2024
The impact of emergency guidance to the COVID‐19 pandemic on treatment entry, retention and mortality among patients on methadone in Ukraine
Ivasiy R, Madden L, Meteliuk A, Machavariani E, Ahmad B, Zelenev A, Desai M, Bromberg D, Polonsky M, de Leon S, Farnum S, Islam Z, Altice F. The impact of emergency guidance to the COVID‐19 pandemic on treatment entry, retention and mortality among patients on methadone in Ukraine. Addiction 2024, 119: 1585-1596. PMID: 38807448, DOI: 10.1111/add.16565.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchOpioid agonist therapyTake-home dosesCOVID-19 guidancePre-COVID cohortAgonist therapyOptimal doseTreatment retentionEmergency guidanceEffective HIV prevention strategiesAdult HIV prevalenceHIV prevention strategiesMinistry of HealthImprove treatment retentionMethadone dosePatient survivalTime-dependent predictorsProspective cohortHIV prevalencePredictors of treatment retentionGovernmental clinicsPrimary outcomeHazard ratioPatient enrollmentPatientsMethadone patients
2022
Preliminary analysis of self-reported quality health indicators of patients on opioid agonist therapy at specialty and primary care clinics in Ukraine: A randomized control trial
Pashchenko O, Bromberg D, Dumchev K, LaMonaca K, Pykalo I, Filippovych M, Esserman D, Polonsky M, de Leon S, Morozova O, Dvoriak S, Altice F. Preliminary analysis of self-reported quality health indicators of patients on opioid agonist therapy at specialty and primary care clinics in Ukraine: A randomized control trial. PLOS Global Public Health 2022, 2: e0000344. PMID: 36962514, PMCID: PMC10021202, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000344.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPrimary care clinicsOpioid use disorderOpioid agonist therapyPrimary careComplete self-reported dataPatient medical record dataMedical record dataComprehensive health outcomesAddiction treatment clinicsAdult PWIDAgonist therapySecondary outcomesParent trialPrimary outcomeRandomized participantsCare clinicsTreatment clinicsIntervention sitesUse disordersHealth outcomesAddiction treatmentRecord dataSelf-reported dataHealth indicatorsClinic
2021
Preference for and Efficacy of a PrEP Decision Aid for Women with Substance Use Disorders
Meyer J, Price C, Tracey D, Sharpless L, Song Y, Madden L, Elwyn G, Altice F. Preference for and Efficacy of a PrEP Decision Aid for Women with Substance Use Disorders. Patient Preference And Adherence 2021, 15: 1913-1927. PMID: 34511887, PMCID: PMC8420782, DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s315543.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSubstance use disordersPersonal HIV riskHIV preventionAddiction treatment servicesHIV riskUse disordersTreatment servicesPatient-centered decision aidAwareness of PrEPHIV prevention cascadeInitiation of PrEPPre-exposure prophylaxisOpioid use disorderStandard of careDecision aidAlcohol use severityHalf of participantsAddiction treatment programsDA participantsPrevention cascadePrimary outcomeIndependent correlatesHigh riskDecisional preferencesHigher alcohol use severityAcceptability of an mHealth App That Provides Harm Reduction Services Among People Who Inject Drugs: Survey Study
Shelby T, Zhou X, Barber D, Altice F. Acceptability of an mHealth App That Provides Harm Reduction Services Among People Who Inject Drugs: Survey Study. Journal Of Medical Internet Research 2021, 23: e25428. PMID: 34259640, PMCID: PMC8319773, DOI: 10.2196/25428.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSyringe services programHarm reduction servicesReduction servicesSecondary outcomesMHealth appsParticipant characteristicsHarm reduction needsHome deliveryMost participantsRespondent-driven samplingPrimary outcomeSuboptimal accessIndependent correlatesMedical recordsDrug injectionMobile health appsPWIDSummary scoresMedication remindersSSP usePoisson regressionUnstable housingVulnerable populationsSyringe deliveryHealth apps
2020
Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak in Urban Settings in China
Ni Z, Lebowitz ER, Zou Z, Wang H, Liu H, Shrestha R, Zhang Q, Hu J, Yang S, Xu L, Wu J, Altice FL. Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak in Urban Settings in China. Journal Of Urban Health 2020, 98: 41-52. PMID: 33258088, PMCID: PMC7703725, DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00498-8.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2019
Rationale and design of an integrated bio-behavioral approach to improve adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV risk reduction among opioid-dependent people who use drugs: The CHRP-BB study
