2024
Comparing the brief Holistic Health for HIV (3H+) to the Holistic Health Recovery Program (HHRP+) among people with HIV and opioid use disorder: Results from a randomized, controlled non-inferiority trial
Zelenev A, Huedo-Medina T, Shrestha R, Mistler C, Altice F, Sibilio B, Copenhaver M. Comparing the brief Holistic Health for HIV (3H+) to the Holistic Health Recovery Program (HHRP+) among people with HIV and opioid use disorder: Results from a randomized, controlled non-inferiority trial. PLOS ONE 2024, 19: e0312165. PMID: 39509356, PMCID: PMC11542883, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312165.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHolistic Health Recovery ProgramEvidence-based interventionsHolistic healthHIV treatmentRisk behaviorsReduce HIV risk behaviorsDifference-in-differencesEnd-of-interventionControlled non-inferiority trialHIV Epidemic goalsDrug treatment settingsAttainment of viral suppressionNon-inferiority trialRecovery programViral suppressionHigh ART adherenceHIV risk behaviorsNon-inferiorityHHRP+ART adherenceBehavioral interventionsReal-world settingsNon-parametric bootstrappingCondom useOpioid-dependent peopleExamining the Accuracy of Self-Reported Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Using a Visual Analog Scale Among Opioid-Dependent People Living with HIV
Ssenyonjo J, Li X, Shrestha R, Copenhaver M. Examining the Accuracy of Self-Reported Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Using a Visual Analog Scale Among Opioid-Dependent People Living with HIV. AIDS And Behavior 2024, 1-6. PMID: 39500816, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04526-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchVisual analog scaleOpioid-dependent peopleMeasure ART adherenceMethadone maintenance programPharmacy refill dataART adherenceAnalog scaleRefill dataSelf-reported visual analog scaleOpioid-dependent personsAntiretroviral therapy adherenceInner-city methadone maintenance programSelf-reported adherenceRandomized controlled trialsAntiretroviral therapyViral suppressionPatient populationPromote adherenceVAS ratingsTherapy adherenceHIVAdherence dataRefill informationTime pointsPharmacyUser preferences for an mHealth app to support HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among men who have sex with men in Malaysia
Palmer L, Wickersham J, Gautam K, Maviglia F, Bruno B, Azwa I, Khati A, Altice F, Paudel K, Pagoto S, Shrestha R. User preferences for an mHealth app to support HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among men who have sex with men in Malaysia. PLOS Digital Health 2024, 3: e0000643. PMID: 39475851, PMCID: PMC11524455, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000643.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchHIV prevention servicesHIV testingPreventive servicesPre-exposure prophylaxis uptakeHIV prevention appIncrease HIV testingMobile appsPrevalence of HIVHard-to-reach populationsStudy assessed attitudesOnline focus groupsMalaysian MSMCost of servicesPrEP uptakeDedoose softwareMHealth appsPrevention appsFocus groupsIntervention modalitiesMSMEngagement strategiesHIVConfidentiality risksThematic contentMenIntegrated Online-to-Offline Model of Care for HIV Prevention and Treatment Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Protocol for an Intervention Development and a Multiphase Trial
Khati A, Wickersham J, Gautam K, Paudel K, Phiphatkhunarnon P, Lim S, Puniamurthy K, Altice F, Phanuphak N, Azwa I, Shrestha R. Integrated Online-to-Offline Model of Care for HIV Prevention and Treatment Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Protocol for an Intervention Development and a Multiphase Trial. JMIR Research Protocols 2024, 13: e60962. PMID: 39441624, PMCID: PMC11541154, DOI: 10.2196/60962.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchDevelopment and Testing of a Mobile App for Management of Gestational Diabetes in Nepal: Protocol for a User-Centered Design Study and Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial
Berube L, Shrestha A, Shrestha A, Daneault J, Shakya P, Dhimal M, Shrestha R, Rawal S. Development and Testing of a Mobile App for Management of Gestational Diabetes in Nepal: Protocol for a User-Centered Design Study and Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Research Protocols 2024, 13: e59423. PMID: 39432898, PMCID: PMC11535795, DOI: 10.2196/59423.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTransactional 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 analysisAssociation of sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students in Nepal
