Perceptions of people who inject drugs towards HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 383
Author(s):  
Phillip Read ◽  
Karen J. Chronister ◽  
Catherine Kostovski ◽  
Mary Ellen Harrod ◽  
Allison Salmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Current Guidelines ◽  
Hiv Negative

Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are a priority for HIV prevention. This study aimed to determine perceptions, potential eligibility and willingness to use PrEP among PWID in Sydney. Methods: Clients completed a cross-sectional survey to collect data on demographics, perceived risk of HIV and willingness to use PrEP, which were then analysed. Results: Twelve (7%) of 172 HIV-negative participants were eligible for PrEP under current guidelines for injecting reasons, of whom three would also be eligible for sexual risk, leaving nine (5%) eligible for injecting reasons alone. Half had heard of PrEP and, of these, 65% would consider taking it. Most (88%) thought they would continue using needle syringe program services. A minority (8%) indicated they may be likely to share needles and syringes or be less concerned about injecting partners’ HIV status (26%). Conclusions: Although PrEP will benefit a small proportion of PWID, this may equate to a significant number nationally. Policy development around PrEP incorporating affected populations will best support the community of people currently injecting to keep rates of HIV low.

scholarly journals Awareness of and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men in India: Results from a multi-city cross-sectional survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247352
Author(s):  
Ashwin Belludi ◽  
Allison M. McFall ◽  
Sunil Suhas Solomon ◽  
David D. Celentano ◽  
Shruti H. Mehta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Introduction Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in reducing HIV transmission among key populations. In India, where PrEP is not currently part of the national HIV program, little is known about PrEP awareness, willingness to use PrEP, and barriers to uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods We used respondent-driven sampling to accrue PWID and MSM in 22 sites from August 2016 to May 2017. Participants were asked about awareness of PrEP, willingness to use PrEP (following a brief description) and reasons why they might not be willing to use PrEP. Participants were also queried on preferences for PrEP delivery modality (oral vs. injectable). Multi-level logistic regression models were used to determine participant correlates of willingness to use PrEP. Estimates were weighted for the sampling method. Results A total of 10,538 PWID and 8,621 MSM who self-reported being HIV-negative were included in the analysis. Only 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9, 6.3) of PWID and 8.0% of MSM (95% CI: 7.7, 8.4) were aware of PrEP. However, willingness to use PrEP was substantially higher in both groups: 52.4% of PWID and 67.6% of MSM. Participants commonly cited a perceived low risk for acquiring HIV infection, being perceived by others as being HIV-positive, and side effects as reasons why they would be unwilling to use PrEP. Among PWID, sharing needles and hazardous alcohol use were associated with increased willingness to use PrEP. Among MSM, having a main male partner and injection drug use were associated with increased willingness to use PrEP. Preference for daily oral or monthly injectable PrEP was similar among MSM (39.6%% vs. 41.7%,), while PWID were more likely to prefer oral to injectable administration routes (56.3% vs. 31.1%). Conclusions As India plans to roll-out of PrEP in the public sector, our multi-city survey of PWID and MSM highlights the need for key population-focused education campaigns about PrEP and self-assessment of risk.

scholarly journals Alarming tuberculosis rate among people who inject drugs in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Nagot ◽  
Vinh Vu Hai ◽  
Thuy Thi Thu Dong ◽  
Oanh Khuat Thi Hai ◽  
Delphine Rapoud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background The tuberculosis (TB) epidemic is not homogeneous in the general population but presents high-risk groups. People who inject drugs (PWID) are such a group. However, TB among PWID remains largely undocumented. Our goal was to assess the prevalence of TB and the risk factors associated with TB among PWID in Vietnam. Methods We implemented a cross-sectional survey among two community-based cohorts of HIV-positive and HIV-negative PWID in Hai Phong. Participants were screened for TB using questions on TB symptoms. Those who reported any symptom were accompanied by peers to the TB clinic for chest X-Ray. If the latter was abnormal, a sputum was collected to perform an Xpert® MTB/RIF test. Results 885 PWID were screened for TB. For both cohorts, most PWID were male (>90.0%), with a median age of 42 years. Beside heroin injection, 52.5% of participants reported smoking methamphetamine, and 63.2% were on methadone. Among HIV-positive PWID (N=451), 90.4% were on antiretroviral therapy and 81.6% had a viral load <1,000 copies/mL. Using a complete-case analysis, the estimated TB prevalence was 2.3% (95%CI: 1.0-4.5) and 2.1% (95%CI: 0.8-4.2) among HIV-positives and HIV-negatives, respectively. Living in couple, arrest over the past six months, homelessness and smoking methamphetamine were independently associated with TB but not HIV infection. Conclusions In a context of very large antiretroviral therapy coverage, this extremely high rate of TB among PWID requires urgent actions.

High-risk behaviours and associated factors among HIV-positive individuals in clinical care in southwest Ethiopia

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Kifle Woldemichael ◽  
Mekitie Wondafrash ◽  
Amaha Haile ◽  
Alemayehu Amberbir
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Safer Sex ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Southwest Ethiopia ◽  
Safer Sex Practices ◽  
Hiv Negative

A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 705 HIV-positive individuals. The result showed that 24% of the participants reported unprotected intercourse in their most recent sexual episode. Nine percent of these events were with partners perceived to be HIV-negative and 39% with those of unknown HIV status. Protected sex at recent episode was independently associated with knowing a partner's HIV status, disclosing HIV status to a partner, receipt of antiretroviral treatment and perceiving HIV as less stigmatizing. This highlights the need for interventions among HIV-positive individuals that will assist them in attaining and maintaining safer sex practices.

