2023
Challenges to Achieving HCV Micro-Elimination in People With HIV in the United States: Provider Perspectives and the Role of Implicit Bias
DiDomizio E, Chandra D, Nichols L, Villanueva M, Altice F. Challenges to Achieving HCV Micro-Elimination in People With HIV in the United States: Provider Perspectives and the Role of Implicit Bias. Health Promotion Practice 2023, 24: 998-1008. PMID: 37440258, DOI: 10.1177/15248399231169928.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNominal group techniqueHealth care decisionsProvider perspectivesEligibility criteriaHIV/HCVEffective antiviral medicationsPatient eligibility criteriaFacilitators of treatmentMicro-EliminationHCV treatmentAntiviral medicationsOpioid epidemicProvider knowledgePatient involvementPatient engagementDifferent clinicsRelated stigmaHCVCare decisionsHIVPatientsTreatmentGroup sessionsMost barriersFocus group sessionsModelling the impact and cost‐effectiveness of non‐governmental organizations on HIV and HCV transmission among people who inject drugs in Ukraine
Stone J, Trickey A, Walker J, Bivegete S, Semchuk N, Sazonova Y, Varetska O, Altice F, Saliuk T, Vickerman P. Modelling the impact and cost‐effectiveness of non‐governmental organizations on HIV and HCV transmission among people who inject drugs in Ukraine. Journal Of The International AIDS Society 2023, 26: e26073. PMID: 37012669, PMCID: PMC10070931, DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26073.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAntiretroviral therapyHepatitis C virusHCV incidenceHCV infectionHIV/HCV testingHIV/HCV infectionHCV transmission modelNeedles/syringesHCV testingHCV eliminationHCV transmissionAgonist treatmentC virusNew HIVHigh prevalencePWIDHIVCondom useSubstantial detrimental impactInfectionIncidencePreventative impactDrugsCoverage levelsDALYs
2021
Treatment of Hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs at a syringe service program during the COVID-19 response: The potential role of telehealth, medications for opioid use disorder and minimal demands on patients
Sivakumar A, Madden L, DiDomizio E, Eller A, Villanueva M, Altice FL. Treatment of Hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs at a syringe service program during the COVID-19 response: The potential role of telehealth, medications for opioid use disorder and minimal demands on patients. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2021, 101: 103570. PMID: 34954493, PMCID: PMC8685180, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103570.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid use disorderHepatitis C virusSyringe services programDifferentiated care modelPerson visitsC virusCare modelUse disordersInitiation of DAAChronic HCV infectionEvidence-based treatmentsCOVID-19Initial phlebotomyVirological responseHCV infectionHCV treatmentAdditional patientsElevated riskPatientsClient-centred approachPWIDHIVPerson contactTreatment demandLaboratory screening
2019
Staying hepatitis C negative: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cure and reinfection in people who inject drugs
Latham NH, Doyle JS, Palmer AY, Vanhommerig JW, Agius P, Goutzamanis S, Li Z, Pedrana A, Gottfredsson M, Bouscaillou J, Luhmann N, Mazhnaya A, Altice FL, Saeed S, Klein M, Falade‐Nwulia O, Aspinall E, Hutchinson S, Hellard ME, Sacks‐Davis R. Staying hepatitis C negative: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cure and reinfection in people who inject drugs. Liver International 2019, 39: 2244-2260. PMID: 31125496, DOI: 10.1111/liv.14152.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSustained viral responseDirect-acting antiviralsRecent PWIDOST recipientsTreatment discontinuationPerson yearsReinfection rateRelative riskTreatment outcomesSystematic reviewIncidence of reinfectionTreatment discontinuation ratesPooled relative riskHepatitis C treatmentNewcastle-Ottawa ScaleMixed effects linear modelTherapy recipientsDiscontinuation ratesHepatitis C.Pooled incidenceViral responseCure rateRecent injectingStudy qualityPWID
2018
Perceptions 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 ResearchConceptsOpioid 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 settingDrugsHealth
2017
Using nominal group technique among clinical providers to identify barriers and prioritize solutions to scaling up opioid agonist therapies in Ukraine
