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 analysisHealth literacy and its determinants among school-going children: a school-based cross-sectional study in Nepal
Adhikari P, Paudel K, Bhusal S, Gautam K, Khanal P, Adhikari T, K C P, Shrestha R, Shrestha S. Health literacy and its determinants among school-going children: a school-based cross-sectional study in Nepal. Health Promotion International 2024, 39: daae059. PMID: 39115185, DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae059.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentChildCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHealth LiteracyHealth StatusHumansMaleNepalSchoolsSocioeconomic FactorsStudentsSurveys and QuestionnairesConceptsLevel of health literacyPre-existing mental health conditionsLimited health literacyHealth literacyMental health conditionsSchool-going childrenCross-sectional studyFactors associated with limited health literacyHealth Literacy for School-Aged ChildrenLow levels of health literacyPeer support group programHealth conditionsLiteracy levelsModerate health literacyHealth literacy levelsSchool health promotionSchool-based cross-sectional studyImprove health literacyMulti-stage cluster sampling methodSupport group programPoor quality of lifeSchool health professionalsLower educational attainmentAdverse health outcomesSchool-aged ChildrenPrevalence of common risk factors of major noncommunicable diseases among sexual and gender minorities in Kathmandu valley, Nepal
Poudel B, Paudel K, Adhikari B, Paudel R, Bhusal S, Adhikari N, Adhikari T, Sapkota V, Shrestha R. Prevalence of common risk factors of major noncommunicable diseases among sexual and gender minorities in Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Medicine 2024, 103: e37746. PMID: 38579035, PMCID: PMC10994461, DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037746.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAlcoholismCross-Sectional StudiesHumansHypertensionNepalNoncommunicable DiseasesObesityOverweightPrevalenceRisk FactorsConceptsNCD risk factorsPrevalence of NCD risk factorsNoncommunicable diseasesRisk factorsAlcohol consumptionSTEP wise approachTargeted health interventionsFace-to-face interviewsCross-sectional studyGender minoritiesInsufficient fruitStatistical Package for Social SciencesVegetable consumptionChronic respiratory diseasesSnowball sampling methodHealth interventionsCurrent smokingFace-to-faceAnthropometric measurementsMarital statusEmployment statusParticipant ageStructured questionnaireWise approachGlobal deathsMediating 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 ratesThe mediation effects of sexual self-efficacy in the relationship between psychosocial wellbeing and depressive symptoms among female migrant workers in Vietnam
Ha T, Shi H, Su T, Shrestha R, Baumann S, Nguyen T, Nguyen N, Giang L, Schensul S. The mediation effects of sexual self-efficacy in the relationship between psychosocial wellbeing and depressive symptoms among female migrant workers in Vietnam. International Journal Of Social Psychiatry 2023, 69: 2068-2078. PMID: 37477252, PMCID: PMC11200049, DOI: 10.1177/00207640231188033.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCross-Sectional StudiesDepressionFemaleHumansSelf EfficacyTransients and MigrantsVietnamConceptsDepressive symptomsPsychosocial wellbeingCommon mental disordersCross-sectional studyMental health concernsMiddle-income countriesPsychological wellbeingGlobal burdenSexual healthMental disordersSymptomsFinal mediation modelHealth concernInterview questionnaireDemographic characteristicsOverall psychological wellbeingFemale migrant workersMediation analysisStudy findingsWellbeingHigh levelsMediation effectWorkersDiseaseWomenAssessing Barriers and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Female Migrant Workers in Vietnam
Ha T, Givens D, Shi H, Nguyen T, Nguyen N, Shrestha R, Frank L, Schensul S. Assessing Barriers and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Female Migrant Workers in Vietnam. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 2023, 20: 6368. PMID: 37510599, PMCID: PMC10379987, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146368.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansReproductive HealthReproductive Health ServicesSexual BehaviorTransients and MigrantsVietnamYoung AdultConceptsWomen migrant workersFemale migrant workersMigrant workersSRH servicesReproductive health servicesMigrant women workersHealth servicesWomen workersSRH service utilizationIndustrial zoneLast sexual encounterMultivariable logistic regression analysisSexual encountersUtilization of SexualLogistic regression analysisSimilar contextsTimes higher oddsExplores factorsWorkersUrban settingsCross-sectional surveyVietnamMiddle-income countriesStudy findingsHigher incomePerceived stigma related to TB preventive therapy
Palacios C, Hough M, Shrestha R, Moll A, Kompala T, Andrews L, Shenoi S. Perceived stigma related to TB preventive therapy. The International Journal Of Tuberculosis And Lung Disease 2023, 27: 209-214. PMID: 36855038, DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.22.0570.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTB preventative therapyTB preventive therapyAnonymous cross-sectional surveyBurden of TBCommunity-dwelling adultsRural South African communityCross-sectional surveyPreventive therapyMean agePreventative therapyEndemic settingsPatient's familyKruskal-Wallis testStigma scoresRural South AfricaPoisson regressionNovel interventionsSouth African communityTherapyLess stigmaDescriptive statisticsFamily membersStigmaTBTwo-factor solutionHigh 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
