Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 65 Records) |
Query Trace: Rosenberg ES[original query] |
---|
Modeling undetected poliovirus circulation following the 2022 outbreak in the United States
Kalkowska DA , Badizadegan K , Routh JA , Burns CC , Rosenberg ES , Brenner IR , Zucker JR , Langdon-Embry M , Thompson KM . Expert Rev Vaccines 2024 23 (1) 186-195 BACKGROUND: New York State (NYS) reported a polio case (June 2022) and outbreak of imported type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) (last positive wastewater detection in February 2023), for which uncertainty remains about potential ongoing undetected transmission. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Extending a prior deterministic model, we apply an established stochastic modeling approach to characterize the confidence about no circulation (CNC) of cVDPV2 as a function of time since the last detected signal of transmission (i.e. poliovirus positive acute flaccid myelitis case or wastewater sample). RESULTS: With the surveillance coverage for the NYS population majority and its focus on outbreak counties, modeling suggests a high CNC (95%) within 3-10 months of the last positive surveillance signal, depending on surveillance sensitivity and population mixing patterns. Uncertainty about surveillance sensitivity implies longer durations required to achieve higher CNC. CONCLUSIONS: In populations that maintain high immunization coverage with inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), rare polio cases may occur in un(der)-vaccinated individuals. Modeling demonstrates the unlikeliness of such outbreaks reestablishing endemic transmission or resulting in large absolute numbers of paralytic cases. Achieving and maintaining high immunization coverage with IPV remains the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks and shorten the duration of imported poliovirus transmission. |
Notes from the field: Asthma-associated emergency department visits during a wildfire smoke event - New York, June 2023
Meek HC , Aydin-Ghormoz H , Bush K , Muscatiello N , McArdle CE , Weng CX , Hoefer D , Hsu WH , Rosenberg ES . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (34) 933-935 During June 6–8, 2023, smoke from Eastern Canadian wildfires caused poor air quality across New York, driven by concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5)*; air quality index reached “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” levels across the state.† PM2.5 from wildfire smoke is associated with an increased risk for medical emergencies, including asthma exacerbations (1). Characterizing such health outcomes during this wildfire smoke event can guide current and future response efforts. |
Modeling poliovirus transmission and responses in New York State
Thompson KM , Kalkowska DA , Routh JA , Brenner IR , Rosenberg ES , Zucker JR , Langdon-Embry M , Sugerman DE , Burns CC , Badizadegan K . J Infect Dis 2023 BACKGROUND: In July 2022, New York State (NYS) reported a case of paralytic polio in an unvaccinated young adult, and subsequent wastewater surveillance confirmed sustained local transmission of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV2) in NYS with genetic linkage to the paralyzed patient. METHODS: We adapted an established poliovirus transmission and oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) evolution model to characterize dynamics of poliovirus transmission in NYS, including consideration of the immunization activities performed as part of the declared state of emergency. RESULTS: Despite sustained transmission of imported VDPV2 in NYS involving potentially thousands of individuals (depending on seasonality, population structure and mixing assumptions) in 2022, the expected number of additional paralytic cases in years 2023 and beyond is small (less than 0.5). However, continued transmission and/or reintroduction of poliovirus into NYS and other populations remains a possible risk in communities that do not achieve and maintain high immunization coverage. CONCLUSION: In countries such as the US that use only inactivated poliovirus vaccine, even with high average immunization coverage, imported polioviruses may circulate and pose a small but non-zero risk of causing paralysis in non-immune individuals. |
The PrEP Care Continuum and Racial Disparities in HIV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men (preprint)
Jenness SM , Maloney KM , Smith DK , Hoover KW , Goodreau SM , Rosenberg ES , Weiss KM , Liu AY , Rao DW , Sullivan PS . bioRxiv 2018 249540 Background HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could reduce the disparities in HIV incidence among black men who have sex with men (BMSM) compared to white MSM (WMSM), but this may depend on progression through the PrEP care continuum.Methods We expanded our network-based mathematical model of HIV transmission for MSM, which simulates PrEP based on CDC’s clinical practice guidelines, to include race-stratified transitions through the PrEP continuum steps of awareness, access, prescription, adherence, and retention. Continuum parameters were estimated based on published incidence cohorts and PrEP open-label studies. Counterfactuals included a no-PrEP reference scenario, and intervention scenarios in which the BMSM continuum step parameters were modified.Results Implementing PrEP according to the observed BMSM continuum was projected to result in 8.4% of all BMSM on PrEP at year 10, yielding a 23% decline in incidence (HR = 0.77). On an absolute scale, the racial disparity in incidence in this scenario was 4.95 per 100 person-years at risk (PYAR), a 19% decline from the 6.08 per 100 PYAR disparity in the reference scenario. If BMSM continuum parameters were equal to WMSM values, 17.7% of BMSM would be on PrEP, yielding a 47% decline in incidence (HR = 0.53) and a disparity of 3.30 per 100 PYAR (a 46% decline in the disparity).Conclusions PrEP could lower HIV incidence overall and reduce absolute racial disparities between BMSM and WMSM. Interventions addressing the racial gaps in the PrEP continuum will be needed to further decrease these HIV disparities. |
Persistence of Zika Virus in Body Fluids - Final Report
Paz-Bailey G , Rosenberg ES , Sharp TM . N Engl J Med 2019 380 (2) 198-199 In reply to Sánchez-Montalvá and colleagues: in contrast to dengue, which has a well-defined spectrum of severe disease, most cases of noncongenital ZIKV disease are mild, except for rare complications such as Guillain–Barré syndrome.1 In the participants in our study, the signs and symptoms were consistent with uncomplicated ZIKV disease. Furthermore, with respect to the duration of detectable ZIKV RNA, we saw no difference between the 35% of participants who were enrolled at outpatient clinics and those who were enrolled at emergency departments (P = 0.22). We agree that it is not known whether humans can be reinfected with ZIKV; however, studies in mice have shown protection from reinfection, including an absence of detectable viremia.2 In vitro evidence of antibody-dependent enhancement can occur in flaviviruses in the absence of in vivo evidence.3 A study from Colombia showed no evidence of in vivo enhancement of ZIKV in patients with previous dengue virus infection.4 Moreover, findings in men from the continental United States, where dengue virus rarely circulates, were similar to those of our study.5 Finally, sexual transmission contributes to a small percentage of ZIKV infections and would not affect our findings. |
A stakeholder-driven framework for measuring potential change in the health risks of people who inject drugs (PWID) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bradley H , Austin C , Allen ST , Asher A , Bartholomew TS , Board A , Borquez A , Buchacz K , Carter A , Cooper HLF , Feinberg J , Furukawa N , Genberg B , Gorbach PM , Hagan H , Huriaux E , Hurley H , Luisi N , Martin NK , Rosenberg ES , Strathdee SA , Jarlais DCD . Int J Drug Policy 2022 110 103889 BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs (PWID) have likely borne disproportionate health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. PWID experienced both interruptions and changes to drug supply and delivery modes of harm reduction, treatment, and other medical services, leading to potentially increased risks for HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and overdose. Given surveillance and research disruptions, proximal, indirect indicators of infectious diseases and overdose should be developed for timely measurement of health effects of the pandemic on PWID. METHODS: We used group concept mapping and a systems thinking approach to produce an expert stakeholder-generated, multi-level framework for monitoring changes in PWID health outcomes potentially attributable to COVID-19 in the U.S. This socio-ecological measurement framework elucidates proximal and distal contributors to infectious disease and overdose outcomes, many of which can be measured using existing data sources. RESULTS: The framework includes multi-level components including policy considerations, drug supply/distribution systems, the service delivery landscape, network factors, and individual characteristics such as mental and general health status and service utilization. These components are generally mediated by substance use and sexual behavioral factors to cause changes in incidence of HIV, HCV, sexually transmitted infections, wound/skin infections, and overdose. CONCLUSION: This measurement framework is intended to increase the quality and timeliness of research on the impacts of COVID-19 in the context of the current pandemic and future crises. Next steps include a ranking process to narrow the drivers of change in health risks to a concise set of indicators that adequately represent framework components, can be written as measurable indicators, and are quantifiable using existing data sources, as well as a publicly available web-based platform for summary data contributions. |
Wastewater Testing and Detection of Poliovirus Type 2 Genetically Linked to Virus Isolated from a Paralytic Polio Case - New York, March 9-October 11, 2022.
