Don Des Jarlais
Don Des Jarlais
Professor of Epidemiology
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Professional overview
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Dr. Don Des Jarlais is a leader in the fields of AIDS and injecting drug use, and has published extensively on these topics including articles in The New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Science, and Nature.
He is active in international research, having collaborated on studies in many different countries. He serves as a consultant to various institutions, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the National Academy of Sciences, and the World Health Organization.
Dr. Des Jarlais’ research has received numerous awards, including a New York State Department of Health Commissioner’s award for promoting the health of persons who use drugs. He formerly served as avcommissioner for the National Commission on AIDS; as a core group member of the UNAIDS Reference Group on HIV and Injecting Drug Use; and as a member of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Des Jarlais is also an adjunct faculty of psychiatry and preventive medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and guest investigator at Rockefeller University in New York.
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Education
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BA, Behavioral Science, Rice University, Houston, TXPhD, Social Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Areas of research and study
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EpidemiologyHIV/AIDSPsychology
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Publications
Publications
Association between recent methamphetamine use, antiretroviral therapy and HIV viral load; a mediation analysis from a cohort of HIV positive persons who inject drugs in Hai Phong, Vietnam
Syringe Service Program Perspectives on Barriers, Readiness, and Programmatic Needs to Support Rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccine
AbstractCorcorran, M. A., Austin, E. J., Behrends, C. N., Briggs, E. S., Frost, M. C., Juarez, A. M., Frank, N. D., Healy, E., Prohaska, S. M., Lakosky, P. A., Kapadia, S. N., Perlman, D. C., Schackman, B. R., Des Jarlais, D. C., Williams, E. C., & Glick, S. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Journal of Addiction MedicineVolume
17Issue
1Page(s)
E36-E41AbstractBackground We explored syringe service program (SSP) perspectives on barriers, readiness, and programmatic needs to support coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine uptake among people who use drugs. Methods We conducted an exploratory qualitative study, leveraging an existing sample of SSPs in the United States. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with SSP staff between February and April 2021. Interviews were analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process, an intensive, iterative process that allows for rapid analysis of time-sensitive qualitative data. Results Twenty-seven SSPs completed a qualitative interview. Many SSP respondents discussed that COVID-19 vaccination was not a priority for their participants because of competing survival priorities, and respondents shared concerns that COVID-19 had deepened participant mistrust of health care. Most SSPs wanted to participate in COVID-19 vaccination efforts; however, they identified needed resources, including adequate space, personnel, and training, to implement successful vaccine programs. Conclusions Although SSPs are trusted resources for people who use drugs, many require additional structural and personnel support to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among their participants. Funding and supporting SSPs in the provision of COVID-19 prevention education and direct vaccine services should be a top public health priority.A community-based intervention to decrease the prevalence of HIV viremia among people who inject drugs in Vietnam
AbstractDuong, H. T., Moles, J. P., Pham, K. M., Vallo, R., Hoang, G. T., Vu, V. H., Khuat, O. T. H., Nham, T. T. T., Nguyen, D. Q., Quillet, C., Rapoud, D., Van De Perre, P., Castellani, J., Feelemyer, J., Michel, L., Laureillard, D., Jarlais, D. D., & Nagot, N. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
The Lancet Regional Health - Western PacificVolume
27AbstractBackground: In most low-to-middle-income countries, HIV control at the population level among people who inject drugs (PWID) remains a major challenge. We aimed to demonstrate that an innovative intervention can identify HIV-positive PWID in the community who are not treated efficiently, and get them treated efficiently. Methods: Between 2016 and 2020, we implemented an intervention consisting of mass HIV screening of PWID using three annual respondent-driven sampling surveys (RDSS) and a post-intervention evaluation RDSS in community-based organisation (CBO) sites, coupled with peer support to facilitate/improve access to antiretroviral and methadone therapy in Haiphong, Vietnam. The primary outcome was the proportion of identified uncontrolled HIV-positive PWID