Shrestha R, Altice FL, Sibilio B, Ssenyonjo J, Copenhaver MM. Rationale and design of an integrated bio-behavioral approach to improve adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV risk reduction among opioid-dependent people who use drugs: The CHRP-BB study. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2019, 82: 77-84. PMID: 31229618, PMCID: PMC6639056, DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2019.06.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBio-behavioral interventionHIV risk reductionOpioid-dependent peopleMethadone maintenance programPrEP adherenceHIV transmission risk reductionFirst prospective trialPre-exposure prophylaxisHIV prevention strategiesOngoing drug useRisk reductionBehavioral skills modelProspective trialSecondary outcomesPrimary outcomeRisk reduction outcomesHIV riskWeek 20Prevention strategiesUnmet needDrug useHybrid type IBio-behavioral approachProcess evaluationAdherence
2018
Extended-Release Naltrexone Improves Viral Suppression Among Incarcerated Persons Living With HIV With Opioid Use Disorders Transitioning to the Community
Springer SA, Di Paola A, Azar M, Barbour R, Biondi BE, Desabrais M, Lincoln T, Skiest DJ, Altice FL. Extended-Release Naltrexone Improves Viral Suppression Among Incarcerated Persons Living With HIV With Opioid Use Disorders Transitioning to the Community. JAIDS Journal Of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 2018, 78: 43-53. PMID: 29373393, PMCID: PMC5889326, DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001634.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultCriminal LawDelayed-Action PreparationsDouble-Blind MethodFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHIV InfectionsHIV-1HumansInjections, IntramuscularMaleMiddle AgedMultivariate AnalysisNaltrexoneNarcotic AntagonistsOpioid-Related DisordersPrisonersProspective StudiesResearch DesignRNA, ViralTime FactorsTreatment OutcomeViral LoadConceptsOpioid use disorderViral suppressionXR-NTXPlacebo groupPrimary outcomeUse disordersXR-NTX groupPlacebo-controlled trialExtended-release naltrexoneStatistical significant differenceRelease naltrexoneMonthly injectionsEligible participantsTreatment groupsJail detaineesHIVMonthsBaselinePlaceboSignificant differencesNaltrexoneJail inmatesDisordersVS levelsOutcomes
2016
Elbasvir-Grazoprevir to Treat Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Persons Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy: A Randomized Trial.
Dore GJ, Altice F, Litwin AH, Dalgard O, Gane EJ, Shibolet O, Luetkemeyer A, Nahass R, Peng CY, Conway B, Grebely J, Howe AY, Gendrano IN, Chen E, Huang HC, Dutko FJ, Nickle DC, Nguyen BY, Wahl J, Barr E, Robertson MN, Platt HL. Elbasvir-Grazoprevir to Treat Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Persons Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy: A Randomized Trial. Annals Of Internal Medicine 2016, 165: 625-634. PMID: 27537841, DOI: 10.7326/m16-0816.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedAntiviral AgentsBenzofuransBuprenorphineBuprenorphine, Naloxone Drug CombinationDouble-Blind MethodDrug CombinationsDrug Resistance, ViralFemaleGenotypeHepatitis C, ChronicHumansImidazolesMaleMedication AdherenceMethadoneMiddle AgedOpiate Substitution TreatmentOpioid-Related DisordersQuinoxalinesRecurrenceSubstance Abuse, IntravenousYoung AdultConceptsDeferred-treatment groupOpioid agonist therapyImmediate treatment groupHepatitis C virus infectionC virus infectionElbasvir-grazoprevirDrug useProbable reinfectionAgonist therapyHCV infectionViral recurrenceAdverse eventsVirus infectionChronic HCV genotype 1Double-blind trialGenotype 3 infectionTreatment-naive patientsHCV genotype 1Interferon-free HCV treatmentOngoing drug useVirologic responseHCV therapyHCV treatmentPrimary outcomeGenotype 1
2014
High prevalence of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Malaysia: Correlates of overdose and implications for overdose prevention from a cross-sectional study
Bazazi AR, Zelenev A, Fu JJ, Yee I, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. High prevalence of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Malaysia: Correlates of overdose and implications for overdose prevention from a cross-sectional study. International Journal Of Drug Policy 2014, 26: 675-681. PMID: 25532449, PMCID: PMC4452449, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-fatal overdoseRecent non-fatal overdoseRespondent-driven samplingDrug useOdds of overdoseOpioid substitution therapyInjection drug useMultivariable logistic regressionCross-sectional studyProvision of naloxoneRisk of overdoseCause of deathSelf-reported historyPast-month drug useMethadone usePrimary outcomePeriod prevalenceOpioid dependenceSubstitution therapyOpioid usersFatal overdoseHigh prevalenceLower oddsOverdose preventionPolysubstance useHIV in people reincarcerated in Connecticut prisons and jails: an observational cohort study