Ryerson AB , Lang D , Alazawi MA , Neyra M , Hill DT , St George K , Fuschino M , Lutterloh E , Backenson B , Rulli S , Ruppert PS , Lawler J , McGraw N , Knecht A , Gelman I , Zucker JR , Omoregie E , Kidd S , Sugerman DE , Jorba J , Gerloff N , Ng TFF , Lopez A , Masters NB , Leung J , Burns CC , Routh J , Bialek SR , Oberste MS , Rosenberg ES . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (44) 1418-1424 In July 2022, a case of paralytic poliomyelitis resulting from infection with vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) type 2 (VDPV2)(§) was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult resident of Rockland County, New York (1). As of August 10, 2022, poliovirus type 2 (PV2)(¶) genetically linked to this VDPV2 had been detected in wastewater** in Rockland County and neighboring Orange County (1). This report describes the results of additional poliovirus testing of wastewater samples collected during March 9-October 11, 2022, and tested as of October 20, 2022, from 48 sewersheds (the community area served by a wastewater collection system) serving parts of Rockland County and 12 surrounding counties. Among 1,076 wastewater samples collected, 89 (8.3%) from 10 sewersheds tested positive for PV2. As part of a broad epidemiologic investigation, wastewater testing can provide information about where poliovirus might be circulating in a community in which a paralytic case has been identified; however, the most important public health actions for preventing paralytic poliomyelitis in the United States remain ongoing case detection through national acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) surveillance(††) and improving vaccination coverage in undervaccinated communities. Although most persons in the United States are sufficiently immunized, unvaccinated or undervaccinated persons living or working in Kings, Orange, Queens, Rockland, or Sullivan counties, New York should complete the polio vaccination series as soon as possible. |
Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B vaccination strategies in high-impact settings for adults
Hall EW , Gounder P , Angles J , Nelson NP , Rosenberg ES , Weng MK . J Viral Hepat 2022 29 (12) 1115-1126 Adults at increased risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are recommended to receive vaccination. We conducted a cost utility analysis to evaluate approaches for implementing that recommendation in selected high-risk settings: community outreach events with a large proportion of immigrants, syringe service programs, substance use treatment centers, sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics, tuberculosis (TB) clinics, and jails. We utilized a decision tree framework with a Markov disease progression model to compare quality adjusted life-years and cost in 2021 United States dollars from four strategies: a 3-dose vaccination regimen with prevaccination screening and testing (PVST; baseline comparison); PVST at the initial encounter followed by a 2-dose series (Intervention 1); PVST with the first dose of a 2-dose vaccination series at the initial encounter (Intervention 2); and a 2-dose vaccination series without PVST (Intervention 3). In all settings, Intervention 1 resulted in worse health outcomes compared to the baseline strategy. Intervention 2 averted incident chronic HBV infections in all settings (range -9.4% in TB clinics, -14.8% in syringe service programs) and was a cost-saving approach in settings with higher risk of infection (i.e. jails, -$266 per person; syringe service programs, -$597; substance use treatment centers, -$130). Providing a 2-dose vaccination series without any screening (Intervention 3) averted incident HBV infections and was cost-saving in all settings, but resulted in more HBV-related deaths in settings with higher HBV prevalence. These results demonstrate a 2-dose vaccine series is a cost-effective approach in these high impact settings, even if prevaccination testing is not possible. |
Public health response to a case of paralytic poliomyelitis in an unvaccinated person and detection of poliovirus in wastewater - New York, June-August 2022
Link-Gelles R , Lutterloh E , Schnabel Ruppert P , Backenson PB , St George K , Rosenberg ES , Anderson BJ , Fuschino M , Popowich M , Punjabi C , Souto M , McKay K , Rulli S , Insaf T , Hill D , Kumar J , Gelman I , Jorba J , Ng TFF , Gerloff N , Masters NB , Lopez A , Dooling K , Stokley S , Kidd S , Oberste MS , Routh J . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (33) 1065-1068 On July 18, 2022, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) notified CDC of detection of poliovirus type 2 in stool specimens from an unvaccinated immunocompetent young adult from Rockland County, New York, who was experiencing acute flaccid weakness. The patient initially experienced fever, neck stiffness, gastrointestinal symptoms, and limb weakness. The patient was hospitalized with possible acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) was detected in stool specimens obtained on days 11 and 12 after initial symptom onset. To date, related Sabin-like type 2 polioviruses have been detected in wastewater* in the patient's county of residence and in neighboring Orange County up to 25 days before (from samples originally collected for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring) and 41 days after the patient's symptom onset. The last U.S. case of polio caused by wild poliovirus occurred in 1979, and the World Health Organization Region of the Americas was declared polio-free in 1994. This report describes the second identification of community transmission of poliovirus in the United States since 1979; the previous instance, in 2005, was a type 1 VDPV (1). The occurrence of this case, combined with the identification of poliovirus in wastewater in neighboring Orange County, underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent paralytic polio in persons of all ages. |
Notes from the Field: School-Based and Laboratory-Based Reporting of Positive COVID-19 Test Results Among School-Aged Children - New York, September 11, 2021-April 29, 2022.
