2022
Using nominal group technique to identify barriers and facilitators to preventing HIV using combination same-day pre-exposure prophylaxis and medications for opioid use disorder
Eger WH, Altice FL, Lee J, Vlahov D, Khati A, Osborne S, Wickersham JA, Bohonnon T, Powell L, Shrestha R. Using nominal group technique to identify barriers and facilitators to preventing HIV using combination same-day pre-exposure prophylaxis and medications for opioid use disorder. Harm Reduction Journal 2022, 19: 120. PMID: 36307817, PMCID: PMC9616614, DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00703-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnti-HIV AgentsHIV InfectionsHumansOpioid-Related DisordersPre-Exposure ProphylaxisSubstance Abuse, IntravenousConceptsSame-day prescriptionPre-exposure prophylaxisOpioid use disorderHIV transmissionUse disordersClinical stakeholdersAvailability of providersSystems of careHealth care systemCoordinated careNew practice modelClinical careMedicationsPharmacy deliveryMOUDNominal group techniqueLocal prescribersPWIDSexual riskPrEPCare systemHealth benefitsCareMultiple visitsProphylaxisRace, Trust, and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in People with Opioid Use Disorder
Sullivan MC, Mistler C, Copenhaver MM, Wickersham JA, Ni Z, Kim RS, Shrestha R. Race, Trust, and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in People with Opioid Use Disorder. Health Psychology 2022, 41: 115-120. PMID: 34855415, PMCID: PMC9754617, DOI: 10.1037/hea0001120.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultCOVID-19COVID-19 VaccinesFemaleHumansMaleOpioid-Related DisordersPandemicsSARS-CoV-2TrustVaccinationVaccination HesitancyConceptsOpioid use disorderMethadone maintenance programEffective vaccineVaccine hesitancyUse disordersCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancyInjection drug useEffective COVID-19 vaccineCoronavirus disease 2019COVID-19 vaccineCOVID-19Sexual risk behaviorsSocial risk factorsVaccine uptakeRisk factorsVaccination willingnessRisk groupsDisease 2019Psychosocial factorsDrug useProactive outreachPhysician ScaleRisk behaviorsHealth disparitiesVaccineClinical and Demographic Differences in the Willingness to use Self-Administered At-Home COVID-19 Testing Measures among Persons with Opioid use Disorder
Mistler CB, Sullivan M, Wickersham JA, Copenhaver MM, Shrestha R. Clinical and Demographic Differences in the Willingness to use Self-Administered At-Home COVID-19 Testing Measures among Persons with Opioid use Disorder. Substance Abuse 2022, 43: 708-712. PMID: 35100084, PMCID: PMC9725184, DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.2007511.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAgedCOVID-19COVID-19 TestingEthnicityFemaleHumansMiddle AgedOpioid-Related DisordersSARS-CoV-2ConceptsOpioid use disorderCOVID-19 testPrick testUse disordersCOVID-19Older aged participantsTesting measuresSaliva-based testThroat swab samplesCOVID-19 transmissionGreater proportionGreater riskSwab samplesAdverse effectsAged participantsTesting optionsDisadvantaged populationsRacial-ethnic minoritiesWhite participantsDemographic differencesDisordersHome ordersGreater rateTreatmentParticipants
2021
Differential impacts of COVID-19 across racial-ethnic identities in persons with opioid use disorder
Mistler CB, Sullivan MC, Copenhaver MM, Meyer JP, Roth AM, Shenoi SV, Edelman EJ, Wickersham JA, Shrestha R. Differential impacts of COVID-19 across racial-ethnic identities in persons with opioid use disorder. Journal Of Substance Use And Addiction Treatment 2021, 129: 108387. PMID: 34080555, PMCID: PMC8380664, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108387.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid use disorderPublic health responseCOVID-19Use disordersHealth behaviorsNon-prescription drug useRacial-ethnic minoritiesCOVID-19-related impactsMental health statusHealth care accessSexual health behaviorsCOVID-19 testGreater financial burdenRace/ethnicitySample of peopleDirect adverse effectsDrug treatmentCare accessAlcohol consumptionDrug useHealth statusHealth responseHealth disparitiesRisk peopleCOVID-19 pandemic presentsThe Impact of COVID-19 on Access to HIV Prevention Services Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals
Mistler CB, Curley CM, Rosen AO, El-Krab R, Wickersham JA, Copenhaver MM, Khati A, Shrestha R. The Impact of COVID-19 on Access to HIV Prevention Services Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals. Journal Of Community Health 2021, 46: 960-966. PMID: 33770334, PMCID: PMC7996112, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-00979-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid use disorderHIV prevention servicesSTI testingHIV counselorsPrEP prescriptionPrevention servicesCOVID-19Pre-exposure prophylaxis servicesOpioid use disorder treatmentCOVID-19 pandemicClean injection equipmentOpioid-dependent individualsOpioid-dependent peopleUse disorder treatmentInjection equipmentHIV testingInfection testingBlood testingHIV preventionUse disordersPWIDDisorder treatmentDoctor's appointmentAdverse effectsCase managers
