In Kazakhstan, methadone is a free treatment for opioid use disorder, but few people who need it are using it. This study explored barriers to methadone access among people who inject drugs (PWID), healthcare providers, and policymakers. Key challenges included concerns about methadone safety, strict entry requirements, and limited availability. Clinicians and community health … [Read more...] about Exploration of the multi-level barriers to scaling up methadone for HIV prevention among people who inject drugs in Kazakhstan
HIV and AIDS
Moving Beyond Viral Suppression: Strengthening the Community HIV Workforce to Improve Empowerment and Reduce Stigma in the Memphis Transitional Grant Area
Training community health workers (CHWs) and their supervisors can improve care for people living with HIV. This study evaluated the impact of a community-driven training program in eight counties in the southern U.S. from 2021 to 2022. After the training, clients of CHWs showed better viral suppression, greater empowerment, and fewer unmet needs and stigma-related challenges. … [Read more...] about Moving Beyond Viral Suppression: Strengthening the Community HIV Workforce to Improve Empowerment and Reduce Stigma in the Memphis Transitional Grant Area
The effect of a combined mHealth and community health worker intervention on HIV self-management
This study analyzed data from a trial evaluating the CHAMPS intervention, which combines mobile health (mHealth) support with community health worker sessions to improve HIV self-management. Results showed that missing medical appointments, uncertainty about care access, and poor adherence to treatment were linked to lower self-management. In New York City, CHAMPS significantly … [Read more...] about The effect of a combined mHealth and community health worker intervention on HIV self-management
Brief Report: Preferences and Acceptability in Methods of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Collection and Feedback in a Cohort of PLWH in Cape Town South Africa
Monitoring HIV treatment adherence using dried blood spots (DBS) is highly acceptable among people living with HIV in South Africa. In a study of 224 participants, 99% supported DBS testing, and 96% found it helpful. Most preferred clinic staff to collect samples (79.5%), while fewer were comfortable with community health workers (26.1%) or pharmacists (37.0%). Over half (52%) … [Read more...] about Brief Report: Preferences and Acceptability in Methods of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Collection and Feedback in a Cohort of PLWH in Cape Town South Africa
The effect of a combined mHealth and community health worker intervention on HIV self-management
This study looked at factors affecting HIV self-management and evaluated the CHAMPS program, which combines mobile health tools and community health worker support. In New York City, CHAMPS improved daily HIV self-care, such as medication adherence. However, it had no significant impact in Birmingham. Challenges like missed appointments and difficulty accessing care were linked … [Read more...] about The effect of a combined mHealth and community health worker intervention on HIV self-management