Shircliff EJ , Rosenberg ES , Collens LM , Hoefer D , Lutterloh E , Silk BJ , Winn AK , O'Donnell TT . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (32) 1029-1031 By April 29, 2022, a total of 702,686 COVID-19 cases were reported among children and adolescents aged 5–17 years in the state of New York.* Pediatric COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increased during the 2021–22 school year, driven by transmission of the Omicron variant† (1). In late 2021, during the surge in Omicron BA.1 variant cases, state§ and federal¶ authorities expanded access to self-administered, at-home rapid antigen tests, which can increase a person’s knowledge of their COVID-19 status and guide risk-reduction behaviors. New York government agencies sent millions of these tests to schools for distribution to teachers, students, and staff members. Because results of self-administered, at-home tests are not captured by electronic laboratory reporting (in contrast to health care provider–administered tests at a physician’s office or laboratory that are reported through electronic health records or other means), expanded use of these tests might affect interpretation of trends in reported COVID-19 cases; however, this has yet to be assessed** (2). Furthermore, understanding changes in testing behavior before and after the Omicron variant surge might help public health officials better use available COVID-19 data to guide future policy. |
Declines in pregnancies among US adolescents from 2007 to 2017: Behavioral contributors to the trend
Goodreau SM , Pollock ED , Wang LY , Li J , Aslam MV , Katz DA , Hamilton DT , Rosenberg ES . J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022 35 (6) 676-684 STUDY OBJECTIVES: Adolescents in the United States have undergone dramatic declines in pregnancies and births in recent decades. We aimed to estimate the contribution of changes in three proximal behaviors to these declines among 14-18-year-olds for 2007-2017: 1) delays in age at first sexual intercourse, 2) declines in number of sexual partners, and 3) changes in contraceptive use, particularly uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). DESIGN: We adapted an existing iterative dynamic population model and parameterized it using six waves of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Survey. We compared pregnancies from observed behavioral trends with counterfactual scenarios that assumed constant behaviors over the decade. We calculated outcomes by cause, year and age. RESULTS: We found that changes in these behaviors could explain reductions of 496,200, 78,500, and 40,700 pregnancies over the decade, respectively, with total medical and societal cost savings of $9.71 billion, $1.54 billion, and $796 million. LARC adoption, particularly among 18-year-olds, could explain much of the improvements from contraception use. The three factors together did not fully explain observed birth declines; adding a 50% decline in sex acts per partner did. CONCLUSIONS: Delays in first sexual intercourse contributed the most to declining births over this decade, although all behaviors considered had major effects. Differences from earlier models may result from differences in years and ages covered. Evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs, including comprehensive sex education, youth-friendly reproductive health services and parental and community support can continue to address these drivers and reduce teen pregnancy. |
Estimated number of people who inject drugs in the United States
Bradley H , Hall E , Asher A , Furukawa N , Jones CM , Shealey J , Buchacz K , Handanagic S , Crepaz N , Rosenberg ES . Clin Infect Dis 2022 76 (1) 96-102 BACKGROUND: Public health data signal increases in the number of people who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States during the past decade. An updated PWID population size estimate is critical for informing interventions and policies aiming to reduce injection-associated infections and overdose, as well as to provide a baseline for assessments of pandemic-related changes in injection drug use. METHODS: We used a modified multiplier approach to estimate the number of adults who injected drugs in the United States in 2018. We deduced the estimated number of non-fatal overdose events among PWID from two of our previously published estimates: the number of injection-involved overdose deaths and the meta-analyzed ratio of non-fatal to fatal overdose. The number of non-fatal overdose events was divided by prevalence of non-fatal overdose among current PWID for a population size estimate. RESULTS: There were an estimated 3,694,500 (95% CI: 1,872,700-7,273,300) PWID in the U.S. in 2018, representing 1.46% (95% CI: 0.74% - 2.87%) of the adult population. The estimated prevalence of injection drug use was highest among male persons (2.1%; 95% CI: 1.1-4.2%), non-Hispanic White persons (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.9-3.6%), and adults aged 18-39 years (1.8%; 0.9-3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Using transparent, replicable methods and largely publicly available data, we provide the first update to the number of people who inject drugs in the U.S. in nearly ten years. Findings suggest the population size of PWID has substantially grown in the past decade and that prevention services for PWID should be proportionally increased. |
Estimated number of injection-involved drug overdose deaths, United States, 2000 - 2018
Hall EW , Rosenberg ES , Jones CM , Asher A , Valverde E , Bradley H . Drug Alcohol Depend 2022 234 109428 BACKGROUND: In the United States, drug overdose mortality has increased. Death records categorize overdose deaths by type of drug involved, but do not include information about the route of drug administration. METHODS: We utilized data from drug treatment admissions (Treatment Episodes Dataset, TEDS-A) and National Vital Statistics Systems to estimate the percentage of reported drug overdose deaths that were injection-involved from 2000 to 2018 in the U.S. Data on reported route of administration at admission were used to calculate the percent injecting each drug type, by demographic group (race/ethnicity, sex, age group) and year. Using the resulting probabilities, we estimated the number of overdose deaths that were injection-involved. Estimates were compared across drug types, demographic characteristics, and year. FINDINGS: The number of overdose deaths among adults increased more than 3-fold from 2000 (n = 17,196) to 2018 (n = 67,021). During that timeframe, the number of estimated injection-involved overdose deaths increased more than 8-fold from 2000 (n = 3467, 95% CI: 3449-3485) to 2018 (n = 28,257, 95% CI: 28,192-28,322). From 2000-2007, the percent of overdose deaths that were injection-involved remained stable around 20%. From 2007-2018, the percent of overdose deaths that were injection-involved increased from 18.4% (95% CI: 18.3-18.6%) to 42.2% (95% CI: 42.1-42.3%). In 2018, most estimated injection-involved overdose deaths were due to injecting heroin/synthetic opioids (n = 24,860, 95% CI: 24,800-24,919), which accounted for 88.0% of all injection-involved deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Much of the recent increase in overdose mortality is likely attributable to rising injection-involved overdose deaths. |