Getting pre-exposure prophylaxis to high-risk transgender women: lessons from Detroit, USA

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia E. Hood ◽  
Tony Eljallad ◽  
Julisa Abad ◽  
Maureen Connolly ◽  
Christine Heumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy, but it is unclear how best to deliver PrEP to key populations. Drawing upon a cross-sectional survey of transgender women (TW) in Detroit, USA, and experience of a PrEP clinic that serves this population, this manuscript describes the following: (1) the risk profile of Detroit TW; (2) the proportion of TW with at least one PrEP indication; and (3) perceptions of and experiences with PrEP among TW in Detroit. Methods: Between August 2017 and March 2018, 126 TW completed an online PrEP survey. Survey responses were summarised using descriptive statistics and multivariable relative risk regression. Results: Among participants who reported a negative or unknown HIV status (76% of all participants), 56% reported risk behaviour(s) consistent with PrEP indication guidelines, 17% reported currently taking PrEP and another 4% reported discontinued PrEP use. Among participants who met an indication for PrEP but were not currently taking PrEP, 64% indicated that they were not interested in taking PrEP. Approximately 60% of participants who were not currently taking PrEP reported that they would be more likely to take PrEP if it were provided at a clinic that also provided hormone replacement therapy. Conclusions: Although a substantial proportion of TW in our survey were on PrEP, interest in PrEP among high-risk TW who were not taking it was low. Specialised clinical infrastructure that is responsive to the specific needs of TW may be needed to expand PrEP to this oftentimes marginalised and high-risk population.

Risk Minimization Measures in Off-Label Drug Use: A Survey of Community Pharmacists in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-189
Author(s):  
Omotayo Fatokun
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Risk Minimization ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Off Label ◽  
Written Informed Consent

Background: While off-label drug use is common and sometimes necessary, it also presents considerable risks. Therefore, measures intended to prevent or reduce the potential exposure to off-label risks have been recommended. However, little is known about community pharmacists’ beliefs regarding these measures in Malaysia. Objectives: This study examined community pharmacists’ beliefs towards risk minimization measures in off-label drug use in Malaysia and assessed the relationship between perceived risk of off-label drug use and beliefs towards risk minimization measures. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 154 pharmacists practicing in randomly selected community pharmacies in Kuala Lumpur and the State of Selangor, Malaysia. Results: The majority agreed or strongly agreed that adverse drug events from the off-label drug should be reported to the regulatory authority (90.9%) and the off-label drug should only be used when the benefit outweighs potential risks (88.3%). Less than half (48.1%) agreed or strongly agreed that written informed consent should be obtained before dispensing off-label drugs and a majority (63.7%) agreed or strongly agreed that the informed consent process will be burdensome to healthcare professionals. Beliefs towards risk minimization measures were significantly associated with perceived risk of off-label drug use regarding efficacy (p = 0. 033), safety (p = 0.001), adverse drug rection (p = 0.001) and medication errors (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The community pharmacists have positive beliefs towards most of the risk minimization measures. However, beliefs towards written informed consent requirements are not encouraging. Enhancing risk perception may help influence positive beliefs towards risk minimization measures.

scholarly journals Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Training among Medical Schools in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110287
Author(s):  
Robert L. Cooper ◽  
Mohammad Tabatabai ◽  
Paul D. Juarez ◽  
Aramandla Ramesh ◽  
Matthew C. Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Injection Drug Users ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to be an effective method of HIV prevention for men who have sex with-men (MSM) and -transgender women (MSTGWs), serodiscordant couples, and injection drug users; however fewer than 50 000 individuals currently take this regimen. Knowledge of PrEP is low among healthcare providers and much of this lack of knowledge stems from the lack or exposure to PrEP in medical school. We conducted a cross sectional survey of medical schools in the United States to assess the degree to which PrEP for HIV prevention is taught. The survey consisted Likert scale questions assessing how well the students were prepared to perform each skill associated with PrEP delivery, as well as how PrEP education was delivered to students. We contacted 141 medical schools and 71 responded to the survey (50.4%). PrEP education was only reported to be offered at 38% of schools, and only 15.4% reported specific training for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) patients. The most common delivery methods of PrEP content were didactic sessions with 11 schools reporting this method followed by problem-based learning, direct patient contact, workshops, and small group discussions. Students were more prepared to provide PrEP to MSM compared to other high-risk patients. Few medical schools are preparing their students to prescribe PrEP upon graduation. Further, there is a need to increase the number of direct patient contacts or simulations for students to be better prepared.

scholarly journals Couples Living with HIV

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Violeta J. Rodriguez ◽  
Andrew Spence ◽  
Mallory Monda ◽  
JoNell Potter ◽  
Deborah Jones
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Safer Conception ◽  
Reproductive Intentions ◽  
Hiv Prevention Strategies ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Men’S Involvement

Background: Desires to have children are not lessened by a woman’s HIV status. Couples may lack information to conceive safely, and men may be especially uninformed. This study examined reproductive intentions, practices, and attitudes among men in HIV-infected couples, including attitudes regarding the perceived risk of vertical and horizontal transmission, safer conception, and preconception planning. Methods: Men ( n = 12) in HIV-infected couples were interviewed regarding reproductive intentions, attitudes, and knowledge and qualitative assessments were coded for dominant themes. Results: Themes primarily addressed concerns about the health of the baby, men’s involvement in pregnancy, safer conception, concerns about HIV transmission and antiretroviral therapy, and HIV infection. Men lacked information on safer conception and newer HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Discussion: Gaps in knowledge regarding preconception practices among men in HIV-infected couples were identified. Results highlight men’s desire for involvement in preconception planning, and opportunities for providers to facilitate this practice and to increase patient education and the use of PrEP are discussed.

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