AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-04-05DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04695-x
Mar J F Ollero, Pablo Ryan, Helen Dolengevich-Segal, Joanna Cano-Smith, Luis Ramos-Ruperto, Alfonso Cabello, Matilde Sanchez-Conde, Noemí Cabello, Jose Sanz, Lucio Jesus García-Fraile, Leire Perez-Latorre, Otilia Bisbal, Sara De La Fuente, Juan Emilio Losa, Alicia González-Baeza
{"title":"Drug Addiction in Gay and Bisexual Men Living with HIV Engaged in Sexualized Drug Use: Recent Drug Use, Polydrug and Depressive Symptoms as Predictors.","authors":"Mar J F Ollero, Pablo Ryan, Helen Dolengevich-Segal, Joanna Cano-Smith, Luis Ramos-Ruperto, Alfonso Cabello, Matilde Sanchez-Conde, Noemí Cabello, Jose Sanz, Lucio Jesus García-Fraile, Leire Perez-Latorre, Otilia Bisbal, Sara De La Fuente, Juan Emilio Losa, Alicia González-Baeza","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04695-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04695-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evidence shows that engaging in sexualized drug use (SDU) can be associated with sexual health problems and poor mental health. However, the prevalence of drug-related problems associated with SDU remains unclear. Our study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of drug-related problems and drug dependence in a sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV (HIV + GBMSM). We included 101 HIV + GBMSM who had engaged in SDU in the last year. Participants completed an online survey featuring a validated questionnaire (the DUDIT test) to assess the risk of drug-related problems and drug dependence. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore variables associated with drug-related problems. 80% of our sample had symptoms suggestive of drug-related problems, with 5% showing likely drug dependence. Additionally, 10% had suffered an overdose with loss of consciousness, 9% experienced suicidal thoughts associated with SDU, and approximately 20% had sexual difficulties during sober sex since using drugs for sex. Multivariate analysis identified that recent drug use (less than 15 days prior), polydrug use, and depressive symptoms are independent predictors of drug-related problems. Our study revealed a high prevalence of drug-related problems among HIV + GBMSM engaged in SDU. The factors associated with drug-related problems identified in our study can serve as key markers in clinical settings where HIV + GBMSM receive care. These indicators can help detect community members most at risk and facilitate the provision of resources and interventions to prevent SDU-related harm.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143787492","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-04-05DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04685-z
Tea Nynne Sanders, Anna Katrine Haslund Roed, Malene Missel, Selina Kikkenborg Berg, Susanne Dam Nielsen, Mette Linnet Olesen, Ole Kirk
{"title":"Barriers to Retention in Care among Adults with HIV in Developed Countries: An Integrative Review.","authors":"Tea Nynne Sanders, Anna Katrine Haslund Roed, Malene Missel, Selina Kikkenborg Berg, Susanne Dam Nielsen, Mette Linnet Olesen, Ole Kirk","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04685-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04685-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Focusing on factors hindering viral suppression is essential for improving the health outcomes of people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and working towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The aim of this integrative review is to create an overview of barriers to retention in care among adults with HIV living in developed countries. Based on a systematic literature search across EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycInfo, 4,089 studies of various methodology were identified. A total of 52 studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment was performed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Based on thematic analysis, the following five main themes were identified as most common barriers to retention in care: financial challenges, logistical challenges, stigma, mental health problems, and substance use. The integrative review highlights that various factors can hinder retention in care and underscores that strategies to promote retention in care should be person-centered and targeted the individual person's barriers to retention in care.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143787688","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-04-05DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04673-3
Paul C J Berthe, Yanis Ben Amor
{"title":"A Rapid Review of HIV-Related Stigma-Reduction Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Paul C J Berthe, Yanis Ben Amor","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04673-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04673-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We conducted a rapid review to identify and describe randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed at reducing HIV-related stigma. Using a rapid review design in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we searched five major databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, OVID/Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus) from July 1981 to June 2023, and analyzed 27 studies from an initial pool of 2,383 articles. Our analysis revealed three primary intervention strategies: (1) alleviating internalized stigma through confidence-building and emotional validation, (2) addressing anticipated and enacted stigma via training and