Assessing the cost-utility of universal hepatitis B vaccination among adults
Hall EW , Weng MK , Harris AM , Schillie S , Nelson NP , Ortega-Sanchez IR , Rosenthal E , Sullivan PS , Lopman B , Jones J , Bradley H , Rosenberg ES . J Infect Dis 2022 226 (6) 1041-1051 BACKGROUND: Although effective against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination is only recommended for infants, children and adults at higher risk. We conducted an economic evaluation of universal HepB vaccination among US adults. METHODS: Using a decision analytic model with Markov disease progression, we compared current vaccination recommendations (baseline) with either 3-dose or 2-dose universal HepB vaccination (intervention strategies). In simulated modeling of one million adults distributed by age and risk groups, we quantified health benefits (quality-adjusted life years, QALYs) and costs for each strategy. Multivariable probabilistic sensitivity analyses identified key inputs. All costs reported in 2019 US dollars. RESULTS: With incremental base-case vaccination coverage up to 50% among persons at lower risk and 0% increment among persons at higher risk, each of two intervention strategies averted nearly one quarter of acute HBV infections (3-dose strategy: 24.8%; 2-dose strategy: 24.6%). Societal incremental cost per QALY gained of $152,722 (Interquartile range: $119,113, $235,086) and $155,429 (Interquartile range: $120,302, $242,226) were estimated for 3-dose and 2-dose strategies, respectively. Risk of acute HBV infection showed the strongest influence. CONCLUSIONS: Universal adult vaccination against HBV may be an appropriate strategy for reducing HBV incidence and improving resulting health outcomes. |
Variation in patterns of racial and ethnic disparities in primary and secondary syphilis diagnosis rates among heterosexually active women by region and age group in the United States
Martin EG , Ansari B , Rosenberg ES , Hart-Malloy R , Smith D , Bernstein KT , Chesson HW , Delaney K , Trigg M , Gift TL . Sex Transm Dis 2022 49 (5) 330-337 BACKGROUND: Syphilis rates have increased substantially over the past decade. Women are an important population due to negative sequalae and adverse maternal outcomes including congenital syphilis. We assessed whether racial and ethnic disparities in primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis among heterosexually active women differ by region and age group. METHODS: We synthesized four national surveys to estimate numbers of heterosexually active women in the United States from 2014 through 2018 by region, race and ethnicity, and age group (18-24, 25-29, 30-44, and ≥ 45 years). We calculated annual P&S syphilis diagnosis rates, assessing disparities with rate differences and rate ratios comparing White, Hispanic, and Black heterosexually active women. RESULTS: Nationally, annual rates were 6.42 and 2.20 times as high among Black and Hispanic than among White heterosexually active women (10.99, 3.77, and 1.71 per 100,000, respectively). Younger women experienced a disproportionate burden of P&S syphilis and the highest disparities. Regionally, the Northeast had the highest Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities using a relative disparity measure (relative rate) and the West had the highest disparities using an absolute disparity measure (rate difference). CONCLUSIONS: To meet the racial and ethnic disparities goals of the Sexually Transmitted Infections National Strategic Plan, tailored local interventions that address the social and structural factors associated with disparities are needed for different age groups. |
Behavioral Efficacy of a Sexual Health Mobile App for Men who have Sex with Men: The M-cubed Randomized Controlled Trial.
Sullivan PS , Stephenson R , Hirshfield S , Mehta CC , Zahn RJ , Bauermeister J , Horvath KJ , Chiasson MA , Gelaude D , Mullin S , Downing MJ , Olansky E , Wiatrek S , Rogers EQ , Rosenberg ES , Siegler AJ , Mansergh G . J Med Internet Res 2021 24 (2) e34574 BACKGROUND: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face the highest burden of HIV in the United States, and there is a paucity of efficacious mobile health (mHealth) HIV prevention and care interventions tailored specifically for GBMSM. We tested a mobile app combining prevention messages and access to core prevention services for GBMSM. OBJECTIVE: To measure the efficacy of the Mobile Messaging for Men (M-cubed) app and related service to increase HIV prevention and care behaviors in diverse US GBMSM. METHODS: We conducted a randomized open label study with a waitlist control group among GBMSM (in three groups: lower-risk HIV-negative, higher-risk HIV negative, and living with HIV) recruited online and in venues in Atlanta, Detroit and New York. Participants were randomly assigned to receive access to the app immediately or at 9 months after randomization. The app provided prevention messages in six domains of sexual health and offered ordering of at-home HIV and STI test kits, receiving PrEP evaluations and navigation, and service locators. Serostatus- and risk-specific prevention outcomes were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the intervention period, and at 3, 6 and 9 months after the intervention period. RESULTS: 1226 GBMSM were enrolled and randomized; 611 were assigned to and 608 were analyzed in the intervention group, and 615 were assigned to and 611 were analyzed in the control group. For higher-risk GBMSM, allocation to the intervention arm was associated with a higher odds of HIV testing during the intervention period (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.11-3.66) and with a higher odds of using PrEP in the 3 months after the intervention period (aOR 2.41, CI:1.00-5.76, p<0.05). No changes in HIV prevention or care were associated with allocation to the intervention arm for the lower-risk HIV-negative or living with HIV groups. CONCLUSIONS: Access to the M-cubed app was associated with increased HIV testing and PrEP use among higher-risk HIV-negative GBMSM in three US cities. The app could be made available through funded HIV prevention providers; additional efforts are needed to understand optimal strategies to implement the app outside of the research setting. CLINICALTRIAL: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03666247. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT: RR2-10.2196/16439. |
Racial and ethnic disparities in HIV diagnoses among heterosexually active persons in the United States nationally and by state, 2018
