionHIV-negative statusPatient-level interventionsOpioid-dependent peopleInjection frequencyHIV statusOdds ratioRecent overdoseIndependent factorsPWIDLogistic regressionPrevious imprisonmentHigher injection frequencySignificant correlatesPrior incarcerationFamily supportDisordersDrugsIntervention
2015
Patterns of substance use and correlates of lifetime and active injection drug use among women in Malaysia
Wickersham JA, Loeliger KB, Marcus R, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Patterns of substance use and correlates of lifetime and active injection drug use among women in Malaysia. The American Journal Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse 2015, 42: 98-110. PMID: 26636885, PMCID: PMC4837957, DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2015.1101467.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeedle-syringe exchange programsDrug injectionCorrelates of lifetimeDrug usePolysubstance useInjection-related risk behaviorsActive injection drug useSelf-reported HIV statusAgonist maintenance therapyLifetime drug injectionOpioid/benzodiazepineSubstance useInjection drug useHarm reduction servicesDrug use historyHarm reduction measuresPrior criminal justice involvementOAT servicesMaintenance therapyOpioid useHIV statusHIV transmissionRisk factorsCriminal justice involvementHIV riskCorrelates and Experiences of HIV Stigma in Prisoners Living With HIV in Indonesia: A Mixed-Method Analysis
Culbert GJ, Earnshaw VA, Wulanyani NM, Wegman MP, Waluyo A, Altice FL. Correlates and Experiences of HIV Stigma in Prisoners Living With HIV in Indonesia: A Mixed-Method Analysis. Journal Of The Association Of Nurses In AIDS Care 2015, 26: 743-757. PMID: 26304049, PMCID: PMC4600662, DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2015.07.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnti-Retroviral AgentsAntiretroviral Therapy, Highly ActiveHIV InfectionsHumansIndonesiaInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedPrincipal Component AnalysisPrisonersPrisonsPsychiatric Status Rating ScalesQualitative ResearchSelf DisclosureSexual PartnersSocial DiscriminationSocial StigmaSurveys and QuestionnairesTruth DisclosureConceptsHIV stigmaExperiences of stigmaDrug-related offensesMixed-methods analysisDepth interviewsSyndemic natureLargest prisonFamily membersPrisonersHIV statusIndonesiaDrug useStigmaIncarcerationCurrent incarcerationGroup of HIVMale HIVStigma SurveyHIV treatmentExperienceHIVPrisonOffensesPrevention goalsStigma levelsLatent class analysis of substance use among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: Findings from the Asian Internet MSM Sex Survey
Lim SH, Cheung DH, Guadamuz TE, Wei C, Koe S, Altice FL. Latent class analysis of substance use among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: Findings from the Asian Internet MSM Sex Survey. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2015, 151: 31-37. PMID: 25865907, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.02.040.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSubstance useMalaysian MSMMultinational online surveyAmphetamine-type stimulant useMale sex partnersInconsistent condom useSexual risk behaviorsSubstance use patternsRecreational drug useErectile dysfunction drugsHIV statusHIV epidemicHIV preventionRisk groupsHigh prevalenceATS useSex partnersDrug useCondom useRisk behaviorsRisk profileStimulant useGroup sexMSMLatent class analysisBurden of substance use disorders, mental illness, and correlates of infectious diseases among soon-to-be released prisoners in Azerbaijan
Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Wegman MP, Polonsky M, Suleymanov M, Ismayilov R, Dvoryak S, Rotberga S, Altice FL. Burden of substance use disorders, mental illness, and correlates of infectious diseases among soon-to-be released prisoners in Azerbaijan. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2015, 151: 68-75. PMID: 25861943, PMCID: PMC4447560, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.02.034.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntiretroviral therapyDrug injectionInfectious diseasesPrevalence of HCVSignificant independent correlatesLow HIV prevalenceHigh-endemic countriesHigh diagnostic rateEvidence-based addiction treatmentSubstance use disordersHealth assessment surveyHCV epidemicHepatitis BHCV diagnosisHIV statusHIV prevalenceART coverageHIV treatmentIndependent correlatesNew medicationsHIV epidemicHeterosexual riskHealth SurveyEndemic countriesHIV
2014
Latent tuberculosis infection in a Malaysian prison: implications for a comprehensive integrated control program in prisons