Purposeful Fentanyl Use and Associated Factors among Opioid-Dependent People Who Inject Drugs
Chandra DK, Altice FL, Copenhaver MM, Zhou X, Didomizio E, Shrestha R. Purposeful Fentanyl Use and Associated Factors among Opioid-Dependent People Who Inject Drugs. Substance Use & Misuse 2021, 56: 979-987. PMID: 33769199, DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1901931.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnalgesics, OpioidConnecticutCross-Sectional StudiesFentanylHumansOpioid-Related DisordersPharmaceutical PreparationsSubstance Abuse, IntravenousConceptsOpioid-dependent PWIDFentanyl useOpioid-dependent peopleIndependent correlatesSevere depressionSex-related risk behaviorsMethadone-maintained patientsMultivariable logistic regressionOpioid-related mortalityRecent cocaine useCross-sectional surveySelf-reported drugMethadone dosageYoung PWIDDaily injectionsMethadone clinicsAssociated FactorsFentanyl exposureHigh prevalencePWIDSynthetic opioidsCocaine useYounger ageRisk behaviorsLogistic regressionUse of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among People Who Inject Drugs: Exploratory Findings of the Interaction Between Race, Homelessness, and Trust
Zhou X, Altice FL, Chandra D, Didomizio E, Copenhaver MM, Shrestha R. Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among People Who Inject Drugs: Exploratory Findings of the Interaction Between Race, Homelessness, and Trust. AIDS And Behavior 2021, 25: 3743-3753. PMID: 33751313, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03227-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnti-HIV AgentsCross-Sectional StudiesHIV InfectionsHumansIll-Housed PersonsPharmaceutical PreparationsPre-Exposure ProphylaxisSubstance Abuse, IntravenousTrustConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisPrEP useProvider trustPatient-level factorsOpioid-dependent patientsLogistic regression analysisNon-homeless participantsHomeless participantsRace/ethnicityEligibility criteriaCross-sectional dataPrEPProphylaxisMethadoneRegression analysisDrugsExploratory findingsParticipantsPotential moderatorsPWIDPatientsSignificant moderatorWillingness 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
Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak in Urban Settings in China
Ni Z, Lebowitz ER, Zou Z, Wang H, Liu H, Shrestha R, Zhang Q, Hu J, Yang S, Xu L, Wu J, Altice FL. Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak in Urban Settings in China. Journal Of Urban Health 2020, 98: 41-52. PMID: 33258088, PMCID: PMC7703725, DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00498-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchUsing individual stated-preferences to optimize HIV self-testing service delivery among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia: results from a conjoint-based analysis
Shrestha R, Alias H, Wong LP, Altice FL, Lim SH. Using individual stated-preferences to optimize HIV self-testing service delivery among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia: results from a conjoint-based analysis. BMC Public Health 2020, 20: 1777. PMID: 33238941, PMCID: PMC7687720, DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09832-w.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultConsumer BehaviorCross-Sectional StudiesHIV InfectionsHIV TestingHomosexuality, MaleHumansMalaysiaMalePatient Acceptance of Health CareSelf-TestingConceptsClinic-based HIV testingHIV testing uptakeMethodsA cross-sectional online surveyCross-sectional online surveyNational AIDS ProgramAcceptability of HIVSTMalaysian MSMHIV testingTesting uptakeService delivery programsKey populationsHIVSTService delivery modelsAIDS ProgramMSMKit deliveryTelephone hotlineService delivery approachHigh acceptabilityDelivery programsMultiple barriersSafe useMean acceptabilityDelivery approachDelivery modelEngagement 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
Online HIV information seeking and pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness among people who use drugs
Ranjit YS, Shrestha R, Copenhaver M, Altice FL. Online HIV information seeking and pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness among people who use drugs. Journal Of Substance Use And Addiction Treatment 2019, 111: 16-22. PMID: 32087834, PMCID: PMC7039922, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.12.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCross-Sectional StudiesHIV InfectionsHumansInformation Seeking BehaviorPharmaceutical PreparationsPre-Exposure ProphylaxisSubstance Abuse, IntravenousConceptsHuman immunodeficiency virusHIV informationMethadone treatmentPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awarenessPre-exposure prophylaxisNew HIV diagnosesHIV-negative PWUDBehavior change continuumCross-sectional surveyMethods of preventionAddiction treatment programsHIV diagnosisImmunodeficiency virusInjection drugsHIV preventionHigh riskGeneral populationSex partnersOverall healthTreatment programPrEPDrugsPWUDChange continuumRiskUse 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