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 ResearchConceptsTransactional 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 analysisExamining HIV Knowledge and Sexually Risky Behaviors among Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda
Ssenyonjo J, Mistler C, Adler T, Shrestha R, Kyambadde P, Copenhaver M. Examining HIV Knowledge and Sexually Risky Behaviors among Female Sex Workers in Kampala, Uganda. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 2024, 21: 163. PMID: 38397654, PMCID: PMC10888220, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020163.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsCondomsFemaleHIV InfectionsHumansSex WorkersSexual BehaviorSexually Transmitted DiseasesUgandaConceptsFemale sex workersHealthcare providersHIV testingHIV preventionHistory of HIV testingRates of sexually transmitted infectionsCondom usageSex workersProvider-level barriersDevelopment of targeted interventionsPrimary HIV preventionHIV test resultsHealth education programsHIV transmission riskHIV prevention educationSexually transmitted infectionsHIV knowledgeHIV incidencePreventive interventionsFocus groupsTargeted interventionsReduce alcohol intakeHIV transmissionPrevention educationAlcohol intake
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 ratesAssessing 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 ResearchConceptsWomen 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 income
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 ResearchConceptsInjection 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 FactorsMobile 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 servicesExploring 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 ResearchConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisPrEP useHIV prevention strategiesMultivariable logistic modelHigh-risk behaviorsMalaysian MSMPrEP uptakeMultivariable analysisHIV epidemicHealthcare engagementPrevention strategiesHealth systemSexual intercourseRM 3000PrEPProphylaxisSexual behaviorHIVMenMonthly incomeMSMMonthsHigh awarenessSexLogistic model
2021
Limited Risk Compensation Among Women Who Inject Drugs: Results From the Project Sexual Health Equity Preexposure Prophylaxis Demonstration Study in Philadelphia
Tran NK, Van Der Pol B, Shrestha R, Bazzi AR, Bellamy SL, Sherman SG, Roth AM. Limited Risk Compensation Among Women Who Inject Drugs: Results From the Project Sexual Health Equity Preexposure Prophylaxis Demonstration Study in Philadelphia. Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2021, 49: e64-e66. PMID: 34694276, PMCID: PMC9018480, DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001577.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsFemaleHealth EquityHIV InfectionsHumansMalePhiladelphiaPre-Exposure ProphylaxisSexual BehaviorSubstance Abuse, Intravenous
2018
Integrated 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 acceptabilityPrEP
2017
Correlates of willingness to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis and anticipation of practicing safer drug- and sex-related behaviors among high-risk drug users on methadone treatment
Shrestha R, Karki P, Altice FL, Huedo-Medina TB, Meyer JP, Madden L, Copenhaver M. Correlates of willingness to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis and anticipation of practicing safer drug- and sex-related behaviors among high-risk drug users on methadone treatment. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2017, 173: 107-116. PMID: 28214391, PMCID: PMC5366273, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.12.023.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPre-exposure prophylaxisHIV risk reductionDrug injectionHIV riskRisk behaviorsHigh-risk drug usersHigh-risk PWUDOpioid-dependent personsHIV prevention approachesRecent risk behaviorsCross-sectional studyConsistent condom useHigh-risk behaviorsRisk reductionCorrelates of willingnessPrEP deliveryMethadone treatmentIndependent correlatesMethadone programsSafe drugElevated riskCasual partnersNeurocognitive impairmentDrug usersKey populations
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 callsAssociation Between Intimate Partner Violence Against Women and HIV-Risk Behaviors
Shrestha R, Copenhaver MM. Association Between Intimate Partner Violence Against Women and HIV-Risk Behaviors. Violence Against Women 2016, 22: 1621-1641. PMID: 26912296, PMCID: PMC5308057, DOI: 10.1177/1077801216628690.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV risk behaviorsIntimate partner violenceSignificant global health issueInconsistent condom useAdverse health outcomesSTIs/HIVMultiple sex partnersSafer sexual practicesGlobal health issueHIV infectionHIV riskPartner violenceHealth outcomesSex partnersCondom useDisproportionate burdenEffective interventionsHealth issuesWomenHIVSexual practicesInfectionPotential relationshipRisk
2015
Early Sexual Debut: A Risk Factor for STIs/HIV Acquisition Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Adults in Nepal
Shrestha R, Karki P, Copenhaver M. Early Sexual Debut: A Risk Factor for STIs/HIV Acquisition Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Adults in Nepal. Journal Of Community Health 2015, 41: 70-77. PMID: 26184108, PMCID: PMC4715759, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-015-0065-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEarly sexual debutRisk factorsHIV acquisitionSexual debutRisk behaviorsTeenage pregnancyInfection risk factorsHistory of STIHIV prevention strategiesInconsistent condom useAdverse health outcomesHigh-risk profileSTIs/HIVMultivariate logistic modelMultiple sex partnersNepal Demographic Health SurveySexual risk behaviorsDemographic Health SurveyNationally Representative SampleMean agePotential confoundersHealth SurveyPrevention strategiesHealth outcomesSex partners