Paudel K, Shah S, Khanal P, Bhattarai M, Gautam K, Bhusal S, Bhandari P, Pandey A, Niroula S, Adhikari T, Shrestha R. Association of sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students in Nepal. Discover Psychology 2024, 4: 125. DOI: 10.1007/s44202-024-00246-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchUndergraduate medical studentsMaharajgunj Medical CampusDepressive symptomsSleep qualityMedical studentsMedical CampusPatient Health Questionnaire-9Association of sleep qualityMethodsA cross-sectional studyPittsburgh Sleep Quality IndexCross-sectional studySleep Quality IndexIBM SPSS versionSmartphone addictionImpact of sleep qualityMental healthUnadjusted modelsSmartphone Addiction Scale-Short VersionSocio-demographicSPSS versionShort versionLongitudinal studyConclusionThis studyTherapeutic approachesQuality IndexAdaptation of a Theory-Based Mobile App to Improve Access to HIV Prevention Services for Transgender Women in Malaysia: Focus Group Study
Gautam K, Shrestha R, Dlamini S, Razali B, Paudel K, Azwa I, Saifi R, Toh Y, Lim H, Sutherland R, Restar A, Phanuphak N, Wickersham J. Adaptation of a Theory-Based Mobile App to Improve Access to HIV Prevention Services for Transgender Women in Malaysia: Focus Group Study. JMIR Formative Research 2024, 8: e56250. PMID: 39137407, PMCID: PMC11350319, DOI: 10.2196/56250.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchHIV prevention servicesTransgender womenFocus groupsPrEP uptakePreventive servicesCare servicesHIV preventionFG sessionsBarriers to PrEP uptakeUptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxisHIV pre-exposure prophylaxisTailored HIV preventionMobile appsReduce HIV vulnerabilityPre-exposure prophylaxisFocus group studyPrEP knowledgeTheater testingDedoose softwareMobile healthMultifaceted barriersDeliver interventionsHIV vulnerabilityPrEP barriersWomen's needsHealth 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 ResearchConceptsLevel 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 ChildrenIMPACT OF IMPAIRED COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AMONG PERSONS ON MEDICATION FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER
Mistler C, Copenhaver M, Shrestha R, Gunstad J. IMPACT OF IMPAIRED COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AMONG PERSONS ON MEDICATION FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2024, 260: 110039. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110039.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchT73 Application of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to Optimize HIV Prevention Targeting People on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) who Have Cognitive Dysfunction: A Study Protocol
Copenhaver M, Mistler C, Shrestha R. T73 Application of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to Optimize HIV Prevention Targeting People on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) who Have Cognitive Dysfunction: A Study Protocol. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2024, 260: 110522. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110522.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchFACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACTIVE AMPHETAMINE-TYPE STIMULANT USE AMONG MALAYSIAN TRANSGENDER WOMEN
JadKarim L, Shrestha R, Galka J, Azwa I, Razali N, Restar A, Gautam K, Wickersham J. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACTIVE AMPHETAMINE-TYPE STIMULANT USE AMONG MALAYSIAN TRANSGENDER WOMEN. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2024, 260: 110037. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110037.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPrevalence 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 ResearchConceptsNCD 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 deathsExploring Attitudes Toward Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention Prior to Implementation Among Female Sex Workers in Malaysia: Results from a Qualitative Study
Foley S, Keene D, Shrestha R, Brown S, Gautam K, Sutherland R, Maviglia F, Saifi R, Wickersham J. Exploring Attitudes Toward Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention Prior to Implementation Among Female Sex Workers in Malaysia: Results from a Qualitative Study. Patient Preference And Adherence 2024, 18: 797-807. PMID: 38595805, PMCID: PMC11003429, DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s413423.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchFemale sex workersPre-exposure prophylaxisHIV preventionFSWs’ willingnessMethod of HIV preventionSex workersAcceptability of PrEPHIV prevention practicesPrevention of HIV transmissionGrounded theory approachSemi-structured interviewsCondom promotionPrEP usePrEP rolloutPrevention practicesTranslated interviewsEmpowerment componentsQualitative studyHarm reductionHIV transmissionOral PrEPPerceived challengesPrEPCondom useQualitative explorationPreferences for mHealth Intervention to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nepal: Qualitative Study
