Farzana Kapadia
Farzana Kapadia
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Professor of Epidemiology
Director of Undergraduate Programs
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Professional overview
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Dr. Farzana Kapadia is Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health at the NYU School of Global Public Health and at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health. Dr. Kapadia is also affiliated with the Institute of Human Development and Social Change and Population Center at NYU.
Dr. Kapadia has long standing research interests in understanding the social and structural drivers of HIV/STIs as well as sexual and reproductive health outcomes in underserved and marginalized populations. Dr. Kapadia has over 20 years of experience in the design, development, and implementation of observational studies and HIV/STI intervention and prevention trials in underserved and marginalized populations in urban settings, both in the US and in Africa (Ghana and Kenya).
Dr. Kapadia has a passion for teaching and mentoring. She teaches the core Epidemiology for in-coming MPH students and has also taught key epidemiology courses, including Intermediate Epidemiology and Outbreak Epidemiology at GPH as well as an HIV-related course at NYU London. The overarching goal of Dr. Kapadia’s teaching is to train students to become epidemiologists and public health practitioners who are critical and creative thinkers as well as champions and advocates for inclusive solutions to our local and global public health challenges.
In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kapadia serves as the Deputy Editor for the American Journal of Public Health.
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Education
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BS, Biology and History, SUNY Binghamton, Binghamton, NYMPH, Community Public Health, New York University, New York, NYPhD, Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Honors and awards
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Excellence in Public Health Faculty Award, New York University (2012)Steinhardt Goddard Award (2011)Community Collaborative Award, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development (2009)Elected Member, American College of Epidemiology (2007)
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Areas of research and study
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Behavioral Determinants of HealthBehavioral ScienceEpidemiologyHIV/AIDSReproductive HealthSocial BehaviorsSocial Determinants of HealthSocial epidemiologySubstance Abuse
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Publications
Publications
Associations of parental psychopathology with mental health burden and drug use in sexual minority men: the P18 cohort study
AbstractHalkitis, P. N., Griffin-Tomas, M., Kapadia, F., Levy, M., & Greene, R. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Journal of HomosexualityAbstract~Associations of Perceived Parental Psychopathology with Mental Health Burden and Lifetime Drug Use in Gay, Bisexual, and other YMSM : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractHalkitis, P. N., Griffin-Tomas, M., Levy, M. D., Greene, R. E., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Journal title
Journal of HomosexualityVolume
64Issue
11Page(s)
1596-1616AbstractParental mental health may be a critical component in understanding the overlapping health burdens of mental health symptomatology and drug use in young men who have sex with men (YMSM), yet studies of YMSM have not fully examined these associations. To understand these relationships, data drawn from a study of gay, bisexual, and other YMSM were used to examine associations between perceived parental psychopathology and the health of YMSM. Findings suggest that YMSM reporting at least one parent with perceived depression, manic depression, schizophrenia, or antisocial behavior anytime during their childhoods were more likely to report higher levels of both depressive symptomatology and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those reporting no perception of any of these psychopathologies in their parents. Number of different drugs used in one’s life were higher among participants who perceived at least one parent as depressed. Mediation analyses indicated that the relationship between perceived parental depression and lifetime drug use of YMSM was mediated both by YMSM depression and YMSM PTSD. These results suggest that parental psychopathology plays an important role in the health of sexual minority men, a population with elevated levels of mental health burden and drug use across the lifespan.Beliefs About the End of AIDS, Concerns About PrEP Functionality, and Perceptions of HIV Risk as Drivers of PrEP Use in Urban Sexual Minority Men : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractHalkitis, P. N., Jaiswal, J., Griffin-Tomas, M., Krause, K. D., D’Avanzo, P., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorVolume
22Issue
11Page(s)