2020
Engagement in Harm Reduction Strategies After Suspected Fentanyl Contamination Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals
Mistler CB, Chandra DK, Copenhaver MM, Wickersham JA, Shrestha R. Engagement in Harm Reduction Strategies After Suspected Fentanyl Contamination Among Opioid-Dependent Individuals. Journal Of Community Health 2020, 46: 349-357. PMID: 32997253, PMCID: PMC7920905, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00928-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnalgesics, OpioidCross-Sectional StudiesDrug OverdoseFemaleFentanylHarm ReductionHumansMaleNaloxoneOpioid-Related DisordersUnited StatesConceptsFentanyl contaminationHarm reduction strategiesOpioid-dependent PWIDHigh-risk populationOpioid-dependent individualsHarm reduction behaviorsMethadone maintenance programHarm reduction methodsOpioid-related overdosesOverdose death ratesCross-sectional surveyDrug use behaviorsHarm reduction measuresPWID engagementMultivariable analysisFentanyl exposureOpioid epidemicOverdose ratesSynthetic opioidsDeath ratePolysubstance usersIntervention strategiesDrugsEvidence-based understandingEpidemic
2016
Attitudes toward medication-assisted treatment among fishermen in Kuantan, Malaysia, who inject drugs
Brown SE, Wickersham JA, Pelletier AR, Marcus RM, Erenrich R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Attitudes toward medication-assisted treatment among fishermen in Kuantan, Malaysia, who inject drugs. Journal Of Ethnicity In Substance Abuse 2016, 16: 363-379. PMID: 27404914, PMCID: PMC5592158, DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2016.1196632.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansMalaysiaMaleMiddle AgedOpioid-Related DisordersQualitative ResearchSubstance Abuse, IntravenousIntersecting epidemics of HIV, HCV, and syphilis among soon-to-be released prisoners in Kyrgyzstan: Implications for prevention and treatment
Azbel L, Polonsky M, Wegman M, Shumskaya N, Kurmanalieva A, Asanov A, Wickersham JA, Dvoriak S, Altice FL. Intersecting epidemics of HIV, HCV, and syphilis among soon-to-be released prisoners in Kyrgyzstan: Implications for prevention and treatment. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2016, 37: 9-20. PMID: 27455177, PMCID: PMC5124506, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.06.007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDrug injectionHIV infectionLifetime drug injectionPrison drug injectionHIV care continuumAntiretroviral therapy coverageConfidence intervalsMean numberEpidemic of HIVHealth assessment surveyUndiagnosed syphilisSyphilis infectionConsented participantsHIV incidenceHIV transmissionIndependent correlatesWeighted prevalenceEvidence-based responsesHIV epidemicCare continuumDuration of imprisonmentHIV preventionHealth SurveyAIDS mortalityHIVFactors associated with interest in receiving prison-based methadone maintenance therapy in Malaysia
Mukherjee TI, Wickersham JA, Desai MM, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Factors associated with interest in receiving prison-based methadone maintenance therapy in Malaysia. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2016, 164: 120-127. PMID: 27207155, PMCID: PMC5592792, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.04.037.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultHumansMalaysiaMaleMethadoneMiddle AgedOpiate Substitution TreatmentOpioid-Related DisordersPatient Acceptance of Health CarePrisonersYoung AdultConceptsMethadone maintenance therapyMaintenance therapyOpioid dependenceDaily heroin useOpioid use disorderLogistic regression analysisMMT initiationDrug use consequencesIndependent correlatesModifiable factorsHIV preventionHeroin useUse disordersParticipant characteristicsMental healthConvenience sampleHIVRegression analysisTherapyStructured questionnaireIncarcerated menMale prisonersUse consequencesLarge proportionPrison populationAn Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Brief Self-Report Scale to Detect Neurocognitive Impairment Among Participants Enrolled in Methadone Maintenance Therapy
Copenhaver M, Shrestha R, Wickersham JA, Weikum D, Altice FL. An Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Brief Self-Report Scale to Detect Neurocognitive Impairment Among Participants Enrolled in Methadone Maintenance Therapy. Journal Of Substance Use And Addiction Treatment 2016, 63: 61-65. PMID: 26879859, PMCID: PMC4775373, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.01.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMethadone maintenance therapyNeuropsychological Impairment ScaleNeurocognitive impairmentMaintenance therapySex-related HIV risk behaviorsHIV risk behaviorsClinical care settingsNeuro-cognitive impairmentExploratory factor analysisCare settingsImpairment ScaleRisk behaviorsAddiction treatmentBrief self-report scaleImpairmentSelf-report measuresSelf-report scalesPatientsPrincipal axis factoringCognitive functioningTherapyFactor analysisOrthogonal varimax rotationPresent studyPotential utility
