Last data update: Apr 29, 2024. (Total: 46658 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Finlayson T[original query] |
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Unmet need for medication for opioid use disorder among persons who inject drugs in 23 U.S. cities
Handanagic S , Broz D , Finlayson T , Kanny D , Wejnert C . Drug Alcohol Depend 2024 257 111251 BACKGROUND: Persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and premature mortality due to drug overdose. Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as methadone or buprenorphine, reduces injecting behaviors, HIV and HCV transmission, and mortality from opioid overdose. Using data from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, we evaluated the unmet need for MOUD among PWID in 23 U.S. cities. METHODS: PWID were recruited by respondent-driven sampling, interviewed, and tested for HIV. This analysis includes PWID who were ≥18 years old and reported injecting drugs and opioid use in the past 12 months. We used Poisson regression to examine factors associated with self-reported unmet need for MOUD and reported adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of 10,879 PWID reporting using opioids, 68.8% were male, 48.2% were ≥45 years of age, 38.8% were non-Hispanic White, 49.6% experienced homelessness, and 28.0% reported an unmet need for MOUD in the past 12 months. PWID who were more likely to report unmet need for MOUD experienced homelessness (aPR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.19-1.34), were incarcerated in the past 12 months (aPR 1.15; 95% CI: 1.08-1.23), injected ≥once a day (aPR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.31-1.55), reported overdose (aPR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.24-1.42), and sharing of syringes (aPR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.06-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of MOUD provision for PWID is critical. Integrating syringe service programs and MOUD provision and linking PWID who experience overdose, incarceration or homelessness to treatment with MOUD could improve its utilization among PWID. |
Overview and Methodology of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women - Seven Urban Areas, United States, 2019-2020
Kanny D , Lee K , Olansky E , Robbins T , Trujillo L , Finlayson T , Morris E , Agnew-Brune C , Cha S , Chapin-Bardales J , Wejnert C . MMWR Suppl 2024 73 (1) 1-8 Transgender women, especially transgender women of color, are disproportionately affected by HIV. However, no surveillance system collects data on HIV risk factors among this population. To address this gap, CDC developed a surveillance system entitled National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Among Transgender Women (NHBS-Trans) to assess behavioral and contextual data through systematic biobehavioral surveillance to monitor behavioral risk factors, prevention usage, and HIV prevalence among transgender women. NHBS-Trans used respondent-driven sampling in seven urban areas in the United States. Trained interviewers used a standardized, anonymous questionnaire to collect information on HIV-related behavioral risk factors, HIV testing, and use of prevention services. Each of the seven participating project areas recruited approximately 200 eligible transgender women and offered anonymous HIV testing. Overall, in the seven project areas, 1,757 participants completed the eligibility screener for NHBS-Trans during 2019-2020; of these, 6.6% were seeds (i.e., a limited number of initial participants who were chosen by referrals from persons and community-based organizations who knew or were part of the local population of transgender women). A total of 1,637 (93.2%) participants were eligible, consented, and completed the interview. Of these, 1,624 (99.2%) agreed to HIV testing. Of the total 1,637 participants, 29 participants did not report identity of woman or transgender woman, resulting in a final sample of 1,608 transgender women. NHBS-Trans project area staff members (n = 14) reported that the survey was timely and addressed a critical need for HIV surveillance in a population that is often overlooked. The MMWR supplement includes this overview report on NHBS-Trans, which describes the methods (history, participant eligibility criteria, questionnaire, data collection, and HIV testing) as well as evaluation of project implementation and the performance of the questionnaire content, specifically the acceptability for transgender women. The other NHBS-Trans reports in the supplement include information on pre-exposure prophylaxis use, psychosocial syndemic conditions and condomless anal intercourse, nonprescription hormone use, homelessness, discrimination and the association between employment discrimination and health care access and use, and social support and the association between certain types of violence and harassment (gender-based verbal and physical abuse or harassment, physical intimate partner abuse or harassment, and sexual violence) and suicidal ideation. NHBS-Trans provides important data related to the goals of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative. Findings from NHBS-Trans can help guide community leaders, clinicians, and public health officials in improving access to and use of HIV prevention and treatment services by transgender women. |
Lemons et al. Respond
Lemons A , Beer L , Finlayson T , McCree DH , Lentine D , Shouse RL , Medical Monitoring Project . Am J Public Health 2018 108 (7) e14-e15 Wiewel et al. suggest that misclassification may account for differences between Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) estimates of the proportion of US transgender HIV patients that are transgender men and HIV case surveillance estimates of this proportion among persons living with diagnosed HIV in New York City and California. The risk of misclassification attributable to data entry is reduced by MMP’s electronic data collection, which has programmed logic checks based on responses to questions about sex at birth and gender to prevent errors. Furthermore, in certain sections of the interview, transgender persons are asked interview questions that would not pertain to cisgender persons, providing additional protection against data entry errors. We attribute the differences Wiewel et al. note to the method of measurement used to calculate estimates and substantial differences in populations. |
A key comprehensive system for biobehavioral surveillance of populations disproportionately affected by HIV (national HIV behavioral surveillance): Cross-sectional survey study