3705-3717AbstractUsing cross-sectional data from an ongoing cohort study of young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (N = 492), we examined the extent to which cognitive factors such as beliefs about the end of AIDS, concerns about the manner in which PrEP works, and perceptions about risk of contracting HIV, are related to PrEP uptake and use. While almost all participants indicted awareness of PrEP, a mere 14% had ever used PrEP. Those with lower concerns about the side effects of PrEP and greater belief that treatment and PrEP would eliminate AIDS were also more likely to have ever used PrEP. Our findings support the ongoing challenges of PrEP uptake as means of curtailing HIV in young sexual minority men, and suggest that beyond the structural factors, consideration must be given to further educating the population as a means of adjusting potentially faulty beliefs, concerns, and perceptions which may influence PrEP utilization.Body Dissatisfaction in a Diverse Sample of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractSiconolfi, D. E., Kapadia, F., Moeller, R. W., Eddy, J. A., Kupprat, S. A., Kingdon, M. J., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Archives of Sexual BehaviorVolume
45Issue
5Page(s)
1227-1239AbstractYoung men who have sex with men (YMSM) may be at greater risk for body dissatisfaction, compared to their heterosexual peers. However, differences within YMSM populations are understudied, precluding the identification of YMSM who are at greatest risk. This study examined body dissatisfaction in a racially/ethnically diverse sample of YMSM ages 18–19 in New York City. Using cross-sectional data from the baseline visit of a longitudinal cohort study of YMSM (N = 591), body dissatisfaction was assessed using the Male Body Attitudes Scale. Three outcomes were modeled using linear regression: (1) overall body dissatisfaction, (2) muscularity dissatisfaction, and (3) body fat dissatisfaction. Covariates in the models included race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, BMI, gay community affiliation, and internalized homonegativity. White YMSM experienced greater body dissatisfaction across the three models. Internalized homonegativity was a statistically significant predictor of dissatisfaction across the three models, though its association with body dissatisfaction was relatively small. The findings point to future avenues of research, particularly qualitative research to explore demographic and cultural nuances in body attitudes among YMSM.Bringing an Equity Lens to Address the Evolving Overdose Crisis : A Public Health of Consequence, April 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
4Page(s)
359-360Abstract~Capturing missed HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis opportunities—sexually transmitted infection diagnoses in the emergency department
AbstractMclaughlin, S. E., Kapadia, F., Greene, R. E., & Pitts, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
International Journal of STD and AIDSVolume
33Issue
3Page(s)
242-246AbstractThe United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) be considered for all patients diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Emergency departments (EDs) are an important site for diagnosis and treatment of STIs for under-served populations. Consequently, we identified 377 patients diagnosed with a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and/or syphilis) at a major New York City emergency department between 1/1/2014 and 7/30/2017 to examine associations between key sociodemographic characteristics and missed opportunities for PrEP provision. In this sample, 299 (79%) emergency department patients missed their medical follow-up 90 days after STI diagnosis, as recommended. Results from adjusted generalized estimating equation regression models indicate that patients >45 yo (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–3.9) and those with a primary care provider in the hospital system (aOR = 6.8, 95% CI 3.8–12.0) were more likely to return for follow-up visits, whereas Black patients (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.25–0.77) were less likely to return for follow-up visits. These findings indicate that lack of STI treatment follow-up visits are significantly missed opportunities for PrEP provision and comprehensive human immunodeficiency virus prevention care.Chronic comorbidities in persons living with HIV within three years of exposure to antiretroviral therapy at Pantang Antiretroviral Center in Ghana : a retrospective study
AbstractKotey, M., Alhassan, Y., Adomako, J., Nunoo-Mensah, G., Kapadia, F., & Sarfo, B. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Pan African Medical JournalVolume
42Issue
294Page(s)
1-21AbstractIntroduction: uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and retention in care are associated with increased life expectancy but increased the risk of comorbid conditions in persons living with HIV (PLWH) and taking antiretroviral drugs. This study describes comorbid conditions among PLWH in Ghana. Methods: PLWH (n=222) out of a sample population of 900, randomly selected at Pantang ART Center participated in the study from June to July of 2020. Socio-demographic characteristics, HIV biomarkers, medication type and adherence, and diagnostic confirmed chronic conditions were extracted from medical records of PLWH. Cox proportional-hazard models and Kaplan-Meier curves graphing risk of experiencing comorbid conditions were performed. Log-rank test was performed at pClassroom-based surveys of adolescent risk-taking behaviors : Reducing the bias of absenteeism
