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
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
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
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 modelAwareness 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
2018
Assessment of barrier severity and willingness to enter opioid agonist treatment among people who inject drugs in Ukraine
Zelenev A, Shea P, Mazhnaya A, Rozanova J, Madden L, Marcus R, Altice FL. Assessment of barrier severity and willingness to enter opioid agonist treatment among people who inject drugs in Ukraine. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2018, 190: 82-88. PMID: 29990648, PMCID: PMC6292439, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.05.027.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnalgesics, OpioidCross-Sectional StudiesDrug OverdoseFemaleHIV InfectionsHumansMaleMiddle AgedPatient Acceptance of Health CareSocial StigmaSubstance Abuse, IntravenousUkraineYoung AdultConceptsOpioid agonist therapyOpioid agonist treatmentOpioid-dependent peopleSubstance abuse treatment programsCross-sectional surveyAgonist therapyAgonist treatmentHIV preventionTreatment perceptionsTreatment efficacyOAT expansionStudy participantsTreatment programAddiction treatmentComposite measureSeveritySocial stigmaDrugsTreatmentStructural barriersBarrier severityParticipantsPerceptions of Health-Related Community Reentry Challenges among Incarcerated Drug Users in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine
Rozanova J, Morozova O, Azbel L, Bachireddy C, Izenberg JM, Kiriazova T, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Perceptions of Health-Related Community Reentry Challenges among Incarcerated Drug Users in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ukraine. Journal Of Urban Health 2018, 95: 508-522. PMID: 29728898, PMCID: PMC6095752, DOI: 10.1007/s11524-018-0256-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAzerbaijanBayes TheoremDrug UsersFemaleHumansKyrgyzstanMaleMiddle AgedPatient Acceptance of Health CarePrevalencePrisonersUkraineConceptsOpioid agonist treatmentSubstance use disordersUse disordersMethadone treatmentDrug usersPoor general healthGeneral health conditionPerception of healthAgonist treatmentDrug injectionGeneral healthHigh prevalenceHealth needsHealth-related tasksLogistic regressionMethadoneHealth conditionsPre-release planningDisordersTreatmentPublic healthTotal samplePrison settingDrugsHealthHepatitis C virus status awareness and test results confirmation among people who inject drugs in Ukraine
Iakunchykova O, Meteliuk A, Zelenev A, Mazhnaya A, Tracy M, Altice FL. Hepatitis C virus status awareness and test results confirmation among people who inject drugs in Ukraine. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2018, 57: 11-17. PMID: 29655101, PMCID: PMC5994183, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.03.022.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAwarenessFemaleHepatitis CHumansMaleOpiate Substitution TreatmentPatient Acceptance of Health CareSubstance Abuse, IntravenousUkraineYoung AdultConceptsAnti-HCV testIndependent correlatesHCV testingPositive statusAnti-HCV positive statusAnti-HCV positivityHCV treatment cascadeHCV-positive statusOpioid-dependent PWIDRegular HCV testingHIV-negative participantsPositive test resultsChronic HCVHCV prevalenceStatus awarenessHCV infectionHCV preventionTreatment cascadeTreatment strategiesTreatment utilizationNegative participantsPWIDTreatment experienceHCVConfirmatory testingIntegrated Bio-behavioral Approach to Improve Adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Reduce HIV Risk in People Who Use Drugs: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Shrestha R, Altice FL, Karki P, Copenhaver MM. Integrated Bio-behavioral Approach to Improve Adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Reduce HIV Risk in People Who Use Drugs: A Pilot Feasibility Study. AIDS And Behavior 2018, 22: 2640-2649. PMID: 29582199, PMCID: PMC6051885, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2099-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnalgesics, OpioidBiobehavioral SciencesCondomsFeasibility StudiesFemaleHIV InfectionsHumansMaleMedication AdherenceMethadoneMiddle AgedMotivationOpiate Substitution TreatmentOpioid-Related DisordersPatient Acceptance of Health CarePilot ProjectsPre-Exposure ProphylaxisProspective StudiesRisk Reduction BehaviorSexual BehaviorSexual PartnersSubstance Abuse, IntravenousConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxis adherenceSelf-reported PrEP adherenceSex-related risk behaviorsHIV risk reduction behaviorsBio-behavioral interventionPre-exposure prophylaxisProspective clinical trialsHigh-risk peopleHIV prevention interventionsHIV risk behaviorsPilot feasibility studyPost-intervention assessmentPrEP adherenceProphylaxis adherencePreliminary efficacyClinical trialsIntervention groupHIV riskPrevention interventionsRisk behaviorsBio-behavioral approachAdherenceInterventionHigh acceptabilityPrEPAn Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model of PrEP Uptake