Martin EG , Ansari B , Hart-Malloy R , Smith DK , Delaney KP , Gift TL , Berruti AA , Trigg M , Rosenberg ES . PLoS One 2021 16 (9) e0257583 BACKGROUND: Despite declining HIV infection rates, persistent racial and ethnic disparities remain. Appropriate calculations of diagnosis rates by HIV transmission category, race and ethnicity, and geography are needed to monitor progress towards reducing systematic disparities in health outcomes. We estimated the number of heterosexually active adults (HAAs) by sex and state to calculate appropriate HIV diagnosis rates and disparity measures within subnational regions. METHODS: The analysis included all HIV diagnoses attributed to heterosexual transmission in 2018 in the United States, in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Logistic regression models estimated the probability of past-year heterosexual activity among adults in three national health surveys, by sex, age group, race and ethnicity, education category, and marital status. Model-based probabilities were applied to estimated counts of HAAs by state, which were synthesized through meta-analysis. HIV diagnoses were overlaid to calculate racial- and ethnic-specific rates, rate differences (RDs), and rate ratios (RRs) among HAAs by sex and state. RESULTS: Nationally, HAA women have a two-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate than HAA men (rate per 100,000 HAAs, women: 6.57; men: 3.09). Compared to White non-Hispanic HAAs, Black HAAs have a 20-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate (RR, men: 21.28, women: 19.55; RD, men: 15.40, women: 31.78) and Hispanic HAAs have a 4-fold higher HIV diagnosis rate (RR, men: 4.68, RD, women: 4.15; RD, men: 2.79, RD, women: 5.39). Disparities were ubiquitous across regions, with >75% of states in each region having Black-to-White RR ≥10. CONCLUSION: The racial and ethnic disparities across regions suggests a system-wide failure particularly with respect to preventing HIV among Black and Hispanic women. Pervasive disparities emphasize the role for coordinated federal responses such as the current Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative. |
Effects of condom use on HIV transmission among adolescent sexual minority males in the United States: a mixed epidemiology and epidemic modeling study
Katz DA , Hamilton DT , Rosenthal EM , Wang LY , Dunville RL , Aslam M , Barrios LC , Zlotorzynska M , Sanchez TH , Sullivan PS , Rosenberg ES , Goodreau SM . Sex Transm Dis 2021 48 (12) 973-980 PURPOSE: We examined condom use patterns and potential population-level effects of a hypothetical condom intervention on HIV transmission among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). METHODS: Using three datasets: national Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2015-2017 (YRBS-National), local YRBS data from 8 jurisdictions with sex of partner questions from 2011-2017 (YRBS-Trends), and American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS) 2014-2017, we assessed associations of condom use with year, age, and race/ethnicity among sexually-active ASMM. Using a stochastic agent-based network epidemic model, structured and parameterized based on the above analyses, we calculated the percent of HIV infections averted over 10 years among ASMM ages 13-18 by an intervention that increased condom use by 37% for 5 years and was delivered to 62% of ASMM at age 14. RESULTS: In YRBS, 51.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41.3-62.3%) and 37.9% (32.7-42.3%) reported condom use at last sexual intercourse in national and trend datasets, respectively. In AMIS, 47.3% (95%CI = 44.6-49.9%) reported condom use at last anal sex with a male partner. Temporal trends were not observed in any dataset (p > 0.1). Condom use varied significantly by age in YRBS-National (p < 0.0001) and YRBS-Trends (p = 0.032) with 13-15-year-olds reporting the lowest use in both; age differences were not significant in AMIS (p = 0.919). Our hypothetical intervention averted a mean of 9.0% (95% simulation interval = -5.4%-21.2%) of infections among ASMM. CONCLUSIONS: Condom use among ASMM is low and appears to have remained stable during 2011-2017. Modeling suggests that condom use increases consistent with previous interventions have potential to avert 1 in 11 new HIV infections among ASMM. |
Epidemiology of HIV in the USA: epidemic burden, inequities, contexts, and responses
Sullivan PS , Satcher Johnson A , Pembleton ES , Stephenson R , Justice AC , Althoff KN , Bradley H , Castel AD , Oster AM , Rosenberg ES , Mayer KH , Beyrer C . Lancet 2021 397 (10279) 1095-1106 The HIV epidemic in the USA began as a bicoastal epidemic focused in large cities but, over nearly four decades, the epidemiology of HIV has changed. Public health surveillance data can inform an understanding of the evolution of the HIV epidemic in terms of the populations and geographical areas most affected. We analysed publicly available HIV surveillance data and census data to describe: current HIV prevalence and new HIV diagnoses by region, race or ethnicity, and age; trends in HIV diagnoses over time by HIV acquisition risk and age; and the distribution of HIV prevalence by geographical area. We reviewed published literature to explore the reasons for the current distribution of HIV cases and important disparities in HIV prevalence. We identified opportunities to improve public health surveillance systems and uses of data for planning and monitoring public health responses. The current US HIV epidemic is marked by geographical concentration in the US South and profound disparities between regions and by race or ethnicity. Rural areas vary in HIV prevalence; rural areas in the South are more likely to have a high HIV prevalence than rural areas in other US Census regions. Ongoing disparities in HIV in the South are probably driven by the restricted expansion of Medicaid, health-care provider shortages, low health literacy, and HIV stigma. HIV diagnoses overall declined in 2009-18, but HIV diagnoses among individuals aged 25-34 years increased during the same period. HIV diagnoses decreased for all risk groups in 2009-18; among men who have sex with men (MSM), new diagnoses decreased overall and for White MSM, remained stable for Black MSM, and increased for Hispanic or Latino MSM. Surveillance data indicate profound and ongoing disparities in HIV cases, with disproportionate impact among people in the South, racial or ethnic minorities, and MSM. |
Impacts of changing sexual behavior on chlamydia and gonorrhea burden among US high school students, 2007-2017
Goodreau SM , Pollock ED , Wang LY , Aslam MV , Barrios LC , Dunville RL , Rosenthal EM , Hamilton DT , Katz DA , Rosenberg ES . Sex Transm Dis 2021 48 (9) 635-642 BACKGROUND: Rates of adolescent sexual activity have long been declining in the United States. We sought to estimate the number of cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia averted over one decade associated with these declines, and associated costs saved. METHODS: We analyzed data from the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey of US high-school students from 2007-2017 and combined it with epidemiological estimates drawn from the literature to parameterize a dynamic population transmission model. We compared transmissions from observed behavioral trends to a counterfactual scenario that assumed sexual behaviors from 2007 remained constant over 10 years. We calculated outcomes by age and for three racial/ethnic groups (Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White adolescents) who vary on underlying burden and amount of behavioral change. RESULTS: We estimated 1,118,483 cases of chlamydia and 214,762 cases of gonorrhea were averted (19.5% of burden across all ages). This yielded $474 million (2017 dollars) savings in medical costs over the decade. The largest number of averted cases (767,543) was among Black adolescents, but the largest proportion (28.7%) was among Hispanic adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Whatever its origins, changing sexual behavior among adolescents results in large estimated reductions in STI burden and medical costs relative to previous cohorts. Although diagnoses among adolescents have not declined at this rate, multiple explanations could make these apparently divergent trends consistent. Efforts to continue supporting effective sex education in and out of school along with STI screening for adolescents should reinforce these gains. |