sensitization campaigns, and (3) challenging institutional and cultural beliefs through macro-scale interventions. Community-driven approaches and locally-engaged interventions demonstrated particular promise, especially in resource-constrained settings. While intrapersonal and interpersonal approaches-particularly those involving professional discussions, peer education, and in-person training-showed the most positive outcomes, digital and infotainment interventions yielded mixed results. Our findings highlight the complexity of HIV-related stigma, revealing the importance of holistic strategies that address intersecting psychosocial factors and potential unintended consequences of stigma-reduction efforts. By studying the nuanced landscape of stigma intervention, this review provides insights for developing more comprehensive and contextually sensitive approaches to reducing HIV-related stigma.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143787680","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04676-0
Errol L Fields, Kimberly N Evans, Yang Liu, Nicole Thornton, Amanda Long, Mudia Uzzi, Zaneta Gaul, Kate Buchacz, Hope King, Jacky M Jennings
{"title":"Geosocial-networking App Use Among Men who Have Sex with Men in High HIV Community Viral Load Areas of Baltimore City.","authors":"Errol L Fields, Kimberly N Evans, Yang Liu, Nicole Thornton, Amanda Long, Mudia Uzzi, Zaneta Gaul, Kate Buchacz, Hope King, Jacky M Jennings","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04676-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04676-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) are important tools for HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM). Strategies for identifying high transmission and acquisition among GSN app users are needed to prioritize public health response. Community viral load (CVL) is associated with HIV transmission and can be used to identify populations with behaviors/environment associated with HIV/STI risk. We sought to determine user profile characteristics and utilization patterns associated with GSN app use in high CVL census tracts (CT). We used routine HIV surveillance data from in-care individuals and their viral loads at the point of diagnosis to estimate CVL in 200 CTs across Baltimore City. CTs were ordered based on CVL and categorized into quantiles from high to low. Among GSN user profiles, multiple imputation methods were used to complete missing profile characteristics. We then used imputed datasets to explore the association between profile characteristics, app utilization times, and app use in high CVL CTs using a Poisson regression model with robust error variances. Data on 606 profiles were collected originally and imputed 50 times to create a complete data set for analysis. GSN app users were aged 18-65 years [mean = 33.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 33.1-34.7], with 52.2% Black (95% CI: 47.9- 56.5%), 6.8% living with HIV (95% CI: 4.4- 9.2%), 39.1% in high CVL CTs (95% CI: 35.2- 43.0%), 50.6% use at nighttime (95% CI: 46.7- 54.6%) and 51.6% use during the weekend (95% CI: 47.6- 55.6%). Black MSM users [Relative risk (RR) = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.20] were associated with GSN app use in high CVL CTs. MSM with profiles listing versatile sex position preference (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23) and profiles listing top sex position preference (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23) were associated with GSN app use in high and medium CVL CTs. GSN app user profiles of people in high and medium CVL CTs, especially Black MSM and those who report top and versatile sexual positions, may benefit from online prevention messages and real-time notification of health resources presently available in their communities to reduce HIV transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699434","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04658-2
Christopher Wells, Redd Driver, Daniel Belanger, Elizabeth M Boos, Jonas Barkevich, James M Tesoriero
{"title":"Rapid Start of HIV Antiretroviral Therapy in New York State.","authors":"Christopher Wells, Redd Driver, Daniel Belanger, Elizabeth M Boos, Jonas Barkevich, James M Tesoriero","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04658-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04658-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rapid start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) after an HIV diagnosis is a novel approach with demonstrated benefits for HIV care. However, utilization of this approach remains poor in the United States. Using retrospective reviews of HIV clinical care data from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute's Quality of Care Program, we examined changes in rapid start of ART from 2019 to 2022 to assess the degree to which the rapid start model is being realized in the state. We also identified patient-level factors associated with delayed initiation and examined associations between time to treatment initiation and viral load suppression. We found that rapid initiation increased steadily across the years examined but differed depending on where patients received care and whether they were initially diagnosed by the data-reporting organization or by an external medical organization or testing center. We also found that rapid start varied across several patient-level factors, which also depended on whether patients were initially diagnosed by the data-reporting organization or by an external medical organization or testing center. Finally, 67.8% of patients who initiated ART on the same day of HIV diagnosis and 69.7% of patients who started ART within seven days of diagnosis were virally suppressed within 91 days of diagnosis, compared to 42.9% of patients who initiated ART between 31 and 91 days. Increased utilization of the rapid start model over time and strong associations between rapid start and timely viral suppression suggest that further uptake of this strategy would likely advance progress towards Ending the Epidemic and health equity goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699440","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04687-x
Kidist Zewdie, John Kinuthia, Daniel Matemo, Cynthia Wandera, Valarie Kemunto, Irene Cherotich, Tecy Oyambra, Mercy Bi, Esther Achieng, Steven Odhiambo, Beatrice Oduor, Daniel Sajita, Cole Grabow, Jennifer Morton, Renee Heffron, Kenneth K Mugwanya
{"title":"High Preference for Injectable Pre-exposure Prophylaxis among Young Women in Kenya.","authors":"Kidist Zewdie, John Kinuthia, Daniel Matemo, Cynthia Wandera, Valarie Kemunto, Irene Cherotich, Tecy Oyambra, Mercy Bi, Esther Achieng, Steven Odhiambo, Beatrice Oduor, Daniel Sajita, Cole Grabow, Jennifer Morton, Renee Heffron, Kenneth K Mugwanya","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04687-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04687-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Longer acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products are effective options for HIV prevention that require less user-dependence. As programs are preparing to launch delivery of these longer acting products, it is important to understand users' needs and preferences. We conducted a cross-sectional study among women seeking services at 12 family planning clinics in Kisumu, Kenya. Participants were sexually active HIV-negative women ≥15 years, with at least one characteristic that is more common among women who acquire HIV. We assessed PrEP product preferences among PrEP-experienced and inexperienced women. We used descriptive statistics to summarize participants' characteristics, product preferences, and willingness to use different PrEP modalities. We used univariate and multivariate models to assess factors related to preferences for injectable PrEP. A total of 457 participants were enrolled, including 341 with no oral PrEP experience and 116 with recent oral PrEP experience. The median age was 26 [IQR:23-30], 83% were married or cohabiting and 31% reported using injectable contraceptives. Among participants without prior PrEP experience, 74% preferred injectable PrEP, 19% preferred oral PrEP, and 4% preferred the vaginal ring. Among previous oral PrEP users, 82% preferred injectable PrEP, 16% preferred oral PrEP, and only 2% preferred the dapivirine vaginal ring. Only perceived PrEP stigma was significantly associated with injectable PrEP preference (PR: 1.21, 95% CI 1.09, 1.37, P=0.001). Reproductive-age women in Kenya have a strong interest in long-acting injectable PrEP. Product rollout and implementation needs to consider women's preference and devise best approaches to deliver injectable PrEP.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699435","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04691-1
Emily M Cherenack, Jaislene Viñas, Sol Fernandez-Nocito, Jennifer V Chavez, Favour Ebiala, Omar Valentin, Joseph P De Santis
{"title":"Latino Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV in South Florida have Varied Experiences of Intersectional Discrimination: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study.","authors":"Emily M Cherenack, Jaislene Viñas, Sol Fernandez-Nocito, Jennifer V Chavez, Favour Ebiala, Omar Valentin, Joseph P De Santis","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04691-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04691-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Culturally tailored behavioral interventions are needed to improve HIV treatment outcomes among Latino gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority cisgender men (LSMM) living with HIV. From 2022 to 2023, this study collected cross-sectional survey data (n = 58) and qualitative interview data (n = 10) to describe intersectional discrimination and obtain insights for tailoring interventions to address discrimination among LSMM living with HIV in Miami, Florida, USA. The sample was diverse in age (range 21-75), sexual orientation (83% gay, 17% bisexual), and country of origin (71% born outside the USA), with many participants born in Cuba (28%), and more than half of participants (64%) completing the study in Spanish. Experiences of discrimination varied, with 41% personally experiencing discrimination in the past year. Over one-third reported experiences of violence due to discrimination (36% physically attacked, 35% sexually assaulted). Lifetime discrimination was most often attributed to sexual orientation (60%). All forms of discrimination were more severe among men from minoritized racial groups, and some forms of discrimination varied by time spent living in the USA. In interviews, discrimination was described as less severe in the USA compared to countries of origin, driven in part by religiosity and machismo. The impacts of discrimination ranged from mild and temporary to traumatic and persistent. Intervention suggestions included focusing on broad stressors, offering group- and individual options, prioritizing in-person interventions, offering trauma-informed care, and providing legal and immigration services. Findings demonstrate the need for multiple interventions to meet the varied needs, experiences, and preferences of LSMM living with HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699439","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04688-w
Chase Bryer, William Lodge, Paul Goulet, Julie A Baldwin
{"title":"\"A Tricky Dance\": Ryan White Service Experiences Among American Indian/Alaska Native Two-Spirit and LGBTQ + People Living with HIV.","authors":"Chase Bryer, William Lodge, Paul Goulet, Julie A Baldwin","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04688-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04688-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advancements in HIV treatment and care have led to a growing number of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Two-Spirit and LGBTQ + (2S/LGBTQ +) people living with HIV. However, their experiences within the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) remain underexplored. In this brief report, we conducted a secondary qualitative analysis using reflexive thematic analysis of 15 in-depth interviews with AI/AN 2S/LGBTQ + people living with HIV. Findings revealed that many RWHAP recipients became HIV advocates, contributing to healthy aging. Participants highlighted the effectiveness of the RWHAP in addressing immediate needs, while also emphasizing the need for greater representation and culturally congruent care. Future research should focus on exploring culturally congruent care services for AI/AN 2S/LGBTQ + individuals, particularly for those aging with HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699429","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04684-0
Sue Hyon Kim, Stephen Bonett, José Bauermeister, Alison M Buttenheim, Laura E Starbird
{"title":"Associations Between HIV-Related Stigma, Trust, and Testing Behaviors Among the General U.S. Adult Population.","authors":"Sue Hyon Kim, Stephen Bonett, José Bauermeister, Alison M Buttenheim, Laura E Starbird","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04684-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04684-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV testing is essential to achieving the 95-95-95 targets, yet lifetime HIV testing rates in the United States fall below established guidelines. Building on similar healthcare contexts where stigma hinders access and trust mitigates its negative effect, this exploratory study examined the relationship between HIV-related stigma (HRS) and testing behavior, focusing on the role of trust in healthcare providers (HCPs). We used data from the 2022 General Social Survey, a nationally representative sample of the general population. HRS was evaluated across three domains: perceived social discrimination towards people living with HIV (PLWH), avoidance due to unfounded fear of transmission, and moral judgement. Weighted stratified logistic regression was employed to examine how the relationship between HRS and testing behavior varied across different levels of trust in HCPs. Among participants with low trust in HCPs, the avoidance of PLWH due to unfounded fears was associated with lower odds of undergoing HIV testing. In the high trust group, none of the HRS domains were associated with HIV testing; instead, testing was linked to the individual's engagement in HIV-risk behaviors. Our findings reveal a complex interplay between HRS, trust, and testing behavior, highlighting the need for collective action to address misconceptions about HIV transmission and promote awareness of risk behaviors, with concurrent efforts to foster trust in HCPs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699431","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}
AIDS and BehaviorPub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1007/s10461-025-04681-3
Sri Yona, Rita Ismail, Elly Nurachmah, Syamilatul Khariroh, Untung Sujianto, Windu Santoso, Sulistyo Asmoro Bangun, Joachim G Voss
{"title":"Evaluation of a Phone-Based Program to Increase Adherence to Antiretrovirals Among PLWH: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Sri Yona, Rita Ismail, Elly Nurachmah, Syamilatul Khariroh, Untung Sujianto, Windu Santoso, Sulistyo Asmoro Bangun, Joachim G Voss","doi":"10.1007/s10461-025-04681-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-025-04681-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a major challenge for people living with HIV (PLWH). The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the six criteria for a phone-based intervention program for PLWH in Indonesia using a mixed methods feasibility study design. PLWH were included who took ART for at least 3 months, who had a cell phone, access to the internet, and the WhatsApp application. Thirty eligible respondents completed demographic information and shared their daily ART frequency during the enrolment visit. Motivational and health promotion messages were sent in the form of text message, images, and video links 30 min before their scheduled medication time for 3 months (October-December 2020). All respondents were retained until the end of the program. Necessity: Identified a need to be reminded when their ARTs were due. Feasibility: The participants were used to WhatsApp in their daily lives. Acceptability: The respondents responded well to the messages. Safety: None of the respondents experienced a mental distress due to involuntary HIV disclosure or stigma. Fidelity: The program delivered 79 to 91% of the messages. Challenges of the phone-based program centred around technical issues, human error user error, and environmental problems. Cost: The program could be delivered for less than $3 a day. The program met the six criteria for a useful intervention and can be applied to promote adherence to ART in remote regions of Indonesia.</p>","PeriodicalId":7543,"journal":{"name":"AIDS and Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699433","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}