2015
Accessing methadone within Moldovan prisons: Prejudice and myths amplified by peers
Polonsky M, Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Marcus R, Doltu S, Grishaev E, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Accessing methadone within Moldovan prisons: Prejudice and myths amplified by peers. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2015, 29: 91-95. PMID: 26809933, PMCID: PMC5592800, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.016.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchValidation of a Brief Measure of Opioid Dependence
Wickersham JA, Azar MM, Cannon CM, Altice FL, Springer SA. Validation of a Brief Measure of Opioid Dependence. Journal Of Correctional Health Care 2015, 21: 12-26. PMID: 25559628, PMCID: PMC4435561, DOI: 10.1177/1078345814557513.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid dependencePredictive valueMini International Neuropsychiatric InterviewModerate diagnostic agreementHIV-positive individualsInternational Neuropsychiatric InterviewNegative predictive valuePositive predictive valueAverage administrationNeuropsychiatric InterviewInter-item correlationsMental disordersDiagnostic agreementStatistical ManualStrong internal consistencyComprehensive interviewPrimary measureFourth EditionInternal consistencyPsychometric propertiesResearch settingsBrief measureConcordance analysisInitial validationAdministration
2014
Challenges to implementing opioid substitution therapy in Ukrainian prisons: Personnel attitudes toward addiction, treatment, and people with HIV/AIDS
Polonsky M, Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Taxman FS, Grishaev E, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Challenges to implementing opioid substitution therapy in Ukrainian prisons: Personnel attitudes toward addiction, treatment, and people with HIV/AIDS. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2014, 148: 47-55. PMID: 25620732, PMCID: PMC4330127, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.12.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid substitution therapyHIV/AIDSSubstitution therapyEffective HIV prevention strategiesHIV prevention strategiesDrug intoleranceOpioid dependencePrevention treatmentPrevention strategiesSubsequent interventionsUkrainian prisonsHealth benefitsScientific evidenceDrug addictionTherapyPositive attitudesTreatmentAIDSAddictionPersonnel attitudesOverwhelming evidenceCriminal justice outcomesEffective formCustodial staffWorkers' attitudesWithin-prison drug injection among HIV-infected Ukrainian prisoners: Prevalence and correlates of an extremely high-risk behaviour
Izenberg JM, Bachireddy C, Wickersham JA, Soule M, Kiriazova T, Dvoriak S, Altice FL. Within-prison drug injection among HIV-infected Ukrainian prisoners: Prevalence and correlates of an extremely high-risk behaviour. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2014, 25: 845-852. PMID: 24951025, PMCID: PMC4148465, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.02.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInjection equipment sharingPrison drug injectionNeedle/syringeIndependent correlatesDrug injectionNeedle/syringe exchange programsDrug useOpioid substitution therapyInjection drug useEquipment sharingSyringe exchange programsHigh-risk behaviorsPrior drug useOpioid useHIV infectionHIV incidenceHIV transmissionSubstitution therapyMale genderHarm reduction practicesHIVLogistic regressionMental healthConvenience sampleComplete data
2013
Methadone dose at the time of release from prison significantly influences retention in treatment: Implications from a pilot study of HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community in Malaysia
Wickersham JA, Zahari MM, Azar MM, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Methadone dose at the time of release from prison significantly influences retention in treatment: Implications from a pilot study of HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community in Malaysia. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2013, 132: 378-382. PMID: 23414931, PMCID: PMC3718876, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.01.005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMethadone maintenance treatmentMethadone doseKaplan-Meier survival analysisDose escalation procedureMethadone initiationThirty HIVMMT clinicsEvaluable participantsMaintenance treatmentOpioid dependenceMMT programSide effectsHigh dosesSurvival analysisHIVFirst weekPilot studyDoseMonthsTreatmentEscalation procedureDosesCravingParticipantsMonths of release