AbstractGuttmacher, S., Weitzman, B. C., Kapadia, F., & Weinberg, S. L. (n.d.).Publication year
2002Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
92Issue
2Page(s)
235-237AbstractObjectives. This investigation examined the effectiveness of intensive efforts to include frequently absent students in order to reduce bias in classroom-based studies. Methods. Grade 10 students in 13 New York City high schools (n=2049) completed self-administered confidential surveys in 4 different phases: a 1-day classroom capture, a 1-day follow-up, and 2 separate 1-week follow-ups. Financial incentives were offered, along with opportunities for out-of-classroom participation. Results. Findings showed that frequently absent students engaged in more risk behaviors than those who were rarely absent. Intensive efforts to locate and survey chronically absent students did not, however, significantly alter estimates of risk behavior. Weighting the data for individual absences marginally improved the estimates. Conclusions. This study showed that intensive efforts to capture absent students in classroom-based investigations are not warranted by the small improvements produced in regard to risk behavior estimates.Climate Justice and Health Equity : A Public Health of Consequence, October 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
10Page(s)
1053-1054Abstract~Closing the gaps
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
97Issue
5Page(s)
783Abstract~Confronting and Ending Food Insecurity During and Beyond the Pandemic : A Public Health of Consequence, July 2022
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
112Issue
7Page(s)
962-964Abstract~Correlates of consistent condom use with main partners by partnership patterns among young adult male injection drug users from five US cities
AbstractKapadia, F., Kapadia, F., Latka, M. H., Hudson, S. M., Golub, E. T., Campbell, J. V., Bailey, S., Frye, V., & Garfein, R. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Drug and alcohol dependenceVolume
91Issue
SUPPL. 1Page(s)
S56-S63AbstractThis paper examined correlates of consistent condom use with a main partner among heterosexual male injection drug users (IDUs). Using data from a multi-site sample of young IDUs, we identified 1770 sexually active men of whom 24% (429/1770) reported an exclusive main female sex partner and 49% (862/1770) reported both main and casual female sex partners. Consistent condom use with a main partner was low among men with an exclusive main partner and those with multiple partners (12% and 17%, respectively). In multivariate analysis, consistent condom use with a main partner across partnership patterns was directly associated with anticipating a positive response to requests for condom use and by partner support of condom use; consistent condom use was inversely associated with a main partner's pregnancy desires. Among men with an exclusive main partner, consistent condom use was also inversely associated with needle sharing with a main partner. Among men with multiple partners, consistent condom use with a main partner was inversely associated with injecting with a used needle and intimate partner violence. The low prevalence of consistent condom use with main female partners among heterosexually active male IDUs indicates an increased risk for HIV transmission between men and their primary sex partners. Interventions for heterosexual males that are geared toward increasing condom use in primary relationships are warranted.Data Democratization for Health Equity : A Public Health of Consequence, August 2023
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
113Issue
8Page(s)
839-840Abstract~Demographic, Mental Health, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Factors Associated with Cigarette Smoking Status among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractD'Avanzo, P. A., Halkitis, P. N., Yu, K., & Kapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
LGBT healthVolume
3Issue
5Page(s)
379-386AbstractPurpose: Young sexual minority men smoke at higher rates relative to heterosexual peers. The purpose of this study was to examine correlates of smoking in a sample of young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) who might differ from more general and age-diverse samples of sexual minority individuals and, thus, inform tailored approaches to addressing tobacco use within this population. Methods: Data on smoking status were examined in relation to demographics, mental health, substance use behavior, and psychosocial factors. Using multinomial logistic regression, factors were identified that differentiate current and former smokers from never smokers. Results: In bivariate analysis, smoking status was related to demographic, mental health, substance use, and psychosocial factors. Most significantly, smoking status was associated with school enrollment status, current alcohol and marijuana use, and symptoms of depression. Multivariate modeling revealed that, compared to being a never smoker, the odds of current or former smoking were highest among those currently using either alcohol or marijuana. The odds of both current and former smoking were also higher among those reporting greater levels of gay community affinity. Finally, the odds of being a former smoker were higher for those reporting internalized antihomosexual prejudice. Conclusion: This study identifies several factors related to smoking status in a diverse sample of young sexual minority males. These findings should encourage investigations of smoking disparities among younger MSM to look beyond common smoking risk factors in an attempt to understand etiologies that may be unique to this group. Such findings may indicate multiple points of potential intervention aimed at decreasing cigarette smoking within this vulnerable population.Dental radiographs for age estimation in us asylum seekers : Methodological, ethical, and health issues
