Testing an Optimized Community-Based Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Risk Reduction and Antiretroviral Adherence Intervention for HIV-Infected Injection Drug Users

ABSTRACT

The authors conducted a preliminary study of the 4-session Holistic Health for HIV (3H+), which was adapted from a 12-session evidence-based risk reduction and antiretroviral adherence intervention. Improvements were found in the behavioral skills required to properly adhere to HIV medication regimens. Enhancements were found in all measured aspects of sex-risk reduction outcomes, including HIV knowledge, motivation to reduce sex-risk behavior, behavioral skills related to engaging in reduced sexual risk, and reduced risk behavior. Improvements in drug use outcomes included enhancements in risk reduction skills as well as reduced heroin and cocaine use. Intervention effects also showed durability from post-intervention to the follow-up assessment point. Females responded particularly well in terms of improvements in risk reduction skills and risk behavior. This study suggests that an evidence-based behavioral intervention may be successfully adapted for use in community-based clinical settings where HIV-infected drug users can be more efficiently reached.     

Predictors of risky needle use following interventions with injection drug users in Ukraine

This study was designed to assess factors associated with change in needle-related risk behaviors as well as predictors of continued high-risk behavior following intervention efforts among injection drug users (IDUs) in Ukraine. In each of three locations--Kiev, Odessa, and Makeevka/Donesk--100 IDUs were recruited using modified targeted sampling methods. Following a baseline interview, participants were offered free HIV testing and, over the course of the next 5 months, individualized interventions focusing on reducing HIV-related risk behaviors. Former IDUs conducted interventions through street outreach. The intervention model was based on the Indigenous Leader Outreach Model (ILOM) and stressed assessing an individual's unique risks and developing strategies by which to minimize those risks. Follow-up assessments showed significant reductions in every risk behavior measured. Following the intervention, however, approximately one of four participants reported front- or backloading, using drugs obtained from a common container or injecting with a used needle/syringe. Although the sample as a whole averaged only 28 years of age, those who were younger were significantly more likely to engage in each of these behaviors than those who were older. In light of the overall young age of the Ukrainian IDUs observed in this study, the consistent finding that younger IDUs were at highest risk foreshadows a worsening HIV epidemic in Ukraine.     

High prevalence of alcohol use among hepatitis C virus antibody positive injection drug users in three US cities

Injection drug users (IDUs) acquire the majority of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and frequently use alcohol. Alcohol abuse accelerates liver disease among HCV-infected persons, can reduce the effectiveness of treatment for HCV infection and may be a contraindication for HCV treatment. HCV seropositive, HIV-negative IDUs aged 18-35 years in Baltimore, New York City and Seattle who were enrolled in a behavioral risk-reduction intervention trial underwent computerized self-interviews to assess baseline alcohol use and dependence and medical history. We measured problem alcohol use using the 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scale. Of 598 participants, 84% responded "false" to: "it is safe for a person with HCV to drink alcohol". Problem drinking, defined as score > or =8 on AUDIT, was identified in 37%. Correlates of scoring > or =8 on AUDIT included homelessness, male gender, primarily injecting speedballs, having injected with used needles, prior alcohol treatment and depression. Although most HCV seropositive IDUs in our sample appear informed about their increased risk of liver disease from alcohol, two-fifths screened positive for problem alcohol use. These findings underscore the importance of referring HCV-positive persons to effective alcohol treatment programs to reduce future liver damage and improve eligibility for and effectiveness of treatment of HCV.     

A tale of two cities: HIV risk behaviours among injecting drug users in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The aim of this study was to describe and highlight HIV drug risk behaviours among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Using a cross-sectional design 470 IDUs (Hanoi, n = 302; Ho Chi Minh City, n = 168) were recruited and interviewed by trained interviewers. The IDUs in Ho Chi Minh City were older, more likely to be employed and less likely to be single than those in Hanoi. History of injecting also varied: on average, IDUs in Ho Chi Minh City had been injecting longer (17 years in Ho Chi Minh City compared with 3 years in Hanoi). Three-quarters of the IDUs injected at least once a day and a similar proportion had their last injections administered by someone else. Eighty-two per cent had seen and/or read something on HIV/AIDS and 73% mentioned to have initiated risk reduction; however, no significant difference was found between two cities. Even though there is a significant difference between IDUs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in terms of certain risk behaviours, the IDUs in both cities continue to expose themselves to HIV infection. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the IDUs in these two cities in terms of initiating HIV risk reduction, even though prevention programmes were implemented in Ho Chi Minh City earlier than in Hanoi. The presence of high-risk behaviours and absence of any meaningful risk reduction among IDUs in both cities indicate the need for intensive targeted intervention.     

Delivery of HIV risk-reduction services in drug treatment programs

This study examined services received for HIV risk reduction among individuals in drug treatment. Analyses were conducted using data from 4,412 participants in the national Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS), a prospective multisite study of drug treatment effectiveness. A higher percentage of individuals in long-term residential programs received HIV-related services, compared with clients in short-term inpatient, methadone maintenance, and outpatient drug-free programs. More men than women, and individuals at higher sex-risk as compared with those at lower sex-risk, received HIV services. Logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals who engaged in sex work had a higher likelihood than those who did not, of receiving HIV-related services, although individuals with high-risk or multiple sexual partners were no more likely than others to receive HIV services. More comprehensive service delivery is needed in order to reduce the risk for HIV among clients in drug treatment.     

瑞丽市中国与缅甸静脉吸毒人员高危行为及干预现状比较研究

目的:比较中国与缅甸静脉吸毒人员(IDUs)高危行为及干预现状,为后续跨境综合干预活动提供依据。方法:2009-2010年瑞丽市为调查点,戒毒所缅甸注射吸毒人员整群抽样,结合社区中缅IDUs滚血球抽样。问卷调查收集艾滋病相关知识、共用针具、接受干预服务、高危性行为等方面的情况。SPSS 18.0软件包数据分析,秩和检验和χ2检验。结果:缅甸及中国IDUs中HIV感染率分别为35.6%及41.6%。缅甸籍IDUs新检测为阳性的比例27.6%,远高于中国籍的比例3.5%。中国IDUs最近1年接受过干预服务得分高于缅甸籍吸毒人员。缅甸、中国IDUs上个月注射时都使用新针具的比例为40.6%和46.2%,上个月使用别人用过的针具比例为33.3%和33.8%。上一次付费的性交易中没有使用安全套的比例,缅甸为91.0%,中国为57.8%,而最近一次发生性行为时没有使用安全套的比例缅甸(87.2%)高于中国(59.6%)。结论:边境区域中缅IDUs高危行为明显,应采用多种方法加大对中国缅甸籍IDUs减少伤害综合服务力度。     

High HIV and hepatitis C prevalence amongst injecting drug users in Mauritius: findings from a population size estimation and respondent driven sampling survey

Background

Mauritius, an Indian Ocean Island nation of approximately 1,000,000 people, has a large number of injecting drug users (IDUs), many of whom are infected with HIV and HCV. Mauritius has been expanding harm reduction and HIV services based in the belief that HIV prevalence amongst IDUs is somewhere between 30 and 60% and the IDU population size is around 20,000. In 2009, the government of Mauritius conducted a survey to estimate the infection prevalence and risk factors and to estimate the population size of IDUs in order to more effectively expand programmes.

Methods

Men and women aged >15 years living in Mauritius and injecting illicit drugs in the past three months were recruited using respondent driven sampling (RDS). Consenting participants were interviewed about HIV-risk behaviours and tested for HIV, syphilis, HCV and HBV. Six multipliers were collected from service data and by the ‘unique identifier’ method in conjunction with the RDS survey. Proportions were calculated using the RDS analysis tool.

Results

511 IDUs enrolled in the survey; 61.2% reported injecting 2-3 times/day and 29.3% reported past month injection with a previously used needle. Amongst the 60% of IDUs who reported having sexual intercourse in the past three months, 39.5% did so with ≥2 partners. Almost all IDUs (98.1%) reported inconsistent condom use in the past 12 months. HIV prevalence was 47.4%, HCV 97.3%, HBV 9.0%, and syphilis 2.7%; 99.7% of those infected with HIV were also infected with HCV. Our population size estimates put the number of IDUs in Mauritius at around 9500, lower than previous estimates.

Conclusions

We observed high rates of HCV and HIV infection amongst IDUs in Mauritius. The scale up of targeted HCV and HIV prevention, care and treatment services for IDUs should be a high priority.     

Effectiveness of community-based outreach in preventing HIV/AIDS among injecting drug users

This paper focuses on the evidence for the effectiveness of community-based outreach intervention as one component of a comprehensive HIV prevention model for preventing HIV infection in injecting drug user (IDU) populations. Three empirical questions guided the review of the evidence. This article includes primarily published literature on community-based outreach derived mostly from developing countries but also unpublished literature. Wherever possible, evidence from multi-country, multi-site studies or meta-analytical studies is included. More than 40 published studies reveal that injecting drug users (IDUs), who are reached by community-based outreach and provided with access to risk reduction services, report reducing HIV risk behaviours. The strength of the evidence was assessed using Hill's criteria, which permit a review of multiple studies with different designs. Using the criteria, it is possible to infer causation about the evidence of effectiveness of the intervention. The evidence for the effectiveness of a community-based outreach strategy is strong. Despite evidence from 20 years of evaluation studies of the effectiveness of community-based outreach, a huge gap exists in most countries between the number of IDUs who want or could benefit from outreach services and the number of IDUs who actually receive them. Findings from evaluation studies on the effectiveness of community-based outreach must be made accessible, disseminated globally and provided to policy- and decision-makers to persuade them to take action and implement scaled-up prevention programmes. This requires ongoing advocacy and constant strengthening of the evidence base. Plans are needed to link evidence-based findings with technical assistance as well as training to enhance the capacity of regions and countries to introduce, scale up and sustain HIV prevention outreach to IDUs as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.     

Predictors of opiate agonist treatment retention among injection drug users referred from a needle exchange program

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a case management intervention on retention in opiate agonist therapy among injection drug users (IDUs) referred from a needle exchange program (NEP).

Design, intervention, participants, and setting

A randomized trial of a strengths-based case management intervention versus passive referral (control) was conducted among NEP attendees requesting and receiving referrals to subsidized, publicly funded opiate agonist treatment programs in Baltimore, MD.

Measurements

Multivariable Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of treatment retention using an ecological model approach, taking into account factors at the individual, social, and environmental level.

Findings

Of 245 IDUs, 127 (51.8%) entered opiate agonist treatment, for whom median retention was 7.9 months. The intervention was not associated with longer retention (p = .91). Individual-level factors predictive of shorter retention included being employed and greater levels of psychiatric distress. Participants who had prior treatment experience and multiple treatment requests were retained significantly longer. Social factors adversely affecting treatment retention included unstable housing and buying drugs for others. Living further away from the treatment site was an environmental barrier that negatively affected treatment retention.

Conclusions

Multilevel interventions that address individual, social, and environmental factors are necessary to improve substance abuse treatment retention and treatment outcomes among IDUs referred from NEP.     

Development, description, and acceptability of a small-group, behavioral intervention to prevent HIV and hepatitis C virus infections among young adult injection drug users

Young injection drug users (IDUs) who are not infected with HIV or hepatitis C virus are at great risk of acquiring one or both of these infections through their sexual or injection behaviors. We describe the development of a behavioral intervention designed to decrease sexual and injection risk behaviors among young IDUs. The intervention was developed through a dynamic and iterative process that involved extensive development activities, focus groups with the target population to pilot individual activities and intervention sessions, and later, pilot testing of the entire intervention. The six-session intervention that emerged from the development process relied on both social-cognitive theories and peer influence models. We also designed a control intervention, trained facilitators to deliver the interventions, and conducted quality assurance of intervention delivery. To better understand intervention trial findings, we asked participants about their intervention experiences and examined potential contamination across arms. Both interventions were delivered with high fidelity and participants in both groups reported positive experiences. More perceived impact was reported for injection risk behaviors than for sexual risk behaviors among participants in the intervention arm. Minimal evidence of contamination was found. Lessons learned can help future researchers to develop stronger interventions for this high-need population.     

Treatment costs of hepatitis C infection among injection drug users in Canada, 2006-2026

Background

Canadian injection drug users (IDUs) are at high risk of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). However, little is known about the costs associated with their HCV-related medical treatment. We estimated the medical costs of treating HCV-infected IDUs from 2006 to 2026.

Methods

We employed a Markov model of entry through birth or immigration to exposure-related behaviours or experiences, HCV infection, progression to HCV sequelae and mortality for active and ex-IDUs in Canada. We estimated direct and indirect treatment costs using data from the Ontario Case Costing Initiative (OCCI).

Result

Approximately 137,000 IDUs will suffer from HCV-related disease each year until 2026. Applying the OCCI cost data to the prevalence of HCV-related disease from 2006 to 2026 yielded an estimated cost of $3.96 billion CND to treat HCV-infected IDUs.

Conclusions

Substantial costs are associated with the treatment of HCV-related disease among Canadian IDUs. Given the lack of effective HCV prevention strategies in Canada, we must develop targeted evidence-based responses to prevent HCV transmission and ensure appropriate allocation of medical resources to meet the present and future treatment needs of HCV-infected IDUs.     

Intraurban mobility and its potential impact on the spread of blood-borne infections among drug injectors in Tijuana, Mexico

We explored intraurban mobility of Tijuana, Mexico, injection drug users (IDUs). In 2005, 222 IDUs underwent behavioral surveys and infectious disease testing. Participants resided in 58 neighborhoods, but regularly injected in 30. From logistic regression, "mobile" IDUs (injecting ≥3 km from their residence) were more likely to cross the Mexico/U.S. border, share needles, and get arrested for carrying syringes-but less likely to identify hepatitis as an injection risk. Mobile participants lived in neighborhoods with less drug activity, treatment centers, or migrants, but higher marriage and home ownership rates. Mobile IDUs should be targeted for outreach and further investigation. The study's limitations are noted.     

The Feasibility of Pharmacy-Based Naloxone Distribution Interventions: A Qualitative Study With Injection Drug Users and Pharmacy Staff in Rhode Island

This study analyzed qualitative data from a Rapid Policy Assessment and Response project to assess the feasibility of a potential pharmacy-based naloxone intervention to reduce opioid overdose mortality among injection drug users (IDUs). We conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with 21 IDUs and 21 pharmacy staff (pharmacists and technicians). Although most participants supported the idea of a pharmacy-based naloxone intervention, several barriers were identified, including misinformation about naloxone, interpersonal relationships between IDUs and pharmacy staff, and costs of such an intervention. Implications for future pharmacy-based overdose prevention interventions for IDUs, including pharmacy-based naloxone distribution, are considered. The study's limitations are noted.     

中缅边境社区静脉注射吸毒人员高危注射行为对比分析

目的 分析中缅边境社区静脉注射吸毒人员（IDUs）高危注射行为情况,为下一步加强边境地区跨境吸毒人员综合干预提供有利依据.方法 2009年在云南2个边境县,采用滚雪球方法选取社区内跨境缅甸籍和中国籍IDUs,知情同意后,采用自行设计并经预测试的双语问卷进行调查并进行血清学检测.调查内容包括基本情况、艾滋病知识、人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）相关高危行为等.数据采用Excel2003建库录入,SPSS16.0 软件进行统计分析.结果 两地共调查249例吸毒人员,其中中国籍100例,缅甸籍149例.20.0%中国籍及10.1%缅籍IDUs上月注射时有共针现象,中缅IDUs的HIV感染率分别为32.0%、19.5%.两地吸毒人员上月注射时是否共用针具、或共用过毒品稀释溶液或容器及上次注射使用新针具体情况比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 为控制边境吸毒人员HIV感染传播,加强跨边境吸毒人员的综合干预,特别是边境中国吸毒人员的综合干预十分重要.     

The Thai HIV/AIDS epidemic at 15 years: sustained needle sharing among southern Thai drug injectors

To explore perceptions and attitudes towards needle sharing among clinic-based injecting drug abusers (IDUs) at a drug-treatment clinic in Hat Yai City, Songkla Province, Southern Thailand. Qualitative methods were used to gather data, including: in-depth interviews with 17 active IDUs and with three nurses, participant observation, review of the IDUs' files, and validation after interview completion to ensure data triangulation. A form of comparative content analysis, including thematic analysis, was used for data analysis. After 15 years of the Thai HIV/AIDS epidemic, most southern Thai IDUs still occasionally engaged in needle sharing although they reported reductions in sharing frequency. Withdrawal symptoms and craving were most commonly cited as compelling reasons to share. Misconceptions about how to determine "healthy" from the "sick" was another key factor underlying sharing. Pooling money for drugs (with subsequent cost-savings) was given priority over purchasing new needles/syringes among disadvantaged IDUs. Receiving HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), however, promotes reduced sharing. Our findings suggest that southern Thai IDUs remain at high risk of acquiring HIV infection, primarily through needle sharing. Harm reduction strategies, such as, providing VCT to all IDUs and promoting needle exchange programs might be beneficial approaches to curbing the rapid spread of HIV.     

云南19个县静脉注射吸毒人员HIV感染影响多因素分析

目的:了解静脉注射吸毒人员HIV感染及相关影响因素,为中澳项目静脉吸毒人员综合干预提供科学有效依据.方法:选取中澳项目所有19个项目县,采用项目设计并经预实验修正后的现场调查问卷进行调查,内容包括人口学特征、高危注射行为、高危性行为等,HIV采用ELISA试剂进行筛查检测,筛查阳性送确证实验室进行复核和确证.Excel 2003建立数据库,单录入并随机抽取10％进行核查.SPSS10.0进行数据分析.结果:1 828例吸毒人员平均年龄32.1岁,HIV阳性率为32.4％单因素分析发现重复使用注射器及未接受艾滋病咨询组,多因素分析与年龄、婚姻状况呈正相关关系,OR值分别为1.055、1.152,第一次注射毒品年龄、最近1年接受清洁针具交换、最近1年接受同伴教育服务三个因素呈负相关关系,OR值分别为0.944、0.797和0.581.结论:云南省静脉注射吸毒为受HIV感染高危中青年人群,重复使用注射器及未接受过咨询检测服务与感染HIV密切相关,年龄越大、结婚或离异,第一次注射毒品年龄越小、接受清洁针具交换和同伴教育少的吸毒人员HIV感染率越高.加强吸毒人群的综合干预,同时加强吸毒人员配偶及固定性伴的宣传干预十分重要.     

Circumstances Surrounding Needle Use Transitions among Injection Drug Users: Implications for HIV Intervention

Injection drug users (IDUs) are at increased risk of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Intervention programs aimed at reducing the spread of HIV in this population typically incorporate a range of risk reduction strategies, including encouragement to move from injection to noninjection. However, very little is known about the factors associated with needle use transitions, either spontaneous or in response to intervention. We report a study in which a cohort of IDUs were asked about the reasons they stopped and restarted injection. Of 855 IDUs, 179 (21%) had had at least one 12-month period of noninjection since they first injected. Almost one-half of the reasons given for stopping injecting related to personal crises, characterized by major shifts in attitude to drugs and/or life more generally, and often generated by pressures in significant relationships. Concerns about HIV were cited by only one respondent. Many of the factors associated with transition out of needle use in the study population are not readily amenable to intervention. The implications of this for HIV risk reduction programs are discussed.     

Factors associated with drug treatment dropout among injection drug users in Puerto Rico

This study examined factors associated with drug treatment dropout among injection drug users (IDUs) in Puerto Rico, a group that has contributed significantly to the self-sustaining AIDS epidemic in the island since the mid-1980s. A total of 557 IDUs were recruited from communities in a semirural region of Puerto Rico, as part of a longitudinal study testing the efficacy of a two-facet intervention model, based on motivational interviewing. Of 124 IDUs who had entered drug treatment at follow-up, 33 (26.6%) dropped out before completing all recommended sessions. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, homelessness, and speedball use were significantly associated with drug treatment dropout. Conversely, participants who received the two-facet intervention were significantly less likely to drop out of drug treatment. Receiving psychiatric services also reduced the odds of treatment dropout. Improving adherence to drug treatment and reducing dropout rates are complex processes that need to be addressed at the individual behavioral and social support levels, as well as the program process and resource levels.