Dubov A, Altice FL, Fraenkel L. An Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Model of PrEP Uptake. AIDS And Behavior 2018, 22: 3603-3616. PMID: 29557540, PMCID: PMC9626245, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2095-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHIV InfectionsHumansMaleMotivationPatient Acceptance of Health CarePre-Exposure ProphylaxisSelf EfficacyVulnerable PopulationsConceptsPrEP uptake
2017
Why People Who Inject Drugs Voluntarily Transition Off Methadone in Ukraine
Rozanova J, Marcus R, Taxman FS, Bojko MJ, Madden L, Farnum SO, Mazhnaya A, Dvoriak S, Altice FL. Why People Who Inject Drugs Voluntarily Transition Off Methadone in Ukraine. Qualitative Health Research 2017, 27: 2057-2070. PMID: 28942704, DOI: 10.1177/1049732317732307.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeasuring Acceptability and Preferences for Implementation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Using Conjoint Analysis: An Application to Primary HIV Prevention Among High Risk Drug Users
Shrestha R, Karki P, Altice FL, Dubov O, Fraenkel L, Huedo-Medina T, Copenhaver M. Measuring Acceptability and Preferences for Implementation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Using Conjoint Analysis: An Application to Primary HIV Prevention Among High Risk Drug Users. AIDS And Behavior 2017, 22: 1228-1238. PMID: 28695388, PMCID: PMC5762432, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1851-1.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisSex-related risk behaviorsHigh-risk drug usersAcceptability of PrEPHigh-risk PWUDPrimary HIV preventionHIV prevention approachesDrug treatment settingsKey risk populationsHIV-negative PWUDHigh acceptabilityHIV clinicPrEP acceptabilityHIV testingPrEP uptakeMethadone clinicsHIV preventionRisk populationsSide effectsTreatment settingsDrug usersPrEP attributesRisk behaviorsPrEPUnderserved populationsA qualitative assessment of an abstinence-oriented therapeutic community for prisoners with substance use disorders in Kyrgyzstan
Azbel L, Rozanova J, Michels I, Altice FL, Stöver H. A qualitative assessment of an abstinence-oriented therapeutic community for prisoners with substance use disorders in Kyrgyzstan. Harm Reduction Journal 2017, 14: 43. PMID: 28693573, PMCID: PMC5504733, DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0168-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAttitudeFemaleHumansKyrgyzstanMaleMethadoneMiddle AgedOpiate Substitution TreatmentOpioid-Related DisordersPatient Acceptance of Health CarePrisonersPrisonsRecurrenceTherapeutic CommunityTreatment OutcomeConceptsUse disordersDrug useMethadone maintenance therapy programInjection drug useOpioid use disorderTherapeutic communitySubstance use disordersAddiction treatment outcomesCommunity staff membersLack of evidenceMethadone patientsTreatment optionsTreatment outcomesFuture treatmentTherapy programEvidence baseConvenience samplePatientsHigh rateLack of servicesPost-release programsPolicy documentsDisordersResultsOur analysisParticipant observationEvaluation of a hepatitis C education intervention with clients enrolled in methadone maintenance and needle/syringe programs in Malaysia
Mukherjee TI, Pillai V, Ali SH, Altice FL, Kamarulzaman A, Wickersham JA. Evaluation of a hepatitis C education intervention with clients enrolled in methadone maintenance and needle/syringe programs in Malaysia. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2017, 47: 144-152. PMID: 28652072, PMCID: PMC5592150, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.041.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultFemaleHealth EducationHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHepatitis CHumansMalaysiaMaleMethadoneNeedle-Exchange ProgramsOpiate Substitution TreatmentPatient Acceptance of Health CareProgram EvaluationYoung AdultConceptsNeedle/syringe programsHCV knowledgeHarm reduction servicesTreatment interestEducation interventionSyringe programsEducation sessionsReduction servicesEffective public health approachHepatitis B vaccineMethadone maintenance treatmentOverall knowledge scorePublic health approachResource-limited settingsHCV treatmentHepatitis CB vaccineHIV testBaseline knowledge assessmentMaintenance treatmentPost-intervention knowledge assessmentMethadone maintenanceMMT clientsKnowledge scoreNSP services
2016
Examining the Acceptability of mHealth Technology in HIV Prevention Among High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment
Shrestha R, Huedo-Medina TB, Altice FL, Krishnan A, Copenhaver M. Examining the Acceptability of mHealth Technology in HIV Prevention Among High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment. AIDS And Behavior 2016, 21: 3100-3110. PMID: 28025735, PMCID: PMC5484759, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1637-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAdultCell PhoneConnecticutDelivery of Health CareDrug UsersFemaleHIV InfectionsHumansInternetMaleMethadoneNeurocognitive DisordersOpiate Substitution TreatmentPatient Acceptance of Health CarePrevalenceRisk FactorsRisk-TakingSexual BehaviorSmartphoneSubstance Abuse, IntravenousTelemedicineText MessagingConceptsSex-related risk behaviorsNeurocognitive impairmentDrug usersRisk behaviorsHIV-negative drug usersHigh-risk drug usersHigh-risk populationHigh-risk peopleHIV prevention effortsUse of mHealthMethadone clinicsHIV preventionHigh prevalenceMedication remindersHealth programsMHealth acceptancePrevention effortsHealth conditionsMHealth technologiesConvenience sampleDrugsStandardized assessmentReal-world acceptanceMobile healthPhone callsWillingness to Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): An Empirical Test of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model among High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment
Shrestha R, Altice FL, Huedo-Medina TB, Karki P, Copenhaver M. Willingness to Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): An Empirical Test of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model among High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment. AIDS And Behavior 2016, 21: 1299-1308. PMID: 27990587, PMCID: PMC5380590, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1650-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHigh-risk PWUDBehavioral skills modelCommunity-based methadone maintenance treatmentPre-exposure prophylaxis trialsSex-related HIV risk behaviorsHigh-risk drug usersPre-exposure prophylaxisIMB modelMethadone maintenance treatmentEfficacy of PrEPUse of PrEPHIV risk behaviorsKey risk populationsHealth behavior changeHIV acquisitionProphylaxis trialsHIV infectionMaintenance treatmentHIV preventionRisk populationsDrug usersRisk behaviorsPrEPPWUDIntervention developmentDeterminants 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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnalgesics, OpioidBuprenorphineCross-Sectional StudiesDrug OverdoseFemaleHumansMaleMethadoneOpioid-Related DisordersPatient Acceptance of Health CareSubstance Abuse, IntravenousUkraineConceptsOpioid 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 supportDisordersDrugsInterventionFactors 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 populationThe Future of Opioid Agonist Therapies in Ukraine: A Qualitative Assessment of Multilevel Barriers and ways Forward to Promote retention in treatment
Bojko MJ, Mazhnaya A, Marcus R, Makarenko I, Islam Z, Filippovych S, Dvoriak S, Altice FL. The Future of Opioid Agonist Therapies in Ukraine: A Qualitative Assessment of Multilevel Barriers and ways Forward to Promote retention in treatment. Journal Of Substance Use And Addiction Treatment 2016, 66: 37-47. PMID: 27211995, PMCID: PMC4919997, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.03.003.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnalgesics, OpioidDelivery of Health CareFemaleFocus GroupsGrounded TheoryHumansMaleOpiate Substitution TreatmentOpioid-Related DisordersPatient Acceptance of Health CarePractice Guidelines as TopicPractice Patterns, Physicians'Quality ImprovementSubstance Abuse, IntravenousUkraineConceptsOpioid agonist therapyOAT retentionAgonist therapyTreatment goalsAdditional patient educationRealistic treatment goalsPrimary care settingQuality improvement interventionsCommunity-level barriersPatient educationOpioid addictionCare settingsTreatment retentionMultilevel barriersTreatment settingsImprovement interventionsPWIDMedical staffTherapyTreatmentCommunity awarenessDelivery barriersExperiences of PWIDHigh attritionFocus groups
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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedCross-Sectional StudiesDrug UsersFemaleHumansMalaysiaMiddle AgedPatient Acceptance of Health CareRisk FactorsRisk-TakingSubstance Abuse, IntravenousYoung AdultConceptsNeedle-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 riskMen Who Have Sex With Men in Peru: Acceptability of Medication-Assisted Therapy for Treating Alcohol Use Disorders
Brown SE, Vagenas P, Konda KA, Clark JL, Lama JR, Gonzales P, Sanchez J, Duerr AC, Altice FL. Men Who Have Sex With Men in Peru: Acceptability of Medication-Assisted Therapy for Treating Alcohol Use Disorders. American Journal Of Men's Health 2015, 11: 1269-1278. PMID: 25787988, PMCID: PMC4573823, DOI: 10.1177/1557988315576775.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAlcoholismFocus GroupsHomosexuality, MaleHumansMaleNaltrexoneNarcotic AntagonistsPatient Acceptance of Health CarePeruConceptsMSM/transgender womenAlcohol use disorderMedication-assisted therapyTransgender womenUse disordersManagement of AUDAntiretroviral therapy adherenceAlcohol problemsRisky sexual behaviorPeruvian MSMTherapy adherenceClinical trialsHIV epidemicTreatment programTotal abstinenceLess alcoholTherapyThematic content analysisMultiple studiesMedicationsSexual behaviorHIVDrinking behaviorMenFamily support