2024
Testing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Using an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Promote HIV Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Study.
Cheah M, Gan Y, Altice F, Wickersham J, Shrestha R, Salleh N, Ng K, Azwa I, Balakrishnan V, Kamarulzaman A, Ni Z. Testing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Using an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Promote HIV Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Human Factors 2024, 11: e52055. PMID: 38277206, PMCID: PMC10858413, DOI: 10.2196/52055.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsUptake of HIV testingHIV testingPre-exposure prophylaxisUnified Theory of AcceptanceFrequency of HIV testingTheory of AcceptanceAI chatbotsPromote HIV testingMental health supportHIV risk assessmentHIV prevention effortsHIV-related informationMixed methods studyPresence of stigmaUse of TechnologyConsequences of HIVEffort expectancySexually transmitted infectionsWeb-based surveyEngaging MSMArtificial intelligenceTranscribed verbatimPrEP uptakeHealth supportMental health
2023
Correlates of never testing for HIV among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study
JadKarim L, Wickersham J, Gautam K, Azwa I, Saifi R, Khati A, Paudel K, Ha T, Shrestha R. Correlates of never testing for HIV among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE 2023, 18: e0294937. PMID: 38032958, PMCID: PMC10688714, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294937.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCross-Sectional StudiesHIV InfectionsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMalePre-Exposure ProphylaxisSexual and Gender MinoritiesSexual BehaviorSexually Transmitted DiseasesConceptsMalaysian MSMLogistic regressionCharacteristics of HIVFuture public health interventionsPre-exposure prophylaxisHIV testing uptakeHIV testing servicesMultivariable logistic regressionHIV prevention servicesCross-sectional studyDisproportionate HIV burdenLow testing ratesPublic health interventionsCross-sectional online surveySTI testing practicesHIV burdenPrior diagnosisSocio-demographic characteristicsTesting uptakeHigher oddsMSM communityLower oddsHIVPrevention servicesTesting ratesPre-exposure prophylaxis service among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: findings from a discrete choice experiment
Dubov A, Altice F, Gutierrez J, Wickersham J, Azwa I, Kamarulzaman A, Gautam K, Shrestha R. Pre-exposure prophylaxis service among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: findings from a discrete choice experiment. Scientific Reports 2023, 13: 14200. PMID: 37648731, PMCID: PMC10468492, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41264-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsBayes TheoremHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMalePre-Exposure ProphylaxisSexual and Gender MinoritiesConceptsInjectable PrEPPre-exposure prophylaxis servicesDaily oral PrEPPre-exposure prophylaxisMalaysian MSMPrEP deliveryOral PrEPPrEP uptakeMSMPrEPLatent class analysisDiscrete choice experimentMenDelivery preferencesDelivery programsSexGroupClass analysisType of programPreference groupsOnline surveyProphylaxisInitiation rateHIVDosingBarriers and Facilitators to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis by Men Who Have Sex with Men and Community Stakeholders in Malaysia
Rosen A, Wickersham J, Altice F, Khati A, Azwa I, Tee V, Jeri-Wahrhaftig A, Luces J, Ni Z, Kamarulzaman A, Saifi R, Shrestha R. Barriers and Facilitators to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis by Men Who Have Sex with Men and Community Stakeholders in Malaysia. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 2023, 20: 5669. PMID: 37174187, PMCID: PMC10177799, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095669.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnti-HIV AgentsHIV InfectionsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMalePre-Exposure ProphylaxisSexual and Gender MinoritiesConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisPrEP providersNominal group techniqueMalaysian MSMEvidence-based HIV prevention strategiesPatient-centered decision aidAwareness of PrEPHIV prevention strategiesPotential new strategyPrEP deliveryPrEP carePrEP initiationPrEP servicesPrEP uptakeDecision aidPrevention strategiesUnderstanding of barriersComplex clinical protocolsClinical protocolsMSMQualitative focus groupsCommunity stakeholdersPrEPProphylaxisMenMapping Community-Engaged Implementation Strategies with Transgender Scientists, Stakeholders, and Trans-Led Community Organizations
Restar A, Minalga B, Quilantang M, Adamson T, Dusic E, van der Merwe L, Millet G, Rosadiño D, Laguing T, Lett E, Everhart A, Phillips G, Janamnuaysook R, Seekaew P, Baker K, Ashley F, Wickersham J, Wallace S, Operario D, Gamarel K. Mapping Community-Engaged Implementation Strategies with Transgender Scientists, Stakeholders, and Trans-Led Community Organizations. Current HIV/AIDS Reports 2023, 20: 160-169. PMID: 37012537, PMCID: PMC10071255, DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00656-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchClinic-Integrated Smartphone App (JomPrEP) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability
Shrestha R, Altice F, Khati A, Azwa I, Gautam K, Gupta S, Sullivan P, Ni Z, Kamarulzaman A, Phiphatkunarnon P, Wickersham J. Clinic-Integrated Smartphone App (JomPrEP) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability. JMIR MHealth And UHealth 2023, 11: e44468. PMID: 36795465, PMCID: PMC9982718, DOI: 10.2196/44468.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultHIV InfectionsHIV TestingHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMaleMobile ApplicationsPre-Exposure ProphylaxisSexual and Gender MinoritiesConceptsHIV prevention servicesINTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIERPrevention servicesMean ageHIV preventionPre-exposure prophylaxisHIV prevention outcomesHIV self-testing (HIVST) kitsParticipants' mean ageSelf-testing kitsHealth care settingsMobile health platformMalaysian MSMMixed-methods evaluationHIV testingCare settingsLocal clinicSystem Usability ScalePrevention outcomesDays of testingMSMSmartphone appPrEPHIVMean scoreHigh Interest in Long-acting Injectable Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM): Result From A Nationwide Survey in Malaysia
Paudel K, Gupta S, Gautam K, Wickersham J, Khati A, Azwa I, Ha T, Shrestha R. High Interest in Long-acting Injectable Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM): Result From A Nationwide Survey in Malaysia. Journal Of Community Health 2023, 48: 513-521. PMID: 36732459, PMCID: PMC10200758, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01195-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLAI-PrEPHIV preventionInjectable pre-exposure prophylaxisLong-term side effectsPre-exposure prophylaxisOnline cross-sectional surveyCross-sectional surveyInjectable cabotegravirInjectable PrEPMalaysian MSMPrEP modalitiesOral PrEPHIV testingMiddle-income countriesOral pillsPrior historySide effectsRecent approvalPrEP optionsStudy participantsMSMPrEPNationwide surveyConvenience samplingNationwide sample
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 visitsProphylaxisExploring drivers of pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Malaysia
Eger WH, Adaralegbe A, Khati A, Azwa I, Wickersham JA, Osborne S, Shrestha R. Exploring drivers of pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Malaysia. International Journal Of STD & AIDS 2022, 33: 821-828. PMID: 35772943, PMCID: PMC10069270, DOI: 10.1177/09564624221106535.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCoitusFemaleHIV InfectionsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMalePre-Exposure ProphylaxisSexual and Gender MinoritiesSexual BehaviorConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisPrEP useHIV prevention strategiesMultivariable logistic modelHigh-risk behaviorsMalaysian MSMPrEP uptakeMultivariable analysisHIV epidemicHealthcare engagementPrevention strategiesHealth systemSexual intercourseRM 3000PrEPProphylaxisSexual behaviorHIVMenMonthly incomeMSMMonthsHigh awarenessSexLogistic model
2021
The 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 managersWillingness to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and its use among opioid-dependent individuals in drug treatment
Ni Z, Altice FL, Wickersham JA, Copenhaver MM, DiDomizio EE, Nelson LE, Shrestha R. Willingness to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and its use among opioid-dependent individuals in drug treatment. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2021, 219: 108477. PMID: 33422864, PMCID: PMC7946167, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108477.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid-dependent individualsPre-exposure prophylaxisPrEP useHIV riskHealthcare providersSex-related risk behaviorsMultivariable logistic regression analysisAwareness of PrEPUrban methadone clinicMultiple logistic regressionDisproportionate HIV burdenLogistic regression analysisCross-sectional surveyHIV burdenHIV infectionHIV testingIndependent correlatesMethadone clinicsDrug treatmentRisk behaviorsLogistic regressionPrEPPrevious useHigher likelihoodProphylaxis
2020
Awareness about and willingness to use long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) among people who use drugs
Shrestha R, DiDomizio EE, Kim RS, Altice FL, Wickersham JA, Copenhaver MM. Awareness about and willingness to use long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) among people who use drugs. Journal Of Substance Use And Addiction Treatment 2020, 117: 108058. PMID: 32811633, PMCID: PMC7438607, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108058.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnti-HIV AgentsFemaleHIV InfectionsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalePatient Acceptance of Health CarePharmaceutical PreparationsPre-Exposure ProphylaxisThailandConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisInjectable pre-exposure prophylaxisLAI-PrEPOral pre-exposure prophylaxisLong-term side effectsSelf-reported HIV risk behaviorsBangkok Tenofovir StudyEvidence-based HIVHigh-risk PWUDImportant key populationHIV-negative peopleOpioid use disorderHIV risk behaviorsHIV prevention effortsAddiction treatment programsDaily PrEPOral PrEPAdherence challengesIndependent correlatesFemale sexClinical trialsHIV preventionIndependent factorsSide effectsUse disorders
2017
Willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: Findings from an online survey
Lim SH, Mburu G, Bourne A, Pang J, Wickersham JA, Wei CKT, Yee IA, Wang B, Cassolato M, Azwa I. Willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Malaysia: Findings from an online survey. PLOS ONE 2017, 12: e0182838. PMID: 28902857, PMCID: PMC5597127, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182838.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisHIV preventionLogistic regressionMale anal sex partnersAwareness of PrEPMultivariate logistic regressionSexual health servicesAnal sex partnersYears of ageDrug use behaviorsHalf of participantsPreventative medicationsMajority of participantsEligibility criteriaMalay menSex partnersGovernment hospitalsHealth servicesBivariate analysisPrEPMale partnersUnknown statusParticipant demographicsSafer sexMSM