Meyer JP, Cepeda J, Springer SA, Wu J, Trestman RL, Altice FL. HIV in people reincarcerated in Connecticut prisons and jails: an observational cohort study. The Lancet HIV 2014, 1: e77-e84. PMID: 25473651, PMCID: PMC4249702, DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(14)70022-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchViral suppressionHIV treatment outcomesInhibitor-based regimensObservational cohort studyHIV viral suppressionART regimenCohort studyRetrospective cohortPrimary outcomeViral loadPsychiatric comorbidityTreatment outcomesIdentification of individualsHIVJail detaineesLaboratory databaseTreatment potencyDrug abuseRNA copiesNational InstitutePrison releasePublic healthBlack menIncarceration periodsOutcomesEmergency Department Use among HIV-Infected Released Jail Detainees
Boyd AT, Song DL, Meyer JP, Altice FL. Emergency Department Use among HIV-Infected Released Jail Detainees. Journal Of Urban Health 2014, 92: 108-135. PMID: 25331820, PMCID: PMC4338130, DOI: 10.1007/s11524-014-9905-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV primary careEmergency department useED visitsPrimary careHIV careED useDepartment useDrug severitySubstance useCox proportional hazards regressionUnique ED visitsProportional hazards regressionMultivariate negative binomial regressionHIV/AIDSRecent substance useHealth care continuityPrimary outcomeHazards regressionCare continuityFemale sexMedical recordsJail detentionJail detaineesNegative binomial regressionPotential covariates
2013
Integration of health services improves multiple healthcare outcomes among HIV-infected people who inject drugs in Ukraine
Bachireddy C, Soule MC, Izenberg JM, Dvoryak S, Dumchev K, Altice FL. Integration of health services improves multiple healthcare outcomes among HIV-infected people who inject drugs in Ukraine. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2013, 134: 106-114. PMID: 24128379, PMCID: PMC3865106, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.09.020.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid substitution therapyOpioid-dependent PWIDIsoniazid preventive therapyHealth-related qualityNeedles/syringesHIV-endemic regionsComposite scoreCross-sectional studyHealthcare quality indicatorsAntiretroviral therapyTuberculosis servicesPreventive therapySecondary outcomesHigher HRQoLMiddle-income countriesPrimary outcomePoor outcomeSubstitution therapyPotential confoundersTuberculosis treatmentHIV epidemicHIVHealth servicesPWIDOutreach settingsMethadone 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
Emergency Department Use by Released Prisoners with HIV: An Observational Longitudinal Study
Meyer JP, Qiu J, Chen NE, Larkin GL, Altice FL. Emergency Department Use by Released Prisoners with HIV: An Observational Longitudinal Study. PLOS ONE 2012, 7: e42416. PMID: 22879972, PMCID: PMC3411742, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042416.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsED useEmergency departmentHIV careED visitsSelf-administered antiretroviral therapyMultivariate modelContinuous HIV carePrimary HIV careEmergency department useAcute febrile syndromeObservational longitudinal studyAlcohol addiction severityED contactAntiretroviral therapyComorbid diseasesHIV severityPrimary outcomeFebrile syndromeSubstance use issuesDepartment useSevere depressionGreater social supportHealthcare resourcesMental illnessPoisson regression
2011
Rationale, study design and sample characteristics of a randomized controlled trial of directly administered antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community — A potential conduit to improved HIV treatment outcomes
Saber-Tehrani AS, Springer SA, Qiu J, Herme M, Wickersham J, Altice FL. Rationale, study design and sample characteristics of a randomized controlled trial of directly administered antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community — A potential conduit to improved HIV treatment outcomes. Contemporary Clinical Trials 2011, 33: 436-444. PMID: 22101218, PMCID: PMC3268833, DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2011.11.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV treatment outcomesSelf-administered therapyAntiretroviral therapyTreatment outcomesViral loadEvidence-based adherence interventionsPoor HIV treatment outcomesGenotypic resistance testingMedication-assisted treatmentDSM-IV criteriaAlcohol use disorderCase management servicesViral suppressionPrimary outcomeOpioid dependenceAdherence interventionsCD4 testingIntervention periodStudy groupEligibility criteriaUse disordersIntervention monthDrug usersAdverse HIVHIV