who achieved viral control. We also estimated the potential effect of the intervention on the proportion of PWID with HIV RNA >1000 copies/mL among all PWID during the study period. Findings: Over the three RDSS, 3150 different PWID were screened, i.e. two-thirds of the estimated population size. They all injected heroin, their median age was of 39 years, 95% were male, 26.5% were HIV-infected, and 78.6% of the latter had HIV RNA ≤1000 copies/mL. Among the 177 PWID identified with an unsuppressed viral load, 73 (41.2%) achieved viral suppression at the final visit. HIV viremia decreased from 7.2% at baseline to 2.9% at the final RDSS (p<0.001). Up to 42% of this observed reduction may be explained by the intervention, in the absence of any external intervention targeting PWID during the study period. Interpretation: Mass community-based screening using RDSS coupled with CBO support is a powerful tool to rapidly identify untreated HIV-positive PWID and (re)link them to care. Funding: NIDA (USA) and ANRS (France).A stakeholder-driven framework for measuring potential change in the health risks of people who inject drugs (PWID) during the COVID-19 pandemic
AbstractBradley, H., Austin, C., Allen, S. T., Asher, A., Bartholomew, T. S., Board, A., Borquez, A., Buchacz, K., Carter, A., Cooper, H. L., Feinberg, J., Furukawa, N., Genberg, B., Gorbach, P. M., Hagan, H., Huriaux, E., Hurley, H., Luisi, N., Martin, N. K., … Jarlais, D. C. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
International Journal of Drug PolicyVolume
110AbstractBackground: People who inject drugs (PWID) have likely borne disproportionate health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. PWID experienced both interruptions and changes to drug supply and delivery modes of harm reduction, treatment, and other medical services, leading to potentially increased risks for HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and overdose. Given surveillance and research disruptions, proximal, indirect indicators of infectious diseases and overdose should be developed for timely measurement of health effects of the pandemic on PWID. Methods: We used group concept mapping and a systems thinking approach to produce an expert stakeholder-generated, multi-level framework for monitoring changes in PWID health outcomes potentially attributable to COVID-19 in the U.S. This socio-ecological measurement framework elucidates proximal and distal contributors to infectious disease and overdose outcomes, many of which can be measured using existing data sources. Results: The framework includes multi-level components including policy considerations, drug supply/distribution systems, the service delivery landscape, network factors, and individual characteristics such as mental and general health status and service utilization. These components are generally mediated by substance use and sexual behavioral factors to cause changes in incidence of HIV, HCV, sexually transmitted infections, wound/skin infections, and overdose. Conclusion: This measurement framework is intended to increase the quality and timeliness of research on the impacts of COVID-19 in the context of the current pandemic and future crises. Next steps include a ranking process to narrow the drivers of change in health risks to a concise set of indicators that adequately represent framework components, can be written as measurable indicators, and are quantifiable using existing data sources, as well as a publicly available web-based platform for summary data contributions.Adolescents and HIV risk due to drug injection or sex with drug injectors in the United States
Alarming Tuberculosis Rate among People Who Inject Drugs in Vietnam
AbstractNagot, N., Hai, V. V., Dong, T. T. T., Hai, O. K. T., Rapoud, D., Hoang, G. T., Quillet, C., Minh, K. P., Vallo, R., Nham, T. T. T., Castellani, J., Feelemyer, J., Des Jarlais, D. C., Nguyen, L. P., Van Le, H., Nguyen, N. V., Vo, L. N. Q., Duong, H. T., Moles, J. P., & Laureillard, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Open Forum Infectious DiseasesVolume
9Issue
2AbstractBackground: The tuberculosis (TB) epidemic is not homogeneous in the general population but presents high-risk groups. People who inject drugs (PWID) are such a group. However, TB among PWID remains largely undocumented. Our goal was to assess the prevalence of TB and the risk factors associated with TB among PWID in Vietnam. Methods: We implemented a cross-sectional survey among 2 community-based cohorts of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative PWID in Hai Phong. Participants were screened for TB using questions on TB symptoms. Those who reported any symptom were accompanied by peers to the TB clinic for chest x-ray. If the latter was abnormal, a sputum was collected to perform an Xpert MTB/RIF test. Results: A total of 885 PWID were screened for TB. For both cohorts, most PWID were male (>90.0%), with a median age of 42 years. Beside heroin injection, 52.5% of participants reported smoking methamphetamine, and 63.2% were on methadone. Among HIV-positive PWID (N = 451), 90.4% were on antiretroviral therapy and 81.6% had a viral load <1000 copies/mL. Using a complete-case analysis, the estimated TB prevalence was 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-4.5) and 2.1% (95% CI, 0.8-4.2) among HIV-positive and HIV-negative people, respectively. Living as a couple, arrest over the past 6 months, homelessness, and smoking methamphetamine were independently associated with TB but not HIV infection. Conclusions: In the context of very large antiretroviral therapy coverage, this extremely high rate of TB among PWID requires urgent actions.Anti-Vaccine Attitudes among Adults in the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic after Vaccine Rollout
