2024
Transactional sex and its associated factors among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Nepal
Sujan M, Paudel K, Gautam K, Khati A, Wickersham J, Dhakal M, Ha T, Shrestha R. Transactional sex and its associated factors among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Nepal. Sexual Health 2024, 21 PMID: 39388431, DOI: 10.1071/sh24178.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultCross-Sectional StudiesHomosexuality, MaleHumansMaleNepalPrevalenceSex WorkSexual and Gender MinoritiesSexual BehaviorYoung AdultConceptsTransactional sexPrevalence of transactional sexFactors associated with transactional sexExchange of sexReduce transactional sexPolice detentionMental health challengesEconomic vulnerabilityTransgender womenFinancial dependenceGBMSMCondomless sexSubstance useAssociated with adverse health outcomesNepalParticipants' sociodemographic characteristics,Cross-sectional surveyMultivariate logistic regression analysisAdverse health outcomesAge of participantsHealth outcomesSexually transmitted infectionsHigh-risk groupSociodemographic characteristicsLogistic regression analysisMediating 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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsCross-Sectional StudiesDepressionFemaleFood InsecurityHIV InfectionsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMaleNepalSexual and Gender MinoritiesSocial StigmaConceptsDepressive 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
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 ResearchConceptsMalaysian 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 ratesHigh 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
Engagement in Chemsex among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Malaysia: Prevalence and Associated Factors from an Online National Survey
Maviglia F, Wickersham J, Azwa I, Copenhaver N, Kennedy O, Kern M, Khati A, Lim S, Gautam K, Shrestha R. Engagement in Chemsex among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Malaysia: Prevalence and Associated Factors from an Online National Survey. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 2022, 20: 294. PMID: 36612617, PMCID: PMC9819808, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010294.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCoitusCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHIV InfectionsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMalePrevalenceSexual and Gender MinoritiesSexual BehaviorSubstance-Related DisordersConceptsInjection drug useMalaysian MSMDrug useGamma hydroxybutyrateGreater HIV risk behaviorsHIV-positive sexual partnerPre-exposure prophylaxis knowledgeRecent injection drug usePre-exposure prophylaxisHIV risk factorsHIV-positive partnerMultivariable logistic regressionSevere depressive symptomsRecent STI diagnosisHIV risk behaviorsTransactional sexCross-sectional studyMental health servicesMultiple sex partnersDrug-related behaviorsChemsex engagementRecent sexual intercourseSTI diagnosisMultivariable analysisAssociated FactorsExploring Malaysian Physicians' Intention to Discriminate Against Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Patients
Ni Z, Shrestha R, Earnshaw VA, Tee YC, Altice FL, Azwa I, Kamarulzaman A, Zhou X, Wickersham JA. Exploring Malaysian Physicians' Intention to Discriminate Against Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Patients. LGBT Health 2022, 10: 169-175. PMID: 36251945, PMCID: PMC9986015, DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0452.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMobile 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 services
2021
Willingness 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
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
2019
Use of Smartphone to Seek Sexual Health Information Online Among Malaysian Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): Implications for mHealth Intervention to Increase HIV Testing and Reduce HIV Risks
Shrestha R, Lim SH, Altice FL, Copenhaver M, Wickersham JA, Saifi R, Ab Halim MA, Naning H, Kamarulzaman A. Use of Smartphone to Seek Sexual Health Information Online Among Malaysian Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): Implications for mHealth Intervention to Increase HIV Testing and Reduce HIV Risks. Journal Of Community Health 2019, 45: 10-19. PMID: 31375976, PMCID: PMC6957731, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00713-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCross-Sectional StudiesHealth PromotionHIV InfectionsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMaleMass ScreeningRisk Reduction BehaviorSexual HealthSmartphoneTelemedicineConceptsSexual health informationHIV testingHealth informationOnline sexual health informationSexual partnersRecent HIV testingHigh-risk MSMHIV/STIsHIV risk behaviorsHIV prevention activitiesCross-sectional online surveyHealth Information OnlineMalaysian MSMSTI preventionIndependent correlatesGeosocial networking appsHIV riskMHealth interventionsMHealth strategiesMHealth toolsRisk behaviorsOlder ageLogistic regressionMSMPrevention activities
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 partnerEvaluating Physicians’ Intention to Discriminate Against Patients Living with HIV in Malaysia
Tee YC, Earnshaw VA, Altice FL, Jin H, Kamarulzaman A, Wickersham JA. Evaluating Physicians’ Intention to Discriminate Against Patients Living with HIV in Malaysia. AIDS And Behavior 2018, 23: 1039-1047. PMID: 30560483, PMCID: PMC6459712, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2362-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsStigma-related constructsMajor university hospitalClasses of patientsCross-sectional online surveyNon-surgical specialtiesMore HIVSocio-demographic characteristicsUniversity HospitalHIV preventionTreatment strategiesPWHClinical experienceHIVBetter carePhysiciansMultivariate linear regressionMedical settingsInternational HIV preventionMost participantsLinear regressionPatientsCarePresent studyParticipantsStigma
