AIDS and Behavior最新文献

{"title":"Rapid Assessment Amid an Injection Drug Use-Driven HIV Outbreak in Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley: Highlights from a Case Study.","authors":"Sabrina S Rapisarda, Joseph Silcox, Patricia Case, Wilson R Palacios, Thomas J Stopka, Sofia Zaragoza, Jaclyn M W Hughto, Shikhar Shrestha, Traci C Green","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04540-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04540-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Illicitly manufactured fentanyl within the drug supply has substantially increased opioid-related overdose deaths and driven infectious disease outbreaks among people who use drugs (PWUD). Local jurisdictions often lack the data and tools necessary to detect and translate such moments into actionable and effective responses. Informed by a risk environment framework, this case study adopted a mixed-methods design spanning two rapid assessment studies with PWUD in Lowell (n = 90) and Lawrence (n = 40), Massachusetts, during an HIV outbreak (2017, Study 1) and following the outbreak (2019, Study 2). Survey responses (n = 130) were summarized by computing descriptive statistics, ethnographic field notes were reviewed, and qualitative interviews (n = 34) were thematically analyzed to contextualize quantitative findings. Study 1 participants reported constrained syringe access, high injecting frequency, syringe reuse, and unsafe syringe disposal practices, and uncovered entrenched social and structural factors exacerbating existing substance use and HIV risks: housing instability, limited harm reduction supplies and services (e.g., MOUD access), and tensions between law enforcement and PWUD. Following the outbreak and substantial local investments in harm reduction and treatment infrastructures, Study 2 participants indicated lower injection risk reporting fewer syringe reuse episodes, improved syringe disposal practices, high frequency of naloxone administration at recent overdoses, frequent testing for HIV and HCV, and greater engagement with syringe services programs. A rapid assessment approach to fentanyl's emergence and a concomitant HIV outbreak provided time-sensitive, critical insights and identified needed and local response strategies. However, unless social and structural risk factors are also addressed, community vulnerability to future HIV outbreaks remains.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142602554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examining the Accuracy of Self-Reported Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Using a Visual Analog Scale Among Opioid-Dependent People Living with HIV.","authors":"Jude Ssenyonjo, Xiaomeng Li, Roman Shrestha, Michael M Copenhaver","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04526-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04526-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evidence indicates that regular assessment of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is necessary to promote adherence and achieve viral suppression. Self-reported adherence using a visual analog scale (VAS) has been used extensively to measure ART adherence. However, less is known about the accuracy of the VAS for measuring ART adherence among opioid-dependent people living with HIV. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the VAS in measuring ART adherence in opioid-dependent people living with HIV who are enrolled in a methadone maintenance program (MMP). This study was conducted within a larger randomized controlled trial among opioid-dependent people living with HIV (N = 109) who were enrolled in an inner-city MMP. Self-reported VAS ART adherence data were compared to pharmacy refill data, which is a more objective measure. Self-reported VAS ratings and pharmacy refill behavior were significantly correlated at the 6-month post-intervention mark (r = 0.349, p = 0.006) but not at any other time point (i.e., pre-intervention, post-intervention, 3-months, and 9-months post-intervention). Based on the pharmacy refill data, participants did not consistently adhere to their ART medication but self-reported high adherence on the VAS. The self-report VAS may not be an accurate measure for assessing ART adherence among opioid-dependent persons living with HIV and enrolled in a MMP. Based on our findings, it may be more accurate to use pharmacy refill information or other objective measures to quantify ART adherence over extended periods for this patient population.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142581440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mental Bandwidth is Associated with HIV and Viral Suppression Among Low-Income Women in Philadelphia.","authors":"Aaron Richterman, Nancy Aitcheson, Celeste Durnwald, Cara Curley, William R Short, Mirabelle Jean Louis, Florence Momplaisir, Harsha Thirumurthy","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04539-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10461-024-04539-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Behavioral economics research suggests poverty may influence behavior by reducing mental bandwidth, increasing future discounting, and increasing risk aversion. It is plausible these decision-making processes are further impaired in the context of HIV or pregnancy. In this cross-sectional study of 86 low-income women in Philadelphia, HIV was associated with lower mental bandwidth (one of two measures) and lower risk aversion. Pregnancy was not associated with any decision-making factors. In secondary analyses, viral suppression was associated with greater mental bandwidth (one of two measures), and antenatal clinic attendance with lower future discounting. Anti-poverty interventions may be beneficial to improve HIV-related health behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142562436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Doxycycline as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Awareness, Beliefs, and Interest Among Patients with and at Risk for HIV.","authors":"Joshua P Havens, Nathaniel Singh, Elizabeth Lyden, Sara H Bares","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04538-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04538-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, but little is known regarding patient beliefs and interest in doxy-PEP. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults (≥ 19 years) receiving care for HIV treatment (PWH) or prevention (pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP) between May-October 2023. The 32-question survey was organized into three parts: doxy-PEP awareness/beliefs/interest/concerns, sexual history, and demographics. Fishers Exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare responses between groups. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictive factors for doxy-PEP interest and concern(s). 166 participants completed the survey. Mean age was 43 years, 83% were male, 22% Black, and 13% Hispanic. Forty-one participants (25%) were on PrEP. Most respondents (75%) were unaware of doxy-PEP. Factors associated with doxy-PEP interest were respondents prescribed PrEP (aOR 2.67; 95% CI, 1.15-6.21) and belief of high risk for STI (aOR, 4.50; 95% CI, 2.24-9.07). Higher doxy-PEP concerns were associated with age ≤40 years (aOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.47-6.52), > high school education (aOR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.64-7.33), and belief of high risk for STI (aOR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.21-5.50). In this single-site cohort survey study, most respondents were unaware of doxy-PEP but expressed interest and low levels of overall concern. Clinicians should offer doxy-PEP access to all patients at high risk for STIs or requesting the treatment after shared decision-making discussions.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142562434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of a Supervised Exercise Program on Exercise Self-Efficacy in Aging Adults With and Without HIV: A Secondary Analysis of the Exercise for Healthy Aging Study.","authors":"Melissa P Wilson, Catherine M Jankowski, Paul F Cook, Grace L Kulik, Evelyn Iriarte, Nicholas J SantaBarbara, Lindsay T Fourman, Kristine M Erlandson","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04537-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10461-024-04537-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With earlier initiation and more effective antiretroviral therapy regimens, people with HIV (PWH) are achieving longer lifespans but with high rates of chronic disease and physical function impairment. Regular exercise can reduce disease burden, but older adults with HIV may experience unique barriers to exercise. Exercise self-efficacy (ESE) is an important component of initiation and continuation of exercise, and ESE measurement may illuminate barriers to exercise. Our goal was to evaluate differences in ESE between older PWH and seronegative participants (controls) prior to exercise initiation and over 24-weeks of a supervised resistance and endurance exercise intervention. Virally suppressed PWH and controls completed 12 weeks of moderate-intensity exercise, followed by randomization to 12 weeks of moderate- or high-intensity exercise. The Self-Efficacy for Exercise survey was completed at weeks 0, 12, and 24. Enrolled participants (PWH = 32, controls = 37) had a median age of 56 years [interquartile range: 52, 62]; 63 (91%) were male, and 23 (33%) identified as ethnic or racial minorities. ESE scores differed by serostatus prior to exercise initiation (PWH: 61.3 [95% confidence interval: 54.5, 68]; controls: 73.8 [67.6, 80.1]; p = 0.01; t = - 2.7). ESE scores did not change over the initial 12 weeks in PWH (4.8 [- 2.1, 11.8]; p = 0.17; t = 1.4) or controls (- 2.3 [- 8.9, 4.4]; p = 0.50; t = - 0.7) or between weeks 13 and 24 (pooled serostatus: - 4.8 [- 9.7, 0.2]; p = 0.06: t = - 1.9). Future interventions should incorporate additional strategies to improve ESE, such as text messaging support, coaching, or external rewards.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142543098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Severity and Number of Substances Used are Independently Associated with Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Over Time among People with HIV in the Current Treatment Era.","authors":"Jimmy Ma, Joseph A C Delaney, Stephanie A Ruderman, Robin M Nance, Andrew W Hahn, Lydia N Drumright, Bridget M Whitney, Rob J Fredericksen, L Sarah Mixson, Joseph O Merrill, Steven A Safren, Kenneth H Mayer, Conall O'Cleirigh, Sonia Napravnik, Geetanjali Chander, Richard D Moore, Katerina A Christopoulos, Amanda L Willig, Laura Bamford, Allison Webel, Mary E McCaul, Edward R Cachay, Jeffrey M Jacobson, Michael S Saag, Mari M Kitahata, Heidi M Crane, Emily C Williams","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04532-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04532-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Substance use is associated with decreased antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among people with HIV (PWH). Adherence plays a significant role in mediating the negative effects of substance use on HIV suppression and is a principal modifiable patient-level factor in improving HIV suppression and reducing ART drug resistance. Understanding substance use and ART adherence, particularly with rapidly changing substance use epidemiology and ART regimens, is vital to improving HIV care. Among 10,557 PWH (2010-2021) from 8 academic clinical sites nationally we examined longitudinal associations of substance use severity and number of substances used (measured using AUDIT-C and modified ASSIST) with patient-reported ART adherence (visual analog scale). Alcohol (68% any use, 18% unhealthy use [AUDIT-C > 4 men, > 3 women]), marijuana (33%), and methamphetamine (9%) use were most reported. Polysubstance use was common (32%). Both higher severity substance use and higher number of substances used were associated with lower ART adherence. Severity of methamphetamine use had the strongest dose-response association with ART adherence (low severity [ASSIST 1-3]: -3.05%, 95% CI: -4.23%, -1.87%; moderate [ASSIST 4-26]: -6.20%, 95% CI: -7.08%, -5.33%; high [ASSIST > 26]: -10.77%, 95% CI: -12.76%, -8.78%). Severe substance use, especially methamphetamine, and higher number of illicit drugs used were associated with declines in adherence at levels that were likely clinically meaningful in the modern era of ART. Findings support integrating substance use care with HIV care and potential benefits of harm reduction strategies for improving adherence such as encouraging lower levels of substance use and fewer number of substances used.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142492776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Feasibility and Acceptability of a Clinical Pharmacist-delivered Intervention to Reduce Bothersome Health Symptoms from Polypharmacy and Alcohol Use and Communicate Risk among People with HIV: Pilot Study Protocol.","authors":"Julie A Womack, Micaela M Leblanc, Annette S Sager, Lauren N Zaets, Stephen A Maisto, Adelyn Garcia, Lydia Aoun-Barakat, Shan-Estelle Brown, E Jennifer Edelman, David A Fiellin, Jeffrey Fisher, Liana Fraenkel, Farah Kidwai-Khan, Vincent C Marconi, Steve Martino, Rebecca Pulk, Derek D Satre, Michael Virata, Amy C Justice, Evelyn Hsieh","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04533-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04533-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Among persons with HIV (PWH), unhealthy alcohol use and polypharmacy contribute to bothersome symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dizziness, memory loss). However, effective risk communication targeting these associations is challenging. The HIV and Alcohol Research center focused on Polypharmacy (HARP) is conducting a pilot study that will generate feasibility and acceptability data on a clinical pharmacist-delivered counseling intervention targeting the modification of unhealthy alcohol use and polypharmacy in PWH. Counseling is guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills-Motivational Interviewing (IMB-MI) model. Herein, we describe the study protocol. This pilot uses a one-group pre-test/post-test design. We will recruit 50 participants from those who participated in the consented cohort of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Participants must be prescribed ≥ 5 long-term medications, have a self-reported Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score > 0, and be living with HIV. We will exclude those with moderate-severe alcohol use disorder as identified by an Alcohol Symptom Checklist score ≥ 4. Data are collected using three self-administered surveys (baseline, immediately after booster intervention, and 30-days post-intervention), two PEth blood tests (baseline, 30 days post-intervention), and medication data from the electronic health record (baseline). The intervention includes a 60-minute IMB-MI-based counseling session followed by a booster session 2 weeks later. Some participants will also be asked to participate in a qualitative interview to provide feedback on the intervention. The pilot investigates the impact of an intervention on alcohol consumption and the use of multiple medications among PWH, exploring how best to reduce bothersome symptoms, communicate risk, and support behavior change in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142492873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low HIV Viral Load Suppression and Its Implications for Controlling HIV among Refugee Adolescents and Youth Living in Refugee Settlements in Uganda: A Cross-sectional Analysis.","authors":"Nhial T Tutlam, Samuel Kizito, Noeline Nakasujja, Proscovia Nabunya, Anita Kabarambi, Isaac Kwesiga, Christopher Tumusiime, Phionah Namatovu, Ozge Sensoy Bahar, Fred M Ssewamala","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04530-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04530-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Viral load suppression (VLS) is considered crucial in the global efforts to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic and young people lag behind adults in this important indicator. However, little is known about VLS among refugee adolescents and youth (RAY), a vulnerable group, often ignored by research, with multiple intersecting risk factors and unique challenges. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of VLS and examine associated risk and protective factors among RAY in refugee settlements in Uganda, a country severely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and currently hosting the most refugees in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We analyzed cross-sectional data from a pilot cluster randomized trial with 180 participants (ages 13-30) recruited from 20 health centers in three refugee settlements between July and December 2023. We employed a hierarchical (mixed-effects) logistic regression model to examine the association between selected demographic, psychosocial, and economic factors and VLS. The prevalence of VLS among RAY was very low at just 52%. Factors associated with VLS included financial stability, adherence self-efficacy, and HIV status disclosure. Having financial savings was associated with VLS (adjusted odds ratio:2.68; 95% CI: 1.48-5.11; p = 0.003). Treatment support from others including teachers and health care providers had five-fold odds of VLS (5.0, 1.64-15.24; p = 0.005). Conversely, older age and interactions between stigma/self-efficacy and stigma/HIV status disclosure were associated with viral load non-suppression. This study highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions targeting economic and psychosocial hardships like poverty, stigma, and food insecurity to enhance HIV VLS and other treatment outcomes among RAY.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142492775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using Geographic Momentary Assessment to Explore Spatial Environment Influences on Wellbeing in People With HIV.","authors":"Rayna E Gasik, Ethan A Smith, Simone J Skeen, Stephanie Tokarz, Gretchen Clum, Erica Felker-Kantor, Katherine P Theall","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04527-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04527-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Place-based socio-economic and racial inequities contribute to health disparities among people with HIV (PWH). We used geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) methodologies to explore the interplay between psychosocial outcomes in daily diaries and community spatial measures among PWH in New Orleans. PWH (N = 69) were recruited from a clinic-based cohort study. Micro-longitudinal data were collected via smartphone-based daily diaries and geospatial tracking over 14 days. First, correlations were run between diary derived outcomes (e.g., feeling safe in current location, stress), and spatial measures (e.g., violent crime, alcohol outlets, and vacant lots) within a half-mile buffer around each diary point to understand the real time associations between mood and space. Next, we fit multilevel models, controlling for between-person effects, to assess within-person associations between accumulative spatial daily violence exposure (50m, 100m and 200m buffers), and measures of daily mood and coping. Violent crime, alcohol outlets and vacant lots were inversely correlated with feeling safe and positively correlated with perceived ease of obtaining drugs. Vacant lots were positively associated with stress and inversely correlated with positive mood. Within individuals, higher daily accumulated violence exposure was associated with increased rumination at the 50m buffer level, decreased trust in oneself and others at the 100m buffer, and decreased ratio of positive/negative mood at all buffers. Our results emphasize the intricate interplay between mental wellness, coping mechanisms, and spatial measures in PWH. Future research and interventions for PWH should consider how spatial factors may influence PWH in terms of mental health and care engagement.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142492874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"South African Parents' and Grandparents' Perspectives on the Acceptability of Implant Delivery of Treatment to Young Children with HIV.","authors":"Imogen Hawley, Alejandro Baez, Fiona Scorgie, Lee Fairlie, Florence Mathebula, Mackenzie Leigh Cottrell, Leah M Johnson, Elizabeth T Montgomery","doi":"10.1007/s10461-024-04515-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-024-04515-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Children living with HIV (CLWH) face unique challenges with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. In South Africa, just over a third of children receiving antiretroviral therapy are virally suppressed. Long-acting, subcutaneous implants may improve outcomes in CLWH compared to current daily oral dosing regimens. Qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with 50 caregivers of CLHW in Johannesburg, South Africa. Interviews and FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were coded and analyzed using Dedoose v9 software and a thematic approach. Caregivers had generally positive impressions of the pediatric HIV treatment implant. They emphasized the advantages of a long-acting and discreet treatment option for CLWH. Cited advantages were perceived to have widespread impact on CLWH, their caregivers, and other social dynamics. Caregivers raised some concerns or uncertainties about the potential efficacy, side effects and safety of the implant. Future clinical testing and outreach efforts may address such concerns and mitigate potential misinformation about implants. This study indicates the need to develop long-acting, discreet, safe, and efficacious HIV treatment options for young children.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142492872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}