AbstractChoi, J., Lieff, S., Meltzer, G., Grivel, M., Chang, V., Yang, L., & Desjarlais, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
VaccinesVolume
10Issue
6AbstractEven though vaccination is the most effective measure against COVID-19 infections, vaccine rollout efforts have been hampered by growing anti-vaccine attitudes. Based on current knowledge, we identified three domains (beliefs, discrimination, and news) as our correlates of primary interest to examine the association with anti-vaccine attitudes. This is one of the first studies to examine key correlates of anti-vaccine attitudes during the critical early stages of vaccine implementation in the United States. An online survey was administered in May 2021 to a non-representative, nationally based sample of adults (N = 789). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that individuals who expressed worry about COVID-19 (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.21, 0.55) and had greater knowledge of COVID-19 (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.25, 0.99) were less likely to hold antivaccine attitudes. Conversely, individuals who held stigmatizing views of COVID-19 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.53, 3.99), had experienced racial discrimination (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.25, 3.67) and discrimination related to COVID-19 (OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.54, 5.24), and who had been watching Fox News (OR = 3.95, 95% CI 2.61, 5.97) were more likely to hold anti-vaccine attitudes. These findings suggest COVID-19 beliefs, experiences of discrimination, and news sources should be considered when designing targeted approaches to address the anti-vaccine movement.Assessment of a psychiatric intervention at community level for people who inject drugs in a low-middle income country: the DRIVE-Mind cohort study in Hai Phong, Viet Nam
Failed generating bibliography.AbstractPublication year
2022Journal title
The Lancet Regional Health - Western PacificVolume
18AbstractBackground: Access to psychiatric care for people who inject drugs (PWID) is limited/absent and stigmatized in most low-middle-income countries (LMICs). Innovative interventions are needed. We aimed to describe and assess the impact of a community-based psychiatric intervention among PWID in Hai Phong, Vietnam Methods: In a cohort study with one year psychiatric follow-up, PWID diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, a major depressive episode, or suicide risk, were recruited from the wider Drug-Related Infections in ViEtnam (DRIVE) project in the city of Hai Phong. The community-based psychiatric intervention included specialized follow-up (free consultations with psychiatrists, free medication, referral to mental health department for hospitalization when necessary) and support from community-based organisations (case management, harm reduction, administrative support, linkage to HIV care, methadone maintenance treatment and mental health support). The main outcome was reduction/remission of symptoms. Access to and retention in psychiatric care, quality-of-life and stigmatization were also measured pre and post-intervention. Findings: Among the 1212 participants screened from March to May 2019, 271 met the inclusion criteria, 233 (86.3%) accepted the intervention and 170 completed the follow-up (72.9%). At inclusion, 80.6% were diagnosed with current depression, 44.7% with psychotic disorder and 42.4% with suicide risk. After a one-year follow-up, these proportions dropped to 15.9%, 21.8%, and 22.9% respectively. Quality-of-life and perceived stigma related to mental health were also significantly improved, while drug use decreased only marginally. Interpretation: Community-based psychiatric interventions are both feasible and efficient in the Vietnamese context. Similar interventions should be implemented and evaluated in other, different LMICs. Funding:: This work was supported by grants from NIDA (US) (#DA041978) and ANRS (France) (#13353). The funding agencies had no role in designing the research, data analyses, or preparation of the report.Automated Substance Use/Sexual Risk Reporting and HIV Test Acceptance Among Emergency Department Patients Aged 13–24 Years
AbstractAronson, I. D., Zhang, J., Rajan, S., Marsch, L. A., Bugaighis, M., Ibitoye, M. O., Chernick, L. S., & Des Jarlais, D. C. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorVolume
26Issue