Assessing the cost-utility of preferentially administering Heplisav-B vaccine to certain populations
Rosenthal EM , Hall EW , Rosenberg ES , Harris A , Nelson NP , Schillie S . Vaccine 2020 38 (51) 8206-8215 Vaccination is the primary strategy to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the United States. Prior to 2017, most standard hepatitis B vaccine schedules required 3 doses over 6 months. Heplisav-B, approved in 2017, is administered in 2 doses over a 1 month time period but has a higher per-dose cost ($115.75 per dose compared to $57.25 per Engerix-B dose, costs as of June 1, 2019). We aimed to assess the cost-utility of providing the two-dose Heplisav-B vaccine compared to a three-dose Engerix-B vaccine among adult populations currently recommended for vaccination against hepatitis B. We used a decision-tree model with microsimulation and a Markov disease progression process to assess the cost-utility separately for the following populations: adults with diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, HIV; non-responders to previous hepatitis B vaccination; older adults; and persons who inject drugs (PWID). We modeled epidemiologic outcomes (incident HBV infections, sequelae and related deaths), costs (2019 USD) and benefits (quality-adjusted life years, QALYs) and compared them across strategies. Sensitivity analyses assessed the cost-utility at varying estimates of Heplisav-B efficacy. In the base case scenario for each population, vaccination with Heplisav-B resulted in fewer HBV infections (37.5-59.8% averted), sequelae, and HBV-related deaths (36.3-71.4% averted). Heplisav-B resulted in decreased costs and increased benefits compared to Engerix-B for all populations except non-responders. Incremental costs from the baseline strategy ranged from $4746.78 saved (PWID) to $14.15 added cost (non-responders). Incremental benefits per person ranged from 0.00005 QALYs (older adults) to 0.7 QALYs (PWID). For persons with HIV and PWID, Heplisav-B resulted in lower costs and increased benefits in all scenarios in which Heplisav-B series efficacy was at least 80%. Vaccination using Heplisav-B is a cost-saving strategy compared to Engerix-B for adults with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and HIV; older adults; and PWID. |
Modeling the impact of PrEP programs for adolescent sexual minority males based on empirical estimates for the PrEP continuum of care
Hamilton DT , Rosenberg ES , Sullivan PS , Wang LY , Dunville RL , Barrios LC , Aslam M , Mustanski B , Goodreau SM . J Adolesc Health 2020 68 (3) 488-496 PURPOSE: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-an effective and safe intervention to prevent HIV transmission-was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use by adolescents. Informed by studies of sexual behavior and PrEP adherence, retention, and promotion, we model the potential impact of PrEP use among at-risk adolescent sexual minority males. METHODS: We simulate an HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 13-39. We assume adult MSM ages 19-39 have had PrEP available for 3 years with 20% coverage among eligible MSM based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. PrEP interventions for ages 16-18 are then simulated using adherence and retention profiles drawn from the ATN113 and Enhancing Preexposure Prophylaxis in Community studies across a range of uptake parameters (10%-100%). Partnerships across age groups were modeled using parameterizations from the RADAR study. We compare the percent of incident infections averted (impact), person-years on PrEP per infection averted (efficiency), and changes in prevalence over 10 years. RESULTS: As compared to no PrEP use, baseline PrEP adherence and retention among adolescent sexual minority males drawn from the ATN113 and Enhancing Preexposure Prophylaxis in Community studies averted from 2.8% to 41.0% of HIV infections depending on the fraction of eligible adolescent sexual minority males that initiated PrEP at their annual health-care visit. Improved adherence and retention achieved with an array of focused interventions from real-world settings increased the percent of infections averted by as much as 26%-70%. CONCLUSIONS: Empirically demonstrated improvements in the PrEP continuum of care in response to existing interventions can substantially reduce incident HIV infections among adolescent sexual minority males. |
Characteristics of sexual partnerships among men with diagnosed HIV who have sex with men, United States and Puerto Rico-2015-2019
Dasgupta S , Tie Y , Bradley H , Beer L , Rosenberg ES , Holtgrave D , Fagan J , Green S , Shouse RL . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020 84 (5) 443-452 BACKGROUND: Understanding sexual partnerships of HIV-positive persons, particularly at the dyad level, can help in quantifying HIV transmission risk. We described sexual partnerships among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), including partnerships with a high risk for sexual HIV transmission. SETTING: The Medical Monitoring Project is an annual, cross-sectional study that reports representative estimates on U.S. HIV-positive adults. METHODS: During 2015-2019, we assessed sexual behaviors by interview, and viral load results from medical records. Among sexually active HIV-positive MSM (n = 4923), we described prevalence of high-risk sex, defined as: (1) not having sustained viral suppression, and (2) having condomless sex with an HIV-negative partner not known to be taking pre-exposure prophylaxis or an HIV-unknown partner. We described sexual partnerships among HIV-positive MSM (n = 13,024 partnerships among 4923 MSM). For HIV-discordant partnerships (n = 7768), we reported the proportion involved in high-risk sex, and associations with high-risk sex using prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means, controlling for age of the HIV-positive partner (P < 0.05). RESULTS: More than half (66%) of sexually active HIV-positive MSM had condomless sex; 11% had high-risk sex. Blacks were more likely to have detectable viral loads, but less likely to have condomless sex, making prevalence of high-risk sex comparable between racial/ethnic groups. Dyad-level analyses among HIV-discordant partnerships indicated that prevalence of high-risk sex was higher among partnerships with HIV-positive white MSM, which was not observed using person-level data alone. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of ending the HIV epidemic, behavioral and clinical surveillance data can help monitor HIV transmission risk and target prevention efforts to reduce transmission among populations at disproportionate risk. |
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in New York State.