Kanny D , Broz D , Finlayson T , Lee K , Sionean C , Wejnert C . JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022 8 (11) e39053 BACKGROUND: The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) is a comprehensive system for biobehavioral surveillance conducted since 2003 in 3 populations disproportionately affected by HIV: gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); people who inject drugs; and heterosexually active persons at increased risk for HIV infection (HET). This ongoing and systematic collection and analysis of data is needed to identify baseline prevalence of behavioral risk factors and prevention service use, as well as to measure progress toward meeting HIV prevention goals among key populations disproportionately affected by HIV. OBJECTIVE: This manuscript provides an overview of NHBS from 2003 to 2019. METHODS: NHBS is conducted in rotating, annual cycles; these 3 annual cycles are considered a round. Venue-based, time-space sampling is used for the MSM population. Respondent-driven sampling is used for people who inject drugs and HET populations. A standardized, anonymous questionnaire collects information on HIV-related behavioral risk factors, HIV testing, and use of prevention services. In each cycle, approximately 500 eligible persons from each participating area are interviewed and offered anonymous HIV testing. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2019, 168,600 persons were interviewed and 143,570 agreed to HIV testing across 17 to 25 cities in the United States. In the fifth round (2017 to 2019), over 10,000 (10,760-12,284) persons were interviewed each of the 3 population cycles in 23 cities. Of those, most (92%-99%) agreed to HIV testing. Several cities also conducted sexually transmitted infection or hepatitis C testing. CONCLUSIONS: NHBS is critical for monitoring the impact of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative. Data collected from NHBS are key to describe trends in key populations and tailor new prevention activities to ensure high prevention impact. NHBS data provide valuable information for monitoring and evaluating national HIV prevention goals and guiding national and local HIV prevention efforts. Furthermore, NHBS data can be used by public health officials and researchers to identify HIV prevention needs, allocate prevention resources, and develop and improve prevention programs directed to the populations of interest and their communities. |
Factors associated with use of HIV prevention and health care among transgender women - seven urban areas, 2019-2020
Lee K , Trujillo L , Olansky E , Robbins T , Brune CA , Morris E , Finlayson T , Kanny D , Wejnert C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (20) 673-679 Transgender women* are disproportionately affected by HIV. Among 1,608 transgender women who participated in CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) during 2019-2020, 42% received a positive HIV test result (1). This report provides results from seven U.S. urban areas where the 2019-2020 NHBS questionnaire was administered. Thirty-eight percent of participants reported having previously received a positive test result for HIV. Detrimental socioeconomic factors, including low income (44%), homelessness (39%), and severe food insecurity in the past 12 months (40%), were common and associated with lower receipt of HIV prevention and treatment services. Having a usual health care source or a provider with whom the participant was comfortable discussing gender-related health issues was associated with improved HIV prevention and treatment outcomes, including HIV testing, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, and viral suppression. These findings illustrate the benefit of gender-affirming approaches used by health care providers (2), and highlight the challenging socioeconomic conditions faced by many transgender women. Ensuring access to gender-affirming health care approaches and addressing the socioeconomic challenges of many transgender women could improve access to and use of HIV prevention and care in this population and will help achieve the goals of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative (3). |
Racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in awareness of preexposure prophylaxis among HIV-negative heterosexually active adults at increased risk for HIV infection - 23 urban areas, United States, 2019
Baugher AR , Trujillo L , Kanny D , Freeman JQ , Hickey T , Sionean C , Respress E , Bardales JC , Marcus R , Finlayson T , Wejnert C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (47) 1635-1639 In 2019, heterosexual sex accounted for 23% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States and six dependent areas (1). Although preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can safely reduce the risk for HIV infection among heterosexual persons, this group is underrepresented in PrEP research (2). CDC analyzed National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) data to describe PrEP awareness among heterosexually active adults in cities with high HIV prevalence. Overall, although 32.3% of heterosexually active adults who were eligible were aware of PrEP, <1% used PrEP. Racial, ethnic, and gender disparities were identified, with the lowest awareness of PrEP among residents of Puerto Rico (5.8%) and Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) men (19.5%) and women (17.6%). Previous studies have found that heterosexual adults are interested in taking PrEP when they are aware of it (3); tailoring PrEP messaging, including Spanish-language messaging, to heterosexual adults, might increase PrEP awareness and mitigate disparities in use. |
HIV Infection and HIV-Associated Behaviors Among Persons Who Inject Drugs - 23 Metropolitan Statistical Areas, United States, 2018
Handanagic S , Finlayson T , Burnett JC , Broz D , Wejnert C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (42) 1459-1465 In the United States, 10% of HIV infections diagnosed in 2018 were attributed to unsafe injection drug use or male-to-male sexual contact among persons who inject drugs (PWID) (1). In 2017, among PWID or men who have sex with men and who inject drugs (MSM-ID), 76% of those who received a diagnosis of HIV infection lived in urban areas* (2). To monitor the prevalence of HIV infection and associated behaviors among persons who reported injecting drugs in the past 12 months, including MSM-ID, CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) conducts interviews and HIV testing among populations of persons at high risk for HIV infection (MSM, PWID, and heterosexually active adults at increased risk for HIV infection) in selected metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) (3). The estimated HIV infection prevalence among PWID in 23 MSAs surveyed in 2018 was 7%. Among HIV-negative PWID, an estimated 26% receptively shared syringes and 68% had condomless vaginal sex during the preceding 12 months. During the same period, 57% had been tested for HIV infection, and 55% received syringes from a syringe services program (SSP). While overall SSP use did not significantly change since 2015, a substantial decrease in SSP use occurred among Black PWID, and HIV prevalence among Black PWID was higher than that among Hispanic and White PWID. These findings underscore the importance of continuing and expanding HIV prevention programs and community-based strategies for PWID, such as those provided by SSPs, especially following service disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic (4). Efforts are needed to ensure that PWID have low-barrier access to comprehensive and integrated needs-based SSPs (where legally permissible) that include provision of sterile syringes and safe syringe disposal, HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and referrals to HIV and HCV treatment, HIV preexposure prophylaxis, and treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. |
Black men who have sex with men living in states with HIV criminalization laws report high stigma, 23 U.S. cities, 2017
