Last data update: Sep 16, 2024. (Total: 47680 publications since 2009)
Records 1-7 (of 7 Records) |
Query Trace: Benzekri N [original query] |
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Is the USA on track to end the HIV epidemic
Guilamo-Ramos V , Thimm-Kaiser M , Benzekri A . Lancet HIV 2023 10 (8) e552-e556 Despite progress in reducing new HIV infections in the USA, publicly available data suggest that new HIV infections continue to occur at an alarming rate. In this Viewpoint, we highlight the regularity with which the existing systems for HIV prevention and treatment delivery in the USA fail and the clearly inequitable effect of the systems' failure among several priority populations of the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative. Existing data cast doubt on whether the current EHE efforts will suffice to achieve its 2030 goal of reducing annual new HIV infections to fewer than 3000. We outline future directions in four priority areas to regain lost ground in pursuit of the 2030 EHE goals: reducing the stigma affecting people living with and most at risk of HIV; broadening the HIV workforce; mitigating harmful social determinants of health; and recommitting and reinvesting in health in the USA more broadly. |
Community-engaged Mpox vaccination provides lessons for equitable health care in the United States
Guilamo-Ramos V , Thimm-Kaiser M , Benzekri A . Nat Med 2023 29 (9) 2160-2161 The United States is facing sizable and longstanding challenges on the path to health equity, including persistently inequitable outcomes within healthcare and national public-health initiatives. The number of voices calling for substantive reform of the increasingly expensive and, by international comparison, ineffective US healthcare system is growing. At this inflection point for health equity and health-service delivery, an examination of the current state of sexual health in the United States illustrates several failures and a notable recent success during the 2022 Mpox (formerly monkeypox) response, which highlight actionable priorities for improving the broader healthcare complex. |
Condom Decision Making Among Latino and Black Adolescent Males: Social Neurobiological and Paternal Influences
Guilamo-Ramos V , Benzekri A , Thimm-Kaiser M , Rivera M , Fuller TR , Warner L , Koumans EHA . Res Soc Work Pract 2021 31 (8) 814-825 Purpose: We explored mechanisms of paternal influence associated with adolescent male condom decision making and behavior within an integrated framework of social neurobiological and behavioral theories of condom use. Method: Self-administered surveys from Latino and Black adolescent males aged 15–19 years (n = 191) and their fathers were obtained. Dyads were recruited using area sampling methodology. Analyses included multivariable logistic and ordinary least squares regression examining direct and indirect associations of adolescent decision-analytic and paternal influence factors with adolescent condomless sex in the past 3 months. Results: Notions of masculinity, low-risk perception, partner approval of, and self-efficacy for condomless sex were associated with engaging in unprotected sex. Adolescent males reported reduced odds of engaging in condomless sex when indicating greater levels of father–son communication, relationship satisfaction, and paternal monitoring. Conclusion: Father-based interventions grounded in integrated theoretical frameworks of behavioral decision making and neuroscience have the potential to promote condom use among adolescent males. © The Author(s) 2021. |
A triadic intervention for adolescent sexual health: A randomized clinical trial
Guilamo-Ramos V , Benzekri A , Thimm-Kaiser M , Dittus P , Ruiz Y , Cleland CM , McCoy W . Pediatrics 2020 145 (5) OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of Families Talking Together (FTT), a triadic intervention to reduce adolescent sexual risk behavior. METHODS: Adolescents aged 11 to 14 and their female caregivers were recruited from a pediatric clinic; 900 families were enrolled; 84 declined. Families were randomly assigned to FTT or 1 of 2 control conditions. The FTT triadic intervention consisted of a 45-minute face-to-face session for mothers, health care provider endorsement of intervention content, printed materials for families, and a booster call for mothers. The primary outcomes were ever having had vaginal intercourse, sexual debut within the past 12 months, and condom use at last sexual intercourse. Assessments occurred at baseline, 3 months post baseline, and 12 months post baseline. RESULTS: Of enrolled families, 73.4% identified as Hispanic, 20.4% as African American, and 6.2% as mixed race. Mean maternal age was 38.8 years, and mean adolescent grade was seventh grade. At the 12-month follow-up, 5.2% of adolescents in the experimental group reported having had sexual intercourse, compared with 18% of adolescents in the control groups (P < .05). In the experimental group, 4.7% of adolescents reported sexual debut within the past 12 months, compared with 14.7% of adolescents in the control group (P < .05). In the experimental group, 74.2% of sexually active adolescents indicated using a condom at last sexual intercourse, compared with 49.1% of adolescents in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This research suggests that the FTT triadic intervention is efficacious in delaying sexual debut and reducing sexual risk behavior among adolescents. |
Father-son communication about consistent and correct condom use
