Last data update: Jan 27, 2025. (Total: 48650 publications since 2009)
Records 1-13 (of 13 Records) |
Query Trace: Johnston LG[original query] |
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Increasing HIV prevalence and injection drug use among men who have sex with men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tuan NA , Johnston LG , Thanh DC , Le LN , Hoang TV , Quang TD , Quoc NC , Nadol P , Hien NT , Abdul-Quader A . Int J STD AIDS 2020 31 (13) 1247-1254 Vietnam has been conducting HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) integrated bio-behavioral surveillance surveys on men who have sex with men (MSM) as well as other key populations since 2005. Although HIV prevalence in the Vietnamese general population remains below 1%, it is expected to be much higher among MSM.Data on HIV prevalence and sexual and drug use behaviors were collected from MSM in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in 2006 (n = 397), 2009 (n = 399) and 2013 (n = 350) using respondent-driven sampling. Eligible participants were males, aged ≥15 years who reported having manual, oral, or anal sexual activity with males in the past year and lived, worked or socialized in HCMC.HIV seroprevalence among MSM was 5.8% in 2006, 16.1% in 2009 and 12.1% in 2013 and prevalence of at least one STI (syphilis, gonorrhea and/or chlamydia infection) was 11.4% in 2006 and 15.6% in 2009 (no data for 2013). Significant, but small, increasing trends were found for MSM who reported ever testing and receiving results for HIV and for HIV prevalence. No significant changes for condom use, injecting and non-injecting drug use, or and receipt of free condoms were observed.Although a small percentage of MSM reported injecting drugs, HIV was positively associated with ever injecting drugs. Programs targeting MSM should include screening and treatment for injection drug use to most effectively control the HIV/AIDS epidemic among MSM in HCMC. |
Defining and surveying key populations at risk of HIV infection: Towards a unified approach to eligibility criteria for respondent-driven sampling HIV biobehavioral surveys
Hakim AJ , Johnston LG , Dittrich S , Prybylski D , Burnett J , Kim E . Int J STD AIDS 2018 29 (9) 956462418763882 Substantial resources are invested in human immunodeficiency virus biobehavioral surveys using respondent-driven sampling for measuring progress towards the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals and to obtain other essential data on key populations. Survey data are used to meet country needs as well those of development partners, whose data needs may sometimes diverge. Surveys using differing eligibility criteria impede comparisons across surveys. With scant literature and guidelines on how to approach eligibility criteria, diverse criteria are used within and across countries. We conducted a review of peer-reviewed human immunodeficiency virus respondent-driven sampling biobehavioral survey literature published through December 2013. We describe eligibility criteria of 137 articles representing 214 surveys. Reporting on age, risk behavior, and reference period of risk behavior was nearly universal; however, reporting on gender, geography, and language was less common. Multiple definitions were used for each criterion, making comparisons challenging. We provide a framework for how to approach defining eligibility to improve consistency and comparability across surveys. |
Associations of HIV testing, sexual risk and access to prevention among female sex workers in the Dominican Republic
Johnston LG , Bonilla L , Caballero T , Rodriguez M , Dolores Y , de la Rosa MA , Malla A , Burnett J , Terrero V , Martinez S , Morgan O . AIDS Behav 2016 21 (8) 2362-2371 The Caribbean region has one of the highest proportions of HIV in the general female population attributable to sex work. In 2008 (n = 1256) and 2012 (n = 1525) in the Dominican Republic, HIV biological and behavioral surveys were conducted among female sex workers (FSW) in four provinces using respondent driven sampling. Participants were ≥15 years who engaged in intercourse in exchange for money in the past 6 months and living/working in the study province. There were no statistically significant changes in HIV and other infections prevalence from 2008 to 2012, despite ongoing risky sexual practices. HIV testing and receiving results was low in all provinces. FSW in 2012 were more likely to receive HIV testing and results if they participated in HIV related information and education and had regular checkups at health centers. Further investigation is needed to understand barriers to HIV testing and access to prevention services. |
The importance of assessing self-reported HIV status in bio-behavioural surveys
Johnston LG , Sabin ML , Prybylski D , Sabin K , McFarland W , Baral S , Kim AA , Raymond HF . Bull World Health Organ 2016 94 (8) 605-12 In bio-behavioural surveys measuring prevalence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), respondents should be asked the results of their last HIV test. However, many government authorities, nongovernmental organizations, researchers and other civil society stakeholders have stated that respondents involved in such surveys should not be asked to self-report their HIV status. The reasons offered for not asking respondents to report their status are that responses may be inaccurate and that asking about HIV status may violate the respondents' human rights and exacerbate stigma and discrimination. Nevertheless, we contend that, in the antiretroviral therapy era, asking respondents in bio-behavioural surveys to self-report their HIV status is essential for measuring and improving access to - and coverage of - services for the care, treatment and prevention of HIV infection. It is also important for estimating the true size of the unmet needs in addressing the HIV epidemic and for interpreting the behaviours associated with the acquisition and transmission of HIV infection correctly. The data available indicate that most participants in health-related surveys are willing to respond to a question about HIV status - as one of possibly several sensitive questions about sexual and drug use behaviours. Ultimately, normalizing the self-reporting of HIV status could help the global community move from an era of so-called exceptionalism to one of destigmatization - and so improve the epidemic response worldwide. |