Gautam K, Aguilar C, Paudel K, Dhakal M, Wickersham J, Acharya B, Sapkota S, Deuba K, Shrestha R. Preferences for mHealth Intervention to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nepal: Qualitative Study. JMIR Human Factors 2024, 11: e56002. PMID: 38551632, PMCID: PMC11015371, DOI: 10.2196/56002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchHigher methadone dose at time of release from prison predicts linkage to maintenance treatment for people with HIV and opioid use disorder transitioning to the community in Malaysia
Ahmad A, Bromberg D, Shrestha R, Salleh N, Bazazi A, Kamarulzaman A, Shenoi S, Altice F. Higher methadone dose at time of release from prison predicts linkage to maintenance treatment for people with HIV and opioid use disorder transitioning to the community in Malaysia. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2024, 126: 104369. PMID: 38484531, PMCID: PMC11056294, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104369.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMethadone maintenance treatmentNational Institute of Drug AbuseMethadone dosePost-releaseOpioid dependenceMaintenance treatmentMethadone maintenance treatment doseHigher doses of methadoneProspective trialsHighest methadone dosagePost-release outcomesHigher methadone dosesMalaysia’s largest prison.Levels of depressionTreatment of opioid use disorderMonths of releaseDose of methadoneOpioid use disorderLargest prisonHigher dosageIncarcerated peopleIncarceration periodUse disorderMethadone dosageTime-to-event analysisDigital health interventions for suicide prevention among LGBTQ: A narrative review
Paudel K, Gautam K, Bhandari P, Shah S, Wickersham J, Acharya B, Sapkota S, Adhikari S, Baral P, Shrestha A, Shrestha R. Digital health interventions for suicide prevention among LGBTQ: A narrative review. Health Prospect 2024, 23: 1-10. PMID: 38645301, PMCID: PMC11027749, DOI: 10.3126/hprospect.v23i1.62795.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchDigital health interventionsMcGill Mixed Methods Appraisal ToolRandomized controlled trialsDigital interventionsHealth interventionsSuicide preventionHealth servicesQualitative studyMixed Methods Appraisal ToolIncrease help-seeking behaviorImpact of digital interventionsConventional health servicesMethods Appraisal ToolHelp-seeking intentionsObtaining such servicesPre-posttest designHelp-seeking behaviorSuicidal thoughtsMiddle-income countriesDigital-based interventionsProportion of participantsPowered randomized controlled trialsNon-overlapping studiesLGBTQ communityPerceived stigmaIncreased Stigma, and Physical and Sexual Violence Against Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Analyzing Social and Structural Barriers to HIV Testing and Coping Behaviors
Thapa S, Ogunleye T, Shrestha R, Joshi R, Hannes K. Increased Stigma, and Physical and Sexual Violence Against Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Analyzing Social and Structural Barriers to HIV Testing and Coping Behaviors. Journal Of Homosexuality 2024, ahead-of-print: 1-27. PMID: 38456684, DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2320237.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTransgender womenHIV testing servicesStructural barriersSub-Saharan AfricaSub-SaharanSub-Saharan African countriesSame-sex relationshipsHIV testingTesting servicesFear of discriminationAnalyzing socializationPhysical violenceSex relationshipsHIV testing uptakeLack of trustAfrican countriesQualitative evidence synthesisPoor accessIncreased stigmaRisky behaviorsCriminalsQualitative studyMSMTesting uptakeNon-disclosureExamining 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 ResearchConceptsFemale 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 intakeHigh Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal
Gautam K, Paudel K, Ahmed A, Dhakal M, Wickersham J, Poudel K, Pagoto S, Acharya B, Deuba K, Valente P, Shrestha R. High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal. Journal Of Community Health 2024, 49: 575-587. PMID: 38281283, PMCID: PMC11283576, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01324-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchHIV prevention servicesHIV preventionPreventive servicesAccess HIV prevention servicesModerate to severe depressive symptomsRespondent-driven sampling surveyRisk of HIV acquisitionHIV prevention effortsSevere depressive symptomsHealth care workersMultivariate linear regression analysisMHealth interventionsHIV risk-related behaviorsMHealth strategiesMobile healthMHealth platformParticipant characteristicsMSM populationUtilization of communication technologiesMHealthRisk-related behaviorsDepressive symptomsCare workersMedian scoreMonthly income