2023
Learning from community-based HIV prevention to inform control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic
Abrams J, Rutledge J, Opara I. Learning from community-based HIV prevention to inform control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive Medicine 2023, 169: 107445. PMID: 36750159, PMCID: PMC9899509, DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107445.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFuture viral pandemicsHIV preventionCommunity-based HIV preventionHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preventionCOVID-19 pandemicViral pandemicHIV-negative individualsCommunity-based prevention strategiesHIV testing behaviorsPublic health initiativesCommunity-based effortsTertiary prevention effortsHealth communication strategiesMode of transmissionCommunity-based strategiesHIV screeningHIV testingTreatment initiationTreatment adherenceCurrent COVID-19 pandemicPrevention strategiesNegative individualsHealth initiativesCondom useCurrent COVID-19Black Adolescent Females’ Perceptions of PrEP for HIV Risk Reduction
Budge M, Opara I, Weser V, Sands B, Hieftje K. Black Adolescent Females’ Perceptions of PrEP for HIV Risk Reduction. Journal Of The International Association Of Providers Of AIDS Care (JIAPAC) 2023, 22: 23259582231206934. PMID: 37853731, PMCID: PMC10588402, DOI: 10.1177/23259582231206934.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAdolescent femalesPrEP awarenessHIV transmissionHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preventionAdoption of PrEPBlack adolescent femalesHIV prevention strategiesHIV risk reductionPerceptions of PrEPPreexposure prophylaxisAdherence concernsPrEP useSide effectsPrevention strategiesVirus preventionEducational campaignsPrEPNegative side effectsRisk reductionHigh rateConstant comparative methodFemalesFocus groupsEthnic groupsProphylaxis
2022
A Systematic Review on Sexual Health and Drug Use Prevention Interventions for Black Girls
Opara I, Pierre K, Assan M, Scheinfeld L, Alves C, Cross K, Lizarraga A, Brawner B. A Systematic Review on Sexual Health and Drug Use Prevention Interventions for Black Girls. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 2022, 19: 3176. PMID: 35328864, PMCID: PMC8950684, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063176.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPoor sexual health outcomesSexual health outcomesHealth outcomesDrug useSexual healthSystematic reviewEarly pregnancySearch criteriaPrevention interventionsUnwanted pregnancyBlack girlsAdolescent femalesAdolescent girlsInterventionOutcomesHIVPregnancyHigh ratePrevention researchersGirlsBlack adolescent femalesReviewHealthInfectionLarge sample
2021
Reframing Sexual Health for Black Girls and Women in HIV/STI Prevention Work: Highlighting the Role of Identity and Interpersonal Relationships
Opara I, Abrams JA, Cross K, Amutah-Onukagha N. Reframing Sexual Health for Black Girls and Women in HIV/STI Prevention Work: Highlighting the Role of Identity and Interpersonal Relationships. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 2021, 18: 12088. PMID: 34831855, PMCID: PMC8621381, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212088.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsBlack or African AmericanFemaleHIV InfectionsHumansIntersectional FrameworkSexual HealthSexually Transmitted DiseasesEthnic Identity as a Moderator Between HIV Knowledge, Viral Hepatitis Knowledge, and Psychological Antecedents Among Racial-Ethnic Minority Youth Living in an Urban Community
Opara I, Lardier D, Durkee M, Garcia-Reid P, Reid R. Ethnic Identity as a Moderator Between HIV Knowledge, Viral Hepatitis Knowledge, and Psychological Antecedents Among Racial-Ethnic Minority Youth Living in an Urban Community. Journal Of Racial And Ethnic Health Disparities 2021, 9: 1298-1307. PMID: 34041704, PMCID: PMC8617072, DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01069-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPsychological antecedentsViral hepatitis knowledgeEthnic identityMinority youthGender-specific prevention programsRisk-taking behaviorRisk behaviorsSexual negotiation skillsIdentity developmentAntecedent variablesFemale adolescentsHIV risk behaviorsLower perceptionsHepatitis knowledgeProtective factorsNegotiation skillsHIV knowledgeAntecedentsYouthUS urban communitiesLimited researchYouth LivingHIV prevention education programPrevention programsStudents of color
2019
Increasing Viral Hepatitis Knowledge Among Urban Ethnic Minority Youth: Findings from a Community Based Prevention Intervention
Opara I, Lardier D, Herrera A, Garcia-Reid P, Reid R. Increasing Viral Hepatitis Knowledge Among Urban Ethnic Minority Youth: Findings from a Community Based Prevention Intervention. Journal Of Community Health 2019, 45: 269-277. PMID: 31515664, PMCID: PMC7065932, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00740-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEthnic minority youthMinority youthUrban communitiesUrban ethnic minority youthNortheastern urban communityHepatitis knowledgeViral hepatitis knowledgeLogistic regression analysisHIV/AIDSYouthUnited StatesKnowledge interventionOpioid epidemicPrevention interventionsVH casesSubstance abuseEducation interventionBaseline surveyCommunityInterventionU.S.Significant increaseRegression analysisInfectionInnovative approach
2018
Project THANKS: Examining HIV/AIDS-Related Barriers and Facilitators to Care in African American Women: A Community Perspective
Amutah-Onukagha N, Mahadevan M, Opara I, Rodriguez M, Trusdell M, Kelly J. Project THANKS: Examining HIV/AIDS-Related Barriers and Facilitators to Care in African American Women: A Community Perspective. AIDS Patient Care And STDs 2018, 32: 119-128. PMID: 29630851, PMCID: PMC5972771, DOI: 10.1089/apc.2017.0215.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultBlack or African AmericanCommunicationCommunity-Based Participatory ResearchComorbidityDrug UsersFemaleFocus GroupsHealth Services AccessibilityHIV InfectionsHumansNew JerseyPerceptionPhysician-Patient RelationsQualitative ResearchSocial StigmaSocial SupportSubstance-Related DisordersTrustConceptsAfrican American womenHIV/AIDSHealth centersAmerican womenHIV treatment regimenMental health referralsSubstance abuse disordersMental health symptomsFemale substance abusersMental health needsGroup sessionsEvidence-based interventionsPhysician-patient trustCommunity-based participatoryFocus group sessionsTreatment regimenSocial support needsHealth referralsChronic diseasesAbuse disordersHealth educationHealthcare providersHIVHealth symptomsHealth needs