Dufort EM , Koumans EH , Chow EJ , Rosenthal EM , Muse A , Rowlands J , Barranco MA , Maxted AM , Rosenberg ES , Easton D , Udo T , Kumar J , Pulver W , Smith L , Hutton B , Blog D , Zucker H . N Engl J Med 2020 383 (4) 347-358 BACKGROUND: A multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is associated with coronavirus disease 2019. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) established active, statewide surveillance to describe hospitalized patients with the syndrome. METHODS: Hospitals in New York State reported cases of Kawasaki's disease, toxic shock syndrome, myocarditis, and potential MIS-C in hospitalized patients younger than 21 years of age and sent medical records to the NYSDOH. We carried out descriptive analyses that summarized the clinical presentation, complications, and outcomes of patients who met the NYSDOH case definition for MIS-C between March 1 and May 10, 2020. RESULTS: As of May 10, 2020, a total of 191 potential cases were reported to the NYSDOH. Of 95 patients with confirmed MIS-C (laboratory-confirmed acute or recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] infection) and 4 with suspected MIS-C (met clinical and epidemiologic criteria), 53 (54%) were male; 31 of 78 (40%) were black, and 31 of 85 (36%) were Hispanic. A total of 31 patients (31%) were 0 to 5 years of age, 42 (42%) were 6 to 12 years of age, and 26 (26%) were 13 to 20 years of age. All presented with subjective fever or chills; 97% had tachycardia, 80% had gastrointestinal symptoms, 60% had rash, 56% had conjunctival injection, and 27% had mucosal changes. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, d-dimer, and troponin were found in 100%, 91%, and 71% of the patients, respectively; 62% received vasopressor support, 53% had evidence of myocarditis, 80% were admitted to an intensive care unit, and 2 died. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days. CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in New York State coincided with widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission; this hyperinflammatory syndrome with dermatologic, mucocutaneous, and gastrointestinal manifestations was associated with cardiac dysfunction. |
Predicting the impact of sexual behavior change on adolescent STI in the US and New York State: a case study of the teen-SPARC tool
Goodreau SM , Pollock ED , Wang LY , Barrios LC , Dunville RL , Aslam MV , Katz DA , Hart-Malloy R , Rosenthal EM , Trigg M , Fields M , Hamilton DT , Rosenberg ES . Ann Epidemiol 2020 47 13-18 Purpose: Adolescents aged 13–18 years bear a large burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and changing adolescent sexual risk behavior is a key component of reducing this burden. We demonstrate a novel publicly available modeling tool (teen-SPARC) to help state and local health departments predict the impact of behavioral change on gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV burden among adolescents. Methods: Teen-SPARC is built in Excel for familiarity and ease and parameterized using data from CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. We present teen-SPARC's methods, including derivation of national parameters and instructions to obtain local parameters. We model multiple scenarios of increasing condom use and estimate the impact on gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV incidence, comparing national and New York State (NYS) results. Results: A 1% annual increase in condom use (consistent with Healthy People 2020 goals) could prevent nearly 10,000 cases of STIs nationwide. Increases in condom use of 17.1%, 2.2%, and 25.5% in NYS would be necessary to avert 1000 cases of gonorrhea, 1000 cases of chlamydia, and 10 cases of HIV infection, respectively. Additional results disaggregate outcomes by age, sex, partner sex, jurisdiction, and pathogen. Conclusion: Teen-SPARC may be able to assist health departments aiming to tailor behavioral interventions for STI prevention among adolescents. |
Hepatitis C virus prevalence in 50 U.S. states and D.C. by sex, birth cohort, and race: 2013-2016
Bradley H , Hall EW , Rosenthal EM , Sullivan PS , Ryerson AB , Rosenberg ES . Hepatol Comm 2020 4 (3) 355-370 Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality, and more than 2 million adults in the United States are estimated to be currently infected. Reducing HCV burden will require an understanding of demographic disparities and targeted efforts to reduce prevalence in populations with disproportionate disease rates. We modeled state-level estimates of hepatitis C prevalence among U.S. adults by sex, birth cohort, and race during 2013-2016. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were used in combination with state-level HCV-related and narcotic overdose-related mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System and estimates from external literature review on populations not sampled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nationally, estimated hepatitis C prevalence was 1.3% among males and 0.6% among females (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.3). Among persons born during 1945 to 1969, prevalence was 1.6% compared with 0.5% among persons born after 1969 (PR = 3.2). Among persons born during 1945 to 1969, prevalence ranged from 0.7% in North Dakota to 3.6% in Oklahoma and 6.8% in the District of Columbia. Among persons born after 1969, prevalence was more than twice as high in Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and West Virginia compared with the national average. Hepatitis C prevalence was 1.8% among non-Hispanic black persons and 0.8% among persons of other races (PR = 2.2), and the magnitude of this disparity varied widely across jurisdictions (PR range: 1.3-7.8). Overall, 23% of prevalent HCV infections occurred among non-Hispanic black persons, whereas 12% of the population was represented by this racial group. These estimates provide information on prevalent HCV infections that jurisdictions can use for understanding and monitoring local disease patterns and racial disparities in burden of disease. |
Cost-effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis among adolescent sexual minority males
Wang LY , Hamilton DT , Rosenberg ES , Aslam MV , Sullivan PS , Katz DA , Dunville RL , Barrios LC , Goodreau SM . J Adolesc Health 2019 66 (1) 100-106 PURPOSE: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been proven safe and effective in preventing HIV among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM), but the cost-effectiveness of PrEP in ASMM remains unknown. Building on a recent epidemiological network modeling study of PrEP among ASMM, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of PrEP use in a high prevalence U.S. setting with significant disparities in HIV between black and white ASMM. METHODS: Based on the estimated number of infections averted and the number of ASMM on PrEP from the previous model and published estimates of PrEP costs, HIV treatment costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained per infection prevented, we estimated the cost-effectiveness of PrEP use in black and white ASMM over 10 years using a societal perspective and lifetime horizon. Effectiveness was measured as lifetime QALYs gained. Cost estimates included 10-year PrEP costs and lifetime HIV treatment costs saved. Cost-effectiveness was measured as cost/QALY gained. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed on key model input parameters and assumptions used. RESULTS: Under base-case assumptions, PrEP use yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $33,064 per QALY in black ASMM and $427,788 per QALY in white ASMM. In all sensitivity analyses, the cost-effectiveness ratio of PrEP use remained <$100,000 per QALY in black ASMM and >$100,000 per QALY in white ASMM. CONCLUSIONS: We found favorable cost-effectiveness ratios for PrEP use among black ASMM or other ASMM in communities with high HIV burden at current PrEP costs. Clinicians providing services in high-prevalence communities, and particularly those serving high-prevalence communities of color, should consider including PrEP services. |
Reply