A systematic review of published respondent-driven sampling surveys collecting behavioral and biologic data
Johnston LG , Hakim AJ , Dittrich S , Burnett J , Kim E , White RG . AIDS Behav 2016 20 (8) 1754-76 Reporting key details of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey implementation and analysis is essential for assessing the quality of RDS surveys. RDS is both a recruitment and analytic method and, as such, it is important to adequately describe both aspects in publications. We extracted data from peer-reviewed literature published through September, 2013 that reported collected biological specimens using RDS. We identified 151 eligible peer-reviewed articles describing 222 surveys conducted in seven regions throughout the world. Most published surveys reported basic implementation information such as survey city, country, year, population sampled, interview method, and final sample size. However, many surveys did not report essential methodological and analytical information for assessing RDS survey quality, including number of recruitment sites, seeds at start and end, maximum number of waves, and whether data were adjusted for network size. Understanding the quality of data collection and analysis in RDS is useful for effectively planning public health service delivery and funding priorities. |
Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology for respondent-driven sampling studies: "STROBE-RDS" statement
White RG , Hakim AJ , Salganik MJ , Spiller MW , Johnston LG , Kerr L , Kendall C , Drake A , Wilson D , Orroth K , Egger M , Hladik W . J Clin Epidemiol 2015 68 (12) 1463-71 OBJECTIVES: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a new data collection methodology used to estimate characteristics of hard-to-reach groups, such as the HIV prevalence in drug users. Many national public health systems and international organizations rely on RDS data. However, RDS reporting quality and available reporting guidelines are inadequate. We carried out a systematic review of RDS studies and present Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology for RDS Studies (STROBE-RDS), a checklist of essential items to present in RDS publications, justified by an explanation and elaboration document. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We searched the MEDLINE (1970-2013), EMBASE (1974-2013), and Global Health (1910-2013) databases to assess the number and geographical distribution of published RDS studies. STROBE-RDS was developed based on STROBE guidelines, following Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines. RESULTS: RDS has been used in over 460 studies from 69 countries, including the USA (151 studies), China (70), and India (32). STROBE-RDS includes modifications to 12 of the 22 items on the STROBE checklist. The two key areas that required modification concerned the selection of participants and statistical analysis of the sample. CONCLUSION: STROBE-RDS seeks to enhance the transparency and utility of research using RDS. If widely adopted, STROBE-RDS should improve global infectious diseases public health decision making. |
Sampling males who inject drugs in Haiphong, Vietnam: comparison of time-location and respondent-driven sampling methods
Tran HV , Le LV , Johnston LG , Nadol P , Van Do A , Tran HT , Nguyen TA . J Urban Health 2015 92 (4) 744-57 Accurate measurements of HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among hidden and high-risk groups are vital for program planning and implementation. However, only two sampling methods are purported to provide representative estimates for populations without sampling frames: time-location sampling (TLS) and respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Each method is subject to potential biases and questionable reliability. In this paper, we evaluate surveys designed to estimate HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among people who inject drugs (PWID) sampled through TLS versus RDS. In 2012, males aged ≥16 years who reported injecting drugs in the previous month and living in Haiphong, Vietnam, were sampled using TLS or RDS. Data from each survey were analyzed to compare HIV prevalence, related risk factors, socio-demographic characteristics, refusal estimates, and time and expenditures for field implementation. TLS (n = 432) and RDS (n = 415) produced similarly high estimates for HIV prevalence. Significantly lower proportions of PWID sampled through RDS received methadone treatment or met an outreach worker. Refusal estimates were lower for TLS than for RDS. Total expenditures per sample collected and number of person-days of staff effort were higher for TLS than for RDS. Both survey methods were successful in recruiting a diverse sample of PWID in Haiphong. In Vietnam, surveys of PWID are conducted throughout the country; although the refusal estimate was calculated to be much higher for RDS than TLS, RDS in Haiphong appeared to sample PWID with less exposure to services and required fewer financial and staff resources compared with TLS. |