Baugher AR , Whiteman A , Jeffries WL4th , Finlayson T , Lewis R , Wejnert C . AIDS 2021 35 (10) 1637-1645 OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between HIV laws, perceived community stigma, and behaviors and to compare differences between and within Black and White men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN/METHODS: National HIV Behavioral Surveillance conducted interviews and HIV testing with MSM in 23 U.S. cities in 2017 using venue-based sampling methods. We used weighted cross-sectional data to compare MSM living in states with versus without HIV laws using Rao-Scott chi-square tests. We modeled the association between stigma and state HIV laws within racial groups to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 7392 MSM, 56% lived in a state with HIV laws. In law states, Black MSM were more likely than White MSM to report their community would discriminate against persons with HIV (PWH) (59 versus 34%), not support the rights of PWH (20 versus 9%), not be friends with PWH (19 versus 10%), believe PWH 'got what they deserved' (27 versus 16%), and be intolerant of MSM (14 versus 5%). Adjusted for confounders, Black MSM in HIV law states were more likely to think their community would discriminate against PWH (aPR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02-1.29; Pā=ā0.02) and be intolerant toward MSM (aPR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.43-2.86; Pā<ā0.001) than Black MSM in states without such laws. CONCLUSIONS: HIV laws were related to higher stigma, but only for Black MSM. Future research regarding HIV-related laws should account for racial/ethnic disparities. Modernizing laws can delegitimize stigma and promote focusing on effective HIV prevention strategies. |
An application of agent-based modeling to explore the impact of decreasing incarceration rates and increasing drug treatment access on sero-discordant partnerships among people who inject drugs
Linton SL , Jarlais DCD , Ornstein JT , Kasman M , Hammond R , Kianian B , Smith JC , Wolfe ME , Ross Z , German D , Flynn C , Raymond HF , Klevens RM , Spencer E , Schacht JM , Finlayson T , Paz-Bailey G , Wejnert C , Cooper HLF . Int J Drug Policy 2021 94 103194 BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs (PWID) lag behind other key populations in HIV care continuum outcomes. The impacts of criminal justice reform and increasing drug treatment access on HIV have been underexplored. METHODS: We developed agent-based models (ABM) of sexual partnerships among PWID and non-PWID, and injection equipment-sharing partnerships among PWID in five US cities (Baltimore, Boston, Miami, New York City, San Francisco) over 3 years. The first set of ABM projected changes in partnership discordance among PWID as a function of decreasing ZIP code-level incarceration rates. The second set projected discordance as a function of increasing ZIP code-level drug treatment access. ABM were parameterized and validated overall, and by city and PWID race/ethnicity (Black, Latino, White) using National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data, administrative ZIP code-level data, surveillance reports and prior literature. Informed by research on prisoner release and community-level HIV prevalence, reductions in incarceration rates were fixed at 5% and 30% and respectively projected to increase ZIP code-level HIV prevalence by 2% and 12%. Increases in drug treatment access were fixed at 30% and 58%. RESULTS: In each city, a 30% reduction in ZIP code-level incarceration rates and 12% increase in ZIP code-level HIV prevalence significantly increased sero-discordance among at least one racial/ethnic group of PWID by 1-3 percentage points. A 5% reduction in incarceration rates, and 30% and 58% increases in drug treatment access, led to isolated significant changes in sero-discordance among Black and White PWID that were less than 1 percentage point. CONCLUSION: Reductions in incarceration rates may lead to short-term increases in sero-discordant partnerships among some PWID by increasing community-level HIV prevalence. Efforts to increase HIV testing, engagement in care and community reintegration post release, should be strengthened in the wake of incarceration reform. Additional research should confirm these findings and explore the lack of widespread impacts of drug treatment in this study. |
COVID-19 Case Surveillance: Trends in Person-Level Case Data Completeness, United States, April 5-September 30, 2020.
Gold JAW , DeCuir J , Coyle JP , Duca LM , Adjemian J , Anderson KN , Baack BN , Bhattarai A , Dee D , Durant TM , Ewetola R , Finlayson T , Roush SW , Yin S , Jackson BR , Fullerton KE . Public Health Rep 2021 136 (4) 466-474 OBJECTIVES: To obtain timely and detailed data on COVID-19 cases in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses 2 data sources: (1) aggregate counts for daily situational awareness and (2) person-level data for each case (case surveillance). The objective of this study was to describe the sensitivity of case ascertainment and the completeness of person-level data received by CDC through national COVID-19 case surveillance. METHODS: We compared case and death counts from case surveillance data with aggregate counts received by CDC during April 5-September 30, 2020. We analyzed case surveillance data to describe geographic and temporal trends in data completeness for selected variables, including demographic characteristics, underlying medical conditions, and outcomes. RESULTS: As of November 18, 2020, national COVID-19 case surveillance data received by CDC during April 5-September 30, 2020, included 4 990 629 cases and 141 935 deaths, representing 72.7% of the volume of cases (n = 6 863 251) and 71.8% of the volume of deaths (n = 197 756) in aggregate counts. Nationally, completeness in case surveillance records was highest for age (99.9%) and sex (98.8%). Data on race/ethnicity were complete for 56.9% of cases; completeness varied by region. Data completeness for each underlying medical condition assessed was <25% and generally declined during the study period. About half of case records had complete data on hospitalization and death status. CONCLUSIONS: Incompleteness in national COVID-19 case surveillance data might limit their usefulness. Streamlining and automating surveillance processes would decrease reporting burdens on jurisdictions and likely improve completeness of national COVID-19 case surveillance data. |
Assessment of PrEP awareness, PrEP discussion with a provider, and PrEP use by transmission risk group with an emphasis on the southern United States
Jones JT , Smith DK , Wiener J , August EM , Finlayson T , Wejnert C . AIDS Behav 2021 25 (9) 2985-2991 The number of new HIV diagnoses is highest in the South. Many persons who might benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are not engaged in the HIV PrEP continuum of care. We analyzed National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data to assess engagement in the PrEP continuum of care among persons with increased HIV risk. We compared PrEP awareness, discussion with a clinical provider, and use among persons living in the South to those living elsewhere in the United States. PrEP awareness was lowest among heterosexual persons (7%), highest among men who have sex with men (85%), and 26% among persons who inject drugs. PrEP use was low among each population (≤ 35% for all cycles). There was limited evidence of differences in PrEP use between persons in southern and non-southern U.S. Efforts are needed to increase use of PrEP among each of the groups with increased HIV risk. |
Health care coverage and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among men who have sex with men living in 22 US cities with Medicaid expansion, 2017
Baugher AR , Finlayson T , Lewis R , Sionean C , Whiteman A , Wejnert C . Am J Public Health 2021 111 (4) e1-e9 Objectives. To compare health care coverage and utilization between men who have sex with men (MSM) in Medicaid expansion versus nonexpansion states.Methods. We used cross-sectional weighted data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, which used venue-based methods to interview and test MSM in 22 US cities from June through December, 2017 (n = 8857). We compared MSM in Medicaid expansion versus nonexpansion states by using the Rao-Scott χ(2) test stratified by HIV status. We used multivariable logistic regression to model the relationship between Medicaid expansion, coverage, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use.Results. MSM in expansion states were more likely to have insurance (87.9% vs 71.6%), have Medicaid (21.3% vs 3.8%), discuss PrEP with a provider (58.8% vs 44.3%), or use PrEP (31.1% vs 17.5%).Conclusions. Medicaid expansion is associated with higher coverage and care, including PrEP.Public Health Implications. States may consider expanding Medicaid to help end the HIV epidemic. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print January 21, 2021: e1-e9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306035). |
Healthcare access and utilization among persons who inject drugs in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states: 22 United States cities, 2018
Lewis R , Baugher AR , Finlayson T , Wejnert C , Sionean C . J Infect Dis 2020 222 S420-s428 BACKGROUND: Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act increased insurance coverage, access to healthcare, and substance use disorder treatment, for many Americans. We assessed differences in healthcare access and utilization among persons who inject drugs (PWID) by state Medicaid expansion status. METHODS: In 2018, PWID were interviewed in 22 US cities for National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. We analyzed data from PWID aged 18-64 years who reported illicit use of opioids (nā =ā 9957) in the past 12 months. Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine differences by Medicaid expansion status in indicators of healthcare access and utilization. RESULTS: Persons who inject drugs in Medicaid expansion states were more likely to have insurance (87% vs 36%; aPR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.0-2.6), a usual source of healthcare (53% vs 34%; aPR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9), and have used medication-assisted treatment (61% vs 36%; aPR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), and they were less likely to have an unmet need for care (21% vs 39%; aPR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.7) than those in nonexpansion states. CONCLUSIONS: Low insurance coverage, healthcare access, and medication-assisted treatment utilization among PWID in some areas could hinder efforts to end the intertwined human immunodeficiency virus and opioid overdose epidemics. |
Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV preexposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men - 23 urban areas, 2017
Kanny D , Jeffries WL 4th , Chapin-Bardales J , Denning P , Cha S , Finlayson T , Wejnert C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (37) 801-806 In 2017, preliminary data show that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 67% of new diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, that MSM who inject drugs accounted for an additional 3%, and that African American/black (black) and Hispanic/Latino (Hispanic) MSM were disproportionately affected (1). During 2010-2015, racial/ethnic disparities in HIV incidence increased among MSM; in 2015, rates among black and Hispanic MSM were 10.5 and 4.9 times as high, respectively, as the rate among white MSM (compared with 9.2 and 3.8 times as high, respectively, in 2010) (2). Increased use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which reduces the risk for sexual acquisition of HIV infection by approximately 99% when taken daily as prescribed,* would help to reduce these disparities and support the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America initiative(dagger) (3). Although PrEP use has increased among all MSM since 2014 (4), racial/ethnic disparities in PrEP use could increase existing disparities in HIV incidence among MSM (5). To understand racial/ethnic disparities in PrEP awareness, discussion with a health care provider, and use (steps in the HIV PrEP continuum of care) (6), CDC analyzed 2017 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) data. Black and Hispanic MSM were significantly less likely than were white MSM to be aware of PrEP, to have discussed PrEP with a health care provider, or to have used PrEP within the past year. Among those who had discussed PrEP with a health care provider within the past year, 68% of white MSM, 62% of Hispanic MSM, and 55% of black MSM, reported PrEP use. Prevention efforts need to increase PrEP use among all MSM and target eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in PrEP use.( section sign). |
Factors associated with HIV antiretroviral therapy among men who have sex with men in 20 US cities, 2014
Stein R , Xu S , Williams W , Marano M , Eke A , Finlayson T , Paz-Bailey G , Wejnert C . J Urban Health 2019 96 (6) 868-877 Reducing HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) is a national goal, and early diagnosis, timely linkage to HIV medical care, and ongoing care and treatment are critical for improving health outcomes for MSM with HIV and preventing transmission to others. We assessed demographic, social, and economic factors associated with HIV antiretroviral treatment among HIV-infected MSM. Data are from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) collected in 2014 among MSM. We estimated prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals using average marginal predictions from logistic regression. Overall, 89% of HIV-positive MSM reported currently taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). After controlling for other variables, we found that higher perceived community stigma and not having health insurance were significant risk factors for not taking ART. We also found that high socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with taking ART. Race/ethnicity was not significantly associated with taking ART in either the unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Findings suggest that to increase ART use for MSM with HIV, we need to move beyond individual-level approaches and move towards the development, dissemination, and evaluation of structural and policy interventions that respond to these important social and economic factors. |
Changes in HIV preexposure prophylaxis awareness and use among men who have sex with men - 20 urban areas, 2014 and 2017
Finlayson T , Cha S , Xia M , Trujillo L , Denson D , Prejean J , Kanny D , Wejnert C . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (27) 597-603 In February 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed a strategic initiative to end the human immunodeficiency (HIV) epidemic in the United States by reducing new HIV infections by 90% during 2020-2030* (1). Phase 1 of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative focuses on Washington, DC; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and 48 counties where the majority of new diagnoses of HIV infection in 2016 and 2017 were concentrated and on seven states with a disproportionate occurrence of HIV in rural areas relative to other states.(dagger) One of the four pillars in the initiative is protecting persons at risk for HIV infection using proven, comprehensive prevention approaches and treatments, such as HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is the use of antiretroviral medications that have proven effective at preventing infection among persons at risk for acquiring HIV. In 2014, CDC released clinical PrEP guidelines to health care providers (2) and intensified efforts to raise awareness and increase the use of PrEP among persons at risk for infection, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), a group that accounted for an estimated 68% of new HIV infections in 2016 (3). Data from CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) were collected in 20 U.S. urban areas in 2014 and 2017, covering 26 of the geographic areas included in Phase I of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, and were compared to assess changes in PrEP awareness and use among MSM. From 2014 to 2017, PrEP awareness increased by 50% overall, with >80% of MSM in 17 of the 20 urban areas reporting PrEP awareness in 2017. Among MSM with likely indications for PrEP (e.g., sexual risk behaviors or recent bacterial sexually transmitted infection [STI]), use of PrEP increased by approximately 500% from 6% to 35%, with significant increases observed in all urban areas and in almost all demographic subgroups. Despite this progress, PrEP use among MSM, especially among black and Hispanic MSM, remains low. Continued efforts to improve coverage are needed to reach the goal of 90% reduction in HIV incidence by 2030. In addition to developing new ways of connecting black and Hispanic MSM to health care providers through demonstration projects, CDC has developed resources and tools such as the Prescribe HIV Prevention program to enable health care providers to integrate PrEP into their clinical care.( section sign) By routinely testing their patients for HIV, assessing HIV-negative patients for risk behaviors, and prescribing PrEP as needed, health care providers can play a critical role in this effort. |
Incarceration, HIV risk-related behaviors, and partner characteristics among heterosexual men at increased risk of HIV infection, 20 US cities
Wise A , Finlayson T , Sionean C , Paz-Bailey G . Public Health Rep 2019 134 63s-70s OBJECTIVES: The effect of incarceration on HIV risk-related behaviors among at-risk heterosexual men is understudied. The objective of our study was to examine the association between incarceration and HIV risk-related behaviors among a sample of predominantly non-Hispanic black and Hispanic heterosexual men residing in urban areas in the United States with a high prevalence of AIDS. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2013 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system on 5321 at-risk heterosexual men using log-linked Poisson regression models, adjusted for demographic characteristics and clustered on city. RESULTS: Of 5321 men, 1417 (26.6%) had recently been incarcerated (in the past 12 months), 2781 (52.3%) had ever been incarcerated but not in the past 12 months, and 1123 (21.1%) had never been incarcerated. Recent incarceration was associated with multiple casual female sexual partners (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.44), condomless sex with multiple female sexual partners (aPR = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.06-1.66), injection drug use (aPR = 3.75; 95% CI, 2.64-5.32), and having sexual partners who were more likely to have ever injected drugs (aPR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.48-2.28), been incarcerated (aPR = 2.28; 95% CI, 2.01-2.59), or had a concurrent sexual partner (aPR = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.11), as compared with never-incarcerated men. CONCLUSIONS: Incarceration history was associated with HIV risk-related behaviors among heterosexual men from urban areas in the United States. Correctional rehabilitation initiatives are needed to promote strategies that mitigate HIV risk-related behaviors and promote healthy reentry into communities among heterosexual men at high risk for HIV. |
Age-related differences in past or present HCV infection among people who inject drugs - National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, eight U.S cities, 2015
Abara WE , Trujillo L , Broz D , Finlayson T , Teshale E , Paz-Bailey G , Glick S , Al-Tayyib AA , Robinson WT , Masiello-Schuette S , Sey EK , Anderson BJ , Poe J , Braunstein S . J Infect Dis 2019 220 (3) 377-385 INTRODUCTION: Historically, older people who inject drugs (PWID) have had the highest hepatitis C burden, however, young PWID account for recent increases in HCV infection. We assessed factors associated with past or present HCV infection (HCV antibody-positive) among young (</=35 years) and older PWID (>35 years). METHODS: Using Poisson regression, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) to examine socio-demographic and past 12-month injection risk behaviors associated with HCV infection. RESULTS: Of 4,094 PWID, 55.2% were HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV). Among young PWID, anti-HCV prevalence was 42.1% and associated with </=high school diploma/GED (aPR=1.17, 95%CI=1.03-1.32), receptive syringe sharing (aPR=1.37, 95%CI=1.21-1.56), sharing injection equipment (aPR=1.16, 95%CI=1.01-1.35), arrest history (aPR=1.14, 95%CI=1.02-1.29), and injecting speedball (aPR=1.37, 95%CI=1.16-1.61). Among older PWID, anti-HCV prevalence was 62.2% and associated with </=high school diploma/GED (aPR= 1.08, 95%CI=1.02-1.15), sharing injection equipment (aPR=1.08, 95% CI=1.02-1.15), high injection frequency (aPR=1.16, 95%CI=1.01-1.34), and injecting speedball (aPR=1.09, 95%CI=1.01-1.16). CONCLUSION: Anti-HCV positivity prevalence is high and associated with risky injection practices. Almost half of young PWID were anti-HCV positive. Improving access to direct-acting antiviral treatment, syringe service programs, and medication-assisted therapy are critical to reducing HCV transmission risk and infection burden, particularly among young PWID who are more likely to be newly infected. |
An innovative approach to assess similarity between sex partners
An Q , Song R , Finlayson TJ , Sionean C , Wejnert C . AIDS Behav 2018 23 (8) 2190-2198 We present a simple, comprehensive method for assessing similarity between sex partners of a participant and demonstrate its application using data collected in 2015 as part of CDC's National HIV behavioral surveillance (NHBS) among persons who inject drugs (PWID). We found that the pairwise similarity between sex partners of a survey participant was high. The similarity between second-to-last and third-to-last partners in the past 3 months was significantly higher than that between last and second-to-last partner in partner type, frequency of sex acts, and the contextual characteristics of sex behavior at last sexual encounter. The proposed approach provides an innovative measure of the added value of multi-partner series. The empirical analysis suggests that querying additional sex partners contributes limited data to characterize a participant's sexual behaviors among NHBS PWID. Future studies should apply the proposed method to evaluate the added value of data on multiple sex partners among other populations. |
Sex practices by HIV awareness and engagement in the continuum of care among MSM: A National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Analysis in 21 U.S. cities
Whitham HK , Sansom SL , Wejnert C , Finlayson T , Huang YA , An Q , Paz-Bailey G . AIDS Behav 2017 22 (3) 840-847 Using National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) cross-sectional survey and HIV testing data in 21 U.S. metropolitan areas, we identify sex practices among sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) associated with: (1) awareness of HIV status, and (2) engagement in the HIV care continuum. Data from 2008, 2011, and 2014 were aggregated, yielding a sample of 5079 sexually active MSM living with HIV (MLWH). Participants were classified into HIV status categories: (1) unaware; (2) aware and out of care; (3) aware and in care without antiretroviral therapy (ART); and (4) aware and on ART. Analyses were conducted examining sex practices (e.g. condomless sex, discordant condomless sex, and number of sex partners) by HIV status. Approximately 30, 5, 10 and 55% of the sample was classified as unaware, aware and out of care, aware and in care without ART, and aware and on ART, respectively. Unaware MLWH were more likely to report condomless anal sex with a last male partner of discordant or unknown HIV status (25.9%) than aware MLWH (18.0%, p value < 0.0001). Unaware MLWH were 3 times as likely to report a female sex partner in the prior 12 months as aware MLWH (17.3 and 5.6%, p-value < 0.0001). When examining trends across the continuum of care, reports of any condomless anal sex with a male partner in the past year (ranging from 65.0 to 70.0%), condomless anal sex with a male partner of discordant or unknown HIV status (ranging from 17.7 to 21.3%), and median number of both male and female sex partners were similar. In conclusion, awareness of HIV and engagement in care was not consistently associated with protective sex practices, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts. |
Characteristics of HIV-positive transgender men receiving medical care: United States, 2009-2014
Lemons A , Beer L , Finlayson T , Hubbard McCree D , Lentine D , Shouse RL . Am J Public Health 2017 108 (1) e1-e3 OBJECTIVES: To present the first national estimate of the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of HIV-positive transgender men receiving medical care in the United States. METHODS: This analysis included pooled interview and medical record data from the 2009 to 2014 cycles of the Medical Monitoring Project, which used a 3-stage, probability-proportional-to-size sampling methodology. RESULTS: Transgender men accounted for 0.16% of all adults and 11% of all transgender adults receiving HIV medical care in the United States from 2009 to 2014. Of these HIV-positive transgender men receiving medical care, approximately 47% lived in poverty, 69% had at least 1 unmet ancillary service need, 23% met criteria for depression, 69% were virally suppressed at their last test, and 60% had sustained viral suppression over the previous 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although they constitute a small proportion of all HIV-positive patients, more than 1 in 10 transgender HIV-positive patients were transgender men. Many experienced socioeconomic challenges, unmet needs for ancillary services, and suboptimal health outcomes. Attention to the challenges facing HIV-positive transgender men may be necessary to achieve the National HIV/AIDS Strategy goals of decreasing disparities and improving health outcomes among transgender persons. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print November 21, 2017: e1-e3. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.304153). |
Surveillance among men who have sex with men in the United States: A comparison of web-based and venue-based samples
Chen YT , Bowles K , An Q , DiNenno E , Finlayson T , Hoots B , Paz-Bailey G , Wejnert C . AIDS Behav 2017 22 (7) 2104-2112 Although men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited through web-based and venue-based sampling methods have been compared, no large web-based and venue-based samples using similar survey instruments have been examined in the U.S. This study describes the differences in sociodemographic characteristics and risk behaviors between the 2012 Web-based HIV Behavioral Survey (n = 3221) and 2011 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (n = 9256). Compared with participants in the venue-based sample, participants in the web-based sample were older, less likely to be black or Hispanic, more likely to have higher socioeconomic status, and more likely to have anal sex without a condom with their last male sex partner. Web-based participants were less likely to have multiple male sex partners, ever injected drugs, been tested for HIV in the past 12 months, and received free condoms than venue-based participants. The method for sampling MSM into a behavioral survey should consider the sub-population of MSM to be reached. |
Alcohol and cocaine use among Latino and African American MSM in 6 US cities
Zaller N , Yang C , Operario D , Latkin C , McKirnan D , O'Donnell L , Fernandez M , Seal D , Koblin B , Flores S , Spikes P . J Subst Abuse Treat 2017 80 26-32 Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. MSM comprise roughly 2% of the US population, yet approximately two-thirds of new HIV infections are among MSM (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). Additionally, significant racial and ethnic disparities exist with respect to HIV transmission among MSM. Based on the current HIV diagnoses rates in the US, about 1 in 2 African American men who have sex with men (AAMSM), 1 in 4 Latino MSM (LMSM) and 1 in 11 white MSM will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime (Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2016a). In general, substance-using MSM are among the groups with the greatest risk for HIV infection (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011; Margolis, Joseph, Hirshfield, et al., 2014; Pines, Gorbach, Weiss, et al., 2014; Plankey, Ostrow, Stall, et al., 2007); nearly a third of incident HIV infections among MSM may be associated with non-injection drug use (Mansergh et al., 2008; Van Tieu & Koblin, 2009). Substance-using sexual minorities are more likely to underutilize substance use treatment (McCabe, Bostwick, Hughes, West, & Boyd, 2010) and may be an HIV transmission bridge to non-drug-using populations (Lambert et al., 2011). | With respect to alcohol use, high rates of both alcohol consumption and binge drinking have been documented among MSM populations (Finlayson et al., 2011). Additionally, previous studies have found associations between heavy drinking, as define as having 6 or more drinks on one occasion or 4 or more drinks daily, and HIV risk behaviors among MSM, such as condomless anal intercourse and greater number of sexual patterns (Colfax et al., 2004; Greenwood et al., 2001; Koblin et al., 2003a; Woolf & Maisto, 2009). Previous studies also suggest that many substance-using MSM populations engage in use of multiple substances, often concomitantly (Santos et al., 2013). There also may be a dose response with number and frequency of substances used with respect to condomless anal sex among HIV negative MSM (Santos et al., 2013). However, patterns of substance-use vary across racial and ethnic MSM populations, e.g. African American substance-using MSM being more likely to use crack/cocaine relative to other substance-using MSM populations (Goldstein, Burstyn, LeVasseur, & Welles, 2016; Halkitis & Jerome, 2008; Hatfield, Horvath, Jacoby, & Simon Rosser, 2009; Mimiaga, Reisner, Fontaine, et al., 2010; Paul, Boylan, Gregorich, Ayala, & Choi, 2014). Thus, it is important to better understand patterns of concomitant substance-use, e.g. methamphetamine, crack/cocaine and alcohol, across specific sociodemographic categories among MSM populations (Santos et al., 2013). Sociodemographic characteristics which may be particularly relevant for specific MSM populations include poverty and history of incarceration. For example, pronounced racial disparities have been found between AAMSM and other MSM populations with respect to structural barriers, such as low income, unemployment and incarceration, associated with HIV infection (Millet, Peterson, Flores, Hart, et al., 2012). Additionally, a recent study conducted by Rutledge et al, found a high proportion of MSM reporting both a history of incarceration and substance use. This study found rates of incarceration highest among men who classified themselves as “down-low”, e.g. endorsing secrecy about same-sex sexual behavior, promting the authors to posit that this population may engage in trading sex for money more often and thus increase their risk for incarceration (Rutledge, Jemmott, O'Leary, & Icard, 2016). |
Antiretroviral therapy use among HIV-infected people who inject drugs - 20 cities, United States, 2009-2015
Hoots BE , Finlayson TJ , Broz D , Paz-Bailey G . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017 75 Suppl 3 S392-s396 BACKGROUND: Approximately 16% of infections among those living with diagnosed HIV infection in the United States are attributable to injection drug use. Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are recommended for all infected persons to improve health and prevent transmission. Using data from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, we evaluated changes in ARV use from 2009 to 2015 among HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS: PWID were recruited by respondent-driven sampling in 20 cities. ARV use was defined as self-reported use at the time of interview. Prevalence ratios measuring change in ARV use per 3-year increase in year were estimated using log-linked Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: ARV use was 58% (319/548) in 2009, 67% (410/608) in 2012, and 71% (386/545) in 2015. In all 3 cycle years, a higher percentage of ARV treatment was observed among males, PWID of older age (≥50), and PWID with current health insurance. ARV use increased overall, with an adjusted relative increase of 8% per every 3-year increase in year (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.03 to 1.12). ARV use also increased among most subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show progress in ARV treatment, although ARV coverage remains low compared with other populations at risk for HIV. Efforts to improve ARV coverage among PWIDs are needed. |
Health care use and HIV-related behaviors of black and Latina transgender women in 3 US metropolitan areas: Results from the Transgender HIV Behavioral Survey
Denson DJ , Padgett PM , Pitts N , Paz-Bailey G , Bingham T , Carlos JA , McCann P , Prachand N , Risser J , Finlayson T . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017 75 Suppl 3 S268-s275 PURPOSE: HIV prevalence estimates among transgender women in the United States are high, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities. Despite increased HIV risk and evidence of racial disparities in HIV prevalence among transgender women, few data are available to inform HIV prevention efforts. METHODS: A transgender HIV-related behavioral survey conducted in 2009 in 3 US metropolitan areas (Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles County), used respondent-driven sampling to recruit 227 black (n = 139) and Latina (n = 88) transgender women. We present descriptive statistics on sociodemographic, health care, and HIV-risk behaviors. RESULTS: Of 227 transgender women enrolled, most were economically and socially disadvantaged: 73% had an annual income of less than $15,000; 62% lacked health insurance; 61% were unemployed; and 46% reported being homeless in the past 12 months. Most (80%) had visited a health care provider and over half (58%) had tested for HIV in the past 12 months. Twenty-nine percent of those who reported having an HIV test in the past 24 months self-reported being HIV positive. Most of the sample reported hormone use (67%) in the past 12 months and most hormone use was under clinical supervision (70%). Forty-nine percent reported condomless anal sex in the past 12 months and 16% reported ever injecting drugs. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal the socioeconomic challenges and behavioral risks often associated with high HIV risk reported by black and Latina transgender women. Despite low health insurance coverage, the results suggest opportunities to engage transgender women in HIV prevention and care given their high reported frequency of accessing health care providers. |
Incarceration, sexual risk-related behaviors, and HIV infection among women at increased risk of HIV infection, 20 United States cities
Wise A , Finlayson T , Nerlander L , Sionean C , Paz-Bailey G . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017 75 Suppl 3 S261-s267 BACKGROUND: Women involved in the criminal justice system experience multiple risk factors that increase the likelihood of acquiring HIV infection. We evaluated the prevalence of incarceration and compared behaviors among women with and without an incarceration history. METHODS: We use the 2013 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data, which uses respondent-driven sampling. We evaluate the association between incarceration and the following past 12 months outcomes: exchange sex, multiple casual sex partners (≥3), multiple condomless sex partners (≥3), HIV test, and sexually transmitted infection diagnoses. Log-linked Poisson regression models, adjusted for demographics and clustered on city, with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of 5154 women, 11% were incarcerated within the previous year, 36% were ever incarcerated but not in the past 12 months, and 53% were never incarcerated. Prevalence of exchange sex (aPR 1.32, 1.20-1.46), multiple casual partners (aPR 1.59, 1.2-2.1), multiple casual condomless partners (aPR 1.47, 1.07-2.03), and sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (aPR 1.61, 1.34-1.93) were all higher among recently incarcerated women compared with those never incarcerated. We also found higher prevalence of recent HIV testing among women recently incarcerated (aPR 1.30, 1.18-1.43). DISCUSSION: Nearly half of women in our study had been incarcerated. Recent incarceration was associated with several factors that increase the risk of HIV acquisition. HIV prevention, testing, and early treatment among women with a history of incarceration can maximize the effectiveness of the public health response to the HIV epidemic. |
Trends in internet use among men who have sex with men in the United States