Hofmeister MG , Edlin BR , Rosenberg ES , Rosenthal EM , Barker LK , Barranco MA , Hall EW , Mermin J , Ryerson AB . Hepatology 2019 70 (2) 759-760 We appreciate Dr. Spaulding and colleagues’ thoughtful commentary on our article. We used national data to provide the most accurate estimate possible of the prevalence of hepatitis C among adults in the United States, but our estimate was dependent on the quality and completeness of the available data. We corrected for the omission of several high-prevalence populations from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), but no nationally representative studies of these populations exist. Spaulding and her colleagues raise a number of reasons why our study may underestimate the true prevalence of hepatitis C among incarcerated persons, but unfortunately, no nationwide data exist to assess the magnitude of these potential biases. According to 2016 Bureau of Justice Statistics data, most people arrested are detained in jails for short periods of time(1); thus, most of the number of persons cited in Dr. Spaulding’s reply would be eligible for NHANES sampling. We could not further adjust estimates for potential nonresponse bias beyond those addressed through standard NHANES sample weights without risk of double-counting prevalent cases. | | Varan et al.(2) data were excluded because we decided a priori to include only articles published more recently than those included in the incarcerated prevalence analysis from the Edlin et al. 2015(3) national hepatitis C virus prevalence estimate. With respect to the differential treatment of North Carolina and South Carolina from Schoenbachler et al. (4) (“study 6”), South Carolina data were excluded because “Initially, the South Carolina program targeted detainees…who had obtained tattoos in non-professional or unregulated settings.” Although testing was eventually expanded to include other detainees, Shoenbachler et al. did not indicate at what point that transition occurred or whether the expansion applied to all four South Carolina jails in the study or just one.(4) We determined that the targeted risk-based screening employed met our “sampling higher-risk subpopulations selectively” exclusion criteria, and consequently only included North Carolina data from Schoenbachler et al. in our analysis. | | Incarcerated populations bear a large and disproportionate hepatitis C burden, and incarceration provides an important opportunity to identify cases, provide life-saving curative treatment, and prevent transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is looking to other systems to collect data for prevention planning and providing more support to traditional and nontraditional surveillance systems both within and outside correctional facilities. Regardless of the exact number, prevention, testing, care, and treatment of incarcerated persons with or at risk for hepatitis C is an important priority for CDC and the nation. |
HIV prevention via mobile messaging for men who have sex with men (M-Cubed): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Sullivan PS , Zahn RJ , Wiatrek S , Chandler CJ , Hirshfield S , Stephenson R , Bauermeister JA , Chiasson MA , Downing MJJr , Gelaude DJ , Siegler AJ , Horvath K , Rogers E , Alas A , Olansky EJ , Saul H , Rosenberg ES , Mansergh G . JMIR Res Protoc 2019 8 (11) e16439 BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be the predominately impacted risk group in the United States HIV epidemic and are a priority group for risk reduction in national strategic goals for HIV prevention. Modeling studies have demonstrated that a comprehensive package of status-tailored HIV prevention and care interventions have the potential to substantially reduce new infections among MSM. However, uptake of basic prevention services, including HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, condom distribution, condom-compatible lubricant distribution, and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is suboptimal. Further, stronger public health strategies are needed to promote engagement in HIV care and viral load suppression among MSM living with HIV. Mobile health (mHealth) tools can help inform and encourage MSM regarding HIV prevention, care, and treatment, especially among men who lack access to conventional medical services. This protocol details the design and procedures of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a novel mHealth intervention that comprises a comprehensive HIV prevention app and brief, tailored text- and video-based messages that are systematically presented to participants based on the participants' HIV status and level of HIV acquisition risk. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the RCT was to test the efficacy of the Mobile Messaging for Men (M-Cubed, or M3) app among at least 1200 MSM in Atlanta, Detroit, and New York. The goal was to determine its ability to increase HIV testing (HIV-negative men), STI testing (all men), condom use for anal sex (all men), evaluation for PrEP eligibility, uptake of PrEP (higher risk HIV-negative men), engagement in HIV care (men living with HIV), and uptake of and adherence to antiretroviral medications (men living with HIV). A unique benefit of this approach is the HIV serostatus-inclusiveness of the intervention, which includes both HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM. METHODS: MSM were recruited through online and venue-based approaches in Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. Men who were eligible and consented were randomized to the intervention (immediate access to the M3 app for a period of three months) or to the waitlist-control (delayed access) group. Outcomes were evaluated immediately postintervention or control period, and again three and six months after the intervention period. Main outcomes will be reported as period prevalence ratios or hazards, depending on the outcome. Where appropriate, serostatus/risk-specific outcomes will be evaluated in relevant subgroups. Men randomized to the control condition were offered the opportunity to use (and evaluate) the M3 app for a three-month period after the final RCT outcome assessment. RESULTS: M3 enrollment began in January 2018 and concluded in November 2018. A total of 1229 MSM were enrolled. Data collection was completed in September 2019. CONCLUSIONS: This RCT of the M3 mobile app seeks to determine the effects of an HIV serostatus-inclusive intervention on the use of multiple HIV prevention and care-related outcomes among MSM. A strength of the design is that it incorporates a large sample and broad range of MSM with differing prevention needs in three cities with high prevalence of HIV among MSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03666247; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03666247. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/16439. |
Optimizing coverage vs frequency for sexually transmitted infection screening of men who have sex with men
Weiss KM , Jones JS , Anderson EJ , Gift T , Chesson H , Bernstein K , Workowski K , Tuite A , Rosenberg ES , Sullivan PS , Jenness SM . Open Forum Infect Dis 2019 6 (10) ofz405 Background: The incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased substantially despite availability of effective antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual screening for all sexually active (SA) MSM and more frequent screening for high-risk (HR) MSM. The population-level benefits of improved coverage vs increased frequency of STI screening among SA vs HR MSM are unknown. Methods: We used a network transmission model of gonorrhea (NG) and chlamydia (CT) among MSM to simulate the implementation of STI screening across different scenarios, starting with the CDC guidelines at current coverage levels. Counterfactual model scenarios varied screening coverage and frequency for SA MSM and HR MSM (MSM with multiple recent partners). We estimated infections averted and the number needed to screen to prevent 1 new infection. Results: Compared with current recommendations, increasing the frequency of screening to biannually for all SA MSM and adding some HR screening could avert 72% of NG and 78% of CT infections over 10 years. Biannual screening of 30% of HR MSM at empirical coverage levels for annual SA screening could avert 76% of NG and 84% of CT infections. Other scenarios, including higher coverage among SA MSM and increasing frequency for HR MSM, averted fewer infections but did so at a lower number needed to screen. Conclusions: The optimal screening scenarios in this model to reduce STI incidence among MSM included more frequent screening for all sexually active MSM and higher coverage of screening for HR men with multiple partners. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:May 06, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure