Digital Commons Network^™

Hiv-Seropositive Patients’ Experiences With Social Workers: A South African Hiv+ Social Worker’S Reflective Log, Delarise Maud Mulqueeny

The Qualitative Report

Social workers play a pivotal role in HIV-seropositive patients’ treatment and care within South African public antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs. This article is a reflective log of an HIV-seropositive social worker’s observations and reflections on her positionality during a study on HIV-seropositive patients’ experiences of the public ART program in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The primary investigator (PI) utilized various tools and techniques including reflexive bracketing, participatory action research and a reflexive diary to navigate a sensitive study. This was while being cognizant of the fluidity of her insider/outsider positionality. The disclosure of the PI’s HIV-seropositive status culminated in all …

A Functional Study Of Topological Dna Problem In Human T Cells During Chronic Viral Infection, Xindi Dang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

T cells play an important role in adaptive immune system against viral infections, while premature aging and dysfunction of T cells induced by unrepaired DNA damages are always non-negligible snags during the long-term of fighting with chronic viral infections, such as Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. In this dissertation, we investigated the role of topological DNA damage in reprogramming telomeric DNA damage responses (DDR), mitochondrial metabolisms, and T cell functions using CD4+ T cells derived from individuals with chronic viral infections or healthy subjects treated with topoisomerase inhibitors. The healthy human …

Freedom As Prevention: Mechanisms Of Autonomy Support For Promoting Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use And Condom Use Among Black Msm In 3 Us Cities-Hptn 073, Laron E Nelson, Donte T Boyd, Geetha Beauchamp, Lynda Emel, Leo Wilton, Darren Whitfield, S Raquel Ramos, Wale Ajiboye, Mandy J Hill, Donaldson F Conserve, Portia Thomas, Lisa Hightow-Weidman, Steve Shoptaw, Manya Magnus, Kenneth H Mayer, Estelle Piwowar-Manning, Sheldon D Fields, Darrell P Wheeler, Hptn 073 Study Team

Journal Articles

Healthcare providers who use controlling or coercive strategies may compel short-term enactment of HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention behaviors but may inadvertently undermine their client's motivation to maintain those behaviors in the absence of external pressure. Autonomous motivation refers to the self-emanating and self-determined drive for engaging in health behaviors. It is associated with long-term maintenance of health behaviors. We used structural equation modeling to investigate whether autonomy support was associated with increased odds of therapeutic serum levels of pre-exposure prophylaxis, through a pathway that satisfies basic psychological needs for autonomous self-regulation and competence regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis use. We …

Measuring Phases Of Employment Decision-Making And The Need For Vocational Services As A Social Determinant Of The Health Of Employed People Living With Hiv, Kb Boomer, Liza M. Conyers, Yili Wang, Yung-Chen Jen Chiu

Publications and Research

(1) Background: Secure employment has been recognized as a social determinant of health for people living with HIV (PLHIV), but limited research has been conducted to understand the employment needs and vocational decision-making process of those who are employed. The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of the client-focused considering-work model to assess the employment outcomes and employment decision-making phases of a sample of employed PLHIV. (2) Methods: This study analyzed data of 244 employed PLHIV who completed National Working Positive Coalition’s Employment Needs Survey which included a 20-item Considering Work Scale- Employed version (CWS-Employed) and a …

Measuring Phases Of Employment Decision-Making And The Need For Vocational Services As A Social Determinant Of The Health Of Employed People Living With Hiv, K B. Boomer, Liza M. Conyers, Yili Wang, Yung-Chen Jen Chiu

Faculty Journal Articles

(1) Background: Secure employment has been recognized as a social determinant of health for people living with HIV (PLHIV), but limited research has been conducted to understand the employment needs and vocational decision-making process of those who are employed. The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability of the client-focused considering-work model to assess the employment outcomes and employment decision-making phases of a sample of employed PLHIV. (2) Methods: This study analyzed data of 244 employed PLHIV who completed National Working Positive Coalition’s Employment Needs Survey which included a 20-item Considering Work Scale-Employed version (CWS-Employed) and a single-item …

A Cross Cultural Perspective Of Adherence For Racial/Ethnic Minority Women With Hiv, Living In The United States, Lunthita M. Duthely, Olga Villar-Loubet, Sneha Akurati, Alex P. Sanchez Covarrubias

Papers from the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology Conferences

HIV persists as a global public health tragedy, as more than 36 million lives have been lost to HIV/AIDS. A diagnosis of HIV can be treated as a chronic disease, for those who adhere to their medication regimens and other health recommendations. However, for racial/ethnic minorities living in the United States, many of whom face a multitude of barriers, adherence to medications and medical appointments can be a challenge. For racial/ethnic minority women, specifically, gender roles, HIV stigma, racism, inconsistent access to healthcare, financial and food insecurity are just a few of the barriers they experience, which may interfere with …

“Everything…Fell Apart Once Covid-19 Hit”—Leveraging The Covid-19 Response To Strengthen Public Health Activities Toward Ending The Hiv Epidemic: A Qualitative Study, Samantha A. Devlin, Moctezuma Garcia, Kayo Fujimoto, Camden Hallmark, Marlene Mcneese, John Schneider, Moira C. Mcnulty

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

COVID-19 caused widespread disruption of activities for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE). In this study we assessed public health perspectives on leveraging the COVID-19 response to advance the goals of EHE. We conducted a qualitative study with 33 public health partners in the Midwestern and Southern United States from October 2020 to February 2022. Participants were asked how the strategies developed for COVID-19 could be applied to the HIV epidemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and examined using rapid qualitative analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) Rebuilding teams and adapting culture for success in EHE activities; (2) Recognizing and modernizing the role …

Hiv Viral Load Suppression Before And After Covid-19 In Kinshasa And Haut Katanga, Democratic Republic Of The Congo, Gulzar H. Shah, Gina D. Etheredge, Stacy Smallwood, Lievain Maluantesa, Kristie C. Waterfield, Osaremhen Ikhile, John Ditekemena, Elodie Engetele, Elizabeth Ayangunna, Astrid Mulenga, Bernard Bossiky

Department of Health Policy and Community Health Faculty Publications

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in unique programmatic opportunities to test hypotheses related to the initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and viral load (VL) suppression during a global health crisis, which would not otherwise have been possible.

Objectives: To generate practice-relevant evidence on the impact of initiating ART pre-COVID-19 versus during the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV VL.

Method: Logistic regression was performed on data covering 6596 persons with HIV whose VL data were available, out of 36 585 persons who were initiated on ART between 01 April 2019 and 30 March 2021.

Results: After controlling for covariates …

Employing Respondent Driven Sampling (Rds) To Recruit People Who Inject Drugs (Pwid) And Other Hard-To-Reach Populations During Covid-19: Lessons Learned, Roberto Abadie, Patrick Habecker, Kimberly Gocchi Carrasco, Kathy S. Chiou, Samodha C. Fernando, Sydney Townsend, Aníbal Valentin-Acevedo, Kirk Dombrowski, John T. West, Charles Wood

School of Global Integrative Studies: Faculty Publications

Background: Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) is an effective sampling strategy to recruit hard-to-reach populations but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of this strategy in the collection of data involving human subjects, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable populations, is not known. Based on an ongoing study using RDS to recruit and study the interactions between HIV infection, injection drug use, and the microbiome in Puerto Rico, this paper explores the e􀀀ectiveness of RDS during the pandemic and provided potential strategies that could improve recruitment and data collection.

Results: RDS was employed to evaluate its effectiveness …

Employing Respondent Driven Sampling (Rds) To Recruit People Who Inject Drugs (Pwid) And Other Hard-To-Reach Populations During Covid-19: Lessons Learned, Roberto Abadie, Patrick Habecker, Kimberly Gocchi Carrasco, Kathy S. Chiou, Samodha Fernando, Sydney J. Bennett, Aníbal Valentin-Acevedo, Kirk Dombrowski, John T. West, Charles Wood

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) is an effective sampling strategy to recruit hard-to-reach populations but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of this strategy in the collection of data involving human subjects, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable populations, is not known. Based on an ongoing study using RDS to recruit and study the interactions between HIV infection, injection drug use, and the microbiome in Puerto Rico, this paper explores the effectiveness of RDS during the pandemic and provided potential strategies that could improve recruitment and data collection. Results: RDS was employed to evaluate its effectiveness in recruiting …

Quality Of Life In Older And Younger People With Hiv And Diabetes, Lauren F. O’Connor, La’Marcus Wingate, Sam Simmens, Amanda D. Castel, Anne K. Monroe

Epidemiology Faculty Posters and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Experiences Of Stigma, Social Support, And Anxiety In People Living With Hiv In South Carolina, Sarah J. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

People living with HIV (PLHIV) experience numerous psychosocial stressors, including HIV-related stigma and heightened prevalence of mental health disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, and anxiety. However, limited research has investigated predictors of anxiety within this population. This study aimed to explore the relationship between HIV-related stigma and anxiety symptoms among PLHIV in South Carolina (SC) and to examine the role of social support as a mediator for this relationship. A total of 402 PLHIV receiving HIV care at large immunology center in SC completed a paper and pencil survey, reporting sociodemographic variables, as well as experiences of HIV-related …

Hiv And Housing Insecurity In Louisiana, Hui-Peng Liew, Leslie E. Green

Journal of Rural Social Sciences

This study sought to assign the parishes in Louisiana into distinctive spatial-temporal clusters based on their trends in HIV prevalence and percentages of households with severe housing problems and to assess the parish’s resilience and susceptibility to HIV infection given its pre- existing sociodemographic conditions. Results revealed that trends in the HIV prevalence rates and percentages of households with severe housing problems differed across the five distinct spatial-temporal clusters. The percentage of households with severe housing problems and the percentage of non-Hispanic Black population were positively associated with the HIV prevalence rate while the reverse was true for the percentage …

Hiv Epidemic Among Brazilian Women Who Have Sex With Women: An Ecological Study, Ana Luisa Lemos Bezerra, William Sorensen, Taymara Barbosa Rodrigues, Sara Melissa Lago Sousa, Marcia Simao Carneiro, Sandra Helena Isse Polaro, Aline Maria Pereira Cruz Ramos, Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff Ferreira, Elucir Gir, Renata Karina Reis, Elia Pinheiro Botelho

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The influences of public policies fighting HIV among women who have sex with women is scarcely studied. This study aimed to analyse the time series of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, between 2007 and 2020, among Brazilian women who have sex with women, in order to evaluate the eect of Brazilian policies for fighting HIV in this subpopulation compared to women who have sex with men (WSM). This ecological study employed HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) new cases among women who have sex strictly with women (WSW), women who have sex with men and women (WSMW), and WSM reported …

“Family Before Anyone Else”: A Qualitative Study On Family, Marginalization, And Hiv Among Hispanic Or Latino/A/X Mexican Sexual Minority Males, Moctezuma García, S. Raquel Ramos, Lisa Aponte-Soto, Tiarney D. Ritchwood, Laurie A. Drabble

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This study explored the influence family relationships have on HIV-related factors among Hispanic or Latino/a/x Mexican sexual minority cisgender males in San Antonio, TX, US. A total of 15 young adults (7 people living with HIV; PLWH) ages 21–30 completed a semi-structured interview. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. The following themes emerged: (1) family support; (2) mother-son relationships; (3) father-son relationships; (4) sibling support; (5) family marginalization of sexual minorities; and (6) internalized homophobia. People who reported being HIV negative were more likely to have a prominent mother-son relationship, strong sense of family, supportive siblings, and …

Hiv-Related Stigma, Sexual And Gender Minority-Related Stigma, And Health Outcomes Among Msm Living With Hiv: Measurement, Impact, And Intersectionality, Tianyue Mi

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Many men who have sex with men (MSM) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience suboptimal health outcomes compared to nonMSM males living with HIV, including a faster decline in CD4 count before initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), slower immune recovery after initiating ART, more mental health problems, suboptimal ART adherence, and lower retention in care. MSM living with HIV are often exposed to multiple layered stigmas, including, but not limited to, stigma related to being infected with HIV and stigma related to sexual and gender minority (SGM) status. Although various scales of HIV-related stigma have been frequently used for …

Using Community-Based Participatory Research To Assess The Needs Of Hiv-Related Services For Infected Individuals In Rural Communities, Elizabeth Brown, Charles Brown, Owen Johnson, Wendelyn Inman, Revlon Briggs, Wanda Burrell, Rosemary Theriot, Elizabeth Williams, Alexis Heaston

Public Health, Health Administration, and Health Sciences Faculty Research

HIV/AIDS remains a significant health concern in rural communities, which may also experience many disparate issues including reduced access to health services (Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). Community efforts should be increased to improve services to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), especially in rural communities. In the state of Tennessee, using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, a needs assessment was conducted to identify gaps, barriers, and strategies for improving HIV-related comprehensive care services for people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 26 rural counties. The paper describes the CBPR partnership and the needs assessment project that was conducted and …

Preparing To Break Barriers: A Mixed Methods Exploration Of The Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceptions Of Hiv, Prep, And Hiv Risk Behaviors Among Women Of Color In Miami, Florida, Amanda C. Ichite

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. HIV epidemic is characterized by regional, racial, and ethnic disparities. HIV rates are disproportionately higher in the South and Black and Hispanic populations are most impacted. Moreover, the intersectional identity of being a Black or Hispanic woman living in the South has been associated with profound disparities in HIV impact. Prior to the advent of the biomedical HIV prevention tool pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in 2012, women were limited in their options for female-controlled HIV prevention strategies. Despite the proven efficacy of PrEP, utilization in women is significantly lower than other at-risk groups. In the present study, secondary analysis …

Hiv Antiretroviral Medication Neuropenetrance And Neurocognitive Outcomes In Hiv+ Adults: A Review Of The Literature Examining The Central Nervous System Penetration Effectiveness Score, Alyssa Arentoft, Katie Troxell, Karen Alvarez, Maral Aghvinian, Monica Rivera Mindt, Mariana Cherner, Kathleen Van Dyk, Jill Razani, Michaela Roxas, Melissa Gavilanes

All Faculty Open Access Publications

This literature review summarizes the existing research examining the CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) score and neurocognitive outcomes (i.e., neuropsychological assessment and neurocognitive screening) in HIV+ individuals. Despite the effectiveness of Combined Antiretroviral Therapy (CART) in reducing mortality and morbidity in HIV and controlling viral replication, HIV often persists in the Central Nervous System (CNS), and rates of neurocognitive impairment remain higher than predicted in the post-CART era. The CPE score was developed to rank antiretroviral regimens on their ability to penetrate the CNS and potency in inhibiting the virus, and it has been examined in relation to neurocognitive functioning for …

Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Markers Of Myocardial Injury And Inflammation In People Living With Hiv In Nairobi, Kenya: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study, Hassan Adan Ahmed, Jeilan Mohamed, Isaiah G. Akuku, Kuan Ken Lee, Shirjel R. Alam, Pablo Perel, Jasmit Shah, Mohammed K. Ali, Sherry Eskander, Michael H. Chung

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and explore associations with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hscTnI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Kenya.

Design: Pilot cross-sectional study.

Setting: Data were collected from community HIV clinics across two sites in Nairobi, Kenya, from July 2019 to May 2020.

Participants: Convenience sample of 200 PLHIV (≥30 years with no prior history of CVD).

Outcome measures: Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and its association with hsTnI and hsCRP levels.

Results: Across 200 PLHIV (median age 46 years, IQR 38–53; 61% women), the …

Interventions For Prevention Of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Adolescents Living With Hiv: A Systematic Review, Eunice Ndirangu, Constance Shumba, Peter Gatiti, Bernard Mutwiri, Amina Abubakar

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

While the uptake of antiretroviral drugs has rapidly expanded among adolescents and adults living with HIV, research evidence suggests that people living with HIV have a higher risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With more than 35% of the global burden of NCDs stemming from adolescence, there is a need to comprehend the existing evidence on early prevention, detection, and disease management, especially among the at-risk population. In line with the WHO Global Action Plan, 2013–2020 and “Best Buys”, recommendations on practical interventions for NCDs prevention, this systematic review seeks to synthesise evidence on the current interventions for preventing NCDs among …

How The Conviction And Sentencing Of "Tiger Mandingo" Modernized Missouri's Hiv-Related Statutes In 2021, Ryan Jay Mcelhose

Journal of Law and Health

Michael Johnson or “Tiger Mandingo” as he referred to himself on social media, engaged in sexual acts with six different men, all of whom claimed that Michael lied about living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). As a result, the State of Missouri charged him with recklessly infecting a partner with HIV exposing or attempting to expose another with HIV. With contradictory trial testimony, no genetic fingerprint testing, and little to no questioning of his sexual partners’ credibility, the jury found Michael Johnson guilty of five felony counts which resulted in a 30-year prison sentence. Ultimately the Missouri Court of Appeals …

Cultivating Compassion In Catholic Teachings: An Invitation To Relationship With Immigrants And Refugees With Hiv/Aids, Anna Salvestrin

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In 1989 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released Called to Compassion and Responsibility. This document, which articulates the official Catholic Church teaching on HIV/AIDS, emphasizes personal responsibility in limiting the spread of HIV and calls for compassion toward the sick. The bishops direct their document to Catholic clergy and parishioners and offer recommendations for government policy and parish actions that affirm human dignity. This thesis argues that the document's recommendations do not adequately consider the experiences of immigrants and refugees with HIV/AIDS and neglect sufficient attention to their lived experiences. In future documents, the bishops should use the …

Examining Resilience In Women Living With Hiv/Aids Through A Photo Narrative Lens, Mary Bell

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLH) and poverty face numerous challenges to survival. Typically, WLH in the United States have been exposed to more than just a deadly virus; they have often experienced or witnessed drug addiction, poverty, abuse, mental health disorders, homelessness, abandonment, involvement in the sex industry, racism, sexism, prejudice, social injustice, chronic hunger, generational trauma, and violence – community, domestic, cultural, police enforced, etc. The literature reviewed suggests that treating HIV/AIDS requires a holistic approach that pays close attention to the biopsychosocial needs of the individual. In addition to the physical and economic toll the disease takes on …

Correlates Of Sexualized Drug Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (Msm) In Malaysia, Sydney Osborne

Honors Scholar Theses

Sexualized drug use (SDU), also known as ‘chemsex’ or ‘chem-fun,’ is an emerging public health concern. This HIV risk behavior is a major issue and marginalized communities such as men who have sex with men (MSM) may be overlooked for prevention efforts or struggle to access adequate treatment. This study aims to determine the correlates of SDU to inform interventions, policy, and prevention of SDU. A convenience sample of Malaysian MSM were recruited through advertisements on geosocial networking apps (GSN) for gay men (e.g., Grindr, Hornet) and on popular social media platforms (i.e. Facebook). From June-July 2020, participants completed an …

Quality Improvement Study On Human Papilloma Virus (Hpv) Vaccination Uptake In Hiv Patients, Hassan Akram, Paul Johnson, Trini A Mathew

Posters

INTRODUCTION HPV is strongly associated with cervical cancer and cancers of vagina, vulva, penis, anus, rectum. In 2019, WHO identified vaccine hesitancy as top 10 global threats and planned to increase the HPV vaccine coverage. In June 2019 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in the US recommended shared clinical decision-making regarding HPV vaccinations in adults aged 26 through 45 years. The goal of this project is to evaluate the uptake of HPV vaccination and challenges in the HIV patients at Beaumont Hospital.

Use Of Mobile Phones For Hiv Prevention And Testing Information Needs By Emerging Adult Male Population In Rural Kenya. A Qualitative Study, Augustine Boswony Kiplagat

Theses and Dissertations

Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS) among young people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a serious public health issue which needs urgent cost-effective interventions locally, regionally, and internationally. HIV and AIDS is currently the leading cause of death among young people in SSA, calling for strategic HIV prevention approaches applicable to emerging adults. While most studies have focused on young women, studies focusing on emerging male adults are lacking. The purpose of this dissertation study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the needs, barriers, and facilitators of using mobile phone to access HIV prevention and …

Hiv And The African American Church: Millennial Faith Leader's Perspectives., Kelsey Leann Burton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

African Americans are disproportionately impacted by HIV compared to other racial groups. Stigma surrounding HIV has created challenges for effective HIV prevention and stigma reduction programs. The African American church has been criticized for its slow and stigmatizing response to the HIV epidemic. Despite this, African American faith leaders play significant roles in guiding the perspective of the community. Numerous studies examine African American pastors’, faith leaders’, and ministers’ perspective about HIV and other HIV-related topics. However, there is no research that specifically examines young African American pastors’ perspectives of addressing HIV, stigma, and prevention. The purpose of this dissertation …

“I Think It's Male Privilege”: A Qualitative Study Of Personal, Behavioral, And Socio-Environmental Factors Influencing High Risk Sexual Behavior And Hiv Transmission Among Heterosexual Adult Males In Ghana., Nana Ama Aya Erzuah Bullock

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are roughly 340,000 adults and children living with HIV. Despite the progress in the global response and the lowing of infections, HIV rates in Ghana remain stable. Cultural and societal norms that exist at a given time and place influence masculine socialization and behavior. These norms promote heterosexual men’s engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors which result in HIV infections. Factors such as HIV knowledge, risk perception, male condom use, HIV testing, and counseling which minimize the risk of HIV, are also influenced by these norms. Men have been identified as assets and advocates for behavior change and social responsibility …

Long Term Outcomes Of Anti-Retroviral Treatment Vs. Additional Nutritional Supplementation For Hiv Patients, Michael P. Gillispie

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Papers

The purpose of this systematic literature review is not to determine the best treatment for human immunodeficiency virus HIV but to analyze additional supplementation that can prolong the progression of the disease process. Zinc, vitamin A, D, and E will be evaluated additionally with the antiretroviral treatment ART. The cost of an ART Regimen can be very expensive and challenging for patients to afford. The goal is to find an acceptable option to complement ART with a sensible cost to prolong disease progression and minimize additional costs of health care. With the advances of ART, more and more patients can …