Madden L, Bojko MJ, Farnum S, Mazhnaya A, Fomenko T, Marcus R, Barry D, Ivanchuk I, Kolomiets V, Filippovych S, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Using nominal group technique among clinical providers to identify barriers and prioritize solutions to scaling up opioid agonist therapies in Ukraine. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2017, 49: 48-53. PMID: 28957756, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.025.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid agonist therapyNominal group techniqueAgonist therapyBuprenorphine maintenance treatmentAddiction treatment approachesImplementation science strategiesOAT servicesMaintenance treatmentClinical providersTreatment approachesTreatment servicesNGT discussionRegional controlTherapyCliniciansGroup techniqueStructural barriersWhy 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 ResearchHIV Testing and awareness of HIV status among people who inject drugs in greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Bazazi AR, Vijay A, Crawford FW, Heimer R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. HIV Testing and awareness of HIV status among people who inject drugs in greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AIDS Care 2017, 30: 59-64. PMID: 28803503, PMCID: PMC5699941, DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1363852.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV testingCompulsory drug detention centersHIV statusCorrelates of testingHIV-positive PWIDHIV testing servicesHigh-risk populationHIV testing policiesRecent criminal justice involvementRespondent-driven samplingMost PWIDHIV treatmentHIV epidemicVoluntary testingCriminal justice involvementPWIDHIVTesting recommendationsKuala LumpurTesting behaviorMandatory testingPrimary locationGreater Kuala LumpurMain correlatesTesting servicesMeasuring 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 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 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 developmentThe complex interplay of social networks, geography and HIV risk among Malaysian Drug Injectors: Results from respondent-driven sampling
Zelenev A, Long E, Bazazi AR, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. The complex interplay of social networks, geography and HIV risk among Malaysian Drug Injectors: Results from respondent-driven sampling. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2016, 37: 98-106. PMID: 27639995, PMCID: PMC5102779, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.08.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV statusHIV transmissionClean needlesRecent injection partnersHigh-risk populationRisk reduction interventionsTargeting of interventionsPublic health surveillanceRespondent-driven samplingInjection partnersHIV preventionHIV riskTreatment coverageDrug injectorsHIVPrevention strategiesPWIDHealth surveillanceGreater Kuala LumpurKuala LumpurInterventionSurveillanceImportant mechanismStatusGlobal burden of HIV, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis in prisoners and detainees
Dolan K, Wirtz AL, Moazen B, Ndeffo-mbah M, Galvani A, Kinner SA, Courtney R, McKee M, Amon JJ, Maher L, Hellard M, Beyrer C, Altice FL. Global burden of HIV, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis in prisoners and detainees. The Lancet 2016, 388: 1089-1102. PMID: 27427453, DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)30466-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHepatitis B virusHepatitis C virusViral hepatitisChronic hepatitis B virusBurden of HIVOpioid agonist therapyPrevalence of HIVTreatment of HIVIncarceration of peopleComprehensive literature searchAgonist therapyActive tuberculosisHIV transmissionC virusB virusGlobal burdenPrevention interventionsGeneral populationGlobal epidemiologyHIVDrug useTuberculosisLiterature searchLarge-scale outbreaksHepatitisSocial Network Strategies to Address HIV Prevention and Treatment Continuum of Care Among At-risk and HIV-infected Substance Users: A Systematic Scoping Review
Ghosh D, Krishnan A, Gibson B, Brown SE, Latkin CA, Altice FL. Social Network Strategies to Address HIV Prevention and Treatment Continuum of Care Among At-risk and HIV-infected Substance Users: A Systematic Scoping Review. AIDS And Behavior 2016, 21: 1183-1207. PMID: 27125244, PMCID: PMC5085887, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1413-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSocial network-based interventionHIV preventionSubstance usersHIV care continuumSystematic review highlightsCare linkageViral suppressionART adherenceSystematic scoping reviewEvidence-based practiceCare continuumTreatment continuumSystematic reviewNetwork-based interventionsPreventionHIVScoping ReviewReview highlightsSocial network strategyBibliographic databasesInterventionTreatmentMost studiesReviewStudy
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 ResearchConceptsNeedle-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 risk
2014
An exploratory qualitative assessment of self-reported treatment outcomes and satisfaction among patients accessing an innovative voluntary drug treatment centre in Malaysia
Ghani MA, Brown SE, Khan F, Wickersham JA, Lim SH, Dhaliwal SK, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. An exploratory qualitative assessment of self-reported treatment outcomes and satisfaction among patients accessing an innovative voluntary drug treatment centre in Malaysia. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2014, 26: 175-182. PMID: 25577322, PMCID: PMC4291539, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.10.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCompulsory drug detention centersVoluntary drug treatment centresDrug treatment centersTreatment centersTreatment-based approachExploratory qualitative assessmentDrug treatment programsPositive patient experienceSelf-reported treatment outcomesAcute detoxificationAddiction needsMethadone treatmentCare centerTreatment successTreatment outcomesPatient's perspectivePatient experienceDrug usersHealthcare accessExplorative qualitative studyTreatment programPatientsAddiction rehabilitationConvenience samplePsychosocial programsCorrelates of Having Never Been HIV Tested among Entrants to Substance Abuse Treatment Clinics: Empiric Findings from Real-World New England Settings
