2017
Design and implementation of a factorial randomized controlled trial of methadone maintenance therapy and an evidence-based behavioral intervention for incarcerated people living with HIV and opioid dependence in Malaysia
Bazazi AR, Wickersham JA, Wegman MP, Culbert GJ, Pillai V, Shrestha R, Al-Darraji H, Copenhaver MM, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Design and implementation of a factorial randomized controlled trial of methadone maintenance therapy and an evidence-based behavioral intervention for incarcerated people living with HIV and opioid dependence in Malaysia. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2017, 59: 1-12. PMID: 28479216, PMCID: PMC5557499, DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.05.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMethadone maintenance therapyHIV transmission risk behaviorsMaintenance therapyTransmission risk behaviorsEvidence-based behavioral interventionsOpioid dependencePoor HIV treatment outcomesRisk behaviorsBehavioral interventionsHIV treatment outcomesProspective clinical trialsEvidence-based treatmentsHealth-related outcomesOpioid useTreatment receiptClinical trialsTreatment outcomesIncarcerated peopleTherapyStudy participantsFactorial trialHIVTrialsInterventionOutcomes
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 correlateTrials and tribulations of conducting bio-behavioral surveys in prisons: implementation science and lessons from Ukraine
Azbel L, Grishaev Y, Wickersham JA, Chernova O, Dvoryak S, Polonsky M, Altice FL. Trials and tribulations of conducting bio-behavioral surveys in prisons: implementation science and lessons from Ukraine. International Journal Of Prisoner Health 2016, 12: 78-87. PMID: 27219905, PMCID: PMC5513812, DOI: 10.1108/ijph-10-2014-0041.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFormer Soviet UnionHarsh prison sentencesDesign/methodology/approach Qualitative interviewsCriminal justice systemUkrainian prisonsJustice systemPrison sentencesOriginality/valueSoviet UnionBio-behavioural surveyPrisonSpecific contextDepartment involvementAdministrative staffUkraineImplementation scienceHIV epidemicIntersecting 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 mortalityHIVConfronting the HIV, Tuberculosis, Addiction, and Incarceration Syndemic in Southeast Asia: Lessons Learned from Malaysia
Culbert GJ, Pillai V, Bick J, Al-Darraji HA, Wickersham JA, Wegman MP, Bazazi AR, Ferro E, Copenhaver M, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Confronting the HIV, Tuberculosis, Addiction, and Incarceration Syndemic in Southeast Asia: Lessons Learned from Malaysia. Journal Of Neuroimmune Pharmacology 2016, 11: 446-455. PMID: 27216260, PMCID: PMC5118227, DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9676-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntiretroviral therapyMalaysia's largest prisonIsoniazid preventive therapyLatent tuberculosis infectionStandardized treatment protocolMandatory HIV testingDrug treatment centersEvidence-based addiction treatmentEvidence-based interventionsLargest prisonReservoir of infectionActive diseaseActive tuberculosisPreventive therapyHIV testingTuberculosis infectionOpioid dependenceHIV treatmentRapid relapseMethadone maintenanceTreatment protocolClinical careHIVTreatment centersCompulsory drug treatment centersFactors 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 ResearchConceptsMethadone 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 population
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 ResearchBurden of substance use disorders, mental illness, and correlates of infectious diseases among soon-to-be released prisoners in Azerbaijan
Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Wegman MP, Polonsky M, Suleymanov M, Ismayilov R, Dvoryak S, Rotberga S, Altice FL. Burden of substance use disorders, mental illness, and correlates of infectious diseases among soon-to-be released prisoners in Azerbaijan. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2015, 151: 68-75. PMID: 25861943, PMCID: PMC4447560, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.02.034.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntiretroviral therapyDrug injectionInfectious diseasesPrevalence of HCVSignificant independent correlatesLow HIV prevalenceHigh-endemic countriesHigh diagnostic rateEvidence-based addiction treatmentSubstance use disordersHealth assessment surveyHCV epidemicHepatitis BHCV diagnosisHIV statusHIV prevalenceART coverageHIV treatmentIndependent correlatesNew medicationsHIV epidemicHeterosexual riskHealth SurveyEndemic countriesHIV
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 dataGender disparities in HIV treatment outcomes following release from jail: results from a multicenter study.
