Search

Purpose: Using a community-engaged approach, we adapted a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention smartphone app, Transpire, to meet the HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention needs of transgender men and other transmasculine people. We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the app among participants in two cities in the southeastern United States. Methods: Participants were recruited online and through community partners. Eligible and consenting participants used the Transpire app for 3 months and completed surveys at the beginning and end of the follow-up period. Transpire gave participants access to HIV and STI prevention information; the ability to order HIV and STI at-home self-test kits, condoms, and lube; and mental health and substance use resources. The primary feasibility outcome was the System Usability Scale (SUS), which measures the usability of technology-based products. Results: Sixty participants were enrolled. Most were 18–24 years old (n=33, 55%) and identified as non-Hispanic white (n=46, 77%). The mean SUS score was 72.4, which meets established criteria for acceptability. Fifteen (32%) participants conducted an HIV test during the 3-month follow-up period and 2 (4%) initiated pre-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusions: Following a community-engaged adaptation process, the Transpire app was found to be acceptable in a pilot study conducted among transmasculine participants. These pilot data indicate that app-based interventions have the potential to increase awareness of and access to sexual health resources for transmasculine people. Additional studies will be needed to assess the efficacy of Transpire or similar apps to improve sexual health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-COVID conditions (long COVID) are defined as COVID symptoms persisting 28 days post-initial infection. The limited research available on the prevalence and experiences of post-COVID conditions among persons with HIV (PWH) indicates potential increased risk for post-COVID conditions. The purpose of this study was to characterize prevalence, symptom clustering, impact, and potential risk factors of post-COVID conditions among PWH. Data come from the COVID-19 survey, conducted as a sub-study of the DC Cohort Longitudinal HIV Study, an ongoing study of over 12,000 PWH living in Washington, DC. Survey data were matched to electronic medical record data. Prevalence estimates and multivariable logistic regression analyses were calculated comparing those with and without post-COVID conditions. The prevalence of post-COVID conditions among PWH was 46% with no significant differences among demographic or HIV measures. Those with history of asthma were more likely to report post-COVID conditions symptoms. Among those with post-COVID conditions, 81% reported three or more initial COVID symptoms. Retired/disabled PWH were more likely to report post-COVID conditions compared to employed (aOR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.06, 5.33). Post-COVID conditions significantly limited activities of daily living. Programs are needed to address the long-term impact of post-COVID conditions on activities of daily living among PWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with HIV (PWH) are disproportionally affected by mpox and at risk of severe complications. We assessed mpox knowledge, adoption of preventive behaviors, and vaccination attitudes among PWH enrolled in a longitudinal HIV cohort in Washington, DC, the DC Cohort. We conducted uni- and multivariable analyses comparing participants by vaccination status and HIV risk group, and multinomial regression to identify factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Among 430 PWH, 378 (87.9%) were aware of mpox. Among 373 participants with vaccination status data, 101 (27.1%) were vaccinated, 129 (34.6%) planned to vaccinate, and 143 (38.3%) did not plan to vaccinate. The three vaccination groups differed significantly by age, race, education, HIV risk group, recent STI status, and level of mpox worry (all p < 0.05). A higher proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) reported limiting their number of sexual partners compared to non-MSM (p < 0.0001). Multinomial regression models comparing vaccinated to unvaccinated PWH found age, education, mode of HIV transmission/gender, and survey period were significantly associated with vaccination status (all p < 0.05). High levels of mpox awareness were observed among this cohort of PWH with more MSM employing risk reduction behaviors and being vaccinated. Ensuring that PWH, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or age, understand the risks of mpox may improve vaccination uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) are recommended by expert panels as initial therapy for people with HIV. Because there can be disparities in prescribing and uptake of novel and/or recommended therapies, this analysis assessed potential INSTI prescribing disparities using a combined data set from the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort and the DC Cohort. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with ever being prescribed an INSTI. Disparities were noted, including clinic location, age, and being transgender. Identifying disparities may allow clinicians to focus their attention on these individuals and ensure that therapy decisions are grounded in valid clinical reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 38 children and youth with human immunodeficiency virus (aged 0–19 years) in the United States and report an increased rate of change of BMI-for-age z score after initiating integrase strand transfer inhibitors (+0.19 z score units/year [95% confidence interval,.01–.37]; P  = .036) for a median follow-up of 527.5 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]