Al-Darraji HA, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Latent tuberculosis infection in a Malaysian prison: implications for a comprehensive integrated control program in prisons. BMC Public Health 2014, 14: 22. PMID: 24405607, PMCID: PMC3907782, DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-22.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTuberculin skin testLatent TB infectionNational TB incidence rateMalaysia's largest prisonSubstance abuse componentLatent tuberculosis infectionTB incidence rateTB control programsPPD RT 23Overall national rateProblem of tuberculosisLargest prisonLogistic regression modelsHIV-uninfectedIntegrated tuberculosisMethodsFrom JulyConclusionsThe prevalenceTB infectionActive tuberculosisTB screeningTST positivityMiddle-income countriesTuberculosis infectionHIV statusSkin testCorrelates of HIV infection and being unaware of HIV status among soon‐to‐be‐released Ukrainian prisoners
Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Grishaev Y, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Correlates of HIV infection and being unaware of HIV status among soon‐to‐be‐released Ukrainian prisoners. Journal Of The International AIDS Society 2014, 17: 19005. PMID: 25216073, PMCID: PMC4161962, DOI: 10.7448/ias.17.1.19005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV infectionHIV testingHIV statusHIV epidemicDrug-related HIV risk behaviorsRisk-based HIV testingHIV risk behaviorsAntiretroviral therapyHIV-positiveHIV transmissionOpioid substitutionIndependent correlatesDrug injectionFemale genderHealth SurveySerological testingPrevious incarcerationRisk behaviorsDisproportionate burdenHIVInfectionEpidemicUkrainian prisonsCorrelatesStatus
2013
Being Unaware of Being HIV-Infected is Associated with Alcohol Use Disorders and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Peru
Vagenas P, Ludford KT, Gonzales P, Peinado J, Cabezas C, Gonzales F, Lama JR, Sanchez J, Altice FL, for the Peruvian HIV Sentinel Surveillance Working Group. Being Unaware of Being HIV-Infected is Associated with Alcohol Use Disorders and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who have Sex with Men in Peru. AIDS And Behavior 2013, 18: 120-127. PMID: 23670711, PMCID: PMC3796203, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0504-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAlcohol use disorderHigh-risk sexual behaviorHIV infectionUse disordersMultivariate logistic regressionUnprotected anal intercourseSexual behaviorHIV-InfectedHIV statusSyphilis testingHIV riskAnal intercourseTherapy interventionHIVLogistic regressionMenLast encounterSexInfectionDisordersParticipantsRisk assessmentMSMPeruvian citiesMonthsBurden of Infectious Diseases, Substance Use Disorders, and Mental Illness among Ukrainian Prisoners Transitioning to the Community
Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Grishaev Y, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Burden of Infectious Diseases, Substance Use Disorders, and Mental Illness among Ukrainian Prisoners Transitioning to the Community. PLOS ONE 2013, 8: e59643. PMID: 23527238, PMCID: PMC3602355, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059643.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSubstance use disordersUse disordersInfectious diseasesHealth SurveyTreatment needsPrevalence of HIVContinuity of careAlcohol use disorderEpidemic of incarcerationHealth assessment surveyMultiple substance useViral hepatitisHIV incidenceHIV statusHIV prevalenceDrug injectionHIV epidemicHIV preventionSerological testingHealth StudyMental illnessHIVSubstance usePrevalenceDisease
2012
Developing a Modified Directly Observed Therapy Intervention for Hepatitis C Treatment in a Methadone Maintenance Program: Implications for Program Replication
Bruce RD, Eiserman J, Acosta A, Gote C, Lim JK, Altice FL. Developing a Modified Directly Observed Therapy Intervention for Hepatitis C Treatment in a Methadone Maintenance Program: Implications for Program Replication. The American Journal Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse 2012, 38: 206-212. PMID: 22242700, PMCID: PMC5573865, DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2011.643975.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSustained virologic responseEarly virologic responseMethadone maintenance treatmentHepatitis C treatmentSelf-administered therapyHepatitis C virusHCV treatmentVirologic responseAdherence supportWeek 12HCV treatment adherenceOpioid-dependent patientsBlood-borne infectionsMethadone-maintained patientsCompletion of treatmentCase-control studyMethadone maintenance clinicsMethadone maintenance programMental illness comorbidityConcurrent substance useC treatmentObserved therapyHCV genotypesHIV statusIllness comorbidity