AbstractKapadia, F., Stevens, J., & Silver, D. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
110Issue
12Page(s)
1786-1789AbstractUnaccompanied migrant children seeking asylum status in the United States are often forced to undergo dental radiographs, or x-rays, to verify that they are younger than 18 years. The application of third molar dental radiographs is methodologically flawed and should not be employed as a determinant of chronological age. Furthermore, the use of such tests without obtaining informed consent from either the youth or an objective advocate is unethical. Finally, the legal and health consequences of these inappropriately applied tests are severe and jeopardize the safety and security of these vulnerable minors.Depression, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, and Sexual Risk-Taking Among Urban Young Gay and Bisexual Men : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractStorholm, E. D., Satre, D. D., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Archives of Sexual BehaviorVolume
45Issue
6Page(s)
1431-1441AbstractYoung gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM) are at increased likelihood of experiencing depression and engaging in condomless sexual behaviors. The goal of the current investigation was to examine the relationship between negative mood and compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) and to assess for their individual and combined influence on sexual risk-taking behavior among a diverse sample of YMSM in New York City (the P18 Cohort Study). We first analyzed sociodemographic, depressive symptoms, CSB, and sexual risk-taking from the cross-sectional data of 509, 18- or 19-year-old YMSM recruited using non-probability sampling. We found a significant positive correlation between CSB and depression and between CSB and frequency of condomless anal sex acts reported over the last 30 days. Multivariate results found that the presence of both depression and CSB contributed to elevated sexual risk-taking among these urban YMSM. Clinical implications include the importance of assessing for CSB when depression is present and vice versa in order to improve HIV prevention. Informed by minority stress theory and syndemic theory, our results suggest that interventions focused on the health of YMSM recognize that mental health and social context all interact to increase physical health vulnerability vis-a-vis sexual behaviors, depression, and CSB. Thus, HIV prevention and intervention programs need to incorporate mental health components and services that address these needs.Design and feasibility of a randomized behavioral intervention to reduce distributive injection risk and improve health-care access among hepatitis C virus positive injection drug users : The Study to Reduce Intravenous Exposures (STRIVE)
AbstractKapadia, F., Latka, M. H., Hagan, H., Golub, E. T., Campbell, J. V., Coady, M. H., Garfein, R. S., Thomas, D. L., Bonner, S., Thiel, T., & Strathdee, S. A. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Journal of Urban HealthVolume
84Issue
1Page(s)
99-115AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is hyperendemic among injection drug users (IDUs). However, few scientifically proven interventions to prevent secondary transmission of HCV from infected IDUs to others exist. This report describes the design, feasibility, and baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in the Study to Reduce Intravenous Exposure (STRIVE). STRIVE was a multisite, randomized-control trial to test a behavioral intervention developed to reduce distribution of used injection equipment (needles, cookers, cottons, and rinse water) and increase health-care utilization among antibody HCV (anti-HCV) positive IDUs. STRIVE enrolled anti-HCV positive IDU in Baltimore, New York City, and Seattle; participants completed behavioral assessments and venipuncture for HIV, HCV-RNA, and liver function tests (LFTs) and were randomized to attend either a six-session, small-group, peer-mentoring intervention workshop or a time-matched, attention-control condition. Follow-up visits were conducted at 3 and 6 months. At baseline, of the 630 HCV-positive IDUs enrolled (mean age of 26 years, 60% white, 76% male), 55% reported distributive needle sharing, whereas 74, 69, and 69% reported sharing cookers, cottons, and rinse water, respectively. Health-care access was low, with 41% reporting an emergency room as their main source of medical care. Among those enrolled, 66% (418/630) were randomized: 53% (222/418) and 47% (196/418) to the intervention and control conditions, respectively. Follow-up rates were 70 and 73% for the 3- and 6-month visits, respectively. As distributive sharing of used injection equipment was common while reports of receiving HCV care were low, these findings indicate an urgent need for HCV-related interventions with IDUs and demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility to do so.Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men : The P18 Cohort Study
AbstractStults, C. B., Javdani, S., Kapadia, F., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2021Journal title
Journal of Interpersonal ViolenceVolume
36Issue
15-16Page(s)
7018-7042AbstractIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an understudied health problem among young gay, bisexual, and other non-identified young men who have sex with men (YMSM). According to cross-sectional studies, IPV is associated with psychosocial and mental health problems, such as stigma and depression, among YMSM. IPV is also associated with health-risk behaviors, such as substance use, among this population. Yet, to date, no studies have used longitudinal data to examine determinants of IPV among YMSM. This gap in the extant literature is problematic, as it limits our understanding of how to intervene to interrupt cycles of violence. The aim of the present study was to examine longitudinal determinants of IPV among a sample of (N = 526) YMSM living in the New York City area. Longitudinal analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to examine individual, relationship, mental health, psychosocial, and substance use factors in relation to IPV victimization and perpetration. Most notably, early experiences of IPV were a robust predictor of later experiences of IPV victimization and perpetration. Relationship status, depression, public gay-related stigma, and illicit substance use were associated with IPV victimization over time. Similarly, relationship status, depression, public gay-related stigma, marijuana, and other illicit substance were associated with IPV perpetration. These findings suggest that prevention programs and awareness campaigns should aim to reach YMSM before their first experiences of relationship violence, as these early experiences of violence are strongly linked to later experiences of violence. Also, IPV interventions should be tailored to the needs of YMSM and should target depressive symptoms, gay-related stigma, and substance use behaviors. Additionally, substance use interventions may be improved by addressing IPV. Finally, policymakers should support policies that improve the social climate for LGBTQ people, thereby reducing gay-related stigma, and potentially stemming violence against and among YMSM.Disparities within the disparity - Determining HIV risk factors among latino gay and bisexual men attending a community-based clinic in Los Angeles, CA
AbstractBeymer, M. R., Weiss, R. E., Halkitis, P. N., Kapadia, F., Ompad, D. C., Bourque, L., & Bolan, R. K. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromesVolume
73Issue
2Page(s)
237-244AbstractBackground: Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States have a 50% greater incidence of HIV when compared with White MSM. Previous studies have analyzed factors contributing to condomless anal intercourse among Latino MSM, but few studies have followed cohorts of HIV-negative Latino MSM to determine circumstances for HIV infection. Informed by Syndemics theory, we examine behavioral, biological, and contextual factors associated with HIV infection for Latino MSM. Methods: Risk assessment and HIV testing data were analyzed for all initially HIV negative, Latino MSM (n = 3111) visiting a community-based clinic in Los Angeles, CA from January 2009 to June 2014. Survival analyses were used to determine characteristics of Latino MSM who became HIV positive during the study time frame. Results: Similar to previous studies of MSM, self-reported history of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or syphilis (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.97; CI: 1.28 to 3.04), receptive condomless anal intercourse (aHR: 1.7; CI: 1.16 to 2.49), and methamphetamine use (aHR: 1.99; CI: 1.15 to 3.43) predicted HIV infection. In addition, originating from Central America (aHR: 2.31; CI: 1.41 to 3.79), Latino ethnicity of the last sex partner (aHR: 1.67; CI: 1.16 to 2.39) and experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) (aHR: 1.73; CI: 1.13 to 2.64) were also associated with HIV infection among Latino MSM. Conclusions: This is the first study to show independent associations between IPV and HIV infection among Latino MSM. This study shows that psychosocial conditions such as IPV fuel HIV incidence among Latino MSM, and psychosocial interventions should be considered to reduce HIV disparities among Latino MSM.Does bleach disinfection of syringes help prevent hepatitis C virus transmission?
AbstractKapadia, F., Garfein, R. S., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2003Journal title
EpidemiologyVolume
14Issue
5Abstract~Does bleach disinfection of syringes help prevent hepatitis C virus transmission? [1] (multiple letters)
AbstractHagan, H., Thiede, H., Kapadia, F., Garfein, R. S., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).Publication year
2003Journal title
EpidemiologyVolume
14Issue
5Page(s)
628-629Abstract~Does bleach disinfection of syringes protect against hepatitis C infection among young adult injection drug users?
AbstractKapadia, F., Vlahov, D., Des Jarlais, D. C., Strathdee, S. A., Ouellet, L., Kerndt, P., Morse E, E. V., Williams, I., & Garfein, R. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2002Journal title
EpidemiologyVolume
13Issue
6Page(s)
738-741AbstractBackground. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as a major public health problem among injection drug users. In this analysis we examine whether disinfection of syringes with bleach has a potentially protective effect on anti-HCV seroconversion. Methods. We conducted a nested case-control study comparing 78 anti-HCV seroconverters with 390 persistently anti-HCV seronegative injection drug users. These data come from the Second Collaborative Injection Drug Users Study, a prospective cohort study that recruited injection drug users from five U.S. cities between 1997 and 1999. We used conditional logistic regression to determine the effect of bleach disinfection of syringes on anti-HCV seroconversion. Results. Participants who reported using bleach all the time had an odds ratio (OR) for anti-HCV seroconversion of 0.35 (95% confidence interval = 0.08-1.62), whereas those reporting bleach use only some of the time had an odds ratio of 0.76 (0.21-2.70), when compared with those reporting no bleach use. Conclusions. These results suggest that bleach disinfection of syringes, although not a substitute for use of sterile needles or cessation of injection, may help to prevent HCV infection among injection drug users.Drug use among HIV+ adults aged 50 and older : findings from the GOLD II study
AbstractOmpad, D. C., Giobazolia, T. T., Barton, S. C., Halkitis, S. N., Boone, C. A., Halkitis, P. N., Kapadia, F., & Urbina, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIVVolume
28Issue
11Page(s)
1373-1377AbstractUnderstanding the nexus of aging, HIV, and substance use is key to providing appropriate services and support for their aging, HIV seropositive patients. The proportion of PLWHA aged 50 and older is growing due to a variety of factors like decreases in mortality due to highly active retroviral therapy and non-negligible HIV incidence. We describe prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and participation in substance use treatment and 12-step programs among 95 HIV-positive patients aged 50 and older engaged in care. Most (73.7%) smoked cigarettes in their lifetime and 46.3% were current smokers. Most were at medium (81.1%) or high risk (13.7%) for an alcohol use disorder. With respect to illicit drug use, 48.4% had used marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamines, heroin, and/or prescription opiates without a prescription in the last 12 months; 23.2% met criteria for drug dependence. Marijuana was the most commonly reported illicit drug (32.6%) followed by cocaine and crack (10.5% each), heroin and prescription opiates (7.4% each), and methamphetamines (6.3%). Among those who had not used drugs in the past 12 months, 36.7% had been in a substance use treatment program and 26.5% had participated in a 12-step program in their lifetime; 8.2% were currently in treatment and 16.3% were currently participating in a 12-step program. Among those who had used an illicit drug in the past 12 months, 37.0% had never been in treatment, 34.8% had been in treatment in their lifetime, and 28.3% were currently in treatment. With respect to 12-step programs, 27.3% of those meeting dependence criteria had never participated, 45.5% had participated in their lifetimes, and 27.3% were currently participating. Our findings suggest that older adults in HIV care settings could benefit from Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment interventions and/or integrated services for substance abuse and medical treatment.Early Life Psychosocial Stressors and Housing Instability among Young Sexual Minority Men : the P18 Cohort Study
AbstractKrause, K. D., Kapadia, F., Ompad, D. C., D’Avanzo, P. A., Duncan, D. T., & Halkitis, P. N. (n.d.).Publication year
2016Journal title
Journal of Urban HealthVolume
93Issue
3Page(s)
511-525AbstractHomelessness and housing instability is a significant public health problem among young sexual minority men. While there is a growing body of literature on correlates of homelessness among sexual minority men, there is a lack of literature parsing the different facets of housing instability. The present study examines factors associated with both living and sleeping in unstable housing among n = 600 sexual minority men (ages 18–19). Multivariate models were constructed to examine the extent to which sociodemographic, interpersonal, and behavioral factors as well as adverse childhood experiences explain housing instability. Overall, 13 % of participants reported sleeping in unstable housing and 18 % had lived in unstable housing at some point in the 6 months preceding the assessment. The odds of currently sleeping in unstable housing were greater among those who experienced more frequent lack of basic needs (food, proper hygiene, clothing) during their childhoods. More frequent experiences of childhood physical abuse and a history of arrest were associated with currently living in unstable housing. Current enrollment in school was a protective factor with both living and sleeping in unstable housing. These findings indicate that being unstably housed can be rooted in early life experiences and suggest a point of intervention that may prevent unstable housing among sexual minority men.Editorial Note
AbstractKapadia, F. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
112Issue
2Page(s)
e2-e3Abstract~