Chadwick JJ, Andrade LF, Altice FL, Petry NM. Correlates of Having Never Been HIV Tested among Entrants to Substance Abuse Treatment Clinics: Empiric Findings from Real-World New England Settings. Journal Of Psychoactive Drugs 2014, 46: 208-214. PMID: 25052879, PMCID: PMC4780256, DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2014.915363.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultChi-Square DistributionDrug UsersEmploymentFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHealth StatusHIV InfectionsHumansLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedNew EnglandOdds RatioPatient Acceptance of Health CarePredictive Value of TestsRisk FactorsSerologic TestsSex FactorsSubstance Abuse Treatment CentersSubstance-Related DisordersConceptsSubstance abuse treatment patientsSubstance abuse treatment clinicsSubstance abuse patientsSubstance abuse treatmentHIV testingTreatment patientsMale genderTreatment clinicsAbuse patientsHIVPatientsMedical problemsAbuse treatmentRoutine testingClinicSignificant minorityReal-world evaluationEmpiric findingsTesting strategiesTreatmentTesting
2013
Methadone treatment improves tuberculosis treatment among hospitalized opioid dependent patients in Ukraine
Morozova O, Dvoryak S, Altice FL. Methadone treatment improves tuberculosis treatment among hospitalized opioid dependent patients in Ukraine. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2013, 24: e91-e98. PMID: 24360402, PMCID: PMC5553122, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.09.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnalgesics, OpioidAntitubercular AgentsDelivery of Health Care, IntegratedDrug UsersFemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHeroin DependenceHumansInpatientsMaleMedication AdherenceMethadoneOpiate Substitution TreatmentProspective StudiesRisk FactorsTime FactorsTreatment OutcomeTuberculosisUkraineConceptsTB medication adherenceMethadone maintenanceTB treatmentMedication adherenceTreatment discontinuationMulti-drug resistant tuberculosisInpatient TB treatmentNumerous treatment challengesTB treatment completionOnly independent predictorOpioid-dependent patientsIndependent predictorsPrimary outcomeOpioid dependenceResistant tuberculosisMethadone treatmentTB facilitiesTreatment optionsDependent patientsTuberculosis treatmentTreatment completionTreatment challengesObservational studyMMT groupTreatment retention
2012
A Systematic Review of Antiretroviral Adherence Interventions for HIV-Infected People Who Use Drugs
Binford MC, Kahana SY, Altice FL. A Systematic Review of Antiretroviral Adherence Interventions for HIV-Infected People Who Use Drugs. Current HIV/AIDS Reports 2012, 9: 287-312. PMID: 22936463, PMCID: PMC3495269, DOI: 10.1007/s11904-012-0134-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMedication-assisted therapyCART adherenceVirologic outcomesSystematic reviewCombination antiretroviral therapy (cART) adherenceAntiretroviral Adherence InterventionPost-intervention adherenceHIV treatment outcomesHIV clinical careAntiretroviral therapy adherenceNurse-delivered interventionShort-term adherenceCognitive behavioral therapyLong-term improvementPeer-driven interventionVirologic benefitAntiretroviral therapyDevelopment of interventionsIntervention cessationAdherence interventionsProspective studyTherapy adherenceEligible studiesTreatment outcomesClinical care
2011
Medication Persistence of HIV-infected Drug Users on Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy
Ing EC, Bae JW, Maru DS, Altice FL. Medication Persistence of HIV-infected Drug Users on Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy. AIDS And Behavior 2011, 17: 113-121. PMID: 22105340, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-0082-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAnti-HIV AgentsAntiretroviral Therapy, Highly ActiveBehavior, AddictiveCD4 Lymphocyte CountConnecticutDirectly Observed TherapyDrug UsersFemaleHIV InfectionsHumansInterviews as TopicKaplan-Meier EstimateMaleMedication AdherenceProportional Hazards ModelsRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicRNA, ViralSeverity of Illness IndexSubstance Abuse, IntravenousTreatment OutcomeViral LoadConceptsDrug usersAntiretroviral therapyPatterns of medicationInjection drug useMedication-taking behaviorHigher depressive symptomsVirological outcomesMedication persistenceRegimen changeMore episodesDepressive symptomsHigher addiction severityDrug useSignificant associationConsecutive daysHIVAddiction severityMedicationsMEMS dataTherapyDaysEpisodesParticipantsRegimensDAART