Meyer JP, Zelenev A, Wickersham JA, Williams CT, Teixeira PA, Altice FL. Gender disparities in HIV treatment outcomes following release from jail: results from a multicenter study. American Journal Of Public Health 2014, 104: 434-41. PMID: 24432878, PMCID: PMC3953795, DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301553.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV treatment outcomesTreatment outcomesViral suppressionJail detaineesMultisite prospective cohort studyOptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherenceOptimal HIV treatment outcomesWorse HIV treatment outcomesMultiple logistic regression modelAntiretroviral therapy prescriptionHIV primary careHIV clinical careProspective cohort studyAntiretroviral therapy adherenceNon-Hispanic whitesLogistic regression modelsGreater comorbidityCohort studyEvaluable participantsMulticenter studyTherapy adherencePrimary careTherapy prescriptionClinical careHeroin useCorrelates of HIV infection and being unaware of HIV status among soon‐to‐be‐released Ukrainian prisoners
Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Grishaev Y, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Correlates of HIV infection and being unaware of HIV status among soon‐to‐be‐released Ukrainian prisoners. Journal Of The International AIDS Society 2014, 17: 19005. PMID: 25216073, PMCID: PMC4161962, DOI: 10.7448/ias.17.1.19005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV infectionHIV testingHIV statusHIV epidemicDrug-related HIV risk behaviorsRisk-based HIV testingHIV risk behaviorsAntiretroviral therapyHIV-positiveHIV transmissionOpioid substitutionIndependent correlatesDrug injectionFemale genderHealth SurveySerological testingPrevious incarcerationRisk behaviorsDisproportionate burdenHIVInfectionEpidemicUkrainian prisonsCorrelatesStatus
2013
Prevalence of tuberculosis symptoms and latent tuberculous infection among prisoners in northeastern Malaysia
Margolis B, Al-Darraji HA, Wickersham JA, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Prevalence of tuberculosis symptoms and latent tuberculous infection among prisoners in northeastern Malaysia. The International Journal Of Tuberculosis And Lung Disease 2013, 17: 1538-1544. PMID: 24200265, PMCID: PMC3913085, DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.13.0193.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLatent tuberculous infectionTuberculin skin testTB symptomsTuberculous infectionTwo-step tuberculin skin testPrevious incarcerationHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectionLower body mass indexReactive tuberculin skin testImmunodeficiency virus infectionBody mass indexRoutine screening procedureCross-sectional surveyCD4 statusRoutine tuberculosisTST reactivityTuberculosis symptomsActive tuberculosisLTBI prevalenceOnly significant correlateMass indexNortheastern MalaysiaSkin testVirus infectionHIVPartner violence and health among HIV-infected jail detainees
Meyer JP, Wickersham JA, Fu JJ, Brown SE, Sullivan TP, Springer SA, Altice FL. Partner violence and health among HIV-infected jail detainees. International Journal Of Prisoner Health 2013, 9: 124-141. PMID: 24376468, PMCID: PMC3873166, DOI: 10.1108/ijph-03-2013-0011.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsIntimate partner violenceSubstance use disordersHIV treatment outcomesHealthcare utilizationPartner violenceTreatment outcomesJail detaineesIPV exposureEffects of IPVHIV secondary preventionPost-release interventionsUntreated mental disordersDepth qualitative interviewsLifetime IPV exposureForms of childhoodHigher alcohol use severityCriminal justice populationsAlcohol use severityViolence reductionCJ populationsTime of incarcerationHIV diagnosisSecondary preventionAdulthood abuseQualitative interviewsUnderstanding the Revolving Door: Individual and Structural-Level Predictors of Recidivism Among Individuals with HIV Leaving Jail
Fu JJ, Herme M, Wickersham JA, Zelenev A, Althoff A, Zaller ND, Bazazi AR, Avery AK, Porterfield J, Jordan AO, Simon-Levine D, Lyman M, Altice FL. Understanding the Revolving Door: Individual and Structural-Level Predictors of Recidivism Among Individuals with HIV Leaving Jail. AIDS And Behavior 2013, 17: 145-155. PMID: 24037440, PMCID: PMC4049299, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0590-1.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultCriminal LawFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHealth Services Needs and DemandHIV InfectionsHumansIll-Housed PersonsLogistic ModelsMaleMental DisordersMiddle AgedMultivariate AnalysisPrisonersPrisonsRecurrenceSocial AdjustmentSocioeconomic FactorsSubstance-Related DisordersVulnerable PopulationsConceptsJail releasePoor health outcomesMajor psychiatric disordersIndex incarcerationCriminal justice involvementHealth of individualsHigh riskPsychiatric disordersHIVHealth outcomesHealth interventionsPotential targetHealth insuranceIncarceration historyJustice involvementInterventionPredictorsHealthIndividualsPrior homelessnessAlcohol use disorders and antiretroviral therapy among prisoners in Argentina
Alpert M, Wickersham JA, Vázquez M, Altice FL. Alcohol use disorders and antiretroviral therapy among prisoners in Argentina. International Journal Of Prisoner Health 2013, 9: 40-50. PMID: 24772187, PMCID: PMC3999974, DOI: 10.1108/17449201311310797.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAlcohol use disorderAntiretroviral therapyUse disordersSecondary HIV preventionCent of subjectsCross-sectional surveyHIV careSubstance abuse patternsMajority of participantsIndependent correlatesHIV preventionTreatment outcomesGeneral populationHIVHealth care reformAbuse patternsAUDIT scaleCurrent incarcerationDisordersTherapyOne-thirdCare reformOne-quarterParticipantsFuture effortsUkrainian prisoners and community reentry challenges: implications for transitional care
Morozova O, Azbel L, Grishaev Y, Dvoryak S, Wickersham JA, Altice FL. Ukrainian prisoners and community reentry challenges: implications for transitional care. International Journal Of Prisoner Health 2013, 9: 5-19. PMID: 25152767, PMCID: PMC4138714, DOI: 10.1108/17449201311310760.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNational cross-sectional studyPost-release interventionsOpioid substitution therapyCross-sectional studyEvidence-based treatmentsComprehensive case managementSocial supportSubstitution therapyTransitional careDrug usersMultivariate analysisPrevious incarcerationCase managementInfectious diseasesDrug relapseCommunity reintegrationStructured questionnaireGreater numberHelpful measureInterventionBurden of Infectious Diseases, Substance Use Disorders, and Mental Illness among Ukrainian Prisoners Transitioning to the Community
Azbel L, Wickersham JA, Grishaev Y, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Burden of Infectious Diseases, Substance Use Disorders, and Mental Illness among Ukrainian Prisoners Transitioning to the Community. PLOS ONE 2013, 8: e59643. PMID: 23527238, PMCID: PMC3602355, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059643.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSubstance use disordersUse disordersInfectious diseasesHealth SurveyTreatment needsPrevalence of HIVContinuity of careAlcohol use disorderEpidemic of incarcerationHealth assessment surveyMultiple substance useViral hepatitisHIV incidenceHIV statusHIV prevalenceDrug injectionHIV epidemicHIV preventionSerological testingHealth StudyMental illnessHIVSubstance usePrevalenceDiseaseMethadone 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 releaseGender Differences in Baseline Health, Needs at Release, and Predictors of Care Engagement Among HIV-Positive Clients Leaving Jail
Williams CT, Kim S, Meyer J, Spaulding A, Teixeira P, Avery A, Moore K, Altice F, Murphy-Swallow D, Simon D, Wickersham J, Ouellet LJ. Gender Differences in Baseline Health, Needs at Release, and Predictors of Care Engagement Among HIV-Positive Clients Leaving Jail. AIDS And Behavior 2013, 17: 195-202. PMID: 23314801, PMCID: PMC3758427, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-012-0391-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultContinuity of Patient CareFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHealth Services AccessibilityHealth Services Needs and DemandHealth StatusHIV InfectionsHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedPatient Acceptance of Health CarePatient DischargePrimary Health CarePrisonersPrisonsProgram EvaluationSex DistributionSex FactorsSocial WorkSubstance Abuse, IntravenousConceptsSocial service needsCriminal justice settingsGender differencesJustice settingsEnhancing LinkagesCare engagementService needsGender-specific strategiesMore chronic health conditionsSevere substance use disordersHIV primary careMultisite demonstration projectHIV-positive clientsChronic health conditionsMore womenSubstance use disordersJailEngagementWorse healthDifferent needsPrescribed ARTPrimary careBaseline healthUse disordersJail detainees