2009
A Prospective Controlled Trial of Routine Opt-Out HIV Testing in a Men's Jail
Kavasery R, Maru DS, Sylla LN, Smith D, Altice FL. A Prospective Controlled Trial of Routine Opt-Out HIV Testing in a Men's Jail. PLOS ONE 2009, 4: e8056. PMID: 19946371, PMCID: PMC2777336, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008056.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRoutine optHIV testingProspective Controlled TrialTesting groupMen's jailProportion of menPreliminary positive resultsPrimary outcomeControlled TrialsJail detaineesMultivariate analysisDisease controlHIVLower likelihoodWeek periodHigh ratePositive resultsTrialsGroupMale inmatesNew HavenOptimal timeJailEarly releaseTestingRoutine Opt-Out HIV Testing Strategies in a Female Jail Setting: A Prospective Controlled Trial
Kavasery R, Maru DS, Cornman-Homonoff J, Sylla LN, Smith D, Altice FL. Routine Opt-Out HIV Testing Strategies in a Female Jail Setting: A Prospective Controlled Trial. PLOS ONE 2009, 4: e7648. PMID: 19946370, PMCID: PMC2777332, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007648.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRoutine optHIV testingJail settingsNew CDC guidelinesHIV testing strategiesProspective Controlled TrialLow testing ratesProportion of womenControlled TrialsPrimary outcomeCDC guidelinesHigh prevalenceTesting ratesJail detaineesYounger ageLower likelihoodHIVWeek periodHigh rateTesting groupTrialsWomenTesting strategiesFemale inmatesGroupPersistence of Virological Benefits Following Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy Among Drug Users: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Maru DS, Bruce RD, Walton M, Springer SA, Altice FL. Persistence of Virological Benefits Following Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy Among Drug Users: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial. JAIDS Journal Of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 2009, 50: 176-181. PMID: 19131891, PMCID: PMC2670996, DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3181938e7e.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSelf-administered therapyHIV-1 RNACD4 lymphocyte countVirological successDrug usersAntiretroviral therapyLymphocyte countMonths postinterventionLog10 HIV-1 RNAProportion of subjectsActive drug usersVirological benefitVirological outcomesSecondary outcomesControlled TrialsPrimary outcomeBlood samplesDAARTMultivariate analysisBenefits persistTherapyTrialsAdditional strategiesOutcomesPostinterventionLack of Reduction in Buprenorphine Injection After Introduction of Co-Formulated Buprenorphine/Naloxone to the Malaysian Market
Bruce RD, Govindasamy S, Sylla L, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Lack of Reduction in Buprenorphine Injection After Introduction of Co-Formulated Buprenorphine/Naloxone to the Malaysian Market. The American Journal Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse 2009, 35: 68-72. PMID: 19212931, PMCID: PMC2791788, DOI: 10.1080/00952990802585406.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBuprenorphine/naloxoneOpioid withdrawal symptomsSyringe sharingWithdrawal symptomsSnowball recruitment techniquesLogistic regression analysisDiversion of buprenorphineLack of reductionEvidence-based approachPrimary outcomeBuprenorphine injectionOnly symptomBenzodiazepine useBenzodiazepine injectionStomach painBuprenorphineInjection doseRisk behaviorsSymptomsNaloxoneInjectionRegression analysisNLXDaily amountDose
2007
Superiority of Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy over Self-Administered Therapy among HIV-Infected Drug Users: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Altice FL, Maru DS, Bruce RD, Springer SA, Friedland GH. Superiority of Directly Administered Antiretroviral Therapy over Self-Administered Therapy among HIV-Infected Drug Users: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2007, 45: 770-778. PMID: 17712763, PMCID: PMC2693907, DOI: 10.1086/521166.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHIV-1 RNA levelsSelf-administered therapyT-lymphocyte countsDrug usersAntiretroviral therapyLymphocyte countRNA levelsPrimary outcomeProportion of patientsGreater mean reductionHIV treatment programsLog10 copies/Human immunodeficiency virusCopies/mLDAART groupVirologic outcomesSecondary outcomesControlled TrialsImmunodeficiency virusPoor adherenceTreatment adherenceEntry criteriaTreat approachCopies/Mean change