Paz-Bailey G , Hoots BE , Xia M , Finlayson T , Prejean J , Purcell DW . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017 75 Suppl 3 S288-s295 BACKGROUND: Internet-based platforms are increasingly prominent interfaces for social and sexual networking among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: MSM were recruited through venue-based sampling in 2008, 2011, and 2014 in 20 US cities. We examined changes in internet use (IU) to meet men and in meeting the last partner online among MSM from 2008 to 2014 using Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs). We also examined factors associated with increased frequency of IU using data from 2014. IU was categorized as never, infrequent use (<once a week), and frequent use (≥once a week). RESULTS: Frequent IU increased from 21% in 2008 to 44% in 2014 (APR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.36 to 1.42), and having met the last partner online increased from 19% in 2008 to 32% in 2014 (APR = 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.26 to 1.34). Those who never used the internet had fewer partners (median of 2 in the past 12 months, interquartile range: 1-4) compared with infrequent (4, 2-7) and frequent users (5, 3-12). HIV testing in the past 12 months also increased with increasing IU (58%, 68%, and 71%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Among HIV-positive participants, the percent HIV-positive awareness increased as IU increased (71%, 75%, and 79%, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Both IU to meet men and meeting the last partner online increased since 2008. Although men who used the internet more frequently reported more partners in the past 12 months, they were also more likely to report testing in the past 12 months and were more likely to be HIV-positive aware. |
Updated data on linkage to human immunodeficiency virus care and antiretroviral treatment among men who have sex with men - 20 cities, United States
Hoots BE , Finlayson TJ , Wejnert C , Paz-Bailey G . J Infect Dis 2017 216 (7) 808-812 We examined differences in prevalence of linkage to care and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) between 2008 and 2014 in National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. Prevalence of linkage to care increased from 79% in 2008 to 87% in 2014 (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.07). ARV treatment increased from 69% in 2008 to 88% in 2014 (adjusted PR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.12-1.18). Despite these increases, a large disparity in ARV treatment between white and black MSM remains. Increased resources are needed to support immediate referrals for ARV treatment for all MSM newly diagnosed with HIV. |
Estimated HIV inter-test interval among people at high risk for HIV infection in the u.S
An Q , Song R , Finlayson TJ , Wejnert C , Paz-Bailey G . Am J Prev Med 2017 53 (3) 355-362 INTRODUCTION: Knowing the HIV testing frequency and its temporal changes are central to evaluate public adherence to HIV testing recommendations and performance of HIV prevention programs. This study intended to estimate the mean HIV inter-test interval (ITI) and monitor its trends among men who have sex with men (MSM); people who inject drugs (PWID); and high-risk heterosexuals (HRH). METHODS: Using National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data collected during 2008-2015, this analysis estimated the mean HIV ITI for each year by race/ethnicity and age among MSM, PWID, and HRH who reported the most recent HIV test date. Separate statistical models based on renewal process theory were fit using PROC NLIN with Newton-Raphson method. Estimated mean HIV ITI lengths were compared using the z-test. RESULTS: Estimated HIV ITI generally decreased in the past decade among MSM, PWID, and HRH who reported the most recent HIV test date. In most recent study years, estimated HIV ITI (in months) ranged from 5.8 to 12.5 among MSM, from 9.0 to 13.1 among PWID, and from 15.3 to 26.7 among HRH. Within each risk group, estimated HIV ITI was shortest among blacks and individuals aged 18-24 years. CONCLUSIONS: People at high risk for HIV infection who ever tested for HIV tested more frequently in the past decade. Most recently, MSM and PWID largely adhered to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's HIV testing recommendations, but HRH tested less frequently. Identifying factors associated with infrequent testing among HRH may provide information for future HIV testing initiatives. |
Effectiveness of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against invasive pneumococcal disease in South African children: a case-control study
Cohen C , von Mollendorf C , de Gouveia L , Lengana S , Meiring S , Quan V , Nguweneza A , Moore DP , Reubenson G , Moshe M , Madhi SA , Eley B , Hallbauer U , Finlayson H , Varughese S , O'Brien KL , Zell ER , Klugman KP , Whitney CG , von Gottberg A . Lancet Glob Health 2017 5 (3) e359-e369 BACKGROUND: The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was designed to include disease-causing serotypes that are important in low-income and middle-income countries. Vaccine effectiveness estimates are scarce in these settings. South Africa replaced PCV7 with PCV13 in 2011 using a 2 + 1 schedule. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of two or more doses of PCV13 against invasive pneumococcal disease in children with HIV infection and in those not infected with HIV. METHODS: Cases of invasive pneumococcal disease in children aged 5 years or younger were identified through national laboratory-based surveillance. Isolates were serotyped with the Quellung reaction or PCR. We sought in-hospital controls for every case, matched for age, HIV status, and study site. We aimed to enrol four controls for every case not infected with HIV and six controls for every case with HIV infection (case-control sets). With conditional logistic regression, we calculated vaccine effectiveness as a percentage, with the equation 1 - [adjusted odds ratio for vaccination] x 100. We included data from an earlier investigation of PCV7 to assess vaccine effectiveness in children exposed to but not infected with HIV and in malnourished children not infected with HIV. FINDINGS: Between January, 2012, and December, 2014, we enrolled children aged 16 weeks or older to our study: 240 were cases not infected with HIV, 75 were cases with HIV infection, 1118 were controls not infected with HIV, and 283 were controls with HIV infection. The effectiveness of two or more doses of PCV13 against PCV13-serotype invasive pneumococcal disease was 85% (95% CI 37 to 96) among 11 case-control sets of children not infected with HIV and 91% (-35 to 100) among three case-control sets of children with HIV infection. PCV13 effectiveness among 26 case-control sets of children not infected with HIV was 52% (95% CI -12 to 79) against all-serotype invasive pneumococcal disease and 94% (44 to 100) for serotype 19A. Vaccine effectiveness against PCV7-serotype invasive pneumococcal disease was 87% (95% CI 38 to 97) in children exposed to HIV but uninfected and 90% (53 to 98) in malnourished children not infected with HIV. INTERPRETATION: Our results indicate that PCV13 in a 2 + 1 schedule is effective for preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal infections in young children not infected with HIV, including those who are malnourished or who have been exposed to HIV. Although the point estimate for PCV13 vaccine effectiveness in children infected with HIV was high, it did not reach significance, possibly because of the small sample size. These findings support recommendations for widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in low-income and middle-income countries. FUNDING: Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. |
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