Measuring self-reported HIV status in bio-behavioural surveys
Johnston LG , McFarland W , Sabin ML , Prybylski D , Sabin K , Baral S , Kim AA , Raymond HF . Bull World Health Organ 2015 93 (5) 287-287A Currently, many epidemiological and surveillance surveys of general and key populations do not ask participants the results of their most recent test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test. Not asking about HIV status precludes measuring the cascade of engagement in HIV-related care thus undermining the ability to track key indicators in the response to the epidemic. Common reasons cited why participants are not asked their current HIV status in surveys include: (i) doing so may violate respondents’ human rights; (ii) asking has the potential to exacerbate stigma and discrimination; and (iii) self-reported status can be inaccurate. A crisis caused by potential and real violations of privacy led to public health surveillance that collects less health information compared to other infections. “AIDS exceptionalism”, once necessary in settings with punitive laws and human rights violations, has carried forward from the 1980s to today.1 | Changes in social and biomedical contexts over the past decade diminish the need for an exceptional approach to HIV surveillance. The availability of life-prolonging antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the communal benefit of reduced onward HIV transmission provide a strong rationale for early detection of HIV infection.2 Stigma and discrimination caused by asking survey participants their HIV status, in addition to other routinely posed sensitive questions (e.g. condom use, arrests, sharing needles/syringes and forced sex) can be minimized in several ways. All surveys include confidentiality and anonymity for participants, ethics review of protocols and strong staff training to maintain confidentiality and anonymity, with clear penalties for disclosing confidential information. Informed consent procedures must always allow participants the right to refuse to respond to questions they find too sensitive or stigmatizing and to discontinue at any time without penalty. |
Incorporating the service multiplier method in respondent-driven sampling surveys to estimate the size of hidden and hard-to-reach populations: case studies from around the world
Johnston LG , Prybylski D , Raymond HF , Mirzazadeh A , Manopaiboon C , McFarland W . Sex Transm Dis 2013 40 (4) 304-10 BACKGROUND: Estimating the sizes of populations at highest risk for HIV is essential for developing and monitoring effective HIV prevention and treatment programs. We provide several country examples of how service multiplier methods have been used in respondent-driven sampling surveys and provide guidance on how to maximize this method's use. METHODS: Population size estimates were conducted in 4 countries (Mauritius- intravenous drug users [IDU] and female sex workers [FSW]; Papua New Guinea-FSW and men who have sex with men [MSM]; Thailand-IDU; United States-IDU) using adjusted proportions of population members reporting attending a service, project or study listed in a respondent-driven sampling survey, and the estimated total number of population members who visited one of the listed services, projects, or studies collected from the providers. RESULTS: The median population size estimates were 8866 for IDU and 667 for FSW in Mauritius. Median point estimates for FSW were 4190 in Port Moresby and 8712 in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, and 2,126 for MSM in Port Moresby and 4200 for IDU in Bangkok, Thailand. Median estimates for IDU were 1050 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and 15,789 in 2005 and 15,554 in 2009 in San Francisco. CONCLUSION: Our estimates for almost all groups in each country fall within the range of other regional and national estimates, indicating that the service multiplier method, assuming all assumptions are met, can produce informative estimates. We suggest using multiple multipliers whenever possible, garnering program data from the widest possible range of services, projects, and studies. A median of several estimates is likely more robust to potential biases than a single estimate. |
Unexpectedly high HIV prevalence among female sex workers in Bangkok, Thailand in a respondent-driven sampling survey
Manopaiboon C , Prybylski D , Subhachaturas W , Tanpradech S , Suksripanich O , Siangphoe U , Johnston LG , Akarasewi P , Anand A , Fox KK , Whitehead SJ . Int J STD AIDS 2013 24 (1) 34-8 The pattern of sex work in Thailand has shifted substantially over the last two decades from direct commercial establishments to indirect venues and non-venue-based settings. This respondent-driven sampling survey was conducted in Bangkok in 2007 among female sex workers (FSW) in non-venue-based settings to pilot a new approach to surveillance among this hidden population. Fifteen initial participants recruited 707 consenting participants who completed a behavioural questionnaire, and provided oral fluid for HIV testing, and urine for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Overall HIV prevalence was 20.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.3-24.7). Three-quarters of women were street-based (75.8%, 95% CI 69.9-81.1) who had an especially high HIV prevalence (22.7%, 95% CI 18.2-28.4); about 10 times higher than that found in routine sentinel surveillance among venue-based FSW (2.5%). STI prevalence (Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) was 8.7% (95% CI 6.4-10.8) and 1.0% (95% CI 0.2-1.9), respectively. Lower price per sex act and a current STI infection were independently associated with HIV infection (P < 0.05). High HIV prevalence found among FSW participating in the survey, particularly non-venue-based FSW, identifies need for further prevention efforts. In addition, it identifies a higher-risk segment of FSW not reached through routine sentinel surveillance but accessible through this survey method. |
High prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium among female sex workers in Honduras: implications for the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
Johnston LG , Paz-Bailey G , Morales-Miranda S , Morgan M , Alvarez B , Hickman L , Monterroso E . Int J STD AIDS 2012 23 (1) 5-11 This study describes HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and risk factors associated with Mycoplasma genitalium among female sex workers (FSWs) in four cities in Honduras. In 2006, 795 FSWs from Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Comayagua were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and tested for HIV prevalence and STI. HIV prevalence ranged from no infections in Comayagua to 5.4% in Tegucigalpa. With the exception of Comayagua, more than 20% of FSWs were infected with M. genitalium. M. genitalium in the aggregated cities was associated with HIV positivity, being aged ≤30 years old, drinking alcohol more than once weekly and always using condoms with regular clients in the past month. In comparison with a 2001 surveillance study we found lower rates of HIV infection. Interventions for HIV control and prevention among FSWs, including promotion of condom use, are needed in Honduras. |
HIV risk and the overlap of injecting drug use and high-risk sexual behaviours among men who have sex with men in Zanzibar (Unguja), Tanzania
Johnston LG , Holman A , Dahoma M , Miller LA , Kim E , Mussa M , Othman AA , Kim A , Kendall C , Sabin K . Int J Drug Policy 2010 21 (6) 485-92 BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men and inject drugs (MSM-IDU) are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and have the potential to transmit HIV across multiple populations through their male and female sexual partners and injection drug-using partners. METHODS: Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit men who reported engaging in anal sex with another man in the past 3 months, aged ≥15 years, and living in Unguja, Zanzibar. Participants responded to a face-to-face interview about their HIV and injecting risk behaviours and were tested for HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) and syphilis. RESULTS: Among the 509 MSM who enrolled in the survey, 14% (n=66) reported injecting drugs in the past 3 months among which 66% used heroin, 60% used a needle after someone else had and 68% passed a needle to someone else after using it. MSM-IDU were significantly more likely to have two or more non-paying male receptive sex partners and to have engaged in group sex in the past month, to have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection in past 6 months, to have been arrested or beaten in the past 12 months and to be infected with HIV and co-infected with HIV and HCV compared to MSM who did not inject drugs. MSM-IDU were less likely to have used a condom at last sex with a non-paid female partner, to know where to get a confidential HIV test and to have ever been tested for HIV compared to MSM who did not inject drugs. CONCLUSION: MSM-IDU, and MSM in general, in Unguja practice multiple high-risk behaviours that put them at risk for blood-borne and sexual transmission of HIV and HCV infection. Targeted interventions for MSM-IDU must account for the overlap of high-risk sexual and drug-using networks and integrate injection drug use and HIV services. |
Formative research to optimize respondent-driven sampling surveys among hard-to-reach populations in HIV behavioral and biological surveillance: lessons learned from four case studies
Johnston LG , Whitehead S , Simic-Lawson M , Kendall C . AIDS Care 2010 22 (6) 784-92 Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is widely adopted as a method to assess HIV and other sexually transmitted infection prevalence and risk factors among hard-to-reach populations. Failures to properly implement RDS in several settings could potentially have been avoided, had formative research been conducted. However, to date there is no published literature addressing the use of formative research in preparing for RDS studies. This paper uses examples from Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bangkok, Thailand; Podgorica, Montenegro; and St Vincent's and Grenadine Islands, Eastern Caribbean; among populations of men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and injecting drug users to describe how formative research was used to plan, implement, and predict outcomes of RDS surveys and to provide a template of RDS-specific questions for conducting formative research in preparation for RDS surveys. We outline case studies to illustrate how formative research may help researchers to determine whether RDS methodology is appropriate for a particular population and sociocultural context, and to decide on implementation details that lead to successful study outcomes. |
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