Guilamo-Ramos V , Thimm-Kaiser M , Benzekri A , Rodriguez C , Fuller TR , Warner L , Koumans EHA . Pediatrics 2018 143 (1) OBJECTIVES: With this study, we explore communication about consistent and correct condom use among African American and Latino male adolescents ages 15 to 19 and their fathers. METHODS: Twenty-five father-son dyads completed semistructured interviews designed to elicit specific preferences for teaching and learning about consistent and correct condom use and strategies for addressing common condom use errors and problems. For analysis, we used in vivo coding and vertical and horizontal analysis techniques. RESULTS: Fathers and sons agreed that communication about condom use is feasible and acceptable. However, fathers tended to convey vague messages regarding protecting oneself from the negative consequences of sexual activity. Furthermore, both fathers and sons reported barriers hindering conversations. Secondly, the style and frequency of condom use conversations can help overcome barriers and support father-son relationship management. Talking frequently in 1-on-1 settings and using strategies to reduce discomfort made communication easier. Lastly, fathers and sons reported distinct preferences for teaching and learning about condom use. Sons wanted fathers to give specific guidance on the use and management of condoms. Fathers expressed interest in opportunities for improving their own condom knowledge and skills. Fathers identified gaps in their own condom use knowledge as a limitation to effective instruction of their sons. CONCLUSIONS: A father-focused communication intervention about condom use is feasible and acceptable. Enhancing the intergenerational benefits of father-son communication by addressing specific father-son preferences and learning needs for condom use instruction, as well as communication barriers, represents a novel mechanism for reducing male sexual reproductive health disparities. |
Assessing the effectiveness of a community intervention for monkeypox prevention in the Congo Basin
Roess AA , Monroe BP , Kinzoni EA , Gallagher S , Ibata SR , Badinga N , Molouania TM , Mabola FS , Mombouli JV , Carroll DS , Macneil A , Benzekri NA , Moses C , Damon IK , Reynolds MG . PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011 5 (10) e1356 BACKGROUND: In areas where health resources are limited, community participation in the recognition and reporting of disease hazards is critical for the identification of outbreaks. This is particularly true for zoonotic diseases such as monkeypox that principally affect people living in remote areas with few health services. Here we report the findings of an evaluation measuring the effectiveness of a film-based community outreach program designed to improve the understanding of monkeypox symptoms, transmission and prevention, by residents of the Republic of the Congo (ROC) who are at risk for disease acquisition. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: During 90 days, monkeypox outreach was conducted for approximately 23,860 people in northern ROC. Two hundred seventy-one attendees (selected via a structured sample) were interviewed before and after participating in a small-group outreach session. The proportion of interviewees demonstrating monkeypox-specific knowledge before and after was compared. Significant gains were measured in areas of disease recognition, transmission, and mitigation of risk. The ability to recognize at least one disease symptom and a willingness to take a family member with monkeypox to the hospital increased from 49 and 45% to 95 and 87%, respectively (p<0.001, both). Willingness to deter behaviors associated with zoonotic risk, such as eating the carcass of a primate found dead in the forest, remained fundamentally unchanged however, suggesting additional messaging may be needed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that our current program of film-based educational activities is effective in improving disease-specific knowledge and may encourage individuals to seek out the advice of health workers when monkeypox is suspected. |
Laboratory worker knowledge, attitudes and practices towards smallpox vaccine
Benzekri N , Goldman E , Lewis F , Johnson CC , Reynolds SM , Reynolds MG , Damon IK . Occup Med (Lond) 2009 60 (1) 75-7 BACKGROUND: Recent cases of laboratory-acquired vaccinia virus (VV) infection highlight the need for laboratory safety. AIMS: To determine laboratory worker adherence to the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices smallpox vaccination recommendations, assess potential barriers to vaccination and determine the influence of training on laboratory worker attitudes. METHODS: Ninety-two laboratory workers in Pennsylvania were contacted and asked to complete an online survey about VV usage; 45 responded. RESULTS: Eighty-seven per cent had received a smallpox vaccination in their lifetime; 73% received vaccination in the past 10 years. More workers had been given training regarding the potential risks, versus the potential benefits of vaccination, and most perceived that adverse outcomes were more likely to occur following vaccination versus accidental infection. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the main barrier to vaccination may be fear associated with possible vaccine adverse effects and a willingness to risk accidental infection rather than be vaccinated. More information and training about the potential benefits of vaccination, as well as the potential adverse outcomes associated with accidental infection, is therefore warranted. |
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