Article
Substance Abuse
Lara K. Marquez, Clara Fleiz, Jose Luis Burgos, Javier A. Cepeda, Craig McIntosh, Richard S. Garfein, Susan M. Kiene, Stephanie Brodine, Steffanie A. Strathdee, Natasha K. Martin
Summary: In Tijuana, Mexico, where HCV prevalence among PWID is high, a combination of high-coverage harm reduction and hepatitis C virus treatment is found to be the most cost-effective strategy to achieve the goal of HCV incidence elimination. Modeling studies show that this strategy can reduce the disease burden while being economically feasible.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti, Basmattee Boodram, Kimberly Page, Carl Latkin
Summary: This study aims to understand the partnership characteristics and syringe and equipment sharing among people who inject drugs. The results show that sharing of syringes and equipment is more likely to occur with injection partners with whom individuals have a close personal or intimate relationship, and whose HCV status they are more likely to know. Participants are also more likely to share with partners who live in the same household, who they see every day, who they trust, and who provide personal support.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kashif Iqbal Sahibzada, Lilia Ganova-Raeva, Zoya Dimitrova, Sumathi Ramachandran, Yulin Lin, Garrett Longmire, Leonard Arthur, Guo-liang Xia, Yury Khudyakov, Idrees Khan, Saima Sadaf
Summary: HCV infection is widespread among PWID in Pakistan, with multiple genotypes and evidence of a nationwide transmission network. Understanding this network structure is crucial for developing effective public health strategies to eliminate HCV infection in Pakistan.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natchaya Kunanitthaworn, Oramai Mueangmo, Jutamad Saheng, Worawan Wongjak, Tanin Lertsiriladakul, Tanachot Chaito, Pasawat Nantarat, Tavitiya Sudjaritruk
Summary: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies among children and adolescents in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and identify factors associated with HAV seropositivity. The study found that previous HAV vaccination and overweight were significantly associated with HAV seropositivity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jenny Pena Dias, Damani A. Piggott, Jing Sun, Leen Wehbeh, Joshua Garza, Alison Abraham, Jacquie Astemborski, Kendall F. Moseley, Shehzad Basaria, Ravi Varadhan, Todd T. Brown
Summary: This study evaluates the association between chronic HIV and HCV infection and SHBG, and assesses the relationship between circulating SHBG concentrations and low BMD, physical function impairment, and frailty. The results indicate that higher SHBG concentrations are associated with the presence of HIV and HCV viremia. Among women, higher SHBG concentrations are associated with lower grip strength, higher odds of frailty, and lower lumbar spine BMD. However, similar associations were not observed among men.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Benjamin T. Hayes, Jamie Favaro, Dan Coello, Czarina N. Behrends, Andrea Jakubowski, Aaron D. Fox
Summary: In the US, the NEXT program provides convenient access to sterile injection supplies for women and individuals lacking safe sources. Findings indicate that female participants are more likely to acquire injection supplies from less safe sources and are less likely than men to exclusively use safe sources.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Brian S. Barnett, Nathaniel P. Morris
Summary: This viewpoint discusses reforms in pharmacy distribution of over-the-counter sterile injection supplies to prevent infections and deaths among people who inject drugs, especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Fan Zhang, Zhaogeng Yang, Cong Dai, Qiyu He, Zhaochao Liang, Tianxu Liu, Weijin Huang, Youchun Wang, Lin Wang, Ling Wang
Summary: This study demonstrated that the HEV vaccine could induce high titers of protective antibodies against HEV in pregnant rabbits within a short period of time, and these antibodies could be transferred to neonates through the placenta and breast milk, providing protection against HEV infection. This suggests that HEV 239 vaccine could be considered for maternal vaccination.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Vicente Soriano, Antonio Aguilera, Rafael Benito, Rocio Gonzalez-Diez, Elisenda Miro, Paloma Liendo, Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, Teresa Cabezas, Alberto Richart, Jose Manuel Ramos, Luisa Barea, Carmen Alvarez, Ana Trevino, Felix Gomez-Gallego, Octavio Corral, Carmen de Mendoza
Summary: In Spain, the proportion of adults vaccinated against hepatitis B is still low, with approximately 60% of adults at risk for hepatitis B. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct HBV serological testing and administer HBV vaccines or boosters to all adults.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julianna Grune, Darius Savelsberg, Marta Kobus, Andreas K. Lindner, Wolfram J. Herrmann, Angela Schuster
Summary: The goal of this study was to understand the determinants of acceptability and access to the COVID-19 vaccine among people experiencing homelessness. The results showed that acceptance and attitude toward the vaccine were influenced by confidence in the vaccine, the political and healthcare system, individual COVID-19 risk perception, and sense of collective responsibility. Overall, the acceptance of the vaccine was high, but language barriers and the need for identity documents were major barriers to access.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jon M. Johannesson, Ragnheidur H. Fridriksdottir, Thorvardur J. Love, Valgerdur Runarsdottir, Ingunn Hansdottir, Arthur Love, Marianna Thordardottir, Ubaldo B. Hernandez, Sigurdur Olafsson, Magnus Gottfredsson
Summary: This study investigated the reinfection rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among patients in the Treatment as Prevention for Hepatitis C program in Iceland. The results showed a high reinfection rate in a setting of widespread stimulant use, particularly in young people. Regular follow-up is crucial for high-risk populations to diagnose reinfections early and reduce transmission.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jon M. Johannesson, Ragnheidur H. Fridriksdottir, Thorvardur J. Love, Valgerdur Runarsdottir, Ingunn Hansdottir, Arthur Love, Marianna Thordardottir, Ubaldo B. Hernandez, Sigurdur Olafsson, Magnus Gottfredsson
Summary: This study found a high reinfection rate in the Treatment as Prevention for Hepatitis C program in Iceland, particularly among young people who abuse stimulants. Regular follow-up for early diagnosis of reinfections and to reduce transmission is crucial for high-risk populations.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Leah Harvey, Jacqueline Boudreau, Samantha K. Sliwinski, Judith Strymish, Allen L. Gifford, Justeen Hyde, Katherine Linsenmeyer, Westyn Branch-Elliman
Summary: The Six Moments of Infection Prevention in Injection Drug Use is an effective educational tool that improves provider capacity and promotes the dissemination of harm reduction strategies. After the training, providers reported increased comfort in educating people who inject drugs and expressed willingness to refer patients to safe injection programs.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. Hugh Guan, Hnin Nandar Htut, Colleen M. Davison, Shruti Sebastian, Susan Andrea Bartels, Soe Moe Aung, Eva Purkey
Summary: In rural Karenni State, Myanmar, a novel community-delivered neonatal hepatitis B vaccination program by ethnic health organizations is shown to be feasible and effective. The study found that all children received their vaccines on time and none tested positive for HBV at nine months old.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Monica H. Swahn, Adelaide Balenger, Franklin Umenze, Ritu Aneja, Thomas A. Bureh, Emeka W. Dumbili, Isidore Obot
Summary: This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use, access to alcohol treatment, and alcohol harm prevention activities in West Africa. The findings highlight the adverse effects on alcohol-focused organizations, reduced access to treatment and support in communities, and changes in alcohol consumption patterns. These findings underscore the importance of addressing the impact of the pandemic on alcohol-related issues in the region.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Tushaba Ohurira, Hari S. Iyer, Jennifer A. Wagman, Judith A. Hahn, Francis Bajunirwe
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether proximity to alcohol selling points and intensity of alcohol consumption are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural southwest Uganda. The study found that women living close to alcohol selling points were more likely to experience IPV compared to men. Additionally, there was a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and IPV.
JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Elise D. Riley, Leah Warner, Judith A. Hahn, Carl Braun, Samantha Dilworth, Barry Zevin, Torsten B. Neilands, Sheri D. Weiser
Summary: The study found that alcohol and cannabis use increased among extremely disadvantaged individuals during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals faced challenges in managing chronic medical conditions and coping with substance use, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to managing the health of particularly vulnerable individuals is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mary D. D. Carmody, Katherine Wagner, Birgitta Bizstray, Karla Thornton, Phillip Fiuty, Aubrey Del Rosario, Eyasu Teshale, Kimberly Page
Summary: This study examined the engagement of young adult PWID in the cascade of care for HCV treatment. The results showed a decline in engagement at each milestone step, resulting in suboptimal treatment and cure rates. Streamlined testing and improved access to treatment from trusted healthcare providers are needed to improve the engagement of PWID in HCV treatment.
PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amy A. Conroy, Scott Tebbetts, Lynae A. Darbes, Judith A. Hahn, Torsten B. Neilands, Stacey A. McKenna, Nancy Mulauzi, James Mkandawire, Fred M. Ssewamala
Summary: Heavy alcohol use among people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa is driven by household economics such as poverty and unemployment and has negative impacts on couple relationships. Multilevel interventions have the potential to reduce alcohol use and improve relationship outcomes by addressing the web of co-occurring economic, social, and dyadic factors. This study developed an economic and relationship-strengthening intervention for couples in Malawi, consisting of matched savings accounts with financial literacy training and a couples counseling component.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Caroline Asiimwe, Robin Fatch, Debbie M. Cheng, Nneka Emenyonu, Christine Ngabirano, Winnie R. Muyindike, Judith A. Hahn
Summary: Alcohol use is problematic for individuals with HIV, and it may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions. Despite a decrease in bar attendance, unhealthy alcohol use increased. This study evaluating the relationship between bar attendance and unhealthy alcohol use is valuable for understanding this issue.
Article
Substance Abuse
Charles D. H. Parry, Bronwyn Myers, Mukhethwa Londani, Paul A. Shuper, Charl Janse van Rensburg, Samuel O. M. Manda, Sebenzile Nkosi, Connie T. Kekwaletswe, Judith A. Hahn, Jurgen Rehm, Katherine Sorsdahl, Neo K. Morojele
Summary: This study tested the efficacy of a brief intervention for reducing alcohol consumption among patients on HIV antiretroviral therapy. The results showed that a motivational interviewing/problem-solving therapy intervention significantly reduced drinking levels in HIV-infected patients. The intervention was found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Jeremy C. Kane, Isabel Allen, Robin Fatch, Aaron Scheffler, Nneka Emenyonu, Sarah B. Puryear, Priya Chirayil, Kaku So-Armah, Christopher W. Kahler, Jessica F. Magidson, Amy A. Conroy, E. Jennifer Edelman, Sarah Woolf-King, Charles Parry, Susan M. Kiene, Gabriel Chamie, Julian Adong, Vivian F. Go, Robert L. Cook, Winnie Muyindike, Neo Morojele, Elena Blokhina, Evgeny Krupitsky, David A. Fiellin, Judith A. Hahn
Summary: This study aims to systematically evaluate and analyze individual participant data to estimate the efficacy of interventions to reduce alcohol use among people with HIV, measured by a combined self-report/PEth variable. The results of this study will contribute to the improvement of intervention studies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Judith A. Hahn, Sebastian Kevany, Nneka I. Emenyonu, Naomi Sanyu, Anita Katusiime, Winnie R. Muyindike, Robin Fatch, Starley B. Shade
Summary: Low-cost interventions are needed to reduce alcohol use among persons with HIV (PWH) in low-income settings. Technology-based interventions for PWH are unlikely to be lower cost than person-delivered interventions unless they are at very large scale.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brian Beesiga, Kara Marson, Robin Fatch, Nneka I. Emenyonu, Julian Adong, Allen Kekibiina, Sarah Puryear, Sara Lodi, Michael G. McDonell, Winnie R. Muyindike, Moses R. Kamya, Judith A. Hahn, Gabriel Chamie
Summary: In order to understand the impact of Uganda's initial COVID-19 lockdown on alcohol use, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among persons with HIV who had unhealthy alcohol use. The study found that bar-based drinking was not associated with greater decreases in alcohol use during lockdown compared to non-bar-based drinking. However, there was a significant association between decreased alcohol use and increased stress during lockdown.
Article
Substance Abuse
Karla D. Wagner, Phillip Fiuty, Kimberly Page, Erin C. Tracy, Maryalice Nocera, Colin W. Miller, Lina J. Tarhuni, Nabarun Dasgupta
Summary: This study analyzed samples of street methamphetamine and cocaine sent voluntarily to a public mail-in drug checking service in the US. It found that fentanyl was primarily detected in powder forms of methamphetamine and cocaine, with lower prevalence in crystalline forms. The presence of xylazine reduced donors' accuracy in detecting fentanyl.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kimberly Page
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Esther Erdei, Xixi Zhou, Chris Shuey, Nour Ass'ad, Kimberly Page, Bobbi Gore, Chengsong Zhu, Deborah Kanda, Li Luo, Akshay Sood, Katherine E. Zychowski
Summary: The Southwestern United States has a long history of coal and metal mining, including uranium mining. Miners are at a high risk of lung diseases due to occupational dust exposure. However, there has been limited research on autoimmune biomarkers in miners, especially in relation to uranium exposure. This pilot study found significant associations between uranium mining exposure and certain biomarkers in the miners' serum.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL AUTOIMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amelia D. Stanton, Benjamin Hornstein, Nicholas Musinguzi, Brett Dolotina, Catherine Orrell, Gideon Amanyire, Stephen Asiimwe, Anna Cross, Christina Psaros, David A. Bangsberg, Judith E. Hahn, Jessica T. Haberer, Lynn Matthews
Summary: Identifying factors associated with changes in alcohol use during pregnancy is crucial for developing interventions for individuals with HIV. Pregnant individuals with HIV in Uganda and South Africa who started antiretroviral therapy participated in two assessments, 6 months apart. Categories were derived based on AUDIT-C scores, and factors associated with these categories were analyzed. The study found that most participants had no alcohol use, and cohabitation with a partner was associated with a lower risk of continued alcohol use. Additionally, there were significant associations between food insecurity and increased risk of new alcohol use, as well as between stigma and reduced likelihood of quitting. Interventions addressing partnership, food security, and stigma could be beneficial for pregnant and postpartum individuals with HIV.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROVIDERS OF AIDS CARE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gabriel Chamie, Judith A. Hahn, Allen Kekibiina, Nneka Emenyonu, Brian Beesiga, Kara Marson, Robin Fatch, Sara Lodi, Julian Adong, Harsha Thirumurthy, Michael G. McDonell, Monica Gandhi, Kendall Bryant, Diane Havlir, Moses R. Kamya, Winnie R. Muyindike
Summary: A randomized controlled trial conducted in Uganda showed that escalating financial incentives based on recent negative alcohol biomarker testing led to significantly lower alcohol use, while incentives for recent isoniazid adherence did not change adherence.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Hannah R. Tierney, Yifei Ma, Peter Bacchetti, Adaora A. Adimora, Aruna Chandran, Mirjam-Colette Kempf, Lauren F. Collins, Jack Dehovitz, Ralph J. Diclemente, Audrey L. French, Deborah L. Jones, Anjali Sharma, Amanda B. Spence, Judith A. Hahn, Jennifer C. Price, Phyllis C. Tien
Summary: Many studies have shifted from in-person assessments to phone-based surveys due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found that pivoting from in-person to phone-administered alcohol and substance use surveys may lead to underrepresentation of key subpopulations of women in substance use and HIV research.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
(2023)