5Page(s)
1544-1551AbstractDespite federal guidelines, many adolescents and emerging adults are not offered HIV testing by their healthcare providers. As such, many—including those who may be at high-risk for contracting HIV given their sexual and/or substance use risk—are not routinely tested. The current study examines sexual risk and substance use among emergency department patients aged 13–24 years (n = 147), who completed an automated screening as part of a tablet-based intervention designed to increase HIV testing. Twenty seven percent (n = 39) of participants chose to test for HIV after completing the tablet-based intervention. Among this sample, sexual risk was a significant independent predictor of HIV testing (χ2 = 16.50, p < 0.001). Problem substance use (e.g. trying but failing to quit) also predicted testing (χ2 = 7.43, p < 0.01). When considering these behaviors together, analyses indicated that the effect of problem substance use (ß = 0.648, p = 0.154) on testing is explained by sexual risk behavior (ß = 1.425, p < 0.01). The study’s findings underscore the value of using routine automated risk screenings to collect sensitive data from emergency department patients, followed by computer-based HIV test offers for adolescent youth. Our research indicates tablet-based interventions can facilitate more accurate reporting of sexual behavior and substance use, and can also potentially increase HIV test uptake among those at risk.Availability of and Obstacles to Providing COVID-19 Vaccinations at Syringe Services Programs in the United States, 2021
Barriers to engaging people who use drugs in harm reduction services during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods study of syringe services program perspectives
AbstractAustin, E. J., Corcorran, M. A., Briggs, E. S., Frost, M. C., Behrends, C. N., Juarez, A. M., Frank, N. D., Healy, E., Prohaska, S. M., LaKosky, P. A., Kapadia, S. N., Perlman, D. C., Schackman, B. R., Jarlais, D. C., Williams, E. C., & Glick, S. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
International Journal of Drug PolicyVolume
109AbstractBackground: Syringe services programs (SSPs) provide critical evidence-based public health services that decrease harms from drug use for people who use drugs (PWUD). Many SSPs have experienced significant and evolving COVID-19-related disruptions. We aimed to characterize the impacts of COVID-19 on SSP operations in the United States approximately one year into the pandemic. Methods: Participating sites, selected from a national sample of SSPs, completed a semi-structured interview via teleconference and brief survey evaluating the impacts of COVID-19 on program operations. Data collection explored aspects of program financing, service delivery approaches, linkages to care, and perspectives on engaging PWUD in services one year into the pandemic. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively using Rapid Assessment Process. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and triangulated with qualitative findings. Results: 27 SSPs completed study-related interviews and surveys between February 2021 – April 2021. One year into the pandemic, SSPs reported continuing to adapt approaches to syringe distribution in response to COVID-19, and identified multiple barriers that hindered their ability to engage program participants in services, including 1) isolation and decreased connectivity with participants, 2) resource restrictions that limit responsiveness to participant needs, 3) reduced capacity to provide on-site HIV/HCV testing and treatment linkages, and 4) changing OUD treatment modalities that were a “double-edged sword” for PWUD. Quantitative survey responses aligned with qualitative findings, highlighting increases in the number of syringes distributed, increases in mobile and home delivery services, and reductions in on-site HIV and HCV testing. Conclusion: These data illuminate persistent and cascading risks of isolation, reduced access to services, and limited engagement with program participants that resulted from COVID-19 and continue to create barriers to the delivery of critical harm reduction services. Findings emphasize the need to ensure SSPs have the resources and capacity to adapt to changing public health needs, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.Development and assessment of a community-based screening tool for mental health disorders among people who inject drugs
Failed generating bibliography.AbstractPublication year
2022Journal title
Drug and Alcohol ReviewVolume
41Issue
3Page(s)
