Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Xianglong Xu, Zhen Yu, Zongyuan Ge, Eric P. F. Chow, Yining Bao, Jason J. Ong, Wei Li, Jinrong Wu, Christopher K. Fairley, Lei Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to develop an HIV and STI risk prediction tool using machine learning algorithms. Clinic consultations and external validation data sets were used to develop and validate 34 machine learning models. The results showed that the machine learning-based risk prediction tool performed well and accurately predicted the risk of HIV and STIs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Virology
Alberto Rizzo, Giacomo Pozza, Federica Salari, Andrea Giacomelli, Davide Mileto, Maria Vittoria Cossu, Alessandro Mancon, Gloria Gagliardi, Bianchi Micol, Valeria Micheli, Amedeo Capetti, Spinello Antinori, Maria Rita Gismondo, Pietro Olivieri, Alessandra Lombardi
Summary: In 2022, there were several monkeypox outbreaks in countries where the disease was not previously endemic, particularly in the European Union and United States. While monkeypox is typically transmitted through close contact with lesions, there is a hypothesis of possible sexual transmission. This study found evidence suggesting that monkeypox and sexually transmitted infections may share the same route of transmission, supporting the idea of sexual transmission for this emerging poxvirus. Monkeypox, like any other STI, should be considered without stigma.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sarah L. Braunstein, Jennifer Sanderson Slutsker, Rachael Lazar, Dipal Shah, Robin R. Hennessy, Shirley Chen, Preeti Pathela, Demetre C. Daskalakis, Julia A. Schillinger
Summary: During the PAUSE executive order in New York City, diagnoses and reporting of HIV and sexually transmitted infections declined significantly, reaching a nadir in April before rebounding, with some shifts in characteristics of reported cases identified.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Linda Abou Chacra, Claudia Ly, Alissa Hammoud, Rim Iwaza, Oleg Mediannikov, Florence Bretelle, Florence Fenollar
Summary: This study found a possible association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Women with BV had a higher prevalence of STIs, including co-infections with multiple STI-causing microorganisms. Women without BV had lower rates of monoinfections and polyinfections with STI-causing microorganisms. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between BV and STIs.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jhosuny Perez-Fernandez, Diego O. Arroyo-Velasco, Mariella R. Huaman, Sarai G. Chavez-Bustamante, Anita P. Llamo-Vilcherrez, Carolina J. Delgado-Flores, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo
Summary: This study found an association between early sexual onset of intercourse and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in reproductive-age women from Peru, especially in women living in urban areas, with no history of multiple sexual partners, and belonging to the middle to higher wealth index.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Slobodan Subotic, Vladimir Vukomanovic, Svetlana Djukic, Svetlana Radevic, Snezana Radovanovic, Danijela Radulovic, Katarina Boricic, Jelena Andjelkovic, Jelena Tosic Pajic, Ivana Simic Vukomanovic
Summary: This study assessed the knowledge of STIs, sexual habits, and behavior among medical and nonmedical students in Serbia. The results showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of knowledge of STIs, vaccines, and related health information.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Elizaveta Skarga, Heljae-Marja Surcel, Rudolf Kaaks, Tim Waterboer, Renee T. Fortner
Summary: Serologic markers of sexually transmitted infection history and EOC risk were evaluated. CT infection was not associated with EOC risk, while MG infection was positively associated with mucinous EOC risk.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Azar Nematollahi, Safoora Gharibzadeh, Maryam Damghanian, Saeid Gholamzadeh, Farnaz Farnam
Summary: This study found that some transgender women engage in high-risk sexual behaviors while having limited awareness of the symptoms of STIs. Despite reaching orgasm in most of their sexual relationships, they experience low sexual satisfaction, which may be related to body dissatisfaction and the lack of vaginoplasty. The need for gender affirming surgeries and psychiatric interventions affecting body satisfaction was identified in this group.