2017
Factors Associated with Medical Doctors' Intentions to Discriminate Against Transgender Patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Vijay A, Earnshaw VA, Tee YC, Pillai V, Hughto J, Clark K, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL, Wickersham JA. Factors Associated with Medical Doctors' Intentions to Discriminate Against Transgender Patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. LGBT Health 2017, 5: 61-68. PMID: 29227183, PMCID: PMC5770086, DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2017.0092.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDiscrimination intentTransgender patientsSociodemographic characteristicsMedical doctors' knowledgeStigma-related constructsUniversity Medical CenterPoor health outcomesMajor university medical centerDevelopment of interventionsMedical CenterTransgender peopleHealth outcomesDoctors' knowledgeDoctors' intentionsHealth disparitiesBetter careIndependent covariatesTransgender stigmaHealthcare settingsKuala LumpurPatientsMedical doctorsPersonal shameDoctorsFrequent targetAssessment of an Innovative Voluntary Substance Abuse Treatment Program Designed to Replace Compulsory Drug Detention Centers in Malaysia
Khan F, Krishnan A, Ghani MA, Wickersham JA, Fu JJ, Lim SH, Dhaliwal SK, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Assessment of an Innovative Voluntary Substance Abuse Treatment Program Designed to Replace Compulsory Drug Detention Centers in Malaysia. Substance Use & Misuse 2017, 53: 249-259. PMID: 28635521, PMCID: PMC5664175, DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2016.1267217.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCompulsory drug detention centersDrug useTreatment servicesVoluntary drug treatment centresTreatment programMethadone maintenance therapyEarly treatment outcomesCross-sectional convenience surveyDrug treatment centersSubstance abuse treatment programsDrug treatment programsAddiction treatment servicesSevere mental health issuesPast drug useMental health issuesNational Anti-Drug AgencyMaintenance therapyCare centerClient satisfactionTreatment outcomesTreatment centersDrug use levelsHealth servicesInvoluntary detentionSelf-reported satisfaction
2016
Pre‐incarceration police harassment, drug addiction and HIV risk behaviours among prisoners in Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan: results from a nationally representative cross‐sectional study
Polonsky M, Azbel L, Wegman MP, Izenberg JM, Bachireddy C, Wickersham JA, Dvoriak S, Altice FL. Pre‐incarceration police harassment, drug addiction and HIV risk behaviours among prisoners in Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan: results from a nationally representative cross‐sectional study. Journal Of The International AIDS Society 2016, 19: 20880. PMID: 27435715, PMCID: PMC4951538, DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.20880.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRepresentative cross-sectional studyHIV risk behaviorsCross-sectional studyHIV riskAddiction severityRisk behaviorsHIV risk-taking behaviorsPrison drug injectionDrug addiction severityHealth assessment surveyHIV transmissionPotential confoundersDrug injectionHIV epidemicDrug usersHigher addiction severityDrug useBivariate testingThird of prisonersDrug addictionSeverityPWIDEpidemic responseRiskStrongest correlateIntersecting 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 mortalityHIV
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 riskThe syndemic of HIV, HIV-related risk and multiple co-morbidities among women who use drugs in Malaysia: Important targets for intervention
Loeliger KB, Marcus R, Wickersham JA, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. The syndemic of HIV, HIV-related risk and multiple co-morbidities among women who use drugs in Malaysia: Important targets for intervention. Addictive Behaviors 2015, 53: 31-39. PMID: 26436520, PMCID: PMC4679569, DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.09.013.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDrug-using womenHIV testingFuture public health interventionsSubstance useHIV risk behaviorsSyndemics of HIVThird of womenPublic health problemInfrequent condom usePoor health outcomesHarm reduction effortsSubstance use disordersPublic health interventionsCross-sectional surveyUnstable living situationsSocial supportAntiretroviral therapyHIV prevalenceHIV transmissionHIV treatmentInjection paraphernaliaDrug injectionSocial comorbiditiesPsychiatric illnessMost womenStigma Toward Men Who Have Sex with Men Among Future Healthcare Providers in Malaysia: Would More Interpersonal Contact Reduce Prejudice?
Earnshaw VA, Jin H, Wickersham JA, Kamarulzaman A, John J, Lim SH, Altice FL. Stigma Toward Men Who Have Sex with Men Among Future Healthcare Providers in Malaysia: Would More Interpersonal Contact Reduce Prejudice? AIDS And Behavior 2015, 20: 98-106. PMID: 26324078, PMCID: PMC4718796, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1168-x.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2014
An assessment of health-care students' attitudes toward patients with or at high risk for HIV: implications for education and cultural competency
Jin H, Earnshaw VA, Wickersham JA, Kamarulzaman A, Desai MM, John J, Altice FL. An assessment of health-care students' attitudes toward patients with or at high risk for HIV: implications for education and cultural competency. AIDS Care 2014, 26: 1223-1228. PMID: 24625279, PMCID: PMC4089975, DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.894616.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHealth care studentsMSM patientsVulnerable populationsFuture HIV preventionHealth care providersProfessional health-care studentsMultiple clinical contextsHealth care students' attitudesPatient groupGeneral patientsHIV preventionInternet-based surveyHigh riskHIVPatientsPWIDEffective interventionsTreatment effortsClinical contextGroup comparisonsDental studentsGroup differencesMean scoreSignificant differencesSurvey invitation