697-705AbstractIntroduction: The prevalence of mental health disorders among people who use drugs is high and well documented. This hard-to-reach population faces a very low awareness and access to mental health care, especially in developing countries. The objectives of this study were to design and assess a quick screening tool (QST) that community-based organisations (CBO) could routinely apply to a Vietnamese population of people who inject drugs (PWID), in order to refer them appropriately to mental health specialists. Methods: We devised a tool that included nine questions covering anxiety, depression, suicide risk and psychotic symptomatology. Its use required no specific background and 2 h training. Specificity and sensitivity of the QST were assessed in a population of 418 PWID recruited via respondent driven sampling, using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview questionnaire plus clinical evaluation as a reference standard. Acceptability was assessed using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire submitted to all CBO members who used the QST. Results: CBO members considered the QST easy to use, relevant and helpful to deal with mental health issues. Area under the curve for detection of any symptom using the QST was 0.770. The maximum sensitivity and specificity were reached with a cut-off of 2 [sensitivity was 71.1% (95% confidence interval 62.4, 78.8), specificity was 75.9% (70.5, 80.7)]. Discussion and Conclusions: The QST appeared to be both efficient and well accepted. Given the burden of mental health problems among hard-to-reach PWID in developing countries, community-based screenings such as this one could be a particularly appropriate response.Durable Viral Suppression Among People with HIV and Problem Substance Use in the Era of Universal Antiretroviral Treatment
Expectations of racial prejudice in AIDS research and prevention programs in the United States
AbstractDes Jarlais, D. C., Casriel, C., Stepherson, B., & Friedman, S. R. (n.d.). In AIDS and Alcohol/Drug Abuse.Publication year
2022Page(s)
1-7AbstractHIV infection and AIDS have occurred at disproportionately higher rates among Black and Hispanic persons in the United States. The HIV epidemic is occurring within an historical context of racial prejudice and inequality within the society as a whole, and of poor health care for minority communities. We report instances of expectations of racial prejudice that affected three different AIDS research/prevention activities. Failure to anticipate and appropriately respond to these expectations of racial prejudice may substantially interfere with AIDS efforts and appear to confirm the expectations. Even with the best anticipation and responses, there will be many instances in which the problem cannot be satisfactorily resolved. The association of AIDS with minority status has the potential to reinforce stigmatization of minority communities. Prevention and research activities will often be caught in lose-lose situations of either "unfairly singing out" minorities or of ignoring the problems of minority communities.Gender Differences in HIV, HCV risk and Prevention Needs Among People who Inject drug in Vietnam
AbstractGiang, H. T., Duc, N. Q., Khue, P. M., Quillet, C., Oanh, K. T. H., Thanh, N. T. T., Vallo, R., Feelemyer, J., Vinh, V. H., Rapoud, D., Michel, L., Laureillard, D., Moles, J. P., Jarlais, D. D., Nagot, N., & Huong, D. T. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorAbstractWe examined gender differences among people who inject drug (PWID) in Hai Phong, Vietnam in term of blood-borne infections, risk behaviors, and access to care. Using respondent-driven-sampling surveys, we recruited 3146 PWID from 2016 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included a positive urine test for heroin and recent injection marks. There were 155 female PWID (4,9%), including 82 at RDS-2016, 32 at RDS-2017 and 38 at RDS-2018. The age mean was 36.3 ± 7.2 years. The majority of female PWID had less than high school education (90.9%) and were unemployed (51.3%). There was no difference in the proportion of HIV and HCV positive by gender. However, women had several significant differences in risk behaviors than men in multivariable logistic regression. Being a woman was independently associated with being unemployed, being a sex worker, having unstable housing, having uses drugs for less than 5 years, more use of methamphetamine, having a partner who ever injected drugs, and less access to methadone treatment. Interventions targeting female PWID are needed, possibly through community organizations and peer educators.Harm reduction and health services provided by syringe services programs in 2019 and subsequent impact of COVID-19 on services in 2020
How has the COVID-19 epidemic affected the risk behaviors of people who inject drugs in a city with high harm reduction service coverage in Vietnam? A qualitative investigation
Impact of COVID-19 & Response Measures on HIV-HCV Prevention Services and Social Determinants in People Who Inject Drugs in 13 Sites with Recent HIV Outbreaks in Europe, North America and Israel
AbstractWiessing, L., Sypsa, V., Abagiu, A. O., Arble, A., Berndt, N., Bosch, A., Buskin, S., Chemtob, D., Combs, B., Conyngham, C., Feelemyer, J., Fitzgerald, M., Goldberg, D., Hatzakis, A., Patrascu, R. E., Keenan, E., Khan, I., Konrad, S., Leahy, J., … Des Jarlais, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorAbstractHIV/HCV prevention among people who inject drugs (PWID) is of key public health importance. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 and associated response measures on HIV/HCV prevention services and socio-economic status of PWID in high-HIV-risk sites. Sites with recent (2011–2019) HIV outbreaks among PWID in Europe North America and Israel, that had been previously identified, were contacted early May 2020. Out of 17 sites invited to participate, 13 accepted. Semi-structured qualitative site reports were prepared covering data from March to May 2020, analyzed/coded and confirmed with a structured questionnaire, in which all sites explicitly responded to all 103 issues reported in the qualitative reports. Opioid maintenance treatment, needle/syringe programs and antiretroviral treatment /hepatitis C treatment continued, but with important reductions and operational changes. Increases in overdoses, widespread difficulties with food and hygiene needs, disruptions in drug supply, and increased homelessness were reported. Service programs rapidly reformed long established, and politically entrenched, restrictive service delivery policies. Future epidemic control measures should include mitigation of negative side-effects on service provision and socio-economic determinants in PWID.Long-Term Persistence of Mitochondrial DNA Instability among HCV-Cured People Who Inject Drugs
AbstractDurand, M., Nagot, N., Nhu, Q. B. T., Vizeneux, A., Thuy, L. L. T., Duong, H. T., Thanh, B. N., Rapoud, D., Vallo, R., Quillet, C., Tran, H. T., Michel, L., Tuyet, T. N. T., Hai, O. K. T., Hai, V. V., Feelemyer, J., Vande Perre, P., Des Jarlais, D., Minh, K. P., … Molès, J. P. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
BiomedicinesVolume
10Issue
10AbstractPeople who inject drugs (PWID) are a population exposed to many genotoxicants and with a high prevalence of HCV infection. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are now widely used to treat chronic HCV infection. Although side effects to treatment are currently rare, the long-term effects such as suspicions of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence or HCC recurrence and cardiac defects are still up for debate. Given the structure of DAAs, the molecules have a potential mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genotoxicity. We have previously reported acute mtDNA toxicity of three DAA regimens among PWID with a strong impact on the rate of mtDNA deletion, less on the quantity of mtDNA copy per cell at sustained viral response at 12 weeks (SVR12). Herein, we report the mtDNA parameters nine months after drug discontinuation. We observed that the percentage of the deleted mtDNA genome increased over time. No exposure to any other genotoxicants during this period was associated with a high deletion percentage, suggesting that the replicative advantage of the deleted molecules outweighed their elimination processes. Such observation calls for longer-term follow-up and may contribute to the molecular basis of subclinical side effects of DAA treatments.Mental Disorders Are Associated With Leukocytes Telomere Shortening Among People Who Inject Drugs
AbstractDurand, M., Nagot, N., Michel, L., Le, S. M., Duong, H. T., Vallo, R., Vizeneux, A., Rapoud, D., Giang, H. T., Quillet, C., Thanh, N. T. T., Hai Oanh, K. T., Vinh, V. H., Feelemyer, J., Vande Perre, P., Minh, K. P., Laureillard, D., Des Jarlais, D., & Molès, J. P. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Frontiers in PsychiatryVolume
13AbstractPremature biological aging, assessed by shorter telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations, has been reported among people with major depressive disorders or psychotic disorders. However, these markers have never been assessed together among people who inject drugs (PWIDs), although mental disorders are highly prevalent in this population, which, in addition, is subject to other aggravating exposures. Diagnosis of mental disorders was performed by a psychiatrist using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview test among active PWIDs in Haiphong, Vietnam. mtDNA copy number (MCN), mtDNA deletion, and TL were assessed by quantitative PCR and compared to those without any mental disorder. We next performed a multivariate analysis to identify risk factors associated with being diagnosed with a major depressive episode (MDE) or a psychotic syndrome (PS). In total, 130 and 136 PWIDs with and without psychiatric conditions were analyzed. Among PWIDs with mental disorders, 110 and 74 were diagnosed with MDE and PS, respectively. TL attrition was significantly associated with hepatitis C virus-infected PWIDs with MDE or PS (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.53 [0.36; 0.80] and 0.59 [0.39; 0.88], respectively). TL attrition was even stronger when PWIDs cumulated at least two episodes of major depressive disorders. On the other hand, no difference was observed in mtDNA alterations between groups. The telomeric age difference with drug users without a diagnosis of psychiatric condition was estimated during 4.2–12.8 years according to the number of MDEs, making this group more prone to age-related diseases.Modeling HIV transmission among persons who inject drugs (PWID) at the “End of the HIV Epidemic” and during the COVID-19 pandemic
AbstractJarlais, D. D., Bobashev, G., Feelemyer, J., & McKnight, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Drug and alcohol dependenceVolume
238AbstractBackground: We explore injecting risk and HIV incidence among PWID in New York City (NYC), from 2012 to 2019, when incidence was extremely low, <0.1/100 person-years at risk, and during disruption of prevention services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We developed an Agent-Based model (ABM) to simulate sharing injecting equipment and measure HIV incidence in NYC. The model was adapted from a previous ABM model developed to compare HIV transmission with “high” versus “low” dead space syringes. Data for applying the model to NYC during the period of very low HIV incidence was taken from the “Risk Factors” study, a long-running study of participants entering substance use treatment in NYC. Injecting risk behavior had not been eliminated in this population, with approximately 15 % reported recent syringe sharing. Data for possible transmission during COVID-19 disruption was taken from previous HIV outbreaks and early studies of the pandemic in NYC. Results: The modeled incidence rates fell within the 95 % confidence bounds of all of the empirically observed incidence rates, without any additional calibration of the model. Potential COVID-19 disruptions increased the probability of an outbreak from 0.03 to 0.25. Conclusions: The primary factors in the very low HIV incidence were the extremely small numbers of PWID likely to transmit HIV and that most sharing occurs within small, relatively stable, mostly seroconcordant groups. Containing an HIV outbreak among PWID during a continuing pandemic would be quite difficult. Pre-pandemic levels of HIV prevention services should be restored as quickly as feasible.Program Adaptations to Provide Harm Reduction Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Syringe Services Programs in the U.S.
AbstractFrost, M. C., Sweek, E. W., Austin, E. J., Corcorran, M. A., Juarez, A. M., Frank, N. D., Prohaska, S. M., LaKosky, P. A., Asher, A. K., Broz, D., Jarlais, D. C., Williams, E. C., & Glick, S. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorVolume
26Issue
1Page(s)
57-68AbstractSyringe services programs (SSPs) are essential to preventing injection drug use-related infections and overdose death among people who use drugs (PWUD). The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic initially impeded SSPs’ operations. To effectively support these programs, information is needed regarding SSPs’ experiences adapting their services and the challenges posed by COVID-19. We conducted qualitative interviews with leadership and staff from a sample of 31 U.S. SSPs. Respondents discussed urgent concerns including reduced reach of services, suspended HIV/hepatitis C testing, high COVID-19 risk among PWUD, and negative impacts of isolation on overdose and mental health. They also noted opportunities to improve future services for PWUD, including shifting to evidence-based distribution practices and maintaining regulatory changes that increased access to opioid use disorder medications post-pandemic. Findings can inform efforts to support SSPs in restoring and expanding services, and provide insight into SSPs’ role in engaging PWUD during the COVID-19 response and future emergencies.Recurrent Injecting Drug Use as a Mediator between Psychiatric Disorder and Non-Fatal Overdose
AbstractBarnes, D., Xu, V. S., Cleland, C. M., McKnight, C., & Des Jarlais, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Substance Use and MisuseVolume
57Issue
8Page(s)
1248-1256AbstractBackground: Unintentional drug overdose has increased markedly in the United States. Studies document an association between psychiatric disorder and unintentional overdose; we extend this research through a preliminary test of a causal model of recurrent injection drug use mediating this relationship. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 241 adults in New York City with a possible current substance use disorder, we conducted conventional and Imai’s mediation analyses to examine if psychiatric disorder is associated with increased prevalence of ever overdosing and if recurrent injection drug use mediates this association. Our cross-sectional data permit the first step of assessing causal models: testing if statistical associations are consistent with the model. Results: Fifty-eight percent of the sample endorsed previous psychiatric disorder diagnosis and 35.7% reported ever overdosing. Imai’s mediation analysis showed that, adjusting for covariates, the total association between psychiatric diagnosis and ever overdosing (adjusted prevalence difference [aPD] = 0.16, 95% CI 0.04–0.28) was composed of a direct effect (aPD = 0.09, 95% CI −0.03 − 0.21, p = 0.136) and an indirect effect (aPD = 0.07, 95% CI 0.02–0.13). Recurrent injecting drug use contributed to 42% (ratio of indirect effect to total effect; 95% CI 12 − 100%, p = 0.02) of the association between psychiatric diagnosis and ever overdosing. Conventional mediation analysis produced similar results. Conclusions: Our results provide a warrant for taking the necessary next step for assessing a causal model using longitudinal data, potentially providing a strong rationale for intervening on psychiatric disorders to stem overdose.Responding to a surge in overdose deaths: perspectives from US syringe services programs
AbstractFrost, M. C., Austin, E. J., Corcorran, M. A., Briggs, E. S., Behrends, C. N., Juarez, A. M., Frank, N. D., Healy, E., Prohaska, S. M., LaKosky, P. A., Kapadia, S. N., Perlman, D. C., Schackman, B. R., Des Jarlais, D. C., Williams, E. C., & Glick, S. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Harm Reduction JournalVolume
19Issue
1AbstractBackground: US overdose deaths have reached a record high. Syringe services programs (SSPs) play a critical role in addressing this crisis by providing multiple services to people who use drugs (PWUD) that help prevent overdose death. This study examined the perspectives of leadership and staff from a geographically diverse sample of US SSPs on factors contributing to the overdose surge, their organization’s response, and ongoing barriers to preventing overdose death. Methods: From 2/11/2021 to 4/23/2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews with leadership and staff from 27 SSPs sampled from the North American Syringe Exchange Network directory. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process. Results: Respondents reported that increased intentional and unintentional fentanyl use (both alone and combined with other substances) was a major driver of the overdose surge. They also described how the COVID-19 pandemic increased solitary drug use and led to abrupt increases in use due to life disruptions and worsened mental health among PWUD. In response to this surge, SSPs have increased naloxone distribution, including providing more doses per person and expanding distribution to people using non-opioid drugs. They are also adapting overdose prevention education to increase awareness of fentanyl risks, including for people using non-opioid drugs. Some are distributing fentanyl test strips, though a few respondents expressed doubts about strips’ effectiveness in reducing overdose harms. Some SSPs are expanding education and naloxone training/distribution in the broader community, beyond PWUD and their friends/family. Respondents described several ongoing barriers to preventing overdose death, including not reaching certain groups at risk of overdose (PWUD who do not inject, PWUD experiencing homelessness, and PWUD of color), an inconsistent naloxone supply and lack of access to intranasal naloxone in particular, inadequate funding, underestimates of overdoses, legal/policy barriers, and community stigma. Conclusions: SSPs remain essential in preventing overdose deaths amid record numbers likely driven by increased fentanyl use and COVID-19-related impacts. These findings can inform efforts to support SSPs in this work. In the face of ongoing barriers, support for SSPs—including increased resources, political support, and community partnership—is urgently needed to address the worsening overdose crisis.Thick trust, thin trust, social capital, and health outcomes among trans women of color in New York City
AbstractHwahng, S. J., Allen, B., Zadoretzky, C., Barber Doucet, H., McKnight, C., & Des Jarlais, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
International Journal of Transgender HealthVolume
23Issue
1Page(s)
214-231AbstractIntroduction: Many trans women of color communities experience high HIV seroprevalence, extreme poverty, high rates of victimization and substance use, and poor mental health. Greater knowledge of trans women of color social capital may contribute toward more effective services for this marginalized population. Methods: These data come from a mixed-methods study that examined trans/gender-variant people of color who attended transgender support groups at harm reduction programs in NYC. The study was conducted from 2011 to 12, total N = 34. The qualitative portion was derived from six focus group interviews. Results: Two support groups stood out as exhibiting very strong alternative kinship structures. One group was comprised of immigrant trans Latinas, and the other group were trans women of African descent living with HIV. Both groups demonstrated ample cultivation of “trust capital” in the form of “thick trust” (bonding capital) and “thin trust” (bridging/linking capital) both inside and outside/beyond the support groups. Thick trust included the cultivation of intimacy, support in primary romantic relationships, and community leadership. Thin trust included networking with a variety of organizations, increased educational opportunities, and cultural production. Discussion: Participants “opened up to social capital” through the process of trusting as a series of (1) risks; (2) vulnerabilities; and (3) reciprocities. A solid foundation of thick trust resulted in a social, psychological, and emotional “base.” Upon this foundation, thin trust was operationalized resulting in positive material, economic, and quality-of-life outcomes, leading to an expanded space of capabilities.