Article
Dermatology
K. Muscat, C. Cremona, T. Melillo Fenech, M. Abela, V. Padovese
Summary: Understanding the complex interplay between STIs, substance misuse, and mental health among inmates is crucial for targeted interventions. This study found high rates of risky sexual behaviors and drug use among inmates, leading to recommendations for improved screening, education, and follow-up care both in prisons and the community. Collaboration between sexual health clinics and prisons is necessary to address these public health challenges effectively.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ellinor Anna Wolf, Hannah Clara Rettig, Mariia Lupatsii, Britta Schlueter, Kathrin Schaefer, Dirk Friedrich, Simon Graspeuntner, Jan Rupp
Summary: STIs are a major health concern, with the genital tract microbiota playing a crucial role. While current culture methods have limitations, a detailed characterization of microbiota-associated factors is essential for understanding the impact of bacteria on reproductive health and STIs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Edilbert Pelegrini Nahn Junior, Eduardo Campos de Oliveira, Marcelo Joaquim Barbosa, Thereza Cristina de Souza Mareco, Helena Andrade Brigido
Summary: The article presents the chapter on sexually transmitted enteric infections from the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. It provides epidemiological and clinical aspects of these infections and offers guidance for service managers on programmatic and operational management. The aim is to support health professionals with screening, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections and their sexual partners, as well as strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hasnain Javed, Abida Bano, Warda Fatima, Rimsha Khan, Asma Akhtar
Summary: Transgender individuals in Pakistan, particularly sex workers and those residing in urban areas, have a high prevalence of STIs including HIV, HBV, HCV, and Syphilis. This study highlights the need for increased awareness and prevention strategies targeting this neglected population group.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Pavankumar Mulgund, Raj Sharman, Sandeep Purao, Sagarika Suresh Thimmanayakanapalya, Peter Winkelstein
Summary: This study examines the information needs of individuals with or suspected STIs through analysis of 549 online forum queries. Three main categories of information needs were identified: clinical, logistical, and psychosocial, with psychosocial needs being particularly significant, accounting for about 59% of instances. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial concerns in addition to clinical and logistical information to effectively support individuals with or suspected STIs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Sanchez-Torres, Beatriz Espadafor-Lopez, Isabel Llavero-Molino, Maria Adelaida Alvarez-Serrano, Inmaculada Garcia-Garcia, Cesar Hueso-Montoro, Maria Angeles Perez-Morente
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the evolution of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the population attending a center in Granada, Spain, during the period 2000-2018, specifically comparing the pre-crisis, crisis, and post-crisis periods. The results showed a progressive increase in STIs during the study period, with a higher risk of infection during the crisis period.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Anne C. Spaulding, Zainab Rabeeah, Myrna del Mar Gonzalez-Montalvo, Matthew J. Akiyama, Brenda J. Baker, Heidi M. Bauer, Brent R. Gibson, Ank E. Nijhawan, Farah Parvez, Zoon Wangu, Philip A. Chan
Summary: 10 million people enter jails and prisons in the United States every year, with a high prevalence of STIs. These individuals are largely from communities of color and have lower access to healthcare and prevention compared to the general population. A systematic review of literature published since 2012 on STIs in various correctional facilities contributed to new recommendations in the CDC's treatment guidelines for STIs, including screening for Trichomonas in women entering correctional facilities.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Leslie D. Williams, Barbara Tempalski, H. Irene Hall, Anna Satcher Johnson, Guoshen Wang, Samuel R. Friedman
Summary: This study produced annual estimates of HIV prevalence among high-risk heterosexuals for 89 metropolitan statistical areas in the United States from 1992 to 2013 using multilevel modeling and multiple data series. The results showed a steady decrease in HIV prevalence among high-risk heterosexuals during this period, primarily driven by decreases among Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals.
ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samuel R. Friedman, Leslie D. Williams, Honoria Guarino, Pedro Mateu-Gelabert, Noa Krawczyk, Leah Hamilton, Suzan M. Walters, Jerel M. Ezell, Maria Khan, Jorgelina Di Iorio, Lawrence H. Yang, Valerie A. Earnshaw
Summary: Stigma is a fundamental driver of adverse health outcomes, and it is multilevel and structural. The proposed theoretical approach synthesizes various literatures to develop a model of the stigma system as a dialectic of interacting and conflicting structures and processes, which can help reorient public health interventions and develop alliances and strategies to oppose stigma.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Book Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samuel R. Friedman
WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samuel R. Friedman, Ashly E. Jordan, David C. Perlman, Georgios K. Nikolopoulos, Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
Summary: Zoonotic epidemics and pandemics have become frequent. The roots of these pandemics lie in changes in the socioeconomic interface between humanity and non-human host species. Modern transportation and trade have increased the spread of zoonoses. Sociopolitical and economic structures and conflicts also affect pathogen propagation. As an epidemic develops, it can become a social and political factor, changing sociobehavioral norms and institutional structures. Social readiness surveys can help predict overall system reactions and inform interventions to mitigate adverse outcomes or prevent outbreaks from developing into epidemics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Samuel R. Friedman, Leslie D. Williams, Ashly E. Jordan, Suzan Walters, David C. Perlman, Pedro Mateu-Gelabert, Georgios K. Nikolopoulos, Maria R. Khan, Emmanuel Peprah, Jerel Ezell
Summary: This paper explores the impact of structural racism on health inequities, its institutionalization process, and the limited success of efforts to reduce these inequities. By analyzing the disproportionate rates of diseases such as HIV/AIDS among oppressed populations, the paper discusses the history of racism, the interaction of different intersectional divisions, and how structural racism is institutionalized to perpetuate disease disparities. It also examines the processes and institutions that reinforce structural racism and serve as barriers to countering and dismantling it.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Suzan M. Walters, Marisa Felsher, David Frank, Jessica Jaiswal, Tarlise Townsend, Brandon Muncan, Alex S. Bennett, Samuel R. Friedman, Wiley Jenkins, Mai T. Pho, Scott Fletcher, Danielle C. Ompad
Summary: This study interviewed 23 participants from rural southern Illinois, including 19 people who inject drugs and 4 service providers. The results showed that participants were concerned about the presence of fentanyl in their drug supply and used various harm reduction techniques to lower overdose risk. However, the awareness and use of fentanyl test strips and naloxone were low.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Suzan M. Walters, David Frank, Marisa Felsher, Jessica Jaiswal, Scott Fletcher, Alex S. Bennett, Samuel R. Friedman, Lawrence J. Ouellet, Danielle C. Ompad, Wiley Jenkins, Mai T. Pho
Summary: This study uses the Risk Environment framework to explore potential economic, physical, social, and political determinants of hepatitis C among persons who inject drugs in rural southern Illinois. The findings suggest that economic instability, lack of opportunities, limited access to prevention and treatment services, structural stigma, and social stigma may contribute to HCV transmission risk and hinder access to care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ashley L. Buchanan, Natallia Katenka, Youjin Lee, Jing Wu, Katerina Pantavou, Samuel R. Friedman, M. Elizabeth Halloran, Brandon D. L. Marshall, Laura Forastiere, Georgios K. Nikolopoulos
Summary: HIV interventions among PWUD can have spillover effects, impacting other network members. Various study designs and methodological approaches have been developed to assess spillover in network-based studies. This tutorial provides an overview of these approaches and highlights other important methodological issues in network studies, including causal influence and missing data. It also presents applications of different designs and methods in studies of PWUD.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Josh Arshonsky, Noa Krawczyk, Amanda M. Bunting, David Frank, Samuel R. Friedman, Marie A. Bragg
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to identify informal coping strategies for reducing and abstaining from opioid use among Reddit users during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that users in opioid-related subreddits adopted psychological and behavioral coping skills, healthy habits, and substance use to manage withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, some users explicitly mentioned using social distancing as an opportunity to reduce or stop opioid use.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Sociology
Honoria Guarino, Pedro Mateu-Gelabert, Kelly Quinn, Skultip Sirikantraporn, Kelly V. Ruggles, Cassandra Syckes, Elizabeth Goodbody, Lauren Jessell, Samuel R. Friedman
Summary: The study found that childhood traumatic stress was associated with increased odds of early initiation of multiple opioid misuse behaviors. With each additional trauma, there was a 12-23% increase in the odds of early initiation. As risk severity increased, so did the age of initiation across the behaviors.
FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ashley L. Buchanan, S. Bessey, William C. Goedel, Maximilian King, Eleanor J. Murray, Samuel R. Friedman, M. Elizabeth Halloran, Brandon D. L. Marshall
Summary: Research has shown that using PrEP for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men can protect users and reduce HIV risk among their uninfected sexual partners. Agent-based modeling studies indicate that individuals not on PrEP may also benefit from reduced HIV transmission risk in sexual networks with high PrEP coverage.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Joella W. Adams, Maria R. Khan, S. E. Bessey, Samuel R. Friedman, James M. McMahon, Mark N. Lurie, Sandro Galea, Brandon D. L. Marshall
Summary: The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different PrEP prescription strategies for African-American women impacted by mass incarceration in an urban setting. Results showed that justice-involved interventions can reduce HIV transmissions, while CDC guideline scenarios were less efficient.
Article
Substance Abuse
Noa Krawczyk, Amanda M. Bunting, David Frank, Joshua Arshonsky, Yuanqi Gu, Samuel R. Friedman, Marie A. Bragg
Summary: Through qualitative analysis of public discussion forums on Reddit, this study found that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced OUD treatment in various ways, including concerns about service closures, transition to telehealth, reactions to changing regulations, and impacts on treatment motivation. Users on Reddit expressed a range of reactions, from increased distress to encouragement about new treatment modes, highlighting the need for sustainable policy changes post-pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2021)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Julian Santaella-Tenorio, Tarlise Townsend, Noa Krawczyk, David Frank, Samuel R. Friedman
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samuel R. Friedman, Pedro Mateu-Gelabert, Georgios K. Nikolopoulos, Magdalena Cerda, Diana Rossi, Ashly E. Jordan, Tarlise Townsend, Maria R. Khan, David C. Perlman
Summary: Big Events such as war, economic collapse, revolts, or pandemics disrupt daily life and expectations about the future, leading to rapid changes in health-related norms, beliefs, social networks and behaviors. The current Big Events, including COVID-19, economic downturn, social unrest, and global climate change, may have varying